Secret Garden

LWe were visiting Amsterdam and, after some research, booked Secret Garden in advance for our Christmas Eve dinner — and it absolutely did not disappoint. From the moment we stepped inside, we were genuinely wowed. The decor and ambience are simply magical — cozy yet elegant, with a beautiful blend of natural elements and contemporary design. The space feels intimate and warm, almost like stepping into a hidden sanctuary in the city. The lighting is especially well done, soft and flattering, creating a relaxed, romantic atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and truly enjoy the evening. The staff were outstanding — warm, friendly, and genuinely attentive throughout the night. Service felt polished yet personal, never rushed and never intrusive. For Christmas Eve, the restaurant offered a set menu, and every single dish was a pleasant surprise. Each course wow-ed our palate — beautifully presented, full of flavour, and perfectly balanced. You can really tell that a lot of thought went into the seasoning and composition of each dish. It was honestly one of the best meals we’ve ever had, and this is one of those experiences where words don’t fully do it justice — you really have to experience it yourself. The waiter took the time to explain every dish, which added so much to the overall dining experience. It felt immersive and thoughtful, rather than just a meal. The drink menu is equally impressive, with a great selection of wines, cocktails, spirits, and even 0% alcohol options for non-drinkers — a very sweet and inclusive touch that we truly appreciated. Overall: Secret Garden delivers on every level — ambience, service, food, and experience. A perfect choice for a special occasion, especially festive dinners. Strongly recommended, and definitely a restaurant we would return to without hesitation.

We had a New Year’s Eve celebration here and, considering what was promised versus what was delivered, none of us were the happiest. For €275 per person, we received a set menu that was almost entirely seafood, which was quite disappointing and they did not even want to substitude dishes for something else from the menu. Drinks were not included, except for a single glass of champagne at midnight, and everything else was charged extra. The venue itself is beautiful - the interior is stunning - but it is very small. The “party” took place in the lounge area, which could fit around 30 people. Later, guests from the restaurant joined, making it extremely crowded. A large portion of the space is taken up by the bar, so dancing was almost impossible for most people. We were seated in a corner, so it didn’t affect us as much, thankfully. The atmosphere was a miss. Nothing like they promised or what I read in the reviews. So there was a live singer that was so irrelevant that I barely even noticed it was her singing. She did not move anybody and later the dj put us in a coma. He served us the worst atmosphere he could, it seemed like he just landed to 2026 from another universe considering the music he was playing and not even knowing who keinemusik is.. His music was music you hear in american diner place with greasy donuts and how can someone mentally stable think that such playlist is suitable for NYE? When I tried to interfere and to ask him for something else to play he smiled at me and looked away. His additide was too obnoxious for someone who played ‘stayin alive’ kinda songs the entire night and thinking he was David Guetta. Cocktails that were served were strong and delicious, thank God otherwise that would end me. Just come for a dinner here and nothing else.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Secret Garden Secret Garden sits on Reguliersdwarsstraat in a building that used to be an 18th-century coach house linked to one of the canal homes on Herengracht. You feel that layered history straight away — it doesn’t feel like a blank-slate restaurant space, which gives it real character. Today it’s been transformed into a lush restaurant and lounge serving Nikkei cuisine (Japanese-Peruvian), with a strong rainforest-style interior right in the middle of Amsterdam. It’s immersive and theatrical, but not in a way that feels forced or uncomfortable. What I particularly appreciated was how the planting has been handled. The original ambition was clearly very bold — fully planted surfaces and overhead greenery — but restaurant environments are tough on living plants. Heat, lighting, humidity and late nights take their toll. Rather than pushing something unsustainable, the design has evolved into a hybrid approach: real plants where they thrive, with preserved foliage higher up. The result still feels enveloping and calming, but it works practically. Nothing feels stressed, wilted or overdone, and the atmosphere holds together beautifully over the course of an evening. It’s a good example of biophilic design done with experience rather than idealism. Food, setting and story come together nicely here. A place that feels considered, atmospheric and genuinely memorable.

I visited Secret Garden last week, and I was absolutely blown away. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt magical—warm, stylish, and full of character. The staff were incredibly welcoming and attentive without ever feeling intrusive, creating a sense of genuine hospitality that’s hard to find. The food was simply fantastic. Every dish was beautifully presented and full of flavor, clearly crafted with care and creativity. You can truly taste the quality in every bite. Together with the exceptional service and inviting ambiance, it made for an unforgettable dining experience. Secret Garden exceeded all my expectations. I left with a big smile and can’t wait to return. Highly recommended!

Absolutely stunning! We had a private dining upstairs and we were amazed by the food and service. Ambience is just beautiful. We had a tasting menu and every single dish was a heaven in the mouth. Really beautiful restaurant. I will highly recommend to everyone!

Good food is hard to find and this restaurant serves good food. Atmosphere would have been better though if the fake plants were real plants. Dress code is a bit odd, especially since you’re only warned after you have booked a reservation (i did mine online). Portions were a bit small, especially since the server recommended dishes to be shared. I really enjoyed the shrimp tempura. My friends enjoyed the octopus but I found it a bit too salty.

We did have a good time last Saturday, despite the inconvenience of standing for 45 minutes to wait for our reserved table which was also confirmed by phone (5 hours before our booking time 9:15pm). The Manager was nice to offer complimentary snacks (edamame and shishito peppers) until I saw the bill again today that we were charged for it. So it wasn’t complimentary after all! The night turned good because our waiter (forgot his name, he’s from Portugal) attended to us great. The food arrived 22-30mins which is ok. The beer and 2 sodas we ordered were given a bit late. The food was delicious though. I love the Salmon Aburi. and Wagyu rice was the best! Getting the bill took too long as no waiter was around and when someone comes he doesn’t even pay attention to our side of the table (end corner). Also another table beside us has been trying to get their attention, but no luck. After 10-15mins of waving for someone’s attention, our friend had to leave our table to get someone. So attention to your customers is not really up to par with the wonderful interior of your restaurant. Our reservation was booked at 9:15pm, we arrived 9:10pm, and we’re only able to begin dining at 10:31pm. This delay significantly impacted our experience, particularly for a group of six celebrating a bachelorette party. The poor service we encountered during our visit left a lasting impression.

This place was truly a wonderful surprise. The atmosphere, interior design, service and staff were all top-notch. Friendly, warm and welcoming in every way. We visited as a couple to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday. I had mentioned this in advance and to our delight there was a small, thoughtful birthday note waiting for him on our table. Such a lovely personal touch! The food was absolutely outstanding. The portions were generous and the flavors were simply unforgettable. The beef with teriyaki sauce and the wagyu fried rice are still lingering on our taste buds. The wine was delicious and the service throughout the evening was relaxed, attentive and genuinely kind. To end the night, my boyfriend was surprised with a small dessert and a sparkling candle, which made the celebration feel extra special. We had a truly cozy and memorable evening and will definitely be coming back.