Pianeta Terra, a good (hidden) Italian restaurant in Amsterdam
Pianeta Terra, a well-preserved - you might say well-hidden - gem of an Italian restaurant in the heart of Amsterdam. There will be people who already know Pianeta Terra. Not surprising, because they have been in Amsterdam for 24 years. In a pretty side street of the Singel, near the Spui, and in 2024 Pianeta Terra is at number 23 of I rigliori ristoranti italiani nel mondo 2024 - 50 Top Italy 2024, in addition to scoring a 13,5 on Gault & Millau. Small, attractive and with such a nice come-in atmosphere. People came in with a dog, and later an elderly local resident with his newspaper and he only wanted a plate of pasta: that was also possible. Such a very friendly neighborhood atmosphere with fantastic food. Top!
Sustainable ingredients, slow food and high-quality dishes are the basis. Recommended for those who want Italian cuisine, but (very!) different from how you know it. No pizza, but very good pasta, but mainly excellent, creative dishes that you would not expect. A maki roll of leek and kimchi doesn't exactly scream Italian, but man: was it delicious. Chef Fabiano ensures that all the ingredients sing: nothing has the upper hand. Everything on your plate plays a leading role.
That's what we think of Pianeta Terra: creative cooking with Italian soul and a love for sustainable and slow. Although Pianeta is located in the heart of Amsterdam, its location means it is away from the hustle and bustle. Chef Fabio Antonini looks like a tough, seasoned kitchen master who does not follow all the winds but creates what he wants in terms of the menu. And that results in surprising dishes with ingredients that you may have lost sight of (or never heard of at all), such as scarola, an Italian endive. Of course not mashed with potatoes, but with mozzarella in a tomato jelly and a fermented spelled drizzle. High-level comfort food and an Italian soul!
Creative and sometimes experimental dishes with quality ingredients appear on the beautiful plates at Pianeta Terra. Organic, sustainable, local but also special, small-scale grown vegetables, cheeses, fruits, livestock and game from special regions in Italy. They work with Slow Food Presidia and Ark of Taste, which immediately monitors the high standards and protection of food biodiversity.
The changing menu consists of 3, 4, 5 or 7 courses - which we absolutely recommend and you can indicate your own preferences. Our favorites were the tortellini with green leafy vegetables and sage, and the matcha fondant, although these dishes are also seasonal. Top off the edible with the equally experimental but oh-so-good organic, biodynamic and natural wines. Your evening Planet Earth is one for the books.
