LIVELY YET EXQUISITE DAALDER EXPERIENCE

In Amsterdam’s ever-shifting restaurant landscape, Daalder remains one of the city’s most compelling tables — a place that mixes Michelin-star technique with the city’s unique liveliness. Entering the former café-turned-fine-dining space, you’re instantly hit by the energy: neon lighting, bold graphics and music that feels more club than white-tablecloth restaurant, an atmosphere that just feels unpretentious and ultimately Amsterdam.

Chef Dennis Huwaë’s cooking reflects that same tension between precision and play. Taking cues from his Moluccan heritage and classical training, his menus are inventive, textured and often surprising — subtle yet intense flavour pairings that push boundaries without losing balance. Langoustine with cauliflower cream, yuzu and miso gels is one example of how bold techniques and surprising flavours can land together on the plate.

The tasting menus deliver standout moments, with food consistently breaking the glass ceiling of what fine dining could be. Instead of the traditional rigidness, Daalder offers a more relaxed pace — making it the spot to not only dine immaculately but also unwind and enjoy the company in a laid-back setting.

What remains clear is that Daalder occupies a unique space: a Michelin-star experience with the energy and personality of Amsterdam itself — playful, creative and ever-evolving.