Café Samabe in Oude Stad

An Indonesian restaurant. The place is very pleasant, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. We ordered a tasting menu; all the dishes were delicious and unique. The staff was professional and very service-oriented. An Indonesian restaurant. The place is very pleasant, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. We ordered a tasting menu; all the dishes were delicious and unique. The staff was professional and very service-oriented.

Yesterday, I visited a restaurant and left feeling a bit disappointed. While the food was good, the service was very poor. One of the servers accidentally spilled a beer on me and one of my friends. We brushed it off because accidents happen, but then they lost our drink order. It took over 30 minutes for some of our beers to be served, which made us wonder if they had simply forgotten about it, and guess what... they did, they came to ask what we have drunk all night. To make matters worse, the bill was incorrect. Though it was an easy fix, after the poor service and the beer spill, not even a small gesture was offered to make up for it. Overall, the service was slow and unhelpful. On a positive note, the restaurant itself looks nice, although it was a bit too loud to have a comfortable conversation with friends. We spent a total of 3 hours and 30 minutes there, and half of that time was just waiting.

Had a delicious meal. Friendly service with good explanations and a recommended matching wine. Delicious multi-course rijsttafel shared dining for 4 people. Surprising and interesting combinations and a good portion size. Highly recommended!

Unbelievable 🤤 Had a delicious meal with family. However, a few minor remarks: The table was quite narrow, causing tasty appetizers, small bowls, and dishes to be crammed together, making it feel a bit cramped. There were 14 of us, and in my opinion, the table was just a little too small and narrow for that, but we managed. There was "Het en der Glas" lying on the floor in the basement, and earlier near the stairs leading to the toilets. The cappuccino we ordered after the main course only arrived 20-25 minutes later, just when we were actually about to leave. Otherwise, the restaurant looks perfectly fine; it would have been nicer if the restaurant and the basement had had more of an Indonesian interior design, such as a few colored lanterns.

Finding genuinely spicy food in the Netherlands can feel like a bit of a treasure hunt, but this place strikes gold. From the moment you walk in, there’s a warm, generous welcome that immediately sets the tone. The space is surprisingly large, yet it manages to feel intimate and cozy, like you’ve stumbled into a well-kept secret. And then there’s the food. Bold, layered, and unapologetically rich in flavor, the Indonesian dishes deliver a depth of spice that’s both satisfying and exciting heat with purpose, not just for show. Every bite feels thoughtfully crafted, balancing warmth, aroma, and complexity. This isn’t just a good restaurant, it’s a rare find. A true gem that brings comfort, character, and a proper kick of spice to the table.n

Great authentic Indonesien food. Portions arr a bit small but the food is great.

Nice restaurant with great food and a cozy, lively atmosphere! The martabak was very tasty and well-seasoned. Unfortunately, we were a bit disappointed with the satay ayam rica. The chicken was cooked too dark, giving it a charred taste and making it quite tough. The lemper didn't appeal to us either. We didn't like the rice, you could barely taste the filling, and we actually found the accompanying sauce superfluous. The rijsttafel, on the other hand, was very tasty! A nice variety of different dishes that were all well-seasoned. The cocktails were delicious too! In terms of service, our experience was a bit inconsistent. Drinks were forgotten a few times. Not a disaster in itself, but after several times it did become a bit annoying. Additionally, we were served by a young man who indicated he had been working there for a week, but answered almost every question about the menu with: ‘Oops, I don't know this. No, not this either. Ooooo… yes no, I don't know that either.’ Everyone has to start somewhere, of course, and being new is absolutely no problem. However, I do think that as a waiter, you should be able to expect at least some basic knowledge of the menu after a week. After all, as a guest, you assume that the staff can tell you something about what is being served. And if you don't know something, that is perfectly fine, but just ask a colleague for help instead of leaving it at that. Furthermore, the place was pleasantly full and there was a nice atmosphere, so clearly a lot is going well! With some extra attention to consistency from the kitchen and the knowledge of the wait staff, the experience could be significantly better as far as we are concerned.

The flavors are outstanding. We’ve never had Indonesian food before and the rijsttafel (small one plate version) was out of this world. They then made us excellent coffees and recommended the black rice/coconut ice cream/indonesian sugar desert (!!!), and we also tried the spekkoek (as recommended by Rick Steves).

Ordered 2 rijsttafels. 49 euros. Turned out to be 1 rijsttafel with 2 eggs. Just enough for 1 person. Tip: never get takeout here!

Came for lunch - the sandwiches were extremely tasty and the duck spring rolls were perhaps the best I've ever had. Perfect during a day trip to Haarlem

Experienced as part of a food and wine walking tour. Atmospheric spot right in the city center, good wine, food okay.

Had a delicious meal in a nice atmosphere. Nice and friendly service.

Had another delicious meal. Unique flavors, a beautiful establishment, and the service truly makes you feel welcome. Not cheap, but the price-quality ratio is perfectly balanced. Highly recommended.

We ended up here on a whim. We had shrimp and beef and an appetizer. A rice dish with various options would have been cheaper. The spicy shrimp were really hot. The price wasn't cheap. Friendly service.

Just really delicious food. I could write all sorts of things, but it is simply top-notch.

Had a delicious meal and very good service!

If you love good Indonesian food, this is the place to be. We had delicious satay and rijsttafel. Thank you.

Very nice place. Plate selection is really good. Good vine and beer offer. Nice place to dine differently:) Very nice people!

What a delightful surprise. Excellent Indonesian food. Everything is prepared with special attention visually, in terms of taste, pace, and texture. The service is attentive yet still gives you plenty of space. There is excellent communication and coordination among staff. A young team (open for only half a year), yet gastronomically perfect. Highly recommended. We have been back over the past 7 months. With children, as a couple, and with a large group (a spot in the wine cellar is definitely recommended in that case). Nothing but praise. The food remains consistently high-level and the service is superb.

The food was very tasty as usual, but the staff could use some work. Firstly, the place is so noisy that you can't hear the staff properly, and when you ask them to repeat something, you get a sneer. Secondly, you don't have to slam the plates on the table, and when dessert is forgotten as well and we ask for it, you get a rude response. Really disappointing for this evening. It is noticeable that they are looking for staff.

Discovered this place while out for a walk and got a table without a reservation. Cropuk and tap water were complimentary. We had satay skewers and a shrimp roll as appetizers. Unfortunately, I missed having shrimp in the two rolls, and I thought it was quite expensive for what it was... For the main course, we had beef in soy sauce, absolutely delicious! Sweet and spicy, the meat incredibly tender! The boneless chicken leg in coconut milk was also very tender and flavorful. White rice and red rice (colored with saffron) are served as sides, along with various vegetables prepared in different ways. The seating is comfortable, not too cramped, and you can also sit outside if the weather is nice. The restrooms are clean, and it even smells pleasant. The four of us spent €200... So, if you want to try something extraordinary and intensely flavorful, this is the place to go!

I ate here on Mother's Day. I got food poisoning from the food. I emailed the restaurant to warn them and asked if there had been multiple reports. I haven't received a single response. Scandalous! DO NOT GO EAT HERE!!!

So far the best and authentic Indonesia flavours from their Rijst tafel. Quality and flavours 5stars. Service was attentive. Will definitely return back again and bring friends and family

We recently dined at Café Samabe. The ambiance is truly beautiful and tastefully decorated, and the service was also friendly and attentive throughout the evening. That certainly made the experience pleasant. Unfortunately, the rijsttafel was a bit disappointing. The portions were on the small side, and although the dishes tasted fine, many of them lacked the real wow factor that you hope to get at an Indonesian restaurant. For the price, we had expected just a little more, both in terms of quantity and taste experience. All in all, a decent establishment with good service and a nice atmosphere, but we felt the price-quality ratio was not entirely balanced.

We had dinner on a busy evening and it was a bit noisy. The interior decoration is very nice. Service was very good and helpful for Dutch non-speakers. Food was original and very good. We recommend !

The food was truly delicious and the atmosphere in the restaurant was very pleasant. The staff was also friendly and attentive, which made the evening even more enjoyable. Unfortunately, the value for money was disappointing. We paid €200.00 for a rijsttafel for four people, but the portion size was more suitable for two. That was a major disappointment and detracts from the otherwise positive experience. All in all, we had a nice meal, but due to the portion size and price, I would not be quick to choose a rijsttafel here again.

Cozy place with a lovely terrace.

Perhaps not the authentic Indonesian food as I know it but what the heck, great taste, great place, good service. Absolutely worth the visit

Food was okay. Service attitude ruined the whole thing.

Finding genuinely spicy food in the Netherlands can feel like a bit of a treasure hunt, but this place strikes gold. From the moment you walk in, there’s a warm, generous welcome that immediately sets the tone. The space is surprisingly large, yet it manages to feel intimate and cozy, like you’ve stumbled into a well-kept secret. And then there’s the food. Bold, layered, and unapologetically rich in flavor, the Indonesian dishes deliver a depth of spice that’s both satisfying and exciting heat with purpose, not just for show. Every bite feels thoughtfully crafted, balancing warmth, aroma, and complexity. This isn’t just a good restaurant, it’s a rare find. A true gem that brings comfort, character, and a proper kick of spice to the table.

My partner and I made a reservation for two three days in advance. Upon arrival, we were given a high table with bar stools. Because we both suffer from chronic back problems, we asked for a standard table. Even though there were still tables for two available, this was refused with the excuse that they were ‘reserved’. Remarkable, because when making a reservation, you can only choose the number of people—not the type of table. When we pointed this out, we received an arrogant and unbelievable response, as if other guests *were* able to specifically reserve tables. There was absolutely no willingness to be helpful, and the attitude was unfriendly and disrespectful. We eventually left. Very disappointing and not worth repeating.

Very impressive, quality food. Attentive service. Recommended

This was one of, if not the best, meals that we had when travelling in the Netherlands. Our lunch was outstanding and very reasonably priced. 12/10 recommend if you visit the beautiful city of Haarlem!

Had a fantastic meal again. 4 times, so the food really is amazing.

This restaurant is listed in the Michelin Guide. There was a waiter who was particularly slow, and we called him twice to refill our water bottles, but he ignored us. If you ask for water, they charge €3.50 per person at the table. The food was tasty for the price, but I wouldn't return.

One of the best Indonesian restaurants I’ve ever been in Europe. Food tasted authentic and so delicious. The portions were good. Staff were all so friendly and courteous.

Delicious Indo-Balinese cuisine with friendly and efficient service. The location is beautiful. We had a 3-course rijsttafel with various types of satay as a starter, rijsttafel as the second course, and dessert. The satays were top quality, and the lamb satay was the winner. You also get shrimp, fish, and chicken satay. All tasty. The rijsttafel was fresh, diverse, and ranks among the better ones in the Netherlands. You don't go out for Indonesian food for dessert, but a French pastry and a kind of ice cream cake to finish is simply unacceptable. These were clearly store-bought. It has nothing to do with authentic Indonesian cuisine and tasted rather flat after all those deliciously spiced dishes. Nevertheless, it is worth going for the full experience if you want to eat good Indonesian food. Highly recommended!

Had a delicious Indonesian Rijsttafel, also a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. Nothing to complain about.

Super delicious food, service was very friendly. They came to ask often enough if we needed anything else, without feeling pushy. The food itself is more than sufficient per portion. Very tasty in a beautiful building.

Walked in here on a whim and it was the one of the best meals of the trip. Cocktails were also amazing

My new favourite Indonesian restaurant in Haarlem. Can’t fault it. Visited with elderly parents who were treated with such kindness. The food, service and atmosphere all hit the spot for the price range.

Nicely decorated restaurant, good service and delicious food!

The food was fantastic! The menu is truly fantastic! We were served by Kyra, who made our dinner even more enjoyable! She recommended excellent wine pairings and was able to recommend the menu highlights for us! We will definitely be back! And a shoutout to Kyra!

Very very nice restaurant, the Gado Gado is of the charts. Rendang one of the best ever eaten

The food was delicious, varied, and the portion sizes were just right. The service was incredibly friendly! The only caveat was that our table looked directly into the kitchen, which made it less inviting—otherwise, the interior is beautiful.

Very nice location and vibe. Meat is a bit tough but the atmosphere is great

Great place for an Indonesian rice table: great location, good food, excellent service, and the seating is really nice. I've been here a few times now, and if you compare it to its Indo-style rival at Bloemendaal, for example, Samabe is definitely better in every way (especially in terms of value!).

Excellent restaurant! food was delicious and the staff very friendly. The rice and ice cream desert was amazing! Will definitely go again.

We had lunch and dinner. The price is based on both. Reservations are recommended for dinner. Many people came in and were turned away because there was no room.

What a wonderful evening! We thoroughly enjoyed our rijsttafels in a truly beautiful, atmospheric, and historic setting! Everything was delicious! A delicious cocktail too! Compliments to the kitchen and the exceptional hospitality! We returned to Doetinchem satisfied, but we will definitely be back! Thanks!

Food is ok but portions are too small. We went on a group and ordered 7 rice menu sets. We all left hungry. Can you believe that there were no 7 pieces of the set dishes? Only two small portions of rice (one white, one yellow), only 6 samussas, only two fish curry, etc. We had to decide who its what… as not everyone could taste all the dishes in their set. Embarrassing… as we paid for 7 dinners. You can eat better somewhere else.

Great, upscale atmosphere. Excellent food, but the owners (or so it seems, at least) are very arrogant and overly friendly. The rest of the staff, however, are (of course) much friendlier. Prices are appropriate for the ambiance and for the Netherlands, perhaps slightly above average.

We tried Rijsttafel and really enjoyed it. It’s a perfect choice for anyone trying Indonesian food for the first time.It is a great variety of dishes with well-balanced flavors and not overly spicy. The atmosphere at the restaurant is warm, the staff are friendly, and service was smooth throughout the evening. Another big plus is that the restaurant is dog-friendly, which made our visit even more enjoyable. For the quality and variety you get, the price feels very reasonable. We’ll definitely come back!

Authentic, delicious Indonesian cuisine with kind and attentive staff. Can get quite loud inside, but still well worth the visit!

We had a delicious meal, very pleasant.

Cozy, good food and you can order your food as spicy as you want

The food was delicious. Friendly service. Great place. If you're in Haarlem, you have to go here.

Exceptional meal. Our server was very knowledgeable of the food being served and did an incredible job arranging our selections for the evening

What a beautiful place, lovely interior, friendly service and really delicious food!

I’m extra disappointed because this wasn’t my first time here and it used to be better. This time, the shrimp starter was just three tiny plain shrimps for 12€, no sauce, no lemon, nothing. The pornstar martini arrived without passion fruit or champagne on the side, which is basic for that cocktail. Staff reminded us several times that they needed the table, so we felt rushed the whole time, and other tables were given complimentary appetizers while we got nothing. Overall, poor value and unfriendly experience.

I was very disappointed with my experience at this restaurant. The first dish, a shrimp appetizer, was extremely underwhelming: just three tiny, plain shrimps for 12€, with no sauce, no lemon, and no garnish of any kind. When we mentioned this to the waiter, the response was simply “I’ll tell them,” with no attempt to address or compensate for the issue. On top of that, despite having a reservation, we were repeatedly reminded at least three times that our table was needed later. We were even discouraged from ordering certain dishes because they “take too long,” which made the whole meal feel rushed and uncomfortable. What made it worse was seeing other tables receive complimentary appetizers while we received nothing. Overall, the service was unwelcoming, and the experience felt far from worth it. I would not recommend this place.

We had a delicious meal, the service was top-notch, but a suggestion I would like to pass on would be a little more advice about the food. Our table companions didn't know how big or small their main course was and ended up eating too little.

Enjoyed a delicious rijsttafel (rice table) from the early bird menu. Cozy atmosphere, friendly and attentive staff.

I had a wonderful meal here; the food was tasty and well-prepared. The staff was very helpful. Even though you come for the food, there were a few drawbacks. We were seated at a small table on bar stools, which wasn't very comfortable. It was also packed and extremely noisy. I also had the misfortune of sitting on the walkway to the bar. So every time someone walked by, the floor would sink a little, and my chair would follow. This was a real shame for such a beautiful place. Now I'm not sure I'll return. The price-to-performance ratio isn't really worth it.

Do you love Indonesian dishes or an elaborate rijsttafel (rice table)? Then this is the place to be in Haarlem! We started the evening with two delicious cocktails, the perfect start to a wonderful evening. Afterward, we opted for the Dapur 3-course menu. As a starter, we were served various types of satay, with the tip to eat them in a specific order for the best taste experience. And honestly: every bite was a feast! The rijsttafel that followed was a flavor explosion of variety. From mild to spicy, from spicy to fresh. My favorites? The rendang and the udang peteh… absolutely delicious! To finish, we were treated to a delicious dessert, which we also thoroughly enjoyed! And a big kudos to the staff: every single one of them was super friendly and genuinely hospitable. Many restaurants and bars could learn a thing or two from them! A solid 10/10! Thank you for this wonderful evening!

Top service, delicious food in a cozy and pleasant setting!

Cozy restaurant. Very friendly and enthusiastic service. We ordered the special menu, and it was delicious. Excellent restaurant!

Thanks for nothing! I had reserved a table by phone three days in advance for Saturday at 6:30 pm. When we arrived, we were told the reservation had been moved two hours to 8:30 pm. They offered us a free drink for the wait, but we declined. Finding an alternative restaurant in Haarlem on Saturday night was impossible. The evening was ruined.

Disgraceful! Extremely poor service. After a previous positive experience, we reserved a table a week in advance. When we arrived (we could have booked before 6:00 PM), there was only a tiny table available right by the entrance (and in the draft). We were told that changing tables wasn't possible. Unacceptable and unbelievable. So we left the place and had a delicious Indian meal across the street. Never again.

Very good Indonesian restaurant in a very good spot. It deserves a visit.

Great place, refined cuisine with beautifully crafted dishes. A very pleasant surprise. Top-notch service. Bravo

Very good and authentic Indonesian food, only a little more vegetables would have been missing with the rice platter.

This was a winner on all fronts. Expectations were high, of course, given the Michelin star. Great atmosphere; attentive, informed service; fabulous flavors across the board. We chose the rice board which was a fun way to sample many delicious dishes. The beef dishes were especially well seasoned. Vegetables and salads might have been a little heavy on green beans, repeating often. Chicken curry could have used a bit more heat. Wines by the glass were good.

Really nice to have a drink outside

Delicious food, very friendly staff, a bit noisy for us, but very cozy

What a lovely place to enjoy a delicious meal. A warm welcome thanks to the decor and especially the staff. And of course, the delicious food. It's definitely a must-visit in Haarlem.

It was delicious. We had a mix of vegetarian and regular rijsttafel (rice table).

The price-to-quantity ratio was a bit off. Everyone at our table had the same rijsttafel (rice table), which was a nice way to share, but the quantity simply wasn't enough. The first bottle of wine we ordered was poured perfectly; four glasses, and the bottle was empty. I noticed, but I thought we'd ordered four glasses. It wasn't until we went to split the bill after paying that I realized we'd been charged for a full bottle. The food is tasty enough, but the whole experience felt more like a very commercial model, rather than the culinary Indonesian delights we expected.

Great Indonesian Dutch trial menu Great valué Sparkling water tap service Staff are educated and ex plain each dish Recomiended to Any tourist visiting Harlem please don’t miss indo Dutch meals here close to markets and saint Bavo church

I stopped in to have lunch. The sandwhich I ordered was delicious. I enjoyed eating while watching people pass on the street. Great experience overall!

Delicious meal; dish with satay on the side instead of rice table. Great service.

We celebrated our friend's bachelorette party here on Saturday in the private dining setting downstairs. We'd like to thank you so much for letting us use it, for allowing us to decorate so beautifully, and for the delicious food.

Great food. A bit too crowded/too many tables. Friendly people.

Great food, nice atmosphere and excellent service!

We had a fantastic meal here. We had a specials menu and it was delicious. The staff was very friendly and professional. The atmosphere in the restaurant was great... a solid 5 stars, but 10 would also be deserved.

Very cozy atmosphere, welcoming staff. The high chairs are not very comfortable for seating and having meal, but for drinks is fine. The food is good. We got the rice menu, but honestly you don’t get much for what you pay. I found it overpriced.

Enjoyed delicious food several times

Mini rice table was super delicious 😀

We had a delicious meal and have been there before, but the portions seemed smaller, even with very little rice, and we were surprised afterwards by the rather high prices for drinks, iced green tea, and coffee…

If not for Charlottes exceptional service, this review would have been three stars. This restaurant unfortunately did not meet my expectations of an expensive Michelin star restaurant. The food is prepared in advance, which makes even the simplest modifications (for example to make vegetarian food vegan) too much to ask for. In my case, I simply wanted an ingredient removed from a side-dish to make it vegan, which has been a simple process in many non-Michelin restaurants. Two requirements for a star are the attitude of the chef and the skill presented. These two criteria were lacking in my opinion. Despite this, I will leave 4 stars as the Charlottes service was great and the food I received was okay (nothing mind blowing). Also, it would have been nice to see which options are vegan already marked on the menu.

Cafe Samabe offered the most elegant and delicious example of Indonesian cuisine I've tried. It's even listed in the Michelin Guide. First of all, the atmosphere is fantastic. The tables spilling out onto the street, the vibrant energy of Haarlem, and the interior design all earned me top marks. As for the food, we ordered a menu that offered a variety of flavors for two. Everything was delicious, without exception, but some were extra specialties. For example, the sate and crispy salad were beyond anything I'd tried before. But one thing, despite its simplicity, truly stole the show. The dessert served at the end of the meal. This simple dish, with black rice, vanilla ice cream, and a special sauce, was one of the most delicious desserts I've ever had. The waiters were very polite. I'm grateful for reminding me that a restaurant experience isn't just about the food, with a positive twist. Even if you're not around, it's worth traveling from afar to try. Highly recommended.

We ordered a three-course rijsttafel (rice table) meal. The food was fine, but nothing special. The meat was tender and flavorful, but the rest of the dishes lacked flavor. You get three dishes with the same vegetables, only they were either hot or cold, or cut differently. A bit more variety would be nice. For truly delicious Indonesian food, I think you're better off at an Indonesian Asian store with a large refrigerator of takeaway food. It's also a big money saver! The service was generally friendly, except for one person. We felt like we were being asked to spend a lot of money and then quickly leave. We secretly had quite high expectations because we'd read online that this place was recommended for dining in Haarlem, but it wasn't for us.

The seven of us had a wonderful meal. We'll definitely be back.

Delicious food, and friendly, helpful service! A lovely spot in Haarlem, and a beautiful restaurant too.

Delicious food, friendly service.

Beautiful setting, delicious food, excellent service. Saté lilit my favorite 🍢 delicious spekkoek 🍰. Tip: check the toilets 🫶

Heard about this restaurant from an acquaintance and it is definitely recommended. Finally went out for dinner with the experience that you are approached as a guest and not just let in for the contents of your wallet. The entourage is a stately building in the city center of Haarlem, sufficient parking nearby. We enjoyed an extensive rice table for two. The warm dishes were also really warm and delicious in taste. The cold dishes were very suitable and finely seasoned. All this is framed by very competent and friendly service. This young team consisting of cheerful girls and boys informs you without being asked about the various dishes and their composition. They also keep a close eye on you so that you never have to signal that you need something. A big thumbs up for Samabe!

What a great service. Attentive, to the point and have an eye for the table. In 20 years I have not eaten such good Indonesian food as today. Spices good, not too bland and the meat is tender. Truly a beautiful business card for the Indonesian kitchen.

Whenever we're in Haarlem or the surrounding area, we always go to Café Samabe for dinner at least once. A cozy atmosphere, delicious food, and very friendly staff – right in the center of Haarlem. Highly recommended!

I loved it there. The staff was very friendly, happy to make recommendations and always with a smile. Food was very tasty as well, we had two mains, portions were good and they came with a few sides, so more than enough for sharing.