Proeflokaal De Gaper — Restaurant in Eindhoven

Ok, so, I don't usually give 5 stars but the price-quality ratio and surprise effect have convinced me that a 4-stat rating is unfairly low. While most restaurants were closed and the end of the year we decided to try something new. I've always know de Gaper has been here just have never gotten around to trying them. We got there a bit early and had to squeeze through a packed bar on the ground floor to get to the stairs leading up to the restaurant. Which was chilly, empty (we were early) and thus a bit unwelcoming but at least the noise from downstairs gave some atmosphere and the window seats looking out over the square was nice too. We ordered drinks and shortly after the menu appeared on a single printed A3 sheet of paper. Nothing wrong with this but I think you understand my 3 stars for atmosphere. We then ordered the 4 course surprise meal and a bottle of red. Asked the very friendly (but only) lady who was serving us that evening to replace my worn wine glass with a new one which she did unquestioningly after a quick inspection. Bread, nuts, olives and butter were served with our cava aperitif and were on the house, nice!

Now, a 4 course meal for 40ish euro's and the somewhat pub-like circumstances had set us up for low expectations. We were very wrong. The first course was fish and was very good, crisp and crunchy and with a slight spiciness to it (good combination with our last sip of cava by the way). Expectations were raised and the second course did not disappoint. The generous helping of duck was perfectly prepared. Now we started to speculate on the main course, did they forget we had asked for four and gives us three? More meat than the duck course? What then? It was veal (kalfswang)! If you tried you could have eaten this course without a knife. The veal was so soft and tender, full of flavour. Amazing. Desert was a selection of deserts, very nice sweet to finish off the rather heavy and powerfull previous courses. Just right, cute, nothing too special (but I'm not a desert lover).

The thing is though, you can't serve 4 dishes like this for 40 euro's. It doesn't make sense to us. Apparently you can though and the value for money is excellent.

So I'll brake my rule too then and...

Great meetup with a friend who suggested this spot. I really enjoyed experiencing a classic Dutch "brown cafe."

We were here for three hours, drinking beers, watching people and I finally got to try fresh bitterballen. Delicious and yes, hot from the fryer. They're just fried meat balls but...

Fantastic place to sit and chill with friends in the early evening Springtime sunshine. Good beers were served pretty cold and nice staff, Enjoyable time spent here over a couple of late afternoons /...