Water Tower (WT) Urban Kitchen — Restaurant in Utrecht

I've often heard WT described as a place more memorable for it's views and atmosphere than it's food. Not true. Tonight was our third time eating here and the food was even better than before. Out of the eight dishes we had between us, not one bite was out of place. A few highlights: Cod with a shellfish velouté and parsnip cream. Light and very well balanced, the cod cooked absolutely perfect. Coming from someone that doesn't really like cod unless it's done this well, it says something that this was one of my favourites. Lamb three ways, rack neck and ham. I never really knew why the British put mint on lamb, but now I get it. And I really want to know how they got that neck so succulent and full of flavour. The desert with aniseed panna cotta and liquorice ice cream was surprising and stunningly good. The people praising the atmosphere are not wrong though. The 360° views of the city on the 10th floor are great. On the 9th you only have little windows to admire the view, but the tables surround the kitchen so you can watch the food being prepared in a very relaxed and cosy atmosphere. I actually prefer the lower floor and as an added bonus, while the 10th is often fully booked weeks or months in advance, we could get a table on the 9th the day of. It can get warm in the kitchen, so maybe not the best for a hot summer day. Finally, the service here is exactly how I like it, professional but casual and friendly. The fact that one of the servers recognized us from a place he worked before that we visited maybe once or twice a year, gave it a nice...

Complaining about a fine dining place feels a bit like starring in Hans Christian Andersen’s The Emperor’s New Clothes. You’re not supposed to say anything bad—elegant ladies and refined gentlemen just smile politely and pretend they get it. But here I am, breaking the spell, because someone has to say it. Yes, the location and view was top-notch. No complaints there. The service was ok. No one ever thought about cleaning the bread crumbs on the table before serving the meal. The food? I’m not sure if I was eating dinner or accidentally walked into an experimental art exhibit. Some dishes felt like they were invented purely to win a game of “What’s the weirdest combo we can put on a plate?” That layered nuts and kimchi with frosted cream on top? Bold. I respect the courage—but my taste buds are still in therapy. Seemed like it was created purely for the sake of being creative. The steak? Somehow both underwhelming and disappointing. It felt like a few artists decided to start a new career in...

I am leaving a low rating because you lied on your website about the availability of the terrace on the 10th floor.

A quote from your website in English: "If we think the weather is good enough, you will have a table on the terrace of the 10th floor". And in Dutch: "Als wij het weer goed genoeg vinden heeft u een tafel op het terras van de 10e verdieping".

However, on August 6th, despite the good weather, you did not allow me or any other guests to sit on the 10th floor terrace.

Moreover, you kept giving different excuses for this decision until you finally admitted that you didn’t want to spoil the view and experience for the guests who had booked tables on the 10th floor.

I believe you clearly misled me with terms on your website and did not try to settle the issue. You also refused to give me my deposit back, so I have no choice but spent it and leave.

The food was delicious and the place was nice, but such an attitude completely outweighs...