Whenever Rein op 't Root (you know, the culinary mastermind behind favorites Europizza and Europa) recommends something to us, we naturally take it seriously. So we quickly settled in at Rondo, where one of Rein's former colleagues, along with a good friend who gained experience at Toscanini, VRR, and Metro, is running the place.

Upon entering, it immediately feels like stepping into a large living room. With an open kitchen and bar already busily occupied, we take a seat at one of the wooden tables. They're arranged in a semicircle in the corner building, with the door right in the middle, giving it a cozy feel. And in case you're wondering where the name Rondo comes from: guess again, because we can already reveal that this is not the case.

There is already a small snack menu on the table, on which you can Egg Sambal Absolutely not to be missed. There's so much delicious food on offer that you have to be careful not to order too enthusiastically, because the menu that follows sounds just as tempting.

The team exudes confidence and enthusiasm, and that's precisely what makes it easy to linger here all evening. It's only with dessert that we truly understand the name Rondo, which refers to the traditional rondo cookie—you know, the one with almond paste and a crispy crust. The cookie's classic, nostalgic, and slightly retro image is a surprisingly good fit for this establishment. Rondo has everything it takes to become an Amsterdam classic.

Rondo