Long chats at the cosy, casual Café Parlotte
By Deepa Paul
Westerstraat 182, 1015 MR Amsterdam
BOOK NOWThe citizens of the Jordaan beseeched the restaurant gods for a tiny, cosy French bistro they could call their own, somewhere with cheerful red-and-white checked tablecloths and a menu they’d never have to look at twice to find a fast favourite. Somewhere that would feel as at home in the alleys of the Marais as in the streets of their very own neighbourhood. Somewhere where they could jostle elbow to elbow with neighbours over an apero and a chat, where laughter could ring out onto the narrow sidewalk in the summer and bounce off warm candlelit walls in the colder months.
The restaurant gods answered, and Café Parlotte came to life.
Step into this Dutchified slice of Paris in the Jordaan, and you’ll be met with a brisk, warm welcome and a hefty wine list. Parlotte is French for the Dutch pastime known as kletsen: chatting, a thirsty-making activity for which many drinks are needed. Lean in closer, linger over a bottle of wine, and talk about everything and nothing in a friendly, intimate atmosphere with enough hints of French charm to transport you from everyday cares for a few hours. This is Café Parlotte’s invitation—one that’s all too easy to say oui to.
The drinks start flowing from 4 pm: bubbles, cider, and (for the well-behaved), a small selection of classic cocktails sans alcohol, to be enjoyed with the tried-and-tested trifecta of charcuterie, cheese, and oysters. For something a bit more substantial to go with the after-work drink, small savoury plates featuring terrine, shellfish, or toast (I thoroughly enjoyed mine, loaded with smashed peas, ricotta and confit of lemon) are also available.
Dinner begins at 5 pm, with your choice of a la carte French bistro favourites. Parlotte’s chefs prepare a prix fixe menu that changes daily: three courses for €47,50, or four courses for €57,75, both including dessert. On the evening of our visit, we decided to order the three-course menu, which proved to be good value—expect modest portions (remember, the French don’t supersize!) that all add up to a satisfying meal.
At Parlotte, dishes tend to be lavished with creamy, full-flavoured sauces, as is the French way (all the better to sop up with your fresh, thickly buttered sourdough bread). The carnivore in my life was more than happy with his lamb with broad beans, while I enjoyed my summer vegetable risotto with chanterelle mushrooms, although it was on the salty side for my taste.
By the time dessert comes, you’ll have packed away a whole bottle of wine and deconstructed your issues with your boss, mother or significant other. Round off with the classics: perhaps a Pavlova, airy and crowned with berries, or a delectably drippy toffee cake with hazelnuts. Leave satisfied and restored by the therapeutic powers of good food, great wine, and a heartfelt chat. The French would be proud.
Café Parlotte
The Place: The Dutch have appropriated a French bistro in the Jordaan and made it their own. Designed for lingering drinks and intimate chats amongst friends and neighbours.
The Space: Cozy, casual and cheerful: framed art deco prints on the walls suggest French glamour, but still accessible and approachable.
The Base: Drinks and bar snacks upwards of €30 p.p.; dinner upwards of €60 p.p. Prix fixe dinner menu includes dessert: 3 courses for €47,50, or 4 courses for €57,75.
The Face: Yuppies of the Jordaan, probably their cool aunts and uncles too.
The Ace: The chef’s menu for dinner changes daily, so you’ll never get bored.
The Veg: For drinks, cheese plates and toast with a vegetarian topping; for dinner, chefs are happy to provide vegetarian options.
Opening Hours: Mon, Wed – Fri 16.00- 01.00, Sat 13.00 – 01.00, Sun 13.00 – 21.00, Tues Closed
Images from parlotte.nl © Café Parlotte
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