The restaurant with character

There are countless good restaurants in Amsterdam, but only a handful dare to do things differently.Utrecht's Dwarstafelis one of them. Here, it's not about the menu, speed, or trends, but about tasting: attentively, curiously, and without haste.

Our restaurant, located on Utrechtsedwarsstraat near the Amstel River and Carré, is a place where the hustle and bustle of the city fades away and where an evening unfolds as if it were written especially for you. It is not your choice that determines the rhythm of the evening, but the trust you place in us. And that is precisely what makes De Utrechtse Dwarstafel one of the most distinctive restaurants in Amsterdam.

The Utrechtse Dwarstafel is a small, intimate restaurant with only 22 seats. This small scale is no coincidence; it is a conscious choice. The space feels warm, personal, and almost homely, making the evening feel like a carefully orchestrated gathering. Every detail—from the pace of the evening to the acoustics—is designed to give you peace of mind and allow you to fully savor the experience.

Where many restaurants focus on efficiency, we focus on experience. Not bigger or louder, but smaller and more refined. This allows us to focus on what really matters: taste, story, and connection.

• An intimate restaurant in Amsterdam with a maximum of 22 seats

• A warm, peaceful atmosphere where you can relax immediately

• A conscious focus on quality rather than quantity

• A place where time and attention are paramount

• A restaurant that feels like a discovery in the heart of Amsterdam

Eating is a daily activity; tasting is a conscious choice. That distinction forms the foundation of De Utrechtse Dwarstafel. Here, we don't want to offer you a meal, but an evening you will remember, because you tasted with attention.

Tasting means you are willing to let go of your expectations. No menu, no rush, and no predictability. You choose the number of courses, and from that moment on, we guide you through a rhythm of flavors, textures, and stories. Each dish serves a greater whole, each glass of wine elevates the menu to a higher level.

Our philosophy is simple but unique in Amsterdam:
When you no longer have to choose, you can finally truly enjoy yourself.

• No menu, but a fully guided chef's menu

• An evening centered around rhythm and harmony

• Focus on balance, creativity, and seasonal products

• A total experience in which wine and food complement each other

• A culinary narrative that exists only that evening

There is only one chef in our kitchen:Esther van Meerten. She is the creative force behind De Utrechtse Dwarstafel and the architect of the menu. She cooks every evening herself; there is no rotating team, no handover, no variation in signature. As a result, the menu has a recognizable soul, but is never repetitive.

Esther works intuitively and seasonally. She combines classic techniques with unique discoveries and creates dishes that are both refined and accessible. Her cuisine is recognizable by its subtlety, harmony, and refined details that you only taste when you take the time to savor it.

Esther's dishes are not soloists, but part of a larger whole. They are designed to blend with Hans' wine selections, creating an evening that feels fluid and exciting.

• A permanent chef with his own culinary signature

• Dishes that are intuitive and seasonal

• Flavor compositions with depth and refinement

• A menu that is never the same two nights in a row

• A cuisine tailored to the stories and wines of the evening

Anyone who visits De Utrechtse Dwarstafel will soon meetHans Verbeek. He is not a traditional sommelier; he is a guide through the evening. With knowledge, warmth, and an almost theatrical precision, he presents wines that not only complement the dish, but give the dish a voice.

Hans is a story hunter. He travels to small winemakers, discovers unknown regions, and meets characterful producers who put their soul into a bottle. He brings these stories back to Amsterdam, where he weaves them into the rhythm of the evening.

His style is personal and unpretentious. He doesn't talk to impress, but to connect. Through his wines, you not only learn about flavors, but also about people, places, and traditions.

• A host who leads the evening with stories and timing

• Wines from small producers and special regions

• Presentations that bring wines to life

• A natural balance between simplicity and depth

• A wine experience that is unique within Restaurant Amsterdam

The Utrechtse Dwarstafel is located onUtrechtsedwarsstraat, a quiet side street off Utrechtsestraat, one of Amsterdam's most beloved streets. This location gives the restaurant a special character. It feels like you're discovering a place that only insiders know about.

The proximity of the Amstel River, Carré, and the old town center makes our restaurant easily accessible, yet intimate enough to experience the tranquility of a private setting. It is precisely this combination that leads many guests to say:
"You can't find this restaurant by chance. You have to know about it."

• A quiet side street right next to Utrechtsestraat

• Within walking distance of the Amstel River, Carré, and the city center

• Central but hidden location

• A restaurant that feels like a discovery

• Perfect for guests seeking tranquility in the center of Amsterdam

The Utrechtse Dwarstafel is not a place for a quick bite. It is a restaurant for evenings that matter: romantic dinners, culinary discoveries, important conversations, special moments.

The personal attention and refined rhythm of the evening create space for connection. That is why guests often return to experience that peace, warmth, and refinement once again.

• Ideal for guests seeking a culinary experience

• Perfect for special occasions and intimate evenings

• A place where time and attention are a given

• A restaurant that invites you to explore and slow down

• An evening that is never the same twice