Last autumn it was a true privilege to attend the unveiling of the 2018 Michelin Guide to the Netherlands, writes Andrew Forbes.
The award-ceremony, hosted by Michelin Guide director Michael Ellis, was an exciting and emotional morning for Dutch chefs. Amongst the surprises, was the announcements of 6 new Michelin starred restaurants in the Netherlands; and a third star for Inter Scaldes in Kruiningen, which has been part of the gastronomy scene in the Netherlands for over 50 years. It joins the other Dutch 3-star restaurants De Librije and De Leest. So, now there are some 108 Michelin-starred restaurants in Holland.
These acclaimed restaurants are found across the country, from rural settings to the urban buzz of cities such as Rotterdam.
Amsterdam however remains the epiccentre of Dutch culinary excellence, as well as home to some of the country’s best hotels; so here we highlight some of our favourite 5-star hotel restaurants in the city.
Bridges, at the Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
This acclaimed, canal-side Michelin star fish restaurant has been a favourite of ours for some years. Executive Chef Andrès Delpeut and his team always deliver exceptional menus using select fish and seasonal ingredients.
Whenever we visit we know that not only will there be creativity in the dishes but in the presentation too.
For pairing the perfect wines then trust the expertise of wine director Lotte Wolff. She was the youngest enologist in the Netherlands when she started her career; Lotte has a passion for wines from organically grown grapes.
You can read our review of the Sofitel Legend the Grand Amsterdam here.
Bridges is presently being remodelled and will re-open on March 12th 2018, with a new bar and a new menu.
Janz Restaurant, at Pulitzer Amsterdam
2016 saw the complete renovation of the Pulitzer Hotel. 25 interconnected Golden Age canal houses make up this sensational hotel. Simply put, after the renovations, the property is looking spectacular.
Janz is the property’s upscale, all-day dining restaurant with a relaxed, elegant style and modern Dutch cuisine. What’s more, the famous Pulitzer Bar is next door, so you can really make a night of it.
The restaurant is named after Volkert Jansz, a 17th century craftsman who was a man who ‘embraced the finer things in life but also believed that decadence and luxury was most enjoyable when shared’.
Librije’s Zusje Amsterdam, at the Waldorf Astoria
Executive Chef Sidney Schutte is the vision behind this 2-star Michelin restaurant. In keeping with the exquisite Waldorf Astoria hotel setting, Librije’s Zusje Amsterdam creates remarkable dishes, celebrating both local Dutch cuisine but also exotic ingredients that reflect the rich maritime trading history of the Netherlands.
We enjoyed an exceptional meal last December – truly memorable.
You can read our review of the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam here. You can also read our review of the Waldorf Astoria’s Goldfinch Brasserie here.
Bord’Eau, at Hotel De L’Europe
Executive Chef Bas van Kranen is the new energy and creative force at this well-established gourmet restaurant. On my last visit to Amsterdam I met Bas van Kranen and tried a few of his dishes – innovative, playful yet with an elegant simplicity. I wish Bas van Kranen and his team all the best with the new chapter in the story of restaurant Bord’Eau.
You can read our review of Hotel De L’Europe here.
Restaurant La Rive, at the InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam
The beautiful 19th century Amstel Hotel is the setting for this classic restaurant, where Chef Roger Rassins offers a sophisticated French-Mediterranean menu.
