Vinkeles

Fine dining restaurant · Grachtengordel-West

Vinkeles

Fine dining restaurant · Grachtengordel-West

Keizersgracht 384, 1016 GB Amsterdam, Netherlands

Highlights

Nestled in a former 1700s bakery at the Dylan Hotel, this upscale French eatery marries stunning cuisine with a charming historic vibe.

Keizersgracht 384, 1016 GB Amsterdam, Netherlands Get directions

vinkeles.com

@restaurantvinkeles

$$$$$ · Menu

@michelinguide

"A highlight of The Dylan is without a doubt Vinkeles, the Two MICHELIN Star restaurant helmed by Executive Chef Juergen van der Zalm. Vinkeles focuses on French cuisine with a modern, lighter touch. An obsession with exceptional quality ingredients sits at the base of what is an extraordinary—and particularly thoughtful—culinary experience." - Ashley Simpson

This Amsterdam MICHELIN Guide Hotel Has a Two Star Restaurant Inside

View Postcard for Vinkeles

@michelinguide

"Chef Jurgen van der Zalm and his team can admire the second MICHELIN Star to be displayed at the entrance to their restaurant Vinkeles. This talented chef, once the right-hand man for Dennis Kuipers, is now forging his own furrow while remaining faithful to a certain idea of traditional gastronomy. At Vinkeles (in Amsterdam), this is immediately recognized in his attention to the sauces, although he is not afraid of adding some modern twists to signal his creativity. Whether it is creating an entirely vegetarian menu or a dish celebrating the more luxury ingredients, Jurgen van der Zalm never fails to propose something to grab the attention, and always delivered with classic finesse." - Le Guide MICHELIN

Vinkeles awarded Two Stars in the MICHELIN Guide Netherlands 2023

View Postcard for Vinkeles

@michelinguide

"Jurgen van der Zalm has made the kitchen at Vinkeles his own. For years, he was the right-hand man of Dennis Kuipers, who gave him a grounding in classic culinary techniques. Today he is doing things his way, without breaking with the house style: premium-quality ingredients and rich sauces are still the name of the game. For example, he fills morels with a delicate farce fine made with poulet noir, but what really raises the bar is his vin jaune sauce with subtle notes of tarragon – the intensity and depth of flavour are second to none! We should also mention the amazing carcass sauce he serves with his plump langoustine combined with Nashi pear and mint for a burst of freshness. Chef Van der Zalm is a master saucier who clearly has an eye for detail. In his highly personal creations, he combines a playful approach to international influences, an exciting sense of creativity and a respect for tradition. Whether cooking with premium produce or conjuring up vegetarian delights, his dishes make an impact. A unique experience awaits you in the former bakery of this 18C Roman Catholic almshouse, where the original wood and stone have been incorporated into a modern interior." - Michelin Inspector

Vinkeles

View Postcard for Vinkeles

Sam Potorti'

Google

Food and service were exquisite. The oyster entree left my girlfriend and me speechless. The pigeon was well balanced with the acidity of the cherries. The dessert had a lot of different textures that left us with a fresh palate. The sommelier and all the staff were extremely knowledgeable and very aware of details. Special mention to Valentino that treated us in a formal, yet amicable way. Would endlessly recommend! Keep the good stuff coming :)

Wanderer in NL

Google

We had an amazing time here. Service is very lovely, everyone is nice and friendly. Food was amazing, each dish had its unique flavor to it. It was truly a unique experience that I am so happy about.

F F

Google

Worst Michelin experience ever. Please don’t waste your money here! Total spam. The main dish (pigeon) was so salty that we kindly told the manager about how we felt about the taste. She had a very strong attitude and said “I think the dish is just having strong flavor” and walked away. We left the dish there with only a few bites and when the server were taking the dish back, we told them again (seems strange they didn’t even ask why I left it barely un-touched) that we didn’t like it and we have had many good main dishes at other Michelin restaurants. They didn’t even bother to respond with a strong, cold attitude (As if I’m the one who couldn’t appreciate). This is not the Michelin standard I was expecting, food and service. We have had many great Michelin experience worldwide and this one feels like a spam. Please reconsider and don’t come here. I sincerely hope you enjoy food elsewhere.

Naskhanym Chausheva

Google

At the end of the conference, my husband and I had a meeting with a special guest and wanted to choose a fine dining restaurant to mark the occasion. We decided on Venkeles Restaurant. The meals were absolutely delicious, with beautiful presentations, a variety of ingredients, and unique combinations. The desserts at the end were fantastic, making the experience truly memorable. Interestingly, the restaurant is located where the first theater of Amsterdam once stood. The new cocktail menu is inspired by this rich history, with cocktails categorized into four different types. Non-alcoholic drinks are also available, which was great news for me ✨

Max Dijkema

Google

Fantastic gastronomic dinner with friends. We opted for the full tasting menu which surpassed all our expectations. Beautifully balanced cuisine, very precise and complex flavors, top quality ingredients. Personal favorite was the European lobster. Incredible historic setting and service to match, friendly and genuine. Great selection of wines, will return without a doubt.

Catherine Wang

Google

What I loved most was watching the top notch team work together to bring dishes to the table — truly professionals that enjoy their job. Everyone was sophisticated and friendly, fine dining without the air of arrogance. The wine pairings were fantastic. I’m usually not a wine person but figured it’d be a nice splurge on vacation. I was wow’s by the unique flavor profiles and textures from each glass. The food was spectacular, with a few fun off-menu surprises to start. I cannot recommend the anju pigeon enough! I’d love to return someday to try the vegetable menu!

Google

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Vinkeles and I must say, it was an absolutely delightful experience from start to finish. The waitstaff at this establishment were not only kind, but also incredibly professional, making me feel welcome and attended to throughout the entire evening. I decided to indulge in the chef's menu, which consisted of seven exquisite courses. Each dish that was presented to me was a true work of art, both visually stunning and bursting with incredible flavors. From the very first bite to the last, I was in awe of the culinary expertise that went into creating such masterpieces. The attention to detail and the precision in execution were truly commendable. What impressed me the most was the perfect balance of flavors in each dish. Every ingredient seemed to have been carefully selected and thoughtfully combined to create a harmonious symphony of tastes. The textures were also spot-on, adding an extra layer of complexity to the overall dining experience. Not only were the dishes exceptional, but the plating was also impeccable. Each course was artfully presented, showcasing the creativity and meticulousness of the chef. It was evident that a great deal of thought and effort went into every aspect of the meal, and it truly elevated the dining experience to an extraordinary level. Overall, my visit to this Vinkeles restaurant was an unforgettable one. I wholeheartedly recommend this establishment to anyone seeking a truly remarkable culinary adventure.

Constanza Carvacho

Google

I absolutely loved this place. The food the service, the wine pairing, the dimmed lights and the beautiful building... Just everything about it was sublime! Can't wait for the next time I come here! I got the Vegetable Menu and my friend the Chef's Menu with the Wagyu. The white wine I got first I will never forget. Thank you for the great experience!

Jonathan C.

Yelp

Upon sitting, they immediately serve you the amuse bouche before showing you the menu and drink list. It took me a bit by surprise, but looking back I actually enjoyed that sequence. They do ask if you want to still or sparkling water, and for those curious, there is a surcharge (10 euros per bottle of sparkling water as of 8/2023). For those coming from the States, drink menu was very reasonable, especially the wine list where glasses were starting around 9 euros. Tried the Chefs tasting menu, which is around 9 to 10 dishes when you include some of the smaller bites. Overall, the food was great and some dishes were quite memorable. I think the overall quality matches the 2* Michelin rating. Service was also impeccable and staff were very friendly. Overall meal lasted about 3 hours. Would recommend to anyone looking for a nice meal out.

M K.

Yelp

I ate at about 10 Michelin 2-star restaurants in the Netherlands and Vinkeles was my favorite. Decor is nothing super special but the service was top notch and the food was creative and incredible. I can still taste the cucumber meringue with sea bass. I don't really like cucumber or sea bass. It was probably the best thing I ate in Holland.

Noah R.

Yelp

WARNING: Foodborne illness Dining at Vinkeles was supposed to be one of the highlights of my trip to Europe. Unfortunately, I had a highly disappointing experience that I feel compelled to share. While the ambiance and service were commendable, I contracted a foodborne illness after consuming a meal at this establishment. It pains me to recount my unfortunate experience, but I believe it is crucial to warn others about the potential risks involved. After about 3 hours of my 4-hour experience at Vinkeles, I began to feel intense nausea and abdominal discomfort. Unfortunately, these symptoms escalated quickly, leading to a distressing bout of vomiting upon returning to my hotel. To be fair, I cannot definitively attribute my illness to Vinkeles. However, given the timing of my symptoms and the fact that I had not eaten lunch that day, I find it difficult to believe that the restaurant was not the source of my illness. Perhaps more distressing than the illness itself was Vinkeles' response. Even after alerting them to my symptoms, Vinkeles staff insisted that my illness must have been contracted elsewhere. Given the onset of my symptoms, I find this to be a convenient explanation. As a patron, I trusted Vinkeles to provide a safe and enjoyable dining experience. Unfortunately, they did not provide either and refused to accept responsibility for the incident afterwards. Please be aware of my experience and exercise caution when deciding to dine at Vinkeles. I want to stress that this review is not intended to discredit the entire establishment or its staff. I acknowledge that unfortunate incidents can occur even in the most reputable of places, and I hope that this was merely an isolated incident. It is my hope that my unfortunate encounter was an anomaly and that the necessary measures will be implemented to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Mindi G.

Yelp

This is the place! on a recent trip to Amsterdam, my husband and I booked several dinners based on internet searches for "best restaurants in Amsterdam." Vinkeles delivered. As far as we were concerned, it was as good as the three-star Michelin restaurant that is our go-to, special occasion restaurant at home. If you are looking for an elegant atmosphere, a gourmet tasting menu, and each dish more creative, beautiful, and delicious than the last, look no further. We dined at several restaurants in Amsterdam that were doing high-end tasting menus and this was, by far, the best. The pearl amuse, which others have described, was amazing. So delicate, beautiful, and delicious. My only wish is that the restaurant would give you a print menu at the end of the meal re-capping the dishes that you had. I have pictures, but have to admit that after three weeks of travel I don't remember the details of the ingredients in each. The overall pleasure and delight is seared in my mind, but the details have faded. You have to be open to a particular style of dining--a bit of mystery as the chef is creating small dishes based on seasonal ingredients, but if you enjoy that kind of experience it doesn't get better than this. We enjoyed tasting menus and fine meals other places during our trip, but Vinkeles is the meal we kept talking about. This is the first restaurant I would be sure to book when we return to Amsterdam.

Donald A.

Yelp

Another choice made at the suggestion of Yelp reviewers. We were walking around town and stumbled upon the very chic Dylan Hotel . Walking through the courtyard , a very nice woman asked us if we wanted a tour which led to the restaurant , and Surprise ! A table for another night . A beautiful space all around like a movie set. So glad we got in and enjoyed an 8 Course tasting menu, plus cheese and Port afterwards because... Amazingly they duplicated the tasting menu in a vegetarian style showing the kitchens command of their art. Wonderful all around . Although we were looking for night life, after the three Amuses they sent out we decided to stay for the evening . It was a 4 hour dinner. It is pricy, but what Michelin starred place is not?

Kevin M.

Yelp

We had read all of the reviews and so were excited to try Vinkeles. The environment is quite beautiful and the service is thorough, albeit not very genuine. The food looked interesting but was wholly questionable. We tried both tasting menus, which included 16 tastings and I must say, we didn't really enjoy any of them. In fact, it was almost exhausting to eat through them all. Each was more peculiar than the last. The taste combinations were spastic and experimental, but not in a satisfying way. It just seemed a bit like a con. We have eaten at several Michelin rated restaurants, this experienced paled in comparison to all of them. If you want to be entertained by the gimmick of food theater with below average dishes, then go for it. We wish we chose otherwise.

G. C.

Yelp

I've been to Amsterdam many times, but this the first time I've tried a Michelin Star restaurant in Amsterdam. This restaurant is deep inside the Dylan hotel, and has only 7 tables (as far as I can see). The service is impeccable. The food is ethereal. Every dish, even the bread, is simply amazing and innovative. We had the seven course dinner.

Pierre W.

Yelp

I almost don't know what to say. It was hands down our worst dining experience on our food tour of Amsterdam and Copenhagen. It left me rethinking the tasting menu experience so popular in today's food culture, where patrons are at the mercy of the kitchen. We waited 20 minutes or more between courses and were underwhelmed often with the result. We discussed pulling the the plug at some point and leaving but waited it out as a courtesy. The staff overall was unapologetic but I sensed they were uncomfortable as well during the extended interludes. I don't believe the new generation of diners will except this kind of treatment, and certainly not at this price. I wonder why we did.

Ross H.

Yelp

Vinkeles provides an absolutely outstanding and unique high end dining experience in Amsterdam. If you are looking for one of the best restaurants to dine at (and there are many in Amsterdam), reserve your seat as early as possible. Service was absolutely top notch during our stay. Wait staff was friendly and attentive and even took the time to converse with us and the end of the meal. We felt right at home and will certainly return on our next visit to Amsterdam.

Noelle B.

Yelp

We had the audacity to wander in from the street. One of the best decisions of my LIFE! The staff was super accommodating and highly professional. How do I describe the meal? I can't. It was one of the best meals I've ever had. The presentation was beyond compare. The drinks were spectacular. This was a high end experience that you will enjoy. I wish I could say more but the experience left me speechless. What an amazing experience. Thank you!

Mel S.

Yelp

Vinkles is a high price for high quality. WOW WOW WOW! absolute stunning food in taste and presentation.

Sheba G.

Yelp

I would give this amazing gem 10 stars if I could. From the moment we entered The Dylan Hotel for dinner, the staff was exceptionally courteous and polite. No pretentiousness at all. We have dined at many Michelin star restaurants and next to Alain Ducasse in London, the staff at Vinkeles went about and beyond to accommodate myself, husband and two children. Now about the food. From the first bite to the last bite of dessert, every course and entree was exceptionally prepared. Every course was more tasty, delicious and a little slice of heaven from the last. The wine pairings were perfection. The desserts were mouth watering! Totally worth every penny. Make reservations far in advance. Or if you can't get in, call Amex Platinum and they can help!

John L.

Yelp

Fantastic Michelin 1 star experience. Perfect service. Innovative, delicious food. Excellent wine pairings. And a super-smart and flexible approach to the chef's tasting menu; allowing for 4,5,6, or 8 courses AND allowing for full or half (1/2 or 1/4 glass) wine pairing options...perfect for lighter drinkers. Cheeses are phenomenal. Deserts predictably strong.

Robert M.

Yelp

Average food and service, definitely not on par with a 1 Michelin star. I ordered the 8-corse tasting menu and -- after over FOUR hours -- left after only completing five of the eight dishes. Each dish takes approximately 5 minutes to eat and there is another (seemingly interminable, no matter how good your company) 30 minute wait for the next course. That's ok for three courses, but a near monastic feat for eight. If you don't mind my opining on food, with some passing knowledge of Michelin-starred joints, the dishes were rather uninspired. Very few dishes -- with the exception of the squab and John Dory -- had flavors that worked well together. Even the Wagyu, while well cooked, seemed saved by the quality of the material rather than the skill or inventiveness if its preparation. The wine pairings were equally average, some corresponding well to the associated dishes and some falling flat. The South African Malgas was a great pairing with the John Dory, and the old vine Spanish grenache was adequate with the squab. Interestingly, the Pomerol was far too tannic for the Wagyu steak. Only the acidity in the vinaigrette accompanying the mushrooms balanced that wine. Tasting the mushrooms dipped in vinaigrette with the Pomerol may have been the best pairing of the evening, the only one that showed a balanced wine (sommelier, please take note!). In summary: average meal, far too long, poor value at nearly €600, better options elsewhere.

Akiko Y.

Yelp

This was our first fancy stop during our honeymoon. When we came downstairs (we stayed at the Dylan) for our reservation, we were greeted by a gentleman to sit in their lounge area for champagne and nibbles before our dinner. Every little bite was delicious! After the lounge, we were seated for dinner, and chose the chef tasting menu. We loved every dish but by far the best was the "Pommes Tsarine" which was a glass filled with creme fraiche, potato and so much caviar that it looked like boba tea. I was sad when I finished it... The service was wonderful and friendly which made our night fun. We will definitely go back again when we're in Amsterdam next.

Oliver V.

Yelp

So happy that we ended our trip in Amsterdam at Vinkeles. The food was phenomenal (spring for the Wagyu!) and the young attentive staff were amazing (polite and unpretentious). The wine pairing was the best I've had in a while and it kept up with the innovative food. The decor and ambiance was a mix of modern and rustic (the room used to be an old bakery). The restaurant is set inside the Dylan hotel and you walk through a really cozy seating area and bar before you enter the restaurant. You get a copy of the menu at the beginning of the meal so you can follow along. All-in-all, this place is a triumph and I highly recommend it.

X Y.

Yelp

Was here for a business dinner a couple of months ago. Fantastic experience. I travel all over the world and this is, like a previous poster suggested, a true gem and it most definitely deserves it's Michelin star. The food was outstanding. What stood out even more though were the finely tuned wines for each course. I travel world wide and dine fine everywhere, but have not encountered such a wide array of detailed perfection. I will definitely come back when I will travel to northern Germany and the Netherlands.

Syl M.

Yelp

Vinkeles is absolutely amazing! Wonderful ambiance, professional and friendly service and the food.... to die for. Totally lives up to it's Michelin star and Alliance Gastronomique membership.

Brian A.

Yelp

I would stay away from this place. Some of the staff at The Dylan Hotel are very rude and even lie to you. The restaurant, yeah, maybe a Michelin star but way over-priced. There are a few Michelin star restaurants that are much better choices: Vermeer, Le Rive, The White Room (excellent), even a little French restaurant that doesn't have a star is exceptional: l'invite. I find the Dylan Hotel and the restaurant pricing, well there is a whole lot of arrogance there.

LJ N.

Yelp

We had dinner here December 30 to ring in the new year, since they were closed on December 31. Indeed the setting is very beautiful, and the service is without fault, albeit a little stuffy and reserved feeling in general. We enjoyed the chef's small amuses, particularly the pearl in the oyster which contained a little gin and triple sec. The flavor was spot on, and the creativity left us inspired for the rest of the meal. The last amuse was a green meringue which had a somewhat unpleasant flavor which we took to be a palate cleansing effect. Most of the dishes seemed dry, lacking flavor and ambition, and arrogantly priced. I quite enjoyed the venison and the wagyu beef though it was really nothing special, while my husband had the pigeon. I am glad I chose not to have that dish. The duck liver dish seemed well thought out. I tried it but the flavor and aroma was not to my taste, which may just be my personal preference. My husband passed on my portion as well. The chocolate dessert was tasty, but again nothing special. The palate cleanser before dessert was another green concoction that just did not taste good. We were disappointed in the end and wished we had chosen another restaurant. We made the most however, and enjoyed the wine and conversation.

Melissa J.

Yelp

This was the most amazingly wonderful dining experience. My boyfriend and I celebrated our anniversary here and it was the mist memorable evening. I think this is the best restaurant I have ever been to.

@michelinguide

This Amsterdam MICHELIN Guide Hotel Has a Two Star Restaurant Inside

View Postcard for Vinkeles

@michelinguide

Vinkeles awarded Two Stars in the MICHELIN Guide Netherlands 2023

View Postcard for Vinkeles

@michelinguide

Vinkeles

View Postcard for Vinkeles

Sam Potorti'

Google

Wanderer in NL

Google

We had an amazing time here. Service is very lovely, everyone is nice and friendly. Food was amazing, each dish had its unique flavor to it. It was truly a unique experience that I am so happy about.

F F

Google

Naskhanym Chausheva

Google

Max Dijkema

Google

Catherine Wang

Google

Constanza Carvacho

Google

Jonathan C.

Yelp

M K.

Yelp

Noah R.

Yelp

Mindi G.

Yelp

Donald A.

Yelp

Kevin M.

Yelp

G. C.

Yelp

Pierre W.

Yelp

Ross H.

Yelp

Noelle B.

Yelp

Mel S.

Yelp

Vinkles is a high price for high quality. WOW WOW WOW! absolute stunning food in taste and presentation.

Sheba G.

Yelp

John L.

Yelp

Robert M.

Yelp

Akiko Y.

Yelp

Oliver V.

Yelp

X Y.

Yelp

Syl M.

Yelp

Vinkeles is absolutely amazing! Wonderful ambiance, professional and friendly service and the food.... to die for. Totally lives up to it's Michelin star and Alliance Gastronomique membership.

Brian A.

Yelp

LJ N.

Yelp

Melissa J.

Yelp

Vinkeles

Photos

Highlights

Postcards

You might also like