Paskamer

Tucked away on a quiet residential stretch of Lutmastraat in Amsterdam’s De Pijp neighborhood, Wijnbar Paskamer has earned its reputation as one of the Netherlands’ finest wine destinations. This intimate wine bar claimed the prestigious Wine Bar of the Year award in 2022, cementing its status among Dutch wine enthusiasts and visitors seeking an authentic Amsterdam evening.

The name “Paskamer” translates to “fitting room” in Dutch—a playful nod to the bar’s philosophy of helping guests find the perfect wine to fit their palate and their plate. The team here works in both directions: recommending wines to complement your chosen dishes, or suggesting dishes that will elevate your selected glass. It’s an approach that sets Paskamer apart from typical wine bars where food remains an afterthought.

A neighborhood gem with serious credentials

Paskamer operates as the casual sibling to Restaurant Reuring, located directly across the street. While Reuring focuses on multi-course dining experiences, Paskamer offers a more relaxed format of shareable small plates designed for lingering conversations over quality glasses.

The bar maintains a formidable wine program. With more than 300 different wine titles on the list and a minimum of 30 wines available by the glass at any time, the selection caters to both curious beginners and seasoned collectors. The team uses Coravin technology to offer daily-changing rare pours that would otherwise require committing to a full bottle—a thoughtful touch for those wanting to taste wines typically beyond the by-the-glass experience.

The staff brings serious expertise to the table. Most team members hold WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) or SDEN certifications, and the bar maintains a formal partnership with Amsterdam Wine Academy. This collaboration means Paskamer serves as both a practical training ground for wine students and a venue where guests benefit from genuinely knowledgeable recommendations rather than generic upselling.

The menu: European influences, Amsterdam soul

Paskamer’s kitchen produces an ever-rotating selection of dishes built for sharing. The menu draws from Mediterranean and broader European traditions while incorporating Dutch sensibilities. Current offerings have included burrata with red beet and sherry dressing, thinly sliced octopus with pimenton de la vera, pork belly with hoisin, and the housemade bakkeljauw (salt cod) bitterbal—a refined take on the classic Dutch bar snack.

The kitchen understands its role: these plates exist to enhance the wine, not compete with it. Portion sizes encourage sampling multiple dishes across an evening, building a progression that mirrors the journey through different glasses. Vegetarian options feature prominently, and the team accommodates dietary requirements with advance notice.

High wine: a Dutch tradition perfected

One of Paskamer’s signature offerings is its high wine experience—a concept that has become increasingly popular across the Netherlands. Think of it as the wine-lover’s answer to high tea: a structured tasting format featuring three rounds of carefully selected wines, each paired with a complementary small bite.

The experience runs approximately ninety minutes to two hours, with WSET-certified sommeliers guiding guests through each pairing. They explain not just what you’re tasting, but why these particular combinations work. At roughly €36 for three rounds (with the option to add additional rounds), it represents genuine value for an educational and pleasurable evening.

High wine sessions work particularly well for smaller groups, couples, or solo visitors seeking a more interactive experience. Reservations are essential.

The space and atmosphere

The interior strikes a careful balance between polish and comfort. Large windows facing Lutmastraat let natural light flood the space during afternoon hours, while the tiled walls and Chesterfield seating create warmth as evening approaches. A communal table anchors the center of the room, encouraging the kind of spontaneous conversations that happen when strangers share a passion for good wine.

The atmosphere skews lively rather than hushed—this isn’t the sort of wine bar where you whisper reverently about tannin structure. Conversations flow freely, the space fills with animated discussion, and the overall feeling resembles gathering at a knowledgeable friend’s home rather than performing wine expertise for an audience.

Outdoor seating appears when weather permits, offering prime people-watching along this residential stretch of De Pijp.

De Pijp: context for your visit

Paskamer sits in one of Amsterdam’s most vibrant neighborhoods. De Pijp emerged in the late 19th century as housing for workers drawn by the Industrial Revolution. The area earned its name—”The Pipe”—from its long, narrow streets that cut through the district.

The famous Albert Cuyp Market operates just a few minutes’ walk away. Running since 1905, this daily market (Monday through Saturday) stretches along Albert Cuypstraat with nearly 300 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to flowers to the Dutch treats visitors seek: warm stroopwafels, fresh herring, and poffertjes.

The neighborhood has transformed significantly since its working-class origins. Today De Pijp hosts a cosmopolitan mix of young families, creative professionals, and international residents. The area surrounding Paskamer fills with cafés, boutiques, and restaurants—though it maintains a residential character that feels distinctly different from the tourist-heavy city center.

Practical information

• Address: Lutmastraat 132, 1073 HB Amsterdam (De Pijp neighborhood)

• Hours:
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday–Friday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
  • Saturday: 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM
  • Sunday: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM

• Contact: +31 20 362 7468
• Reservations: Strongly recommended, particularly for high wine experiences and weekend evenings. Book through their website at paskamer.amsterdam.
• Getting there: The nearest tram stop is Stadhouderskade (lines 4, 7, 19, 24), about a five-minute walk. Metro station De Pijp on the North/South line (52) is approximately ten minutes on foot. The bar sits in the residential heart of De Pijp, south of the Albert Cuyp Market area.
• Price range: Expect €8–15 for most wines by the glass, with rare Coravin selections ranging higher. Small plates run €6–15. A complete evening of wine and food for two typically falls between €80–120.
• Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair accessible.
• Languages: Staff speak Dutch and English fluently.

What makes Paskamer worth your time

Paskamer succeeds because it takes wine seriously without taking itself too seriously. The knowledge runs deep—these are people who have invested in formal wine education and continue learning—but the delivery remains accessible and unpretentious. You can arrive knowing nothing about wine and leave having genuinely learned something, without feeling condescended to or overwhelmed.

The food earns its place alongside the wine rather than functioning as mere accompaniment. The service strikes the right balance between attentive and unobtrusive. And the neighborhood location means you’re experiencing Amsterdam as locals do, away from the crush of the central tourist district.

For wine enthusiasts visiting Amsterdam, Paskamer belongs on the shortlist. For locals seeking a reliable spot where quality and atmosphere align consistently, it has earned its regular clientele for good reason.

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