Leiden hot spot: Just Meet

I’m not really a steak connoisseur, nor do I eat a lot of steak, but that might change now that we have a high quality steak restaurant in Leiden. Just Meet (love the pun), is a meat restaurant that takes the traditional steakhouse up a notch on the culinary ladder. There is more flair and sophistication than in an ordinary American steakhouse, yet it is still gives you the experience and flavours of what a good classic cut of beef should be.

The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and  is transparent in what they offer: it has an open kitchen, and you can literally see the dry-aged meat hanging in the drying cabinet or you can peek into the wine cellar.  Another specialty of Just Meet is their large gin tonic collection. But also for fish or chicken lovers, or vegetarians there are options to enjoy a nice dinner at Just Meet.

The interior is robust yet elegant. There are two rooms, both with warm colours, wooden details, and industrial lamps. I also love the vintage accessories that give the space a living room feeling.

We were treated to a 4 course dinner. Everything was beautifully served and very tasty. Their wine and gin tonic menus are a perfect match with the food and the owner Luis who is a sommelier can advise you how and what wine to pair. They also encourage you to try things by altering it to your taste e.g. if you like to try a gin tonic, but are not a heavy drinker, they can create one with colour and a feminine touch like the Monkey47 gin, with rose petals and grapefruit. The service at Just Meet is impeccable. They really know what they are talking about. As a starter we had the roasted tuna with sesame seeds, a tuna cream, softly simmered bacon, and wasabi mayonnaise. The second course was the best in my opinion. It was crispy baked braised beef  with piccalilly, corn parmesan and pink pepper. As a main we had different kinds of meat: dry-aged black angus steak and short rib with veal gravy, fries and a green salad. All cut thick and deeply coloured with an intense, delicious flavour. And for dessert we had home made frozen yoghurt with Bastogne cookies crumble and red fruit.

Just Meet is located in Breestraat 18 in Leiden’s city center. The perfect spot for a family dinner, romantic evening for two, or to dine with a group of friends.

#spon – The dinner was complimentary. Nonetheless, I only share products or recommend places I like and are good for my readers.