RIJKS RESTAURANT: A CULINARY MASTERPIECE IN THE HEART OF AMSTERDAM
words by NATALIE GAL
"RIJKS has always been, and will always remain, one of my favourite places in Amsterdam," remarked Timotej, our editor-in-chief, after a visit to the newly renovated space.
“There’s something truly special about it — modern yet warm, fresh yet classic. The recent renovation has elevated the experience, with an open kitchen that brings you right into the heart of the action. Watching the chefs work with precision, feeling the heat from the flames, catching the aromas as dishes come to life — it’s truly immersive. I’ve dined here before, yet it felt entirely new. RIJKS continually reinvents itself, and their bold, inventive approach to flavour never fails to impress.”
Since opening its doors in 2014, RIJKS has earned its place among Amsterdam’s most iconic dining destinations. Rooted in the culinary heritage of the Low Countries, the restaurant champions Dutch ingredients, celebrating their understated beauty through innovative interpretation.
Executive Chef Joris Bijdendijk leads a dynamic young team, drawing inspiration from local produce while embracing the global influences that have shaped Dutch cuisine over the centuries. The result is a menu that surprises and delights — think yellow gazpacho with Frisian sheep's cheese, amontillado, and coriander, or redfish with sake kasu, calamansi, and seaweed.
In 2025, Bijdendijk was named ‘Chef of the Year’ by Gault & Millau, a testament to his visionary leadership and dedication. RIJKS also earned a Michelin star in 2016, firming its status as a culinary destination not to be missed.
After a stroll through the serene gardens of the Rijksmuseum and an afternoon spent with the world’s most celebrated masterpieces, RIJKS offers a fitting finale — a place where art, history, and gastronomy converge in perfect harmony.
