d’Vijff Vlieghen

Tucked into five interconnected canal houses on the Spuistraat, d’Vijff Vlieghen (The Five Flies) occupies a singular space in Amsterdam’s culinary landscape. This is not simply a restaurant—it is a living gallery where 17th-century Delft Blue tiles, original Rembrandt etchings, and gold-plated leather walls create an immersive journey into the Dutch Golden Age. Since 1939, guests have dined here surrounded by centuries of Amsterdam history, making it one of the city’s most storied dining destinations.

The eccentric origins of The Five Flies

The restaurant owes its existence to Nicolaas Kroese, an Amsterdam-born entrepreneur who transformed an antiques shop into what would become an international dining phenomenon. Kroese started selling art and antiques on the Spuistraat in the late 1930s, eventually serving drinks and small bites to his customers. This natural combination of commerce and hospitality gave birth to d’Vijff Vlieghen in 1939.

Kroese cultivated an eccentric public persona, famously declaring himself “King of the Five Flies” and claiming he was “born in 1627 and forgot to die.” In September 1953, he traveled to New York to celebrate the city’s 300th anniversary, carrying a brass cage containing five copper flies. His theatrical promotion worked: American tourists flocked to Amsterdam specifically to meet the mysterious man and dine in his unusual establishment. Those copper flies remain on display in the restaurant today.

The guestbooks tell the story of d’Vijff Vlieghen’s remarkable clientele. Dating back to 1946, these volumes contain signatures from Walt Disney, Mick Jagger, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Presley, Henry Ford, Kirk Douglas, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Orson Welles. Certain chairs bear copper plates engraved with the names of the famous guests who once occupied them.

A maze of Golden Age chambers

The restaurant spans five connected 17th-century houses, with the oldest sections dating to 1627. Each dining room possesses its own distinct character and collection of antique treasures.

• The Rembrandt Room houses four original etchings acquired directly from the artist’s studio. Walls covered in leather from the 17th and 19th centuries create an intimate atmosphere suited to romantic dinners. This room also displays the restaurant’s historic guestbook collection.
• The Knights Room overlooks the open kitchen and features tables set with original Delft Blue tiles from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The tile-topped tables make this the only dining room without traditional tablecloths—a deliberate choice to showcase these ceramic treasures.
• The Print Room contains a collection of 18th and 19th-century architectural plans alongside even older Delft Blue tiles. History enthusiasts often linger here, examining the details of Amsterdam’s past.
• The Bridal Room sits on the first floor and evokes the interior of a 17th-century ship’s cabin. With capacity for 20 guests, it serves as an intimate space for private gatherings.
• The Glass Room features walls decorated with gold-plated leather, creating a warm, luminous environment that many visitors compare to dining inside a treasure chest.

Throughout these interconnected spaces, exposed brickwork, oak beams, tiled floors, and candlelight combine to create what the restaurant calls a “culinary museum”—a phrase that captures its dual identity as both dining establishment and living gallery.

Modern Dutch cuisine with Golden Age ambiance

Head chef Jeroen Klaasen builds menus around Dutch seasonal ingredients, sourcing organic and locally grown produce whenever possible. The kitchen philosophy emphasizes purity: recognizable ingredients, clean preparations, and dishes that honor the quality of Dutch produce.

The menu offers both à la carte selections and multi-course set menus. Signature dishes include Dutch shrimp with spring vegetables, butter lettuce, and garlic butter; and belly bacon paired with award-winning meatballs, apple, Brussels sprouts, and pearl onions. The kitchen’s elevated take on the traditional Huzarensalade—reinventing this Dutch household staple with veal, egg, Amsterdam-style pickle, and brioche—demonstrates the restaurant’s approach to honoring heritage while pursuing culinary refinement.

Wine pairings complement the seasonal menus, and the bar serves Dutch wines and an assortment of traditional Dutch jenevers (Dutch gin). Budget approximately €100-125 per person for a full dining experience.

Practical information

• Address: Spuistraat 294-302, 1012 VX Amsterdam
• Hours: Open daily from 5:30 PM (17:30) to 10:00 PM (22:00). Dinner service only.
• Getting there: The restaurant sits steps from Dam Square in Amsterdam’s city center. The nearest tram stop is Koningsplein, served by trams 2, 12, 14, and 17 (2-minute walk). Rokin metro station (line 52) is approximately 5 minutes on foot. Those arriving from Central Station can walk south through the city center in about 10 minutes.
• For cyclists, bike racks are available nearby on Spuistraat. If driving, the nearest parking garage is Q-Park Bijenkorf, a 5-minute walk away—though navigating Amsterdam’s center by car presents its own challenges.
• Reservations: Recommended, especially for weekend evenings and peak tourist season. Online booking available through the restaurant’s website.
• Atmosphere: The restaurant draws a mix of international visitors appreciating both the cuisine and the historic setting. The multi-room layout means intimate corners exist alongside larger spaces suitable for groups. Staff members often share stories about the building’s history and Nicolaas Kroese’s legacy when time permits.

Step back, then step inside

The waiters navigating the steep 17th-century staircases, the flicker of candlelight on centuries-old leather, the knowledge that you might be sitting where Walt Disney or Mick Jagger once dined—d’Vijff Vlieghen offers an experience that extends far beyond the plate. Sign the guestbook before you leave. You’ll become part of a tradition stretching back nearly 80 years, joining the countless travelers who have passed through these five historic houses and discovered that some Amsterdam institutions earn their legendary status.