Typical traditional Dutch cuisine evokes pictures of potatoes and vegetables mash, comfort food, and simmered meat with gravy, prepared with little seasoning and much simplicity. But now that view has changed. After eating at the newly opened restaurant Lt. Cornelis in Amsterdam, your perspective on Dutch cuisine will be totally altered, and you’ll be craving to taste more of it. Restaurant Lt. Cornelis takes Dutch cuisine up a notch, with a compelling menu served in an eye-catching interior.
The interior design
The interior design of Restaurant Lt. Cornelis celebrates the Dutch Golden era with a modern twist. It’s a mix of classical elements with modern sleekness. Focal point is a huge painting by Frans Hals – ‘De Magere Compagnie’ – with Lieutenant Cornelis depicted. Design studio HANK made use of historical elements like the 17th century ceiling, the authentic wooden stairs, stained glass windows, brick walls, and copper distillery kettles above the bar, to create a nostalgic feel. Delft’s blue pottery and paintings adorn the walls. Modern interior design like a white marble bar top, and black marble tables are combined with the original wooden chairs. A cognac leather bench adds sophisitication and warmth. The interior design seamlessly integrates past and present. For those who pay attention, some of the paintings are cinema graphics, while others are not. It’ll make you look twice when you suddenly see something moving in the painting.
The Food
At Lt. Cornelis they use the ‘shared dining’ method which means you share different smaller dishes with your party. The menu consist of typical Dutch food and flavours with a modern twist. They only use fresh seasonal, and local products, and you can taste that! There is the option for vegetarian dishes too. Besides shared dining there is also a la carte, a day special and a catch of the day.
We opted for a ‘sjiek’ (chic) menu consisting of 5 courses (€45). We started with the Beach crab bisque with buttermilk and chives and profiteroles. It was the best bisque I have ever tasted. It was truly sublime!
The next course were two dishes: a cold poultry cream paté with a pudding of white beans accompanied by mushrooms and tarragon. And an old cheese croquette, with pickled red beet, creme cru made of milk, and palm cabbage. I loved the croquette dish!
The main course were three dishes: blade steak with roasted celeriac, pumkin and bay leaf sauce. Yummie! Then the Seabass with parsnip, purslane, and fenugreek butter. And last the Alkmaar porridge risotto with barbecued leak, messenklever cheese. Delicious!
As a dessert we first had a delicious Dutch cheese platter. After that we were treated to vanilla ice-cream with brandy, homemade eggnog, and crepes with chocolate mouse and salted caramel. One word: WOW!
The Bar
At the bar you can indulge in cocktails and typical Dutch liquors and beers. Opposite is the chef’s table. The copper distillery kettles are transformed into design lighting.
Dinner at Lt. Cornelis was one to remember and to repeat. It introduces you to the surprisingly rich Dutch food culture and local cuisine in a friendly and informal setting. A must-try and must-go, and great addition to Amsterdam’s restaurant scene. It is right in the center, just off the Kalverstraat, and easy reachable by tram. For more info and reservations: restaurant Lt. Cornelis
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