Verlan – New York Vibes and French Cuisine
By Seger Abels
Prinsengracht 381, 1016HL Amsterdam
BOOK NOWDuring my stint as a sales manager for a trendy city-centre hotel, I had the opportunity to visit numerous companies nestled along the charming canals of Amsterdam. Prior to each visit, I would diligently research the company and envision the grandeur of their sprawling offices. However, much to my surprise, I often found myself standing in front of an unassuming door, questioning whether anything exciting resided behind it. Yet, as soon as I stepped inside, a whole new world would unfold before my eyes, revealing expansive spaces and lush gardens.
This captivating effect is reminiscent of the experience one has at Restaurant Verlan. Located on the picturesque Prinsengracht, the restaurant presents itself with an unassuming entrance. But don’t be fooled by its modest appearance, because as soon as you cross the threshold, you’ll discover a spacious dining establishment that extends far beyond your initial expectations. Verlan is no small eatery either, boasting over 90 seats!
On a Monday evening around 18:15, we arrived as the first patrons, but by the time we left, the restaurant was abuzz with every seat occupied. Verlan has truly struck a chord with both locals and tourists alike. The interior exudes an international flair, featuring a sleek marble bar, an inviting open kitchen, cosy seating, and a personal favourite of mine… plenty of round tables.
The owners of Verlan are no strangers to the restaurant scene, having successfully launched other notable establishments like Panache and Helling7. What impresses me about all of their ventures is the consistently excellent fare on offer, and Verlan is certainly no exception. The menu embraces a French influence, served à la carte throughout the day, accompanied by an enticing selection of cocktails and, my personal preference, an extensive array of French, Italian, Spanish, and German wines. Choosing just one from their impressive wine list can be quite the challenge and I always find myself wanting to try them all. If you happen to be at Verlan with a larger group of friends, consider perusing their selection of impressive large-format bottles!
My first encounter with Verlan was, unsurprisingly, through Instagram. The presentation of their steak tartare is not only designed for pure enjoyment but also for the perfect photo op. So, if you’re like me and appreciate those Instagram-worthy moments, don’t hesitate to order the steak tartare served with pomme Anna, a tantalizing egg yolk, and delectable bottarga. An absolute must-try! As a personal aficionado of steak frites, my initial visit to Verlan revolved around both the steak tartare and their exceptional rendition of this classic dish. I must say, it was a truly memorable evening.
Therefore, when you find yourself leisurely strolling through Amsterdam’s charm, make a point to visit Verlan. Whether you opt for a seat at the elegant marble bar to enjoy a few delectable bites or gather your friends around one of their inviting round tables to savour the entire menu, dining at Verlan promises an experience filled with joy and excitement.
Café Verlan
The Place: French
The Space: New York meets the canals of Amsterdam
The Base: €60-80 euros p.p
The Face: Amsterdammers and tourists alike
The Ace: one of the big round tables
The Veg: you will 100% find something on the menu for you here
Opening Times: Mon-Thurs 17:30-01:00, Fri-Sat 12:30-03:00, Sun 12:30-01:00
Images from @verlan_amsterdam, © Verlan
