The guys who also set up Bar Franklin, Hugo’s and Carter have opened another hotspot overlooking the Amstel, on the border between de Pijp and Amsterdam East: Bar Americano! This New York-style restaurant with Italian cuisine has non-European standards. Why? STORY154 experienced it a few days ago…
The service
The world of Americano starts when you enter the corner permises: the 2nd door opens for you, you are welcomed with a smile, your coat will be hanged and you will be seated by the same handsome gentleman. More of this please!
The staff is friendly, helpful and explains everything: meals, wines and interior. Especially the limoncello on the house at the end of our dinner was something non-Dutch (more Southern European standards). While in the US service isn’t included, it is here. And I am willing to tip.. a lot! ;)
Check out these other new restaurants >
The interior
Every detail is thought of: From the faucet in the ladies to the wall paper from New Zealand, from the lovely white cloths on the table with beautiful cutlery to the large mirrors with steel in the back of the restaurant, shall I name more? I love the bar, the big table in the back (with the beautiful wall paper) where I see myself dining with lots of friends or hosting a ladies (or gents) only dinner.
The food
When you have dinner here, make sure to order the meatballs della nonna with homemade ricotta and arrabbiata sauce, truly mouth watering or as some Americans would say: A-MA-ZING! Chef Charlie wouldn’t give me the recipe, but maybe if I work it some more we might get it. This dish is simple (except for the homemade ricotta), tasty and the winner of starters competing against the carpaccio – though also very nice and tasty. Also try the burrata or go for a tasting of all starters then order the antipasti.
As an in-between course you should definitely try the risotto of the day which was served with porcini mushrooms and was really good. Just like the gnocchi with lobster. And if you can’t choose between all the yummy mains: the tagliata and the roasted seabass are my two faves! Order some side dishes like grilled veggies and potatoes with rosemary and vanilla salt to share with your partners in food.
The bar
Last but definitely not least – The Bar! When you arrive with an appetite (why won’t you?), you can order bar bites till 11pm: Oysters, mozzarella sticks, marinated olives, bruschetta with zucchini, vodka infused tomato or try one of their delicious pizza’s! And flush it away with an Americano, an Elite Espresso Martini, a sgroppino or all of them.
Although I might be a bit biased because my lovely friends of Nicemakers did the interior of Americano (responsible for SLA’s interior as well). Not only did they do a wonderful job (check the faucet in the ladies), Americano has a terrific good eye for food and service. Three times touché if you ask me!
XX, Michelle
Bar Americano
Amsteldijk 24
Amsterdam
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