Restaurant Castell — Restaurant in Zaanstad

I went there to have dinner, but for some reason they looked at me and started to say kinda aggressively that I cannot stay there because they were full. They clearly had a lot of seats, especially for a person alone, which I was. I really didn't understand what happened but that treatment was very odd.

Response to the owner:

I did not take it personally at all. Based on your answer I realize you were probably very stressed and I'm sorry I was not empathetic enough to be aware of it, but I'm judging exclusively the treatment I received at that moment. You know, it's not the first time I go to a full restaurant and have to leave. It was the first time I was mistreated because of it. You might have good intentions recommending me a book about dealing with rejections but that was just a terrible response.

I didn't come in "even though" you were at full capacity. How would I know that? When I asked for a table the immediate response was "we are at full capacity", from a man. There was no nice lady at the door. That was literally the first interaction I had in your restaurant. I said "ok" and proceeded to leave. I realized free tables and seats, I asked about them and you just repeated "we are at full capacity" again, loudly, more than once, while following me to the exit. You were pretty much kicking me out. That's a fact, it is not me "taking personally". You never said that the problem was with the kitchen. You could have. You were simply not nice at any moment. None of you.

I'm happy that you managed to pass this information better to the ones that arrived after me and I hope your business keeps succeeding, it seemed like a very good place.

I'm removing the review for food and ambience though, that was made by mistake. Indeed I did not have the chance to experience it, unfortunately. I really wanted to. That's a...

Food is good as per all the above reviews, and ambience is definitely warm, but I guess perhaps to selected clients only? Maybe I was wrong that the restaurant manager can be more open minded. This is the 21st century. It could also be an coincidence that the restaurant was mainly filled with European (white) clienteles when we were there, and it didn't help that we saw him turn away an Asian couple at the door, mentioning that the place is full and couldn't accommodate them even though the waitress was all ready to bring them in. The restaurant was clearly half empty when the Asian couple were visiting , and even till the time we have finished our meal there were still empty seats. Our society calls for less judgements to make this a more welcoming place for everyone. And I feel sorry that people of ethnic minorities in this part of the world were still being treated this way today, particularly in an open society...

One of the very best, most incredible dining experiences I've ever had. From the second we arrived we were made to feel like VIPs, the service was incredible and the food was even better. Genuinely the nicest steak I've ever had and my Dad and Son both said the chicken was exceptional.

The serving staff were all lovely and so friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and walked us through the small plates offerings and the main menu. There wasn't a pick left on any of our plates. As we were there celebrating my Dad's 70th birthday, the staff made a big deal for Dad's dessert and everyone sang Happy Birthday to him.

Do not miss out on Castell if you're in Zaandam, next time we're back, I wouldn't hesitate...