The latest love of top chef Joris Bijdendijk: restaurant Wils in Amsterdam South

The Netherlands, Amsterdam, January 20, 2020, by Nina van Hilst

The latest love of top chef Joris Bijdendijk: restaurant Wils in Amsterdam South

Suppose you really want to eat out, but not in a stiff restaurant and preferably affordable too. Where are you going in Amsterdam? We recommend you Restaurant Wils, the latest love of top chef Joris Bijdendijk. Joris and his team cook in an open kitchen over a wood fire. That open fire produces small dishes with surprising compositions and special flavors. And an atmospheric vibe with a view over Amsterdam South.

Restaurant Wils

Restaurant Wils

This summer we were able to come and taste the upcoming concept of restaurant Wils with a small group. Nice to see that what was presented to us then – in words and on the plate – really came to life at the restaurant Wils in Amsterdam South, which opened in October. In the impressive open kitchen you can see chefs Friso van Amerongen, (fire master) Erwin Oudijk and Joris Bijdendijk at work. It is entertaining to see how Erwin creates steam on the gigantic wood stove. How Friso drapes petals onto a series of plates with tweezers. And how Joris obediently follows Friso's instructions. The plates that come out of the kitchen look nothing but impressive and extremely tasty. Staring at the spectacle in the kitchen also makes Wils a perfect spot for a dinner date where you are not sure whether there is enough - or you are already sure that there is not enough - to talk about. In addition to sitting around the kitchen, there are also tables for small and large groups where you can gaze out over a quiet Amsterdam from the top floor of this new building.

What makes restaurant Wils different from other restaurants is that open fire being cooked. And that fire, the smoke, the steam produces special flavors. The wood stove is a grand version of the stove that Joris used to learn to cook on at home. And although the Bijdendijks' kitchen may have been a lot less professional, Wils certainly has a cozy kitchen feeling. It does something to you to see the activity and passion in the kitchen.

We were completely surprised by the chefs in terms of the menu. Just like in the summer, we also saw the delicious baby corn on the cob with marjoram, the oyster with poured marrow fat (tastes a hundred times better than it sounds for a flexitarian like me) and the powerful broth that is so full of flavor and yet really drawn from roasted vegetables. But all the other dishes also gave my table companion - and the nice people next to us - and me a “ohh this is sooo delicious” response.

In addition to the wood fire, the open kitchen and the excellent quality of the food, wines and staff, the kombucha that you are served immediately upon arrival and the delicious homemade bread should also be mentioned. We don't have to say anymore that we are fans and can't wait to join in again, right?