Binnenvisser

​Binnenvisser took over the site of an old ”stamkroeg” (pub) in 2018 and transformed it into one of Amsterdam’s most buzzing locations. The space still has wonderful period touches such as the stained glass quarter-lights and a proper room-length bar.

The concept here is very much “bar” and not “wine bar”. The owners are serious natural wine fans, but there are also excellent craft beers and cocktails on offer. Food also takes centre stage for the earlier part of the evening. The five-course set menu is amazing value for money, and focuses a lot on creative treatments of vegetables – but there’s usually at least one meat or fish dish too.

The three co-owners all used to work in the music business, and their love of old-school hip-hop, funk and soul means there’s always a fine soundtrack. The music isn’t obtrusive during mealtimes, but it does get a little rowdier on weekend nights (when they’re open until 3 am).

That Binnenvisser is packed out seven nights a week is testament to its great ambience and relaxed vibe. There are no reservations unless you’re a party of six or more, but there’s usually a stool at the bar, or somewhere to squeeze in.

There’s a refreshing pretension-free attitude to wine – or indeed any drinks – here. You won’t find decanters, tasting notes or sommeliers, yet the wine list is super-smart and expressly designed to deliver great value drinking pleasure.

The ten or so by-the-glass options are usually easy going tasty affairs, that whilst sticking to their credentials will not offend more conservative wine lovers​. The few hundred bottle listings score pretty much 100% hits for pure drinkability and user-friendliness– think Marcel Lapierre, Claus Presinger and Dario Prinčič.