After the inauguration of my new building of luxury apartments in Amsterdam—Eric Vökel Amsterdam Suites—this past August, my interest in and knowledge of this marvelous city is definitely on the rise. Trying new restaurants or rediscovering familiar establishments, charming nooks and crannies, and off-the-beaten-path museums, has become one of my favorite pursuits.
For this reason, I decided to revisit one of the city’s most emblematic restaurants, Café Restaurant Amsterdam—a true architectural and culinary gem housed in a former pumping station in the lively neighborhood of Westerpark, which is part of the Amsterdam West district.
The origins of Café Restaurant Amsterdam date back to the height of the industrial revolution at the end of the 19th century, when countless factories mushroomed all over this famous Northern European city, turning it into an industrial powerhouse.
Inaugurated in 1996, Café Restaurant Amsterdam occupies the impressive engine room of one of the legendary factories in the area, a former pumping station that supplied water to the entire city. After the neighborhood was remodeled, turning it into one of the liveliest alternative areas, Café Restaurant Amsterdam was born as a result of the citywide trend of restoring unique industrial buildings and reconverting them into theaters, museums, studios, apartments, and of course, restaurants.
The impeccable condition of the engine room made it possible for the premises’ new owners to preserve the industrial essence and spirit of the place, where a magnificent old diesel engine stands watch, as a splendid legacy of a glorious era that marked a turning point in the city’s history.
After 20 years in business, Café Restaurant Amsterdam remains one of the not-to-be-missed gastronomic landmarks where you can enjoy high quality cuisine in an extraordinary setting with great historic value.
Discover Amsterdam with Eric Vökel Amsterdam Suites!!
Leave a Reply