Bistro de la Mer in Grachtengordel-Zuid

After we've been to De Juwelier we also had to check out the Bistro and they did definitely not disappoint. The staff was simply amazing and so was the food. Every individual dish had multiple flavourful layers and the menu was perfectly timed. They also offered a great wine pairing we would definitely recommend.

An amazing restaurant with extra ordinary food. I had a great evening on the bar! Love from Israel!

Had a really nice meal. Very nice and friendly service. The only point of criticism is that I had expected some more exciting types of fish. I had eaten them all before. But the food was prepared perfectly.

I don’t recommend this place to my friends. Poor quality and poor service.

Exceptional cooking in a very informal, charming atmosphere. Charming service and a great value for money rounded up a memorable night

Wonderful, flavorful dishes that are well-balanced and beautifully presented. It is a delight to watch the men at work right in front of you. Fantastic staff. A real gem.

Terrible. 40eu rez fee for a waste of time. We had to walk out. Bartender was rude and not well trained. The bar was sticky. The floor was sticky. The chair at the tiniest table was wobbly. Not ONE person was smiling. Not the staff or the diners. This is not a Bistro, it's a hot, sticky and odd smelling hallway.

Everything was delicious, and the ingredients were incredibly fresh. The wine selection was also excellent and perfectly complemented the dishes. I particularly appreciated the relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere at lunchtime, which was a real plus. It's a far cry from the image of a stuffy, Michelin-starred restaurant that takes itself far too seriously, and that's very refreshing. Having already had the opportunity to dine at many fine-dining restaurants, I did find that the service, while very professional, lacked a bit of warmth and friendliness. This was probably the aspect I missed most in the experience. As for the food, everything was very well executed, fresh, and high-quality, even if I didn't quite get the "wow" factor I expect from a Michelin-starred restaurant. A good place nonetheless, with a lovely atmosphere, excellent ingredients, and a very good wine selection.

Today we went with the family to eat at Bistro de La Mer. I have no complain about the food . The food and the service were both very delicious but the enviroment of the restaurant was not expected from a Michelin Start restaurant, we were all sitting in a high bar seat , there were actually no table . You were served at the bar table. It was dificult to talk to other people. It was not busy at all but the food came very slow. The service was good.

We had the lunch set menu and were genuinely impressed. We didn’t know what would be on the menu before we arrived, which made the experience even more exciting. Every course was beautifully presented, full of flavour, and each dish had something interesting and memorable about it. The lunch set is definitely worth the money. The service was warm and the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming. We really enjoyed the whole experience and would definitely recommend it!

As the name would suggest, a (very) fresh seafood restaurant in a casual, bistro environment. As a couple, we generally choose dishes and share to get the widest variety of tastes. I think this is a perfect way to approach the dishes here. Clearly the chef has a very good understanding of the balance of flavours when it comes to seafood, and really nice to see that the turbot was cooked on the bone, as it should be but is rarely done elsewhere. Add in friendly and knowledgeable staff and I think you can be assured of a very pleasant, relaxed evening enjoying great seafood. Highly recommended.

Lovely experience with the 3-course lunch set menu. Relaxed ambience, polite/friendly service. The sea bass as starter and the steamed cod as main were the highlights. Well balanced flavours and textures. Really worth it!

After some time, I returned to Bistro de La Mer and was once again greeted with a fantastic welcome. The staff were warm, friendly, and exceptionally hospitable—I immediately felt at home. I left with a very positive feeling, and the food was absolutely fantastic. Highly recommended!

Thank you for today. We felt very comfortable. Besides that, the service was great, great wines & amazing food. Would recommend this place! Thanks for taking care of us.

Neither good nor bad, nothing out of the ordinary

I tried the 5-course menu with Dining with Stars. I also had oysters as an extra, and it was a truly amazing experience for me. I highly recommend it.

Food was pretty good but not what I expected from my first Michelin star restaurant. Sat at the bar and there were about 4 other people at the restaurant so I had nearly undivided attention of a friendly waiter. Decided to get the most expensive regular oyster for euro 7 which was good but as good or slightly worse than one I've gotten in Arnhem for 4 euro. When I've decided to go for a cod with asparagus in a chervil sauce. While waiting I've gotten some nice bread and butter which was too salty and replaced with unsalted butter. Also a small cup of hot dutch shrimp and salted lemon bisque which was best broth I've had in my life. Cod sauce was good a bit too liquorice'ish for my liking but I was warned about that at the start while informing I don't like that so it could be just my preference and fault. The cod and asparagus doneness lvl was perfect as you would expect from thermostat regulated steam ovens. Cod itself was just strongly salted which was a bad idea considering the fish has no other flavor to balance it out. But overall I would have been pretty happy with the dish if the dish it came on wouldn't be a wide unheated plate which cooled the sauce immediately. Also if you don't eat your bread almost all the meals are ketogenic since they don't serve any side dishes (like potatoes). For 4 euro you get a big bottle of water which is nice.

This is one of those places where, the moment you step through the door and smell the aromas wafting from the kitchen behind the bar, you know you've found the perfect spot. A fabulous dinner: oyster, sea bream and caviar, sea bass with wasabi and ginger sorbet, red prawn, monkfish Rossini, etc. Everything was exquisite, a truly memorable meal, and special thanks to Cyril for his hospitality.

A lovely Michelin-starred restaurant. Good quality at a great price—I even find it cheap for this city (maybe because of the chairs). I ordered three oysters as a starter; they were fresh and delicious. One was topped with caviar, which was incredibly flavourful. Then I ordered the five-course menu. To start, they serve bread with butter and a seafood consommé. The menu consists of a prawn cocktail, sea bass, rigatoni carbonara with eel, cod, and watermelon ice cream with mixed berries. The one thing I did not like—though it has nothing to do with the food—is that they only have high chairs, which I find extremely uncomfortable.

Had a delicious meal, lovely dishes, wonderful flavors. Nice interaction with the chefs, cozy atmosphere at the bar. Highly recommended!

Amazing everything! 2nd time I have hosted a dinner there from California and will do so again!

Brilliant, absolutely delicious, and great service.

Truly my favorite restaurant in all of Amsterdam! Incredibly delicious food: super creative, great flavor combinations, and it looks amazing. The service here is also always fantastic. My parents and I felt incredibly welcome, and that only made the whole experience even better.

Service felt very off because we on the set menu... been to enough wonderful establishments to see the gap. The food was great but service would keep me away tbh

Fish done cleverly and served with a smile! So beautiful and creative. Sea bream ceviche with wasabi ice cream- just wow! And finished off with pistachio ice cream with Sauternes by the glass.

It was a lovely experience, service wise, however all food was severely over salted (and I’m someone who loves salt!). The salt over powered every dish and left us feeling bloated and uncomfortable following our dinner. I was expecting much more from a Micheline star restaurant and would not recommend based on the price and food.

Best food a wines in Amsterdam. Incredible team. So entertaining on a Sunday.

Honestly, I don't understand why this place has a Michelin star. The setting at Bistro de la Mer is incredibly nice: you sit at the bar, which is very informal and makes it easy to strike up a conversation with other guests. The food was good, and the "Dining with the Stars" deal (€38.50 for three courses) ensured good value for money. Unfortunately, the service fell far short of expectations. Honestly, I have experienced better service and hospitality at many street food stalls while on vacation than here. The biggest downside was the pace. I hadn't even finished my amuse-bouche before the starter was already on the table; it felt rushed, as if we had to get out as quickly as possible. It gave the feeling that we, as young students with a discount deal, were being taken less seriously, whereas a basic level of service should always be consistent. The strained communication left a bad taste in our mouths. When I inquired on-site about the options for a dinner for a social initiative, I was immediately brushed off and told to send an email, whereas my previous email was never answered.

Phenomenal food, beautiful presentation, excellent service.

We sat down at the bar feeling quite skeptical, but it turned out much better than expected. Great service, good food, relaxed atmosphere. We will definitely be back.

Lunch at the counter in this seafood-focused bistro, set along a long bar facing the kitchen, creates a strong sense of proximity to the cooks and the service flow. The place has a clear identity, centered on seafood and precise execution. The Zeeuwse Creuse oysters were excellent: very fresh, clean, and purely iodic, with no unnecessary embellishment. The sea bass with wasabi ice cream, oxtail vinegar vinaigrette, and smoked sprat was a successful dish overall, built on contrast and surprisingly coherent despite its bold concept. The shrimps with celeriac remoulade, horseradish, pear, and XO sauce felt overloaded and overly spicy, which blurred the main ingredient. The strawberry dessert with vanilla sabayon and strawberry sorbet was well judged, balanced, and clearly expressed. Service was professional and efficient, though slightly pushy on drinks. Overall, a solid address with a strong counter experience and generally precise cooking, occasionally a bit overworked in its composition.

Unfortunately, I can't comment on the food, service, or atmosphere, as we had a reservation which was confirmed. The fact is, the restaurant closed without explanation.

The food, it was good but not exceptional. While the presentation was refined and the ingredients seemed high quality, the flavors didn’t stand out in a memorable way For a Michelin-starred establishment, I expected something more distinctive or surprising the service felt noticeably inconsistent As a walk-in guest, feel treated differently compared to those who had reservations

Just super delicious and these pictures are many because I visited this place more than 3 times within a month

The photos do not describe the excellent taste and the cozy atmosphere of this restaurant. It's a lovely place with fair prices.

What a phenomenal experience we had at Bistro de la Mer! One of the finest dining experiences I’ve ever had. They did an excellent job pairing the wines with each dish and the creativity and flavors were off the charts

Extremely disappointing experience. I expected far better from a Michelin-starred restaurant, and unfortunately the service fell well short of that standard. We waited around 45 minutes just to see a menu and felt ignored for much of the time. At this level, that simply should not happen. A restaurant with a Michelin star should make guests feel welcomed and looked after from the moment they arrive, not forgotten. The experience also made me question Michelin’s judgment here. I have had meals at places like BAK in Amsterdam (which does not even have a star) and Yat Lok in Hong Kong (if you know you know) that felt far more deserving of recognition. Based on this visit, Bistro de la Mer did not live up to its reputation or its star.

I’m not sure how this place has a Michelin star. The food was good, not exceptional. But what really lets this restaurant down is its mediocre service. The waiter we had seemed uninterested and to be honest just came across as quite smug. There was a long wait between courses too. We got there at 8:15pm and did not eat our mains until after 10pm. It just meant that the meal lost its momentum and it felt like a tiring experience. The food was nice, but for this price point you’d expect better service and attention to your diners. Would not return.

We were fortunate to secure a same-night reservation, which already felt like a small win. The presentation was elegant without being overdone, and the dishes delivered on flavor. The seafood was notably fresh, and the combinations showed a level of thoughtfulness that avoided feeling gimmicky. The special oyster snack, in particular, stood out for its balance and clarity. For a Michelin one-star restaurant, the pricing felt fair relative to the quality of ingredients and execution. While not every dish was groundbreaking, it’s a solid choice and worth considering when in Amsterdam.

One of my favourite spots in Amsterdam for lunch or dinner. On this occasion had an early dinner and as always the staff and food did not disappoint. Highly recommended.

Visited for the first time during lunch and overall it was quite disappointing. From amuse to dessert, the menu felt underwhelming and lacked attention to detail. Flavors were generally quite one-dimensional, either overly salty or oily, with little balance or depth. Several dishes seemed to rely on simple execution rather than thoughtful composition. There was a noticeable lack of contrast, layering, or any real element of surprise in the flavors. The dessert in particular felt very basic, more like a casual combination rather than something refined. Overall, the experience did not reflect the level of creativity or refinement I would expect.

Very cool atmosphere, original dining room, and professional yet friendly service. The food lives up to its Michelin star!

After starting with oysters topped with a generous spoonful of caviar, I was won over. The food was exquisite, the service pleasant… I will definitely come back here again.

We had a truly delicious meal; the sea bass with wasabi ice cream and the monkfish with foie gras are really among the best dishes I have eaten in Amsterdam. The wines are quite expensive by the glass, but good. You sit at the bar in a cozy yet comfortable atmosphere, which creates an informal vibe for a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Starters: oysters at 5 euros each and a glass of champagne for 19 euros. Unfortunately, no other affordable bubbles like a crémant. Discounted 3-course menu, the first served in a glass. Flavorful, but with a distinct acidity. Glass of wine 19 euros! Main course: a small piece of monkfish; my girlfriend's was overcooked and therefore dry. Again, acidity; dessert also in a glass and with acidity. Service was a bit chaotic. Too many people serve you. Would you like more wine? Yes, but you just ordered from your colleague. We found the food itself tasty, but the main course wasn't Michelin-star worthy. Wines overpriced. In the end, 200 euros poorer; you could eat better in the city for that price.

We had four dinners at 1 star Michelin restaurants while in Amsterdam. Bistro de la Mer takes the crown. Every dish, and we tried most on the menu, was just excellent. Highly recommend!

Small restaurant, big flavors! 🐟 As the name suggests, it’s all about the sea here. The cooking is clever fusion with a unique twist. Great wine list and super friendly service. Most seats are at the counter, so it’s perfect if you’re dining solo or as a couple. Recommended for anyone looking for high-quality, creative seafood in a relaxed setting.

Celebrated my girlfriend’s birthdays here and what a great night it was! Sitting at the bar allows you to watch the kitchen work and it still feels intimate. Lightening is super well organised, background music is amazing, the food, wines and the service is just fantastic. We loved every dish we ordered, desserts were delicious! Highly recommend this place!

This is the most innovative and precise concept I have seen recently: it very well deserves its 1-star Michelin

We came for dinner on Valentine's Day. The restaurant's setting is lovely, the open kitchen is very pleasant, and it's lovely to watch the chefs at work. We were a little disappointed by the food, especially the Rossigny fish dish, which I found too salty. The dessert, however, was excellent, and there's clearly a real effort put into the dishes, which deserves to be acknowledged. As for the service, that's where the real problem lies. The service was nowhere near the standard of a Michelin-starred restaurant (far from it). There was a significant lack of attention to the customer, and some rather surprising, not to say sometimes awkward, attitudes during our interactions. I'm not generalizing, but this certainly applies to the waiter (who was clearly unmotivated) who served us and who definitely didn't contribute to a positive experience. Overall, a mixed experience.

Overpriced for being a Michelin star restaurant, the lady working there was very polite and nice, the guys explaining the dishes were almost annoyed by having to explain them. Two times we had to ask for new dishes and once new cutlery and they never cleaned the table from crumbs The fish quality was avarage, and the flavour covered by too strong spices. The only good thing was the vibe of the place and a good playlist. Wouldnt recommend.

We enjoyed a sumptuous multi-course dinner, and everything was perfectly prepared. The flavors were intense and well-balanced. The staff made sure we lacked nothing.

Cozy and intimate restaurant with a very social concept instead of separate tables, guests sit next to each other, which creates a unique and convivial atmosphere that I really enjoyed. The food was good and clearly made with high-quality ingredients and refined techniques. It didn’t fully impress me from a personal taste perspective, but that’s something I actually appreciate about starred level restaurants. Even when a dish isn’t exactly aligned with my preferences, you can still recognize the precision, creativity, and technical excellence behind it. Overall, a solid dining experience, especially for those who value craftsmanship and quality preparation.

The French name of this restaurant, "Le Bistrot de la Mer," suggests it's a fish restaurant serving Dutch cuisine. And I must admit, I was incredibly surprised upon entering this place, which is both authentic and simple, unpretentious, yet offers elegant, refined, and absolutely delicious dishes. North Sea Dutch cuisine is setting the bar so high that we in France will have to work hard to catch up. Superbly simple, and the price is quite reasonable and attractive for the quality. Without a doubt, one of the best fish restaurants in Amsterdam, and perhaps in the entire Netherlands! Hurry before this restaurant quickly earns two stars!

At a long bar you can sit and eat wonderful fish. The service is friendly and laid back. Non alcoholic drinks are available.

Magic, a fantastic restaurant, the best place in Amsterdam, with a lovely decor (long bar), fantastic wines, and dishes. The oysters are expertly opened and presented. We had a wonderful eel dish. We'll be back soon.

I visited with a friend and we were seated at a small table along the walkway. The table felt a bit too small, and the dining room was slightly darker than I would have preferred. I also felt that the waiting time for the dishes was quite long considering the number of guests in the restaurant. That said, the service was very friendly and truly excellent. We shared two types of oysters, two starters, two second courses, and two main courses between the two of us. For the second course, the Tuna O-toro did not quite feel well balanced, as the sauce and the tuna did not seem to complement each other. I felt the sauce might work better with a white fish or a more delicately flavored fish. The Monkfish main course, however, was outstanding. I especially loved the umeboshi sauce — it was not overly acidic, but smooth, gently sweet, and added a beautiful accent to the dish. Next time, I would love to experience the meal at the counter seats instead.

We had a delicious 5-course lunch. I can't say anything other than delicious. The staff was very friendly and the dishes were delicious.

Everything was perfect. Great place, friendly waiters, and excellent food.

We were seated at a small, high wall table, a bit awkward, with little space. Friendly service and delicious dishes. The oysters were delicious. The house bisque had a rich, creamy flavor. We had two appetizers, two appetizers, two main courses, and a dessert. The Tuna O-toro with caponata would have been a better pairing for us with a firm white fish. The tuna was a bit stringy. It was a pleasant evening at the cozy, busy Bistro de la Mer.

Had an excellent meal here and would recommend this to anyone.

Food is good, service is terrible. 5-6 waiters all wandering around but pretending not seeing us even until 40-50 minutes after we’ve finished our dishes. This is something incredibly rude that I’ve never seen before in any Michelin-star restaurant. Prevent going to this spot if possible.

This was an incredibly romantic restaurant! Would recommend for date night! For us the snacks, starters, bread, and dessert stole the show. The fish mains were solid - but we have a lighter pallet for fish, so while perfectly executed they were eclipsed by the amazing snacks to start and dessert to end. Service was flawless and everyone was incredibly kind. Impressive as the woman seated next to us was kind of rude. Pictures is this little caviar cheese puff, when paired with champagne is the best caviar bite I’ve had this year. Enjoy!

Sister to the multi-starred 212, BDLM is their Bistronomy take on fish cookery. Not without its own single star, Mer is, however, my absolute favourite of the boutique group. Mostly a long, long counter built around a galley kitchen, it utterly nails vibes and affordable, modernist (all dishes possess a deft, contemporary touch) bistro style. The sourcing and cooking are, of course, insane and the staff charming, whilst that open-kitchen concept brings the insight of chefs at work in extremely close-quarters - making it all look effortless I should add. Simply put, even by modern era standards, Bistro strikes an often strived for, rarely achieved, balance.

I love the ease and casualness of the atmosphere - sitting at the bar you have a personal connection with the chefs preparing the dishes. Compared to other Michelin restaurants I find the portions here more substantial, the serving are enough that if you want to share different plates with your companions to try, you can do so. Our favourites were the crab cocktail and the Dutch shrimps for starters, the tuna toro and langoustines for seconds, and the monkfish and wagyu for main. You CAN NOT miss the wagyu. And the pistachio dessert was so good!

A delightful Michelin-starred restaurant. Delicious, beautiful, and organic. I really enjoyed the seafood. The chef is constantly present both in the dining room and behind the counter, checking with guests to make sure everything is to their liking.

A delightful experience, attentive staff, and detailed descriptions of each dish. The music and atmosphere were perfect. The only small flaw was the slightly uncomfortable high chairs at the counter. Worth the experience.

I’m not usually a fan of seafood, but I visited Bistro de La Mer with two colleagues and decided to give it a try. From oysters with caviar to eel croquettes and several other dishes, everything exceeded my expectations. The flavors were refined, the presentation beautiful, and every course felt like a small surprise. The desserts — especially the Dame Blanche and pistachio ice cream — were simply outstanding. The staff were knowledgeable and attentive, explaining each dish with genuine passion. Even the chef and manager took the time to stop by for a friendly chat. What a delightful and memorable evening! Bistro de La Mer turned out to be a culinary experience I never expected to love. Thank you to the entire team for making it truly special.

Have been here several times and the consistency of their top quality is fantastic. Add to it a cool vibe, friendly staff, excellent service, fantastic wines and of course the excellent food and you have a place you always want to come back to. This is the place that when you walk by you say, that’s where I want to be. Look forward to the next visit with this gem of a place.

Musab is an amazing chef and gave us the best service we had in Amsterdam on our entire trip. His recommendations were perfect and the food was stellar. Best Michelin restaurant in the city. Recommend 10/10 Best caviar I’ve ever had

We had a reservation for lunch here and it turned out to be one of the best meals of our trip. You definitely need a reservation here — every seat was taken even during lunch service, and it’s easy to see why. From start to finish, everything was beautifully executed — both in flavor and presentation. To start, the kitchen sent out an amuse-bouche of lobster bisque in a tiny coffee cup — rich, oceany, and so comforting, especially for us Arizonans who were freezing in the Dutch “fall” weather (probably mild for locals, but it felt icy to us 😄). We each began with their special oysters (Gillardeau topped with O-toro tuna and Ossetra caviar) — fresh, briny, and luxurious. Each bite was a little explosion of the sea. The Beignet of Brandade was another standout: warm, bite-sized puffs topped with a generous scoop of caviar and a touch of sour cream — decadent and perfectly balanced. We shared several small plates, each one a delight. The raw mackerel with wasabi ice cream and vinaigrette was a party in the mouth — tangy, refreshing, and surprisingly harmonious. The razor clam salad was vibrant and clean, while the pan-fried scallops were tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked. For mains, my husband ordered the pike-perch — delicately steamed, served with chicory, ham sauce, and autumn truffle — absolutely divine. I had the squid with peppers, which was so tender with just the right amount of heat. We skipped the dessert, because we had planned to go to get some cookies at Van Stapele after lunch. :) So we just ordered coffee and they gave us a couple of yummy madeleines. We each had a glass of Champagne to begin, followed by wine pairings. The total came to about USD $360 for the two of us — worth every euro for the quality, creativity, and service we received. A quick note: all the tables are high-tops with bar stools, but they’re quite comfortable, and it gives the restaurant a lively, open-kitchen vibe. Most diners at the bar seemed to be enjoying the set menu, but we went à la carte and were happy with our picks. Service was prompt, efficient, and genuinely friendly, and the chefs clearly know their craft — each dish came out beautifully timed and confidently presented. Overall, Bistro de la Mer is well deserving of its Michelin star — a cozy yet elegant seafood haven where every bite feels like a small celebration. Highly recommend for anyone looking for refined seafood and modern creativity in the heart of Amsterdam.

If you pass by this trap, please change sidewalks and run away. Not even equivalent to a lousy brasserie, I hate the person from the Michelin guide who left a bad review on this place and, how can anyone give a star to such a dive? We booked the basement lounge for 10 people including 3 children (well noted in the reservation). Not even special preparations for toddlers, they ate nothing except bread and butter but they paid the same price as adults. As for the meal and the service: pitiful from A to Z. We even had dessert with the bread and crumbs from the meal, still on the table!?... 150€/person with a bottle of white at 80€, not even an aperitif, nor coffee, so disgusted with the moment which should have been festive, my son's 40th birthday.... After contacting the manager and expressing my regret, the only response was: sorry we had a lot of people, that one is not good. I am now rushing to write to Michelin to get an explanation for this stolen star which cheated the customers.

Amazing lunch experience at Bistro de la Mer! We did the set lunch course and Iris our hostess took amazing care of us :) The food was innovative, wine choices were exquisite and service and atmosphere perfect! We had 2 small kids in the group and they were very well accommodated and taken care off! Highly recommend to anybody that likes seafood and wants a brilliant experience

What a wonderful evening at Bistro de la Mer! We started with a selection of oysters: Zeeland Flat, Zeeland Creuse, Irish Mór, and Gillardeau with caviar and tuna. All super fresh, full of flavor, and beautifully presented. We also had a glass of Sebastian Daviaux Extra Brut champagne, wonderfully refreshing and the perfect way to start the evening. Then came the dishes: The mackerel with wasabi ice cream and a vinaigrette of oxtail vinegar and smoked sprat was a true taste sensation; the mackerel was buttery soft and the ice cream was refreshing and surprising. The Dutch shrimp with celeriac, horseradish, and XO sauce were wonderfully refined. The tuna O-toro "kissed by fire" with caponata was top-quality, super fresh, and bursting with flavor. The pan-fried langoustines with beetroot, smoked bacon, and a sauce of 1001 nights spices were perfectly cooked and full of character. The squid with padrón and nduja, squid and green pepper sauce was delicious and beautifully balanced. My absolute favorite was the monkfish "Rossini" with duck liver, umeboshi, and dashi-Albufera sauce, perfectly prepared and refined in every detail. To finish, the pistachio ice cream with caramelized white chocolate mousse and kataifi was so delicious it'll leave you speechless. Oh, and the service was super friendly, professional, and fast. A culinary experience from start to finish, with great attention to flavor, texture, and presentation. We will definitely be back!

This was our second visit to the restaurant and we were delighted again. Everything was perfect.

Each time we visit, everything is perfect.

Unfortunately, not a Michelin-worthy experience. The afternoon started chaotically: the welcome drink was forgotten, and attention was only received after we'd been beckoned. The service was spotty – wrong orders were given to tables next to us, dirty plates were left behind, and water wasn't refilled despite paying for service. No menu explanation beforehand, which made choosing a wine difficult (though there was an explanation of the dishes themselves). The amuse-bouche didn't arrive for an hour, and the first course took a long time. The restaurant looked unkempt (dust, cobwebs, broken chair), and the food was inconsistent: the carbonara with eel and truffle lacked balance, and the wasabi was served too often. All in all: a nice setup, but too many details were missed in the service and execution.

The food was good and the service was average. The place had a nice vibe, and eating at the bar was an enjoyable experience. However, for a Michelin-starred restaurant, it fell short of expectations. The service was quite disorganized, and while the food was of decent quality, it wasn’t exceptional. Overall, it felt overpriced for what it offered.

Our experience at Bistro de la Mer (Saturday lunch) was similar to one of the other reviewers: a strange/chaotic entrance, with no explanation whatsoever about what to expect from the (set) lunch menu. The timing of the snacks and amuse-bouche ordered separately was strange, as the amuse-bouche arrived before the snacks... The staff seemed nonchalant (almost sullen). The quality of the lunch menu was at the level expected in such a restaurant.

An evening at Bistro de la Mer can be summarized as a combination of high-quality food and noticeably chaotic service. The welcome was disorganized: it took a considerable time before we were helped, and even once we were seated, we had to wait for attention. After our glass of champagne was finally poured, a peculiar order followed: the amuse-bouche and the menu appeared before the promised appetizers (eel croquette and oyster), which arrived twenty minutes later. This inevitably detracted from the experience. The cuisine, on the other hand, received little but praise. The dishes – from the crab to the Dutch shrimp – were excellent in taste and demonstrated craftsmanship. However, here too, there were some service glitches: our appetizers initially ended up at the wrong table. With the second course, the scallops, the confusion was repeated. Only when the chef personally served the last two dishes did calm and precision return. Finally, the billing process also proved to be somewhat flawed. A miscue was corrected to our advantage—not our intention, but illustrative of an evening where Murphy's Law was looming. Conclusion: Bistro de la Mer's kitchen delivers high-quality dishes, but the service isn't up to par with what you'd expect from a restaurant in this segment. Those who come purely for the taste will be rewarded. Those expecting a flawless experience should hope that the organization behind the scenes gets back on track quickly.

Delicious food, nice service and great atmosphere. Seating was on the bar only, the team managed to get us table seat at the next door restaurant serving their dishes.

A hidden gem in the heart of Amsterdam! From the moment you step inside, you feel the warm and relaxed atmosphere. The interior is stylish yet cozy, with just enough details to give it a personal touch. The staff is incredibly attentive without being intrusive. They take the time to explain the dishes and really think along with you about wine and beer pairings. I had the daily menu with fresh fish, and my partner chose the vegetarian option—both perfectly seasoned, beautifully presented, and surprisingly creative. What I especially remember is the balance between quality and price: for a central location in Amsterdam, you get more than your money's worth here. Even the little things make a difference: bread with homemade dip beforehand, the pace of the courses that was just right, and the genuine smiles at every table. In short: this is the kind of place you want to take friends to to show them just how good Amsterdam's hospitality can be. Highly recommended for both a romantic dinner and an evening with friends. Ps: Don't forget to book in advance for the best experience!

What a wonderful experience of food, wine, service and ambiance. The staff made this a great lunch and the razor clams and langoustines were stand out dishes!

Mediocre is the word I want to conclude. Chef seems know something about the fish, but maybe not as good as what Japanese do (don’t get me wrong, not a Japanese) If your fish is good and fresh enough, you don’t need to use forms or gelatin to make the taste richer. Otherwise it will ruin the taste of fish itself. And for the carbonara, don’t understand why truffle and eel. This smoked eel tastes like they directly bought from Hanos. If not, then sorry, maybe next time directly buy from Hanos and you can get the same flavor. The dessert is nice, and it’s nothing to do with fish.

We had a great time! We took a 5-course lunch menu and it was very good. Definitely recommend going here. We also liked the ambiance with the bar setup and the chefs also being the ones serving. The high chairs did become a bit uncomfortable after a long sit.

You walk into this Michelin star restaurant and it looks like a bar. It was packed, completely full of patrons. I asked the person behind the bar if our reservation was in the bar, he said, this is the restaurant, ambient noise was very loud so I could not understand fully what the dynamic was. We sat at a high top table next to the wall less than 1 meter from the bar. I asked for a dry martini and the server said we don’t offer full bar drinks and that they would try and make a martini, at that point I looked around and saw the the bar was not a bar, but rather a kitchen behind the bar and all the patrons seated at the bar were dining. Just a very strange set up. The Martini came and it was awful. The person who made The drink had no idea what a Martini is, I sent it back and got a Negroni, that he knew how to make. Food was spectacular, servers explained each dish as you would expect in a Michelin star restaurant. But we saw small drain flies on the wall at our table, they looked like fleas but after we investigated they were 12 to 15 drain flies or mud flies just hanging out on the wall next to our heads. I did not like the atmosphere as it was too small and not a conducive space for a fine dining restaurant.

I started with a mackerel dish. Not my favorite fish, but the flavor pleasantly surprised me. Very good dish. Then I had the catfish. Served on green asparagus with sauce. The flavor was excellent. In my case, the sauce had already soaked into the fish quite a bit. This diminished the fish's texture. The thicker parts of the fish were better in that respect. And the flavor was good. The whole dish was nicely complemented by the delicious Spatburgunder. Dessert isn't my cup of tea. The blackberry and white chocolate dessert was also delicious, but the ice cream was too sweet for me, so I had to sell it to my partner :-)

Service was exceptionally good.

Not sure how they got a star, overpriced and mediocre quality. One of our guests even received a dirty napkin. Definitely wouldn't return or recommend it.

Restaurant was very beautiful and intimate. The service was good. The overall food was just ok. The A5 wagyu was amazing but the other dishes were just ok. Wine selection was decent.

1 star. The food is very very good. The atmosphere is old Dutch - dark, old, wood, etc. The big problem is timing. If you are not the first at 17:30, you will wait for long. But the stuff reacts to your complains and tries to bring the dishes faster. But it’s too many guests and small kitchen space. During lunch it’s much less problem.

No wonder why it's a Michelin Restaurant 👍😄✨️

Food was 4.5/5 for me. Overall good and tasty but not the best food I’ve ever had and thought portion was slightly small. Shrimp bisque is very fishy but I didn’t mind and enjoyed it. Cherry dessert was surprisingly enjoyable and a refreshing end to dinner. Bread and butter - 5/5. The highlight of my experience here. Crispy outside but soft inside. Tasty butter to pair with the bread. Service - 3/5. The worst part of the dining experience. We had told the server we would like to order wine after we ordered our food first. After our appetizer is served, we asked for the drinks menu again but they never brought us one. They also never changed our plates even though it was full of bread crumbs. Overall expected better for a Michelin restaurant. Atmosphere - 3/5. I was ok with the bar seats but noticed a ton of flies? on the wall which made the food a little unappetizing. I visited on a warmer day for Amsterdam and felt the restaurant was a little stuffy. Not entirely sure this is all within the restaurants’ control so kept overall rating a 4.

Mixed feelings. Yes, I enjoyed my meal everywhere. Was it worth the money? Well, well. Was everything tasty and more than enough? Well. Was the atmosphere and service good? Well, well. They ran out of eel croquettes, so we got shrimp croquettes. They cost €13/14 for two small ones, but you barely taste the shrimp and are mostly a starchy mass, with a hint of cinnamon when you add the tarragon mayo. A Holtkamp or fishmonger shrimp croquette is better. Starters 10/10 The rigatoni entree, for €33, has far too little eel. You don't taste any of it because of the pepper and truffle, so maybe it doesn't matter. Portions of both langoustine entrees were too small. Main course 8/10. Dessert 9/10, especially the pistachio. You eat very little everywhere, though you could certainly use an extra sandwich or some carbohydrates. Wine is poured upon delivery, and you can then empty your €100+ bottle yourself throughout the evening. The same goes for the €8 water bottle. The stools could use a subtle cushion. Tables along the wall should be 6cm lower, which is really odd. Especially when the appetizer comes in a tall glass; you can practically slide it into your mouth. The tables are also very grand café-like, 1990s style, which I don't think is appropriate for the food. Be careful if you're with two or more people; many seats are next to each other, so be sure to discuss this when making your reservation.

It was truly amazing! Every dish was a delight, and the staff was very helpful. A big shoutout to the chef! This was absolutely incredible, an exceptional blend of flavors, with very surprising pairings that worked really well. Good wines and excellent service. Definitely recommend it!

They charge you 4 eur per person for tap water. I spent a light lunch with 2 glasses of wine for the same money of a dinner with a bottle of wine. Food and service is ok but I will not come back to this place nor go to their Juweler to face the same. Wine cups are at least 10 and 14 and they pour you less than the minimum. Oysters are ok at 5. You will spend much more than you believe.

What a fantastic 1-star Michelin restaurant! We chose a delicious 3-course menu, with oysters and a glass of champagne as a bonus. Then we had the 3-course menu with delicious wine. All dishes were very tasty and beautifully presented. Kudos to the team. Everyone was super friendly and very attentive! I'll definitely be back 😃

Excellent assortment of seafood with extremely cosy vibe. Great wine collection too! My new favorite spot in Amsterdam.

Delicious food, very original recipes with beautiful combinations of fish with bacon or chicken - the langoustines were the most surprising. You shouldn't mind the high seating and somewhat cramped tables. We were able to overcome that.

Despite seeing some negative reviews, I walked in without reservation (week day) and got a spot directly. Service had a good atmosphere with a fun team. The bisque served in entrance was strong in taste and intelligently presented. The crab as well, with very interesting texture. Only a bit mild despite the promises of jalapeños spices, same later for the octopus. Very well cooked and presented but quite mild despite n'duja in the recipe. Flavors were very good though and in the context of more northern countries not as used to pepperish and spicy tastes it remains quite normal. Desert infused in cherry beer was exceptional. Wine choice was also very relevant.