Date: July 27, 2023

Oud-West was built in 25 years between 1875 and 1900. Between the Overtoom and the Vondelpark came posh streets culminating in the Vondel Church. The rest of Oud-West was a working-class neighborhood. Kinkerstraat and the streets around it were in huge disrepair in 1977.

In recent decades, the old working-class neighborhood has become hip and popular. You will find cozy cafes, hip coffee bars where the best coffee can be had and nice restaurants. From 1990 to 2010, Oud-West was a city district, then Oud-West merged into the new West district. Oud-West is bordered by the Singelgracht, the Vondelpark, the Kostverlorenvaart and the Hugo de Grootgracht. One of the most important traffic arteries of the city is located in Oud-West, namely: the Overtoom, which connects Nieuw-West and the Ring A10 with the Center.

GERTRUDE AMSTERDAM

Getrude Amsterdam opened its doors on Bosboom Toussaintstraat in March 2020. Getrude was founded by two catering entrepreneurs, one of whom is also the founder of Pazzi and van 't Spit. Together they also already own catering establishment Oeuf. At Getrude, Chef Amadou Dia prepares simple dishes in which seasonal vegetables and responsibly sourced fish and meat take center stage.

The menu changes frequently and is tailored to the season. You can choose to go for the menu composed by chef Amadou Dia or various dishes of your choice. The various dishes of your choice include oysters with mignonette and lemon, langoustine with lime blossom, sea buckthorn and sea lavender or corn with parmesan, Amsterdam onion, black beans and sardine.

In front of the door there is a cozy terrace where you can enjoy drinks, dinner or just a cup of coffee. Geertrude has a beautiful elegant coffee machine in operation. Gertrude has vintage furnishings. For example, there is a dark brown herringbone floor, old-fashioned portraits hanging on the wall and a chandelier on the ceiling. 

 

FIKISSIMO

In 2023, the owners of Italian restaurant Fiko opened right across the street: Fikissimo. At Fikissimo, the rich flavors of the Mediterranean are combined with the time-honored traditions of Italian cuisine to create a unique and unforgettable dining experience. Fikissimo aims to share the passion for food and hospitality with its guests and reflect the cultural melting pot of Amsterdam with its diverse menu. 

The restaurant concept has evolved, starting as a traditional Italian restaurant expanded to include sushi and other Mediterranean dishes. The menu is composed of: appetizers, pastas and risottos, main courses, side dishes and sashimi and nigiri. The freshest and best ingredients are imported from Southern Europe, including burrata, olive oil, fresh fish from Sicily and red tuna from Spain. As icing on the cake, there is a carefully curated wine list featuring wines from Spain, France and Italy. The finest champagnes can also be ordered for special occasions. 

As soon as you enter, you experience a Mediterranean feeling. The light colors and large olive trees radiate warmth of a true Mediterranean restaurant.  

 

LA PAROLE

Café de Kwaker gave way in March this year to French bistro: La Parole. La Parole is related to fish restaurant La Trout, which is also located in Oud-West. At La Parole you have classic high-quality French cuisine at an accessible price. Great care is given to responsible fish and meat dishes, but there are also vegetarian dishes. 

The lunch menu includes a variety of sandwiches, sandwiches, egg dishes, soups and salads. For dinner, you have a choice of French classics, such as escargots and moules frites. But the traditional cheeseburger (but with gruyere or blue cheese) with fries can also be ordered. Vegetarians have also been thought of. For example, you have roasted pointed cabbage with a stew of peppers, pecan and Hollandaise or roasted cauliflower in beurre noisette with oyster mushroom and tomato chutney. Finally, you have delicious desserts, including the classic crepe with a sauce of orange, almond crumble and vanilla ice cream. 

Reservations are not possible, but that suits the concept of a casual atmosphere. The interior is reminiscent of being in a French bistro. 

 

IKARIA PARK

Ikaria Food, a cozy blue kiosk restaurant on Kwakersplein, is expanding with a second location in Bilderdijk Park: Ikaria Park. Ikaria is named after a Greek island known for the high life expectancy of its inhabitants, speculated to be due to its healthy diet. This inspired the owners to use healthy produce, fresh herbs and local seasonal vegetables. Ikaria Park is a Greek shared-dining restaurant with authentic Greek dishes in a new look. 

Unlike Ikaria Food, Ikaria Park is also open in the evening. Just like the Greek tradition, dishes can be shared, such as moussaka and other classics. Besides the Greek classics, you also have culinary delicacies, such as: taramosalata and tigonita. At Ikaria Park, they believe in the art of Greek hospitality; getting together and sharing dishes. Local fresh produce and carefully selected wines are imported from Greece.

There is a very nice and large terrace where the long summer evenings can be enjoyed. If the weather is a bit less, you can also sit inside the restaurant. Here you are surrounded by large windows. The interior is warm and inviting. Wood and marble have been used and there are murals and decorative ornaments inspired by Greek culture.