Restaurant 212

As soon as you step into this quintessential canal house in the centre of Amsterdam, Richard van Oostenbrugge and Thomas Groot draw you into their world. There is something theatrical about the sight of the chefs working meticulously in their open kitchen. There is an enchanting intimacy and luxurious comfort about Restaurant 212. Nothing is left to chance here, and that goes for the attentive service, too. With their inventiveness and classical know-how (those sauces!), both chefs put their own stamp on their creations. An ingredient will undergo the most surprising of transformations, and it all seems to happen with such ease – therein lies the chefs' originality. For example, crispy Jerusalem artichokes are hollowed out and filled with a mixture of spicy Belper Knolle, North Sea grey shrimp, Jerusalem artichoke cream, parsley and a garlic vinaigrette. Its simplicity is what makes it so ingenious! Nothing is overdone, and nothing is lacking. Premium ingredients including the finest local produce take centre stage in well-thought-out creations. The (Dutch) cheese board is outstanding, and there are some irresistible gems for wine lovers. The real stars of this show are the extraordinary produce and the talent of two friends.

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