Looking for all the latest openings this July? Karin Engelbrecht's monthly roundup is always packed with Amsterdam's most exciting new additions, launches and seasonal offerings. Interested in a broader list of places to eat and drink? Explore our comprehensive coverage of bars and restaurants in Amsterdam.
Update your summer look with the latest collections
It’s swimsuit season and the new range by local label My Jewellery features plenty of brights and prints, from striped bandeau bikinis (€19.95) to belted zebra print bathing suits (€39.95, available in XS to XL). In case you haven’t gotten the memo, it’s all about straw bags this summer and the most covetable come from Dutch brand April & October (€229.95). Handwoven, with suede details in six colours, the pretty palm leaf bags can be worn over the shoulder or crossbody. Keep cool in breezy linen this July, with the latest linen looks by local eco-friendly brand By Bar. Float away in breezy button-down dresses (€119.95) or keep it simple in streamlined linen t-shirts (€69.95) or black linen trousers (€89.95). Kånken fans should head to the Fjällräven Flagship Store (Rozengracht 219), which has just launched its “ode to Amsterdam”, a limited edition Amsterdam backpack in blue with orange details (€94.95).
Brunch California-style at Celia
We can’t say enough good things about the new cocktail brunch at this Modern American restaurant, which includes two dishes per person plus a carafe of Mimosa, Bellini or Bloody Mary to share (€35 pp, Sat-Sun 12:00-16:00). There’s something for everyone, from comforting classics (think fluffy lemon ricotta pancake stacks, housemade “everything bagels” with smoked fish, and warm cinnamon buns with tonka bean glaze) to veg-led options like smoked mushroom tacos, kimchi-fried quinoa, and romanesco with green garlic and Meyer lemon. Keep an eye on Celia’s socials for upcoming themed brunches, including Pride and ADE. Afterwards, head to next-door SuperLyan’s street terrace for some prime people-watching and some of the city’s most exciting cocktails, including a sluttily slushy Frosé Margarita and a sublimely smoky (off-menu) mezcal negroni (both €12).
CELIA AMSTERDAM // Nieuwendijk 60
Discover the city’s best new burger concepts
Following Milan, Marseille, London, and Los Angeles, Flower Burger now brings its “original rainbow vegan burger” to Amsterdam’s 9 Streets (Hartenstraat 29H). With its pretty 100% plant-based burgers and psychedelic interior, it’s all clearly conceived with Millennials in mind but even as a hard-core Gen-X omnivore, I liked the “Spicy Chickpea” veggie burger: a turmeric-tinted wholewheat bun with a chickpea patty, zingy chilli-tomato sauce, Tropea onions, spinach, lettuce and tomato. Prefer your burgers on the meatier end of the spectrum? The Butcher, known for some of the city’s “best bloody burgers”, has just launched a new make-away option for 4. The Butcher BBQ Box includes juicy Aberdeen Angus beef patties, fluffy semi-brioche buns, melty Edam cheese slices, housemade sauce, lettuce, tomato and salt/pepper (€29.50 via Ubereats). Perfect for impromptu summertime park picnics or some quick match-day kitchen action.
Meet the talented new chef at Jansz
Named for a 17th-century copper craftsman, who once owned the building, there’s artisanal attention to detail in this 9 streets-based eatery’s elegant décor with its moss green banquettes, marble tables and coppery accents. And, in chef Arnout van der Kolk’s new menu, which he calls “an ode to Amsterdam”. The Oud Sluis***, Ciel Bleu**, and Restaurant C alum brings much-needed gravitas to a restaurant that has previously been outshone by the award-winning Pulitzer’s Bar next door. After our recent visit, we think all that’s about to change. From delicate North Sea crab toast (€8) to zesty seabass crudo with fennel, orange and Madame Jeanette oil (€15.00) and a brilliant bok choy salad with buttermilk, oyster leaf and cucumber (€15.00), the beautiful dishes here now complement their chic surroundings.
JANSZ // Reestraat 8
Try the latest (Dutch) drinks
Following the crazy beer flavour fad (remember HEMA’s hit tompouce ale?), Amsterdam’s beloved slave-free chocolate brand Tony Chocolonely has teamed up with Brewdog to create Tony Hopolonely, an “IPA milkshake” with white chocolate and raspberry. Expect fruity sweetness tempered by the bitter hops and a lingering creamy mouthfeel (€6.95 for 4, via brewdog.com). Meanwhile, BATU Kombucha, the local maker of awesome organic fermented teas in flavours such as passionfruit-hops, lime-mint and ginger-lemon, now offers it all in convenient cans (€2.29 via batukombucha.com). Prefer your carbonated drinks with an alcohol kick? With its new Fizzies in fruity flavours such as watermelon, passion fruit, and strawberry, 325-year-old family-owned Dutch Royal distiller De Kuyper is giving the boring old Breezer a run for its money with its all-natural liqueur-spiked lemonades and on-point packaging (€1.99, at most large supermarkets). In related news, Lot 42 the premium hard seltzer from Canada, has just launched in Europe, and the Netherlands is one of two test markets for its blueberry-lemongrass and huckleberry-ginger flavours (€29.95 for 12, use the code IAMS20 for a 20% discount if you order via lot-42.com).
Take a culinary journey to Curaçao at Mondi
Set in a restored 19th-century school in the moneyed Museum District, the College Hotel continues its tradition of developing talent as a training centre for catering students and a podium for young artists and musicians. But with comfortable chairs in a warmly hued décor with plenty of intimate corners, Caribbean art and a roaring fireplace, this is no ordinary day in class. The Caribbean roots of chef Justin Niessen (ex-Masterchef Holland, ex-Just) sing through in dishes such as his jerk chicken (€16.50), funchi (similar to polenta), and indulgent sweet potato rolls (€6.50). Pro tip: don’t miss the hamachi tiradito with sweet ‘n’ sour radish, herring caviar, huancaina (spicy cheese sauce) and a coral-like beet crisp (€18.50). Bon bini Mondi!
MONDI CARIBBEAN CUISINE & TERRACE // Roelof Hartstraat 1
Discover the coolest ways to cool down
Claiming to be the Netherlands’ first spritz terrace, the flowery named pop-up Café Bloesem offers three refreshing spritz varieties along the Leidsekade (opposite no. 97). The pornstar, with passion fruit and local vodka, was my favourite but I also tried the two genever-based versions (one with orange blossom bitters and the other with lemon bitters, mixed with cava, citrus and San Pellegrino, from €25 for a jug). Or beat the summer heat (here’s hoping!) with Frisian ice cream brand The Nice Company’s two new creamy, dreamy “feel good pops” – vegan chocolate-hazelnut (€4.49 for 5) and coffee-chocolate dip – both 100% natural and organic, of course.
Flex those green fingers at GROEN
There’s a new plant boutique in town. On Amstelveld, where you’ll also find a flower- and plant market on Mondays, hairdresser and self-taught garden designer Rick van het Meer recently opened a new shop specialised in “trans-seasonal” indoor- and outdoor plants as well as plant holders and pots, including a large selection of earthenware and ceramics by SERAX, Piet Boon and various other European artisans.
GROEN BY RICK VAN HET MEER // Kerkstraat 365a
Treat yourself to the latest wellness essentials
Let The|Tides Wellness, “the first Dutch wellness brand”, add a holistic touch to your summer routine with must-haves such as the invigorating, all-natural Salty Me scrub (€32.50 via thetideswellness.com) which “exfoliates and purifies with magnesium, sea salt and plant oils, while relieving emotional tension and stress”. Once that skin is summer prepped, it pays to protect it with the best SPF product you can afford. Like the “SPF-powered skincare” brand Soleil Toujours’ latest hero product: the Clean Conscious Antioxidant Mist (from €23 via De Bijenkorf, Dam 1), which offers natural, non-greasy sheer sun protection that’s earth-friendly too. With the Delta variant gaining ground, don’t forget to keep those mitts clean and cared for. I like ZO! handen schoon (€7.50 via zoschoon.nl), a foaming green tea scented hand soap by the Netherlands’ “first true sustainable cleaning brand”. And, finally, put brains before beauty with a new range of “unique brain-focused supplements” by a former Dutch Miss Universe. For better mental performance, try Charlotte Labee Supplements’ Memory Support (€28 via charlottelabee.com), which is packed with biotin, zink, grapeseed extract, and Tetra SOD® microalgae.
Visit the new Rituals restaurant
I’ve been wanting to try Rouhi, the “soulful” in-house restaurant of the new(ish) Rituals flagship store since its soft opening during the lockdown. But I’m glad I waited until it was fully open because that terrific terrace on leafy Spui square is not to be missed. What a joy to sit there, right at the heart of the Old Centre, and watch the world go by while feasting on the food of French chef Renaud Goigoux (ex-RIJKS*, ex-Breda). Highlights from his 6-course fusion menu (€65) include blackened Dutch green asparagus with Sambai Hollandaise, Japanese-style chicken meatballs with egg yolk drizzle, and roast chicken breast with broccoli and spicy black bean sauce. Pro tip: if ordering a la carte, do start with the Filipino-style oysters and a glass of bubbly.
ROUHI // Spui 10
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