Rijks presents seasonal plates with imaginative flavours
The experience:
After a tour of Rijksmuseum for iconic masterpieces by Dutch Masters, complete your trip to Amsterdam with a meal at this Michelin star restaurant, nestled in the Philips Wing of the museum. Boasting a listing on The World’s Best Restaurants: 50 Best Discovery List, 17 points and four toques on the Gault Millau guide, Rijks is chef Joris Bijdendijk’s love letter to Amsterdam, with an innovative menu featuring Dutch produce from surrounding cities.
Chef Joris stems inspiration from Holland’s heritage ingredients, fusing international flavours that have swayed Dutch cooking over centuries. The refined, sprawling space boasts a minimalist vibe, featuring sleek tables with concealed cutlery drawers, comfortable couch seating and intimate tables for two featuring views of the stunning al fresco dining terrace.
Menu highlights:
Dishes are plated like artwork with humble ingredients like beetroot turned into a sublime millefeuille of the roasted vegetable, marrying impeccably with the umami-rich Tomassu beurre blanc. Produced locally, the Tomasu soy sauce (matured for 24 months) adds a fleck of Asian influence to this moreish emulsified butter sauce, while the parsley oil lends a pleasant aroma and earthy notes.
The seasonal tasting menu is a remarkable experience for those looking to sample a plethora of dishes embracing the creative simplicity of ingredients. Artistically presented plates present a substantial portion, and dishes are best paired with fine grape beverages comprising international and astonishingly delightful local varieties. The delectable ‘cookie jar’ featuring the Rijks bonbon with pecan and miso caramel, stroopwafel and truffles, is the perfect end to the meal, alongside decadent alternating chocolate desserts.
Not to be missed: the Bobby Eden and Dutch old-fashioned with liquorice root – adult concoctions that pack in a punch.
Details: The five-course menu is priced at €80 and the six-course menu at €90.
Address: Museumstraat 2, 1071 XX, Amsterdam
Contact: +3120 674 7555 or visit rijksrestaurant.nl