Table 3
Restaurant 212, Amsterdam
Previous Winners, click the links to read the awards
2019 - Alo, Toronto
2020 - l'eau Blanche, Fukuoka
2021 - Pavyllon by Yannick Alleno, Paris
The final award for 2022 doesn't just go to a restaurant. This hyper-exclusive award signifies the best world-class experience when dining solo. It's given to a specific seat or table in a restaurant.
First, we are very lucky 212 is alive and thriving. After receiving its second star, a fire forced a prolonged closure. While the layout of the space has changed, it's no longer exclusively a counter surrounding the open kitchen. Everything is still on display for the diner, making for a thrilling experience.
The room is relaxing with overtones of blonde woods. After all, it has to be comfortable. The chefs are working amongst you and introducing dishes to guests.
Table Three is in the centre of the action.
view from table three
Richard van Oostenbrugge and Thomas Groot persevered and have put together a gem of a restaurant. The dishes show finesse, restraint and exemplify the perfect progression in a tasting menu.
A signature of the menu that's been around in some form since opening. The most incredible "surf and turf" with the marrow adding a gelatinous richness countering the sweet, delicate tartar and salinity of the caviar.
Straight winter comfort food with artichoke taking centre stage.
Delicate. Yet flavourful with the fish soaking up the vin Jaune froth combined with the earthy truffles.
Bass. Eeel. Sauerkraut. Grapes. Unexpected. Surprising. Studding the eel within the bass provided a contrast of flavours. Smoky and sweet.
An olive tapenade below the skin was the perfect brine to mesh with the succulent pigeon.
Signature dessert brought from the chefs' previous outpost, Bord'Eau.
and as an added treat, a second dessert I ordered off the a la carte. Absolutely breathtaking in presentation. Gianduja chocolate, cranberry, smoked salt, raw cocoa bean
Service was thoughtful with thorough explanations on sourcing and the pairings were exceptional. Watching a masterclass up close is always exciting. When the food delivers, the experience ascends to another level.
Congratulations 212!
To qualify for The Single Table awards, I had to visit that location in the given calendar year.