Restaurant de Compagnon in Burgwallen-Oude Zijde

What an incredible disappointment. This restaurant had been on our list for a while, and now with the ‘Heerlijk’ offer (6 courses for €55), it seemed like a good time. The welcome was lukewarm and anything but enthusiastic or warm. And the service afterwards…. We really do go out to eat regularly and visit a great many establishments, but if you don’t have a heart for the hospitality industry, please find another job! We arrived around 6:30 PM and were the only two guests up to that point. There were two ladies serving. A young girl (early twenties) and a somewhat older lady (mid-forties). The young girl shuffled over to our table (literally) to ask if we wanted something to drink. After which she placed the glasses on the table indifferently. She shuffled back to bring the bread and amuse-bouche, after which we asked her if she was in the mood and if she was ‘okay’. We mentioned that we found her to come across as tired and uninterested. She indicated that she had had to work and go to school every day and that she was indeed very tired. That is understandable and unpleasant for her, but we too had worked all week and had come for a nice evening out. This manner of service is not necessarily part of that... she then asked us if we had any allergies, to which we indicated that this was not the case, but that we did not wish for coriander or liver. Next, we saw her whispering a bit with the older lady and looking at us. Presumably, it was about our comment regarding her tired appearance. In any case, the whispering and looking gave us a strange feeling. The starter arrived, at which point I indicated that I would also like a wine pairing. We had nothing to drink at that moment, and we hadn't been asked about it either. Peculiar. Then came the question from the girl about 'what we had reserved'... surely she should know that we are there with a special offer? We reserved via 'Heerlijk', after all. We indicated that we had reserved the 6-course chef's menu. My partner would love a specialty beer, but only wheat beer or Heineken are available to order. She chose a Chardonnay. The dishes were served quite quickly, and at one point my partner indicated that she needed to go to the restroom and asked if the next course could wait a moment. Nevertheless, the next course was served as usual, at which point the young girl giggled again and told me she would be back shortly to explain (to my partner) what was on our plates, since she was still in the restroom... As it turned out, this dish consisted partly of liver! This was not mentioned in the explanation. The young girl indicated that this was the main course and that there was quail on our plates with morels. When I pointed out to her that there was liver in it, the girl indicated she did not know and would ask the chef. Through the girl, we received the chef's apologies, only to be served another starter (steak tartare with caviar. We had already had a form of tartare)! Why not a new quail, but without the liver?! When we expressed, this time to the older lady, that we found it rather strange that the dish with the quail, which was presented as a main course, was replaced by a starter, her exact words, delivered in a condescending tone, were: "That is not strange at all, and the quail is a starter, not a main course." And she walked away.... The way she addressed us was the last straw. My partner walked over to the young girl and asked for the manager. He was not present, the girl giggled as she told us. We indicated that we found it a particularly disappointing experience and that we were going home. We suggested that something nice could be done about the price. To this, we were told 'that was fine' and that we didn't have to pay anything. The only appropriate solution as far as we were concerned, considering the evening. It is a real shame, because it is a beautiful building and the dishes we had eaten up to that point were fine. But working in the hospitality industry is a (beautiful) profession, but you do have to understand that.

Had a delicious meal, definitely recommended, good value for money!

Very nice restaurant in a side street with a great view. The food is good. Booked a 6-course menu via Dining with the Stars for €55 per person. So the food is quite cheap. I do think Cola at €5.25 is a bit pricey. But it is Amsterdam, after all. Our favorites were the tuna carpaccio and the basil ice cream. The waitress was a very young girl – she was friendly but otherwise not enthusiastic. The restaurant is very cozy and can only accommodate a few tables.

We made a reservation at this restaurant for my husband's birthday. Thanks to the beautiful weather, we were able to sit outside, with a stunning view over the water. Such a special place, one you totally wouldn't expect in the middle of the Red Light District. The food was delicious and full of surprising flavors and combinations. We thoroughly enjoyed the entire evening. Highly recommended!

We had such a delicious meal. Every dish was a feast for the eyes and a delight to taste. And the service team was top-notch again. Super hospitable and friendly. A wonderful evening and definitely worth repeating. Even our little dog was spoiled.

I love it. I'll be back in July.

This is such a nice, small, atmospheric restaurant by the water right in the city center. And right behind the busy Warmoestraat. The food is delicious too. With everything you could wish for.

We had a wonderful meal at a restaurant we hadn't discovered before. The dishes were delicious and the service was very polite and extremely professional. Combined with the beautiful view over Amsterdam, this made the evening complete. Absolutely one of the best restaurants I have come across in Amsterdam!

Very tasty food, a business lunch but still a relaxed atmosphere, like dining with friends.

Unprofessional and rude owner! This was a disappointing experience for me before I even had the chance to dine there! I had made a reservation through Restaurant Week. Shortly afterward, I saw some disturbing reviews. Wanting to get an honest impression (it's possible they were understaffed or had another understandable reason), I decided to call the restaurant to get their side of the story. During that call, I was told in a rather unfriendly tone that the negative experiences were entirely the guests' fault. I had hoped my concerns would be addressed in a professional and friendly manner (which is what I would do as a business owner). Nevertheless, I decided to keep my reservation. To my surprise, it was canceled a day later! I called again and spoke to the owner. He referred to my call from the day before and stated that he didn't want "guests like that" in his restaurant. "Free food and then complaining." A remarkable statement considering the menu costs €56 per person (through Restaurant Week). Without Restaurant Week, I probably would never have discovered this restaurant. If the experience had been positive, I would definitely have returned and tipped generously. That's how it works: you get to know a place and you return if you like it! What surprised me most was the owner's tone and attitude. He barely let me finish speaking and spoke in a very unprofessional manner. At one point, he literally said in a harsh tone, "Whores have customers, we have guests," because I accidentally used the word 'customers'. I found that highly inappropriate! This experience gives me the impression that the restaurant isn't as high-quality as it pretends to be. A high-end establishment handles critical or demanding guests professionally. Reacting defensively to a normal question doesn't fit that! In any case, I won't be dining there again!

What a lovely and cozy restaurant! The food is above average and the service is superb. It's going on my list of regular restaurants. Thanks so much!

Hidden gem in the area. Great food and lovely service. Well worth the visit.

Worthless. Made a reservation that was then canceled. A system error... it happens, but no alternative was offered. It's a shame.

We just left, but something happened when we were paying made us very uncomfortable. We were trying to pay with our phones but the reader didnt sense our cards. After trying a few times the staff grabbed my friend's phone from her hands trying to fix it. We couldn't react there until she (the staff) dropped the phone back on the counter with a sound. We were stunned. I understand that it can be annoying but one should never touch another's belonging without asking. I had had better experiences here. This was disappointing. I took my friends here because this was one of my favorites in town.

A beautiful old building overlooking the old harbor of Rokin. Excellent service, intimate atmosphere, good food, and a lovely hostess. It was also wonderful that our dietary restrictions were so well taken into account. I'll definitely go again.

Lovely lunch experience - definitely a hidden gem. Beautiful view, warm friendly staff, everything was delicious (suggested wine pairings too). Fun fact: oldest/longest restaurant by same owner (also the chef) -30 years!

Unforgettable taste, great environment, and excellent service!

Loved it ...just what a restaurant should be ..amazing food and beautiful location with gorgeous view out the window.

A welcoming team and delicious food, with excellent value for money. We are looking forward to our next visit to Amsterdam to return. A welcoming team and delicious food, with excellent value for money. We look forward to our next visit to Amsterdam to return.

Excellent varied menu, attentive care for the guests and magical place in Amsterdam with a view over the water of the Damrak! A top evening.

A hidden gem in the heart of Amsterdam, De Compagnon is an absolute must for those who enjoy refined dining in an intimate, warm setting. From the moment you step inside, you'll feel the attention to detail in both the service and the food. Each dish is beautifully balanced, with honest flavors, fresh ingredients, and a creative French foundation. The service is personal and enthusiastic. The wine suggestions elevate the entire experience. An evening at De Compagnon feels like a gift: stylish, tasteful, and truly special.

We asked for a table by the canal, one table was empty and the girl Who is working there told us that , that table was reserved. She gve us another table at a3rd line , but then a couple came later, no reservation and they got the same table we wanted and we were told it is reserved. When we asked about the reason, she said that the reservation was canceled just 5 min after we were seated and she didn't tell us to move there and preferred to give it to other people instead. No apologies , nothing even when we showed discomfort and disappointment. We left immediately. Not recommended, poor service despite the nice location

After many years in the catering industry, I have rarely had such a disappointing experience, especially in a restaurant that presents itself as high quality. We were not offered the a la carte menu — despite my request — while other tables did receive it. An inexplicable and, frankly, not very respectful choice. We waited two hours for three courses, while the restaurant was far from full. Forty minutes between courses is not acceptable in any scenario, let alone in a business with high ambitions. I came with enthusiasm, ready to enjoy the evening and spend generously: I had 400 euros with me and the intention to convert it into a memorable gastronomic experience. Instead, the two of us spent 50 euros on a mediocre meal served at an excruciatingly slow pace. The meat arrived at the table with tough nerves and an excess of blood on the plate. The cobwebs on the ceiling completed the picture. A Michelin star? I really wonder based on what criteria. The inability to choose freely from the menu and the lack of transparency in the offer are serious mistakes, even worse than a failed dish or an error in the preparation. Nevertheless, I would like to compliment the kitchen brigade for their efforts, despite some obvious imperfections in the dishes. The location is beautiful, overlooking the canal and a private entrance: truly enviable. Unfortunately the rest was not at the same level. A missed opportunity that leaves a bitter aftertaste.

Great place with nice view. Delicious food, tasty wines and good, knowledgeable service. Highly recommended. I had read the receipt incorrectly and therefore calculated the tip traffic. So I will quickly make up for the stingy tip another evening!

A great small restaurant on canal with amazing food.

Food was ok, we had a 5-course dinner with an amuse ahead. The amuse had not so much taste and another dish was quite neutral in it’s taste as well. Dessert was good and the meat dish was delicious too. But overall it was an OK dinner.

Not easy to find in this dead-end alley, but it is a beautiful location with a view of the Damrak. Small-scale restaurant, comfortably furnished. The prices are quite high. Starting with an amuse is always welcome. Nothing to complain about the starters. Main course cote de boeuf is for 2 people and you pay an extra 12.50 on top of the menu price. The quantity was large, we couldn't finish it. Personally, I thought the cuisson was close to bleu, I would have preferred it a bit more saignant. The garnish was a bit sparse with a little puree, 2 pieces of carrot, mini corn and a piece of romanesco. I would have chosen a better ratio myself, so a little less meat and a little more garnish. Forgot to photograph desserts. So you spend almost 100 euros per person on 2 glasses of wine...

On Valentine's Day 2025, we had an excellent lunch at a place unknown to an 82-year-old Amsterdam resident. Recommended for a romantic experience, even if you are 20. Good cuisine, friendly service.

Cozy restaurant in an attractive real Amsterdam warehouse. Beautiful view of Damrak, Central Station and Beurs van Berlage. Delicious 6 course dinner. Surprising flavors. Highly recommended.

The food was really hard to eat. If you want to come here for a mini paradise and pay 80 euros for a mini snack. This restaurant is definitely not recommended!

Blijft, ook na 30 jaar, een pareltje in Amsterdam!

Another great meal with the family. It remains a pleasure to eat here. We had the fantastic winter menu. Everything was great and absolutely perfect. The deer was the absolute highlight. There is also nothing to praise about the hostess. Thank you.

De Compagnon: an email campaign from the restaurant De Compagnon encouraged me to eat again at this beautiful spot in the city center of Amsterdam. Unfortunately, it no longer had the same quality level as when I came there occasionally. Although the employees were still as friendly as before, we were served by a very nice young woman, but the dishes were no longer of the same standard. I was looking forward to an unforgettable taste experience, but unfortunately that was not the case. The price level had not changed, which was appropriate for a good restaurant, but certainly not for what was served to us that evening. When we left, a cook was standing outside the front door smoking a cigarette. When I saw this, I immediately wondered whether someone in this profession with such an addiction can still smell or taste properly. After all, smoking a lot affects your taste buds. That may have been the cause of my disappointing taste experience that evening. Shame!

nice view from the canal in Amsterdam and good food

We have eaten at De Compagnon several times and it was always good: hospitable, good food, excellent overall experience. This time we liked it a little less. Upon arrival, the chef and a few staff members were standing outside the entrance, so we asked if we could get in because it didn't exactly give the impression that we were welcome. The service at/from our table was courteous, attentive and kind. We had the special Amsterdam menu. And we found it less than we were used to; the first course was quite tasty, the second a little less so, etc. Unfortunately, one of the starters (Jerusalem artichoke soup with eel) turned out to be incorrect, we didn't like it very much, almost salty. When asked, it turned out that the main ingredient (eel) had been forgotten. Can happen. As a compensation we got ravioli in lobster sauce and it was very tasty. The main course was delicious again and the French toast for dessert was also very good. All in all, we were not as blown away as the previous two times I also had a view of the 'reception' and saw how unfriendly an Italian couple was received and looked at (they were not led to their table, as with us by our waitress). In addition, I thought the music (kind of teenage music) was quite shouty and definitely not suitable for a restaurant like De Compagnon. In essence it is a nice restaurant, but the sloppiness was really too many.

If you are in Amsterdam, please visit the De Compagnon - since years I'm going there to have my business dinners and all my guests are always impressed by the food, service and atmosphere. See you soon Team De Comopagnon - you are so amazing!

Special place in a historic building on the canal. The owner/family proud of their place. Food was served with love. Nice, small portions. Alley full of bicycles so just squeeze through. Nice experience.

Everything was good. The food was delicious and a nice atmosphere.

Wat een mooi pareltje in Amsterdam ! Op een plek waar je het niet verwacht hebben we genoten van het heerlijke eten, wijn én gezellige bediening. We komen heel graag terug.

Bij deze verborgen parel in Amsterdam heerlijk genoten van een 5-gangen truffel diner met vrouw en dochter. Het was mooi weer dus we zaten buiten op het kleine pittoreske terras onder de druivenranken aan het water met uitzicht op het Damrak. Hartje centrum Amsterdam. Alle gerechten waren top en de truffel was zeker niet overheersend. We komen zeker snel weer terug!

Chef acts like he owns the street adjecent to it and harrased us, he even slashed our tires. Very odd behaviour, definitely not going here for dinner when the owner acts this aggresive.

Really enjoyed our dinner: we ordered the 6 courses surprise menu (2x fish and 1x vegetarian) Great service and matching wine pairing (3 glasses instead of 6, which was perfect!) Tip: ask for the table upstairs next to the window for great views

Always delicious food here in this historic building on the water of the Damrak. Highly recommended for anyone who has a love for truffles and good food

Beautiful location in the city center in a side street of the Warmoesstraat. The owner (and chef) lives in the same alley across the street from the restaurant. We sat at a table in the middle of the alley, nice experience. During the evening it started to rain a bit and we were moved indoors to the basement. Service was extremely friendly and amicable, as you would expect in this part of Amsterdam. We took Chef's menu and it was fine. Preferred for the Cote du Boeff as a main course and that was also possible. Point of attention: toilet was not very clean, there was no hand soap and no towels.

A little bit too much salt for me, but it was very tasty.

Het eten is echt top! Zo’n bijzondere plek met een geweldig menu. Uiterst fijne bediening. Wel aan de prijs maar geen dissonantie met de kwaliteit.

Beautiful location, delicious food and great service from the hostess!

A really top tent, highly recommended

Je verwacht het niet in deze buurt met alleen maar toeristen restaurants en je moet even zoeken maar dan heb je ook wat. Gelegen in een mooi Amsterdams pandje met uitzicht op het Damrak ligt dit knusse restaurant waar je bij binnenkomst al meteen thuis voelt. De bediening is lekker informeel maar wel professioneel. Wij kozen het 6-gangen menu en werden niet teleurgesteld. We gingen van krab naar coquilles en gamba’s en van carpaccio naar een prachtig mals stuk vlees. Alles voorzien van mooie groenten maar die overheersten vooral niet zoals je tegenwoordig vaak tegen komt. Heerlijke verfijnde gerechten en ruim voldoende voor een grote eter. Tel daarbij wat heerlijke wijn en koffie met cognac en dan heb je een top avond. Wat mij betreft een absolute aanrader

Het spijt me te moeten zeggen dat mijn recente bezoek aan De Compagnon verre van bevredigend was. Ondanks de reputatie van het restaurant als een culinaire bestemming van topklasse, was mijn ervaring eerder een ontgoocheling, waarbij de prijs absoluut niet overeenkwam met de geboden kwaliteit. Het begon veelbelovend met de eerste twee gerechten die redelijk waren, maar al snel veranderde de toon. De carpaccio op kroeboek was een totale flop, zowel visueel (zie foto) als qua smaak. De ijskoude temperatuur van het gerecht deed afbreuk aan de essentie van het vlees en het geheel was een teleurstellend schouwspel. De poging om dit als een "frans gerecht" te presenteren, was eerder cynisch dan authentiek. De lobster soep was evenmin een hoogtepunt, met een smaak die meer deed denken aan speculoos dan aan een verfijnde zeevruchtensoep. Het was een combinatie die mijn smaakpapillen eerder deed gruwen dan genieten. Het leek alsof de chefkok een mislukte experimentele poging waagde, zonder rekening te houden met de verwachtingen van de gasten. Wat de ervaring nog verder naar beneden haalde, was de onbeleefde houding van het bedienend personeel. Mijn vriendelijke opmerking over een van de gerechten werd met minachting behandeld door de ober. Zelfs nadat ik een royale fooi van 20 euro achterliet, werd dit niet eens opgemerkt met een eenvoudig 'dankjewel'. Het voelde allemaal erg geforceerd en kunstmatig aan, alsof ze probeerden een klantenservice te bieden die ver boven hun vermogen lag. Al met al was De Compagnon een teleurstellende ervaring, ver verwijderd van de kwaliteit die je zou verwachten van een Michelin-waardig etablissement. De chef lijkt vast te zitten in zijn eigen ego, zonder de bereidheid om te leren van andere Michelin-restaurants. Het lijkt erop dat De Compagnon een Icarus is, die te dicht bij de zon vliegt en de val niet ziet aankomen. Als laatste opmerking wil ik zeggen dat ik al jaren niet meer bij McDonald's ben geweest, maar na deze gigantische teleurstelling dacht ik bij mezelf: "Laat ik mezelf maar verwennen met een McFlurry." Tenminste een dessert dat waardig is, in tegenstelling tot hun kaneel appelflap!

The restaurant has a truly unique location in the city, close to the central station so easily accessible, and overlooking the rokin/centrally on the water. A spectacular view. The food was also tasty, I saw a lot of fish/shellfish on the menu, and for restaurant week where the menu is unknown with 7 courses, I was not disappointed. O.a. scallop with prawn and Jerusalem artichoke, and as a main course veal with mourilles. The dessert wasn't really my thing, I don't like pineapple, and the cheesecake was a bit dry. But all dishes were good in terms of portions and taste. Because it is an old canal house, you sometimes sit alone or close together. It is unique in terms of how the tables are divided over half-floors. An advantage of this is, for example, having privacy at the expense of the vibe of sitting in a real restaurant, or the other way around. Furthermore, the atmosphere was also a bit tense for a reason that perhaps should not take place on the internet. But with a somewhat cool service and swearing from the kitchen, it was a bit uncomfortable a few times. Would I eat there again, for this price (49.50 per 7 course restaurant week menu) for this food yes. If the price is normally much higher, then I think no. And the service will also have to be different.

Ended up here through restaurant week and saw mixed reviews. But definitely not disappointed! Had delicious food and good matching wines. Staff is very friendly, I have no negatives

This was by far the most romantic restaurant we’ve ever been too. The atmosphere is cozy and family like. The wine pairing - magnificent. The food doesn’t even begin to describe the quality and intense flavours. Mind blowing.

A special place to discover. Excellent French cuisine. Dishes very tasty. Nice atmosphere and extremely friendly staff.

This restaurant is a pearl among the restaurants in the old center of Amsterdam. Special dishes that often contain truffles with carefully selected matching wines. The entrance is almost hidden at the back left of Guldehandsteeg, past all the bicycles parked. Reservations are recommended.

Heerlijk gegeten met mooi uitzicht, mooie en fijn smakende gerechten. Zeer gastvrij, vriendelijke en adviserende bediening.

Knap was ze in deze kleine ruimte voor elkaar krijgen

Top restaurant. Goede en vriendelijke bediening en een perfecte, ontspannende sfeer 😉

Fantastic gem hidden in the center of Amsterdam 👍 Chef's menu with wine pairing was excellent 💪🥂

Heerlijk gegeten, leuke vernieuwde combinaties met hier en daar de bekende smaken.

Great place with good food. Definitely price/quality wise. Courses came quite fast as did every followup except desert. Can be a bit hard to find (in back of an alley towards the water). Interesting compact venue, makes it quite cosy, although if you're not good with stairs or invalid it could be less suitable for you.

Supermooie kunstwerkjes, bijna zonde om op te eten, erg lekker (en chique). Uitgebreide wijnkaart en geweldige bediening. Locatie en uitzicht helemaal super.

Altijd goed op alle punten, leuk om hier weer eens gegeten te hebben

Goed. Prijs kwaliteit is super. Lekker eten, bediening is prima... Mooi gebouw. Goeie vibe. Niets op aan te merken'

Ik vind dit echt een heerlijke restaurant met goed eten, heerlijke wijnen en een fijne bediening. Het zit in en verstopt steegje aan het water (als je buiten zit) midden in de stad. Een als je binnen zit is het ook erg leuk met verschillende verdiepingen met verschillende uitzichten.

Kortom geweldig. Heerlijk verrassend eten. Geweldige en vriendelijke bediening. Een aanrader in Amsterdam.

They think they are better than they are. That said, it's not bad. The location is in the alley, so it's not obvious - and it cuts down on tourists. The menu is small, and the service is slow.

Perfect!!!. Every course is fantastic. A magic in a plate

Sehr aufmerksame Bedienung, gute Weinbegleitung zum Menü

Vriendelijk personeel en leuke plek maar het eten viel zwaar tegen.

Amazing experience!! Everything was delicious. Beautiful little place. Exceeded our expectations, we would definitely come back!

Ok food. Service was strange, waitress was totally uninterested. Take used bottles off the table, remove extra glasses that are not going to be used, keep drinks served and smile a bit

Les serveurs adorables ! Un véritable rendez vous culinaire !!! Bon et surprenant !! Je recommande

Es war ein himmlisches Menü. Wir hatten 7 Gänge und alle waren ein Gedicht. Wer eine tolle und exklusive Location sucht wird hier fündig. Immer wieder gerne.

Verborgen in een zijstraatje van de drukste buurt in Amsterdam, geeft de Compagnon je een kans om heerlijk rustig te genieten van fantastische gerechten.

Wij hadden iets hogere verwachtingen van de Compagnon. Zes gangen waren prima, wat werd gepresenteerd als kaviaar in twee gerechten achter elkaar leek het me niet echt te zijn. Het brood in het begin had twee verschillende dips/boter zonder enige smaak. Het hoofdgerecht was niet in balans, te veel zoute jus en de krokantjes niet knapperig maar taai. Glas champagne ter afsluiting niet heel erg koud en bubbel was vervaagd. Bediening was heel vriendelijk, vergeleken met een d en c niet het geld waard.

Hidden gem in a corner of a street. Amazing food options with great taste. Highly recommended for people going on a date or otherwise.

Everything was really well balanced and delightful. Lots of flavors but nothing overpowering.

We waren hier met vrienden uit de VS en reserveerden kort van tevoren. Gastvrije ontvangst en vriendelijke bediening. We genoten van de gerechten, de wijnen en het uitzicht op deze mooie avond. Bedankt!

Restaurant magnifique, joli cadre, nous y avons très bien mangé. La serveuse au petit soins et très souriante. Merci 😁

Een pareltje in Amsterdam. Dit in een steeg verborgen restaurant serveert culinaire hoogstandjes. Het is een aanrader om vooraf te reserveren ivm met beschikbaarheid. Truffels waren weer heerlijk.

Lekker eerlijk eten. Mooie locatie met zicht op het kanaal en de boten. Wijnen waren goed maar hadden wat meer aandacht gemogen. Helaas verkeerde informatie over druiven en herkomst.

Echt fantastisch gegeten, enorm leuk personeel!! Vooral die Karlijn, Salomeh en Nanouk. Heel vriendelijk geholpen en goed wijnadvies. Zeker voor herhaling vatbaar !

We had such an amazing experience at this brilliant restaurant! Bert is one of the best chefs in Amsterdam if not the best! Would come here every day if possible. Don’t get me started about the staff, they were perfect! They knew every wine and explained the dishes perfectly. Loved this place and I am coming back every time!