Rijsel

Restaurant · Weesperzijde

Rijsel

Restaurant · Weesperzijde

Marcusstraat 52, 1091 TK Amsterdam, Netherlands

Highlights

Rijsel is a charming spot where industrial chic meets French-Flemish comfort food, drawing locals for its expertly crafted dishes and vibrant open kitchen.

Marcusstraat 52, 1091 TK Amsterdam, Netherlands Get directions

rijsel.com

@caferijsel

$$ · Menu

Reserve

@onthegrid

"Rijsel is an authentic restaurant with a French and Belgian kitchen using pure ingredients. The interior is a mixture of 60’s modern versus classic, and it’s open kitchen gives you a warm and welcoming feeling. The simplicity of the interior complements the quality service and beautiful dishes that can be found on the menu. Be sure to make a reservation, but keep in mind that they are currently closed on Saturday and Sunday." - Soda Studio

On the Grid : Rijsel

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@michelinguide

"The interior of this lively establishment resembles a classroom, and indeed this building was once a home economics school. Today you can see the 'master' at work preparing his lesson in French gastronomy thanks to the open kitchen. He has a sound knowledge of his ingredients and incorporates a nod to Flemish cuisine into his no-nonsense dishes. Whether you order the intensely flavoured typical Southern French fish soup or côte de bœuf served with a house-made béarnaise sauce and fried potatoes: at Rijsel, every dish is a feast!" - Michelin Inspector

Rijsel

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@eater

"Since 2012 Rijsel has been recognized as one of the pioneers of the Amsterdam bistronomy movement. Iwan Driessen helms the kitchen, putting out a menu of French and Flemish classics such as rotisserie chicken, Breton fish soup, huzarensalade (olivier salad), and rich côte de boeuf. Rijsel’s wine list is an absolute joy, with a wonderful selection of Burgundy and Bordeaux wines. Order individual items from the menu or the three-course meal for the complete experience." - Monique van Loon

The 38 Essential Amsterdam Restaurants

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@cntraveler

"The clean and bright dining room at Rijsel (the Dutch name for the Flemish city Lille, which is also a perfect day trip from Paris ) masterfully mixes traditionalism with today's industrial-inspired design trends. It's remained perennially packed with locals since opening in 2012 (book in advance). Opt for a three-course meal to taste as many of the constantly changing Modern Flemish dishes as possible. Expect expertly-prepared classics like Russian salad, fish soup, juicy roast chicken, or côte de boeuf. Rijsel is casual enough for a weekday meal but also special enough to warrant the trip outside of the Canal Ring." - Meredith Bethune

20 Best Restaurants in Amsterdam | Condé Nast Traveler

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@cntraveler

"Classic Flemish dishes you never knew you were missing The vibe Old-meets-new The crowd Predominantly local The food Modern Flemish The service Attentive" - Meredith Bethune

Rijsel – Restaurant Review | Condé Nast Traveler

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Daehun

Google

Had a sweet birthdat dinner here. Staffs were really sweet and kind and dishes were very amazing! When I saw the spring chicken dish pics on the reviews, I thought it is small, but in real it was quite a lot! Three course meals made us really full. Each dish is 10 out of 10. Thank you! Had a really memorable dinner!

Charlie Kirk

Google

Lovely local joint with a great atmosphere with the open kitchen adding to the theatre of service. Poussin is obviously excellent. I had the cote de bouef which was full of flavour. A great wine list with a section for magnums which is always fun if you're in a larger group. Typically friendly dutch service is icing on a very well made culinary cake.

Richard Yeng

Google

This was the best meal we had in Amsterdam. We had the oysters with horse radish and pickled onions, Russian salad, Fish soup, spring vegetable croustillant, and roast chicken. Every dish was excellent. Cannot wait to come back.

Oleksii

Google

Placed away on a charming little street near the Amstel River, this cozy restaurant is easy to find. The wild deer meat was exceptional—tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. It’s an absolute must-try. The duck liver, reminiscent of foie gras, had a very rich flavor. They also offer an extensive wine selection. However, the alcohol-free wine served from cans was a letdown, as it lacked the elegance you’d expect. While the charm of the old-school building adds to the atmosphere, the interior could benefit from some renovation. The garderobe location is a bit precarious, with a small step leading to it that could easily trip you up—something to watch out for. Overall, the cost per person feels a little too high.

Markus Gabler

Google

Unbelievable!!! Never ever thought to get treated like this on this evening during dinner! The restaurant leader on this evening were far away on what this restaurant could deliver. Very bad explanations on the menu and a restaurant chef (she) who is not able to lead a restaurant and give space where its needed to serve customers ☝️

JDV

Google

Good French cuisine, obviously cooked with love. The steak was a bit chewy (probably cut wrong). The location is very nice and old school, near Amstel River and the somewhat industrial Wibautstraat (with lots of restaurants and hotels). Staff was attentive and caring.

Gijs Winkel

Google

This must be one of my favorite restaurants in Amsterdam. It just feels like you are stepping into a well kept secret neighborhood bistro. Dishes are prepared to perfection, based on the classics but feeling modern. Staff is professional with loads of charm and personality. Wine-list is extensive with lots to discover. If I could live here I would.

Kuanling C

Google

It’s definitely one of my favourites in Amsterdam! It creates a sense like a small secret place, offers amazing food, great values and extensive wine list. it’s almost not possible to have such good food ambiance, environment and service with this price. Please if you come first time, give an opportunity for spring chicken and oysters !!

Ellen A.

Yelp

Unbelievably good! Fantastic service, impressive wine selection. Such a great value for your money.

Kevin J.

Yelp

Ambience and food was great. However the chicken took over an hour to come out, you'd think they went to go hunt it for you

Russ S.

Yelp

Excellent food all around! Decided to book this place for a birthday celebration months in advance and it did not disappoint. I found a review online and it was very accurate about the entire experience from start to finish. We ordered several appetizers and a starter salad, and even though I was not completely familiar with every ingredient on the menu, I wanted to try as much as I could since I wasn't that familiar with French cuisine. The service from start to finish was impeccable on every level. From the hostess greeting and seating us, to the sommelier providing recommendations of wine, to our waitstaff (they have more than one person who helps the table). I cannot express how much we appreciated the wonderful staff in explaining everything to us and what to expect. This was certainly a highlight during our trip. With regard to the ambiance, the restaurant, kitchen, restrooms, and just the seating and lighting was wonderful. It is not an overly pretentious setting, nor are the tables or linens, but very crisp, clean and elegant on a very simple level. We started a conversation with an interesting and quite friendly Dutch couple who explained they had been planning their dinner for a while and had been celebrating a recent job promotion. It was an unforgettable evening and a perfect way to celebrate a birthday. Sadly, I discovered just recently that the other guest in my party forgot to leave a tip for our amazing evening. Since I assumed it was covered, I did not leave a tip myself and found out (just recently). I cannot tell you how much anguish this gives me considering how amazing the staff is at Rijsel. Every aspect of this establishment clearly shows how much everyone enjoys what they are doing and how they present to their customers. Please accept my sincerest apologies for neglecting to leave any kind of tip. Upon my next trip to AMS, I will be visiting Rijsel again, if only to toast the extraordinary team there and to leave a hefty tip for them as well.

Troy H.

Yelp

It's been two-ish days now since I dined at Rijsel, and I'm still in awe. The food was terrific and plated with care. The som's were very knowledgeable. I was waffling between a white for the halibut, and was told "I'll bring you something you'll enjoy" and damn, they were right! My evening at Rijsel will be one that I remember for a lifetime.

Tyson G.

Yelp

Rijsel is a great restaurant. The staff is very friendly and helpful and wants to make sure you enjoy your meal. This is an experience and does take on the longer side to eat. The flavors are great and worth the time.

Siz D.

Yelp

Oh my god: the food was just absolutely amazing. By arrival the owner does greet you, and that makes for a great personal touch. The restaurant is in old (huishoud) school. The part it is in was actually where the cooking classes used to take part! You get appetizers when you arrive and bottles of tap water are constantly refilled which makes for such an great customerservice experience! Please order the bouillabaisse, it's very rich and uberyummy!

Zeva B.

Yelp

From the food and the service to the ambiance and, my god, those desserts (!), this restaurant scores 5 stars in my book! The prix fix dinner menu at 33E is a totally steal considering the portions, quality and overall refined execution of these French country classics with a slight Dutch twist. My elegant, balanced soup starter and my roasted baby hen served with country style roasted potatoes and a bib salad was the kind of double-dose of comfort that you wish you could cozy up to every night once the evenings start to cool off and the winter chill sets in. But the real zinger of the meal was my café gourmand, a marvelous medley of sweets (a butter sablé, a mini chocolate noisette cake, a praline chocolate, a drunken apricot floating in bed of chantilly and the most impeccable, creamy, canelé that has ever graced my lips) served with a coffee or tea. Just the perfect end to an exceptional meal. The staff is professional and sweet and the owner a total darling. Not a false note anywhere to be found (though if it were my restaurant, I'd dim the lights just a smidgen to create a slightly more romantic feel...)

Galen B.

Yelp

Whoa baby. This was exactly the dining experience we love to travel for. Knowledgeable and - most importantly - passionate staff took us on a dining journey from aperitif to app to main course finally to dessert and espresso. Open kitchen concept to observe the master chefs at work. Our table was most pleased with the sausage, duck, and sauerkraut special. All at a more than affordable price, to boot.

Richie M.

Yelp

Amazing chicken! Awesome bread. Great wine. Oysters were next level. Great presentation and very friendly staff. Great music and vibe. Amazing food and one of the best experiences I have had in Amsterdam.

Andrea H.

Yelp

Excellent! Small intimate restaurant with delicious food. I ordered and loved the Russian salad, hangar steak and chocolate pie, three choices of the fixed menu. I love a place that sticks to a few things so they are superb. Service was great and the wine suggestions fabulous. This was our second visit and even better than I had remembered, which says a lot because I had very fond memories of incredible food. The staff did not rush us out, we were expected to linger. A special night!

Paula W.

Yelp

With our 8pm reservation, we walked in and sat down just in time to observe the 2 minutes of silence the entire Netherlands observed for those who died in the Holocaust and those who died in all wars. The fully packed restaurant at a very busy time of night came to a complete halt, for Americans it was a very moving experience. The menu is very straightforward, we were served an amuse bouche of head cheese- house made and delicious. We loved the food (roasted chicken and Sliced Steak) and service was great too. This is a restaurant to be sure and go to in Amsterdam as it is in a nice residential area that you won't get to otherwise and will really make you feel like you are not just among other tourists!

Job H.

Yelp

I would say this is one of the best restaurants in Amsterdam. Their French cuisine is exquisite and the wines they serve our among the top notch in Europe. Situated in an old school building, the atmosphere is a bit industrious, but they have dressed the whole venue with a very neat and clean look. The kitchen is open so all the guest come look at what the chefs are doing and let me tell you it is worth your while. Please be advised that they do not take any reservations further than one month advance, they do have some tables open every night for walk-ins but they fill up very quick.

Marco L.

Yelp

This is easily one of the best places to eat in Amsterdam. The food is refined and sophisticated without being pretentious. Great service and a very cool atmosphere.

Brian H.

Yelp

Cleaning out my pocket a moment ago, I realized I still had this business card from the restaurant I ate dinner at a few weeks ago and is absolutely a top 5 meal. Everything from the street it's on, to the greeting the second you walk in, and to most importantly the food that far exceeds the enjoyable experience to the tastebuds you expect to receive from this place. Each dish is prepared with care and love and there is nothing missing from any plate. I had the sweetbreads boudin and I've never had anything like it. The rich bourblanc atop, made for such a decadently rich taste that completely balanced out a light sweetbread sausage. Make a reservation at least a month in advance, grab some of the most special people in your life and share a few bottles of wine. The moment you share here will certainly be one you remember!

Raquel P.

Yelp

Starters and bread were good, however our main courses never arrived after waiting for more than one hour. The hostess was rude when we told her we were ready to leave because we were tired of waiting. She even sarcastically asked if we were going to McDonalds and did not apologize for the long wait. Very disappointing experience!

Kyle H.

Yelp

You can tell by the first moment walking into Rijsel that staff, kitchen, and service is head and shoulders above your typical high-end restaurant. The wines were told with their history and tasting notes in a genuine, authentic fashion and the food was truly a work of art. Well sized portions not leaving you looking for more, and excellently made food, they truly showcase the art of making incredible food into a phenomenal meal.

K H.

Yelp

This was our second visit to Rijsel and it was even better than I had remembered! The ambiance is wonderful, warm and welcoming. The staff is knowledgeable and display just the right touch of presence without interfering. All requests were met with a smile and graciousness. The food was simply out of this world. I had the fish soup as a starter and the chicken as my main. The chicken was crisp on the outside and very tender and tasty throughout. The fish soup was equally amazing and full or flavor. The server was kind enough to show us the proper way to add the bread and cheese! The chocolate pie with sorbet for desert was wonderful also. I felt the meal was very moderately priced at 36€ for the three courses. Well done, Rijsel!

Peter D.

Yelp

Got lucky with a same evening reservation and had a wonderful experience. Service was superb. The entire staff was friendly and attentive. The smoked eel appetizer was fantastic. We got the beef, a spring chicken and the 'nage' which was a fish dish. All were outstanding. I'd go back in a heart beat.

Nikola C.

Yelp

Fantastic food and unparalleled organic wine list. Be sure to book a month or two in advance because this place is popular (yet not so expensive).

Emma V.

Yelp

Delectable French food and wine in a comfortable, self-assured environment. We called ahead to make a reservation (advisable), and were greeted with a handshake by the hostess when we arrived. The restaurant has a prefix 3-course menu (starter, entree, dessert), with some up-charges for specials. I ordered the special starter (sweetbread in a motel sauce), hanger steak in a shallot sauce, and the cherry clafoutis for dessert. All were delicious. The sauces in particular were very flavorful and complemented the flavors of the meat well. We were served an amuse of white fish bites in a sweet and sour sauce, plentiful bread with butter and salami, and potatoes and salad with the entree. The portions ended up being exactly right for us, and we felt very satisfied, especially for the price (€36 for pre-fix, €5.6 for glass of wine: total for me with the special starter was €46.90, very fair). Our waiter was also helpful in ordering wine - their by-the-glass menu is not written down and changes constantly. I asked for a glass of the house merlot, and he offered to check if there was a wine by the glass that would suit my meal better. I asked him to choose for me, and he came back with an unusual but very tasty natural red wine from the Loire Valley - poured me a taste before pouring a glass. I would not have picked that wine myself, and was pleased with the new experience!

@onthegrid

On the Grid : Rijsel

View Postcard for Rijsel

@michelinguide

Rijsel

View Postcard for Rijsel

@eater

The 38 Essential Amsterdam Restaurants

View Postcard for Rijsel

@cntraveler

20 Best Restaurants in Amsterdam | Condé Nast Traveler

View Postcard for Rijsel

@cntraveler

"Classic Flemish dishes you never knew you were missing The vibe Old-meets-new The crowd Predominantly local The food Modern Flemish The service Attentive" - Meredith Bethune

Rijsel – Restaurant Review | Condé Nast Traveler

View Postcard for Rijsel

Daehun

Google

Charlie Kirk

Google

Richard Yeng

Google

Oleksii

Google

Markus Gabler

Google

JDV

Google

Gijs Winkel

Google

Kuanling C

Google

Ellen A.

Yelp

Unbelievably good! Fantastic service, impressive wine selection. Such a great value for your money.

Kevin J.

Yelp

Ambience and food was great. However the chicken took over an hour to come out, you'd think they went to go hunt it for you

Russ S.

Yelp

Troy H.

Yelp

Tyson G.

Yelp

Siz D.

Yelp

Zeva B.

Yelp

Galen B.

Yelp

Richie M.

Yelp

Andrea H.

Yelp

Paula W.

Yelp

Job H.

Yelp

Marco L.

Yelp

This is easily one of the best places to eat in Amsterdam. The food is refined and sophisticated without being pretentious. Great service and a very cool atmosphere.

Brian H.

Yelp

Raquel P.

Yelp

Kyle H.

Yelp

K H.

Yelp

Peter D.

Yelp

Nikola C.

Yelp

Fantastic food and unparalleled organic wine list. Be sure to book a month or two in advance because this place is popular (yet not so expensive).

Emma V.

Yelp

Rijsel

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