Restaurant De Belhamel

Description

Nestled at the intersection of Amsterdam’s most picturesque canals, Restaurant De Belhamel occupies a truly extraordinary location where the Brouwersgracht meets the Herengracht. This exceptional positioning is one of only thirteen such canal junction houses in Amsterdam, making it an incredibly rare and sought-after dining destination.

What makes De Belhamel truly special is its complete preservation of original Art Nouveau features throughout the entire building. From top to bottom, authentic fin de siècle details create an atmosphere that transports guests to romantic turn-of-the-century Paris. The elegant interior showcases intricate wallpaper, beautifully crafted fixtures, and period details that have been lovingly maintained for over a century.

Since 2007, Restaurant De Belhamel has earned the prestigious Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand award annually, recognizing its exceptional French and Italian cuisine with European influences. The restaurant strikes the perfect balance between refined dining and approachable elegance, offering high-quality cuisine without the formality of fine dining establishments.

Often cited as Amsterdam’s most romantic restaurant, De Belhamel combines its stunning visual appeal with consistently excellent cuisine. The restaurant’s south-facing position provides remarkable views down the Herengracht, creating an unparalleled dining backdrop that changes beautifully throughout the day.

Key Features

Exceptional Canal Junction Location
De Belhamel’s position at the crossing of Brouwersgracht and Herengracht offers one of Amsterdam’s most spectacular dining views. This rare canal junction location provides panoramic water views that are unmatched anywhere else in the city.

Authentic Art Nouveau Architecture
The restaurant preserves complete original Art Nouveau details from floor to ceiling, creating an immersive historical dining experience. Every element, from decorative wallpapers to architectural fixtures, maintains the authentic character of fin de siècle design.

Michelin Bib Gourmand Recognition
Consistently awarded the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand since 2007, De Belhamel represents exceptional value in quality dining. This recognition highlights the restaurant’s ability to deliver outstanding cuisine at accessible prices.

Romantic Waterfront Terrace
During favorable weather, the canal-side terrace provides an intimate outdoor dining experience with direct water views. The terrace offers a front-row seat to Amsterdam’s famous canal boat traffic and historic architecture.

French and Italian Cuisine
The menu showcases classic French techniques combined with Italian influences, creating a sophisticated European dining experience. Dishes range from beef tenderloin carpaccio to expertly prepared duck liver preparations.

All-Day Dining Service
De Belhamel now offers extended service including breakfast from 9:30am, making it accessible for various dining occasions throughout the day. This flexibility allows guests to experience the restaurant’s charm during different lighting conditions.

Best Time to Visit

Service Hours
Restaurant De Belhamel operates Monday through Thursday and Sunday from 12:00pm-4:00pm for lunch and 6:00pm-10:00pm for dinner. Friday and Saturday extend dinner service until 10:30pm. Breakfast service begins at 9:30am daily.

Optimal Dining Times
The restaurant’s south-facing position makes afternoon dining particularly spectacular, with natural light flooding the Art Nouveau interior. Evening dining offers romantic ambiance with warm lighting highlighting the historic architectural details.

Seasonal Considerations
Spring through early autumn provides the best opportunity to enjoy the waterfront terrace, with mild weather perfect for canal-side dining. Winter transforms the interior into a cozy haven, with the Art Nouveau features creating an intimate, warming atmosphere.

Romantic Occasions
Widely recognized as Amsterdam’s most romantic restaurant, De Belhamel is ideal for special celebrations, anniversaries, and intimate dinners. The combination of historic ambiance and stunning canal views creates an unforgettable setting.

Reservation Recommendations
Given its reputation and limited seating, advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner service and weekend dining. The restaurant’s popularity with both locals and visitors means tables fill quickly during peak periods.

How to Get There

Address and Location
Restaurant De Belhamel is located at Brouwersgracht 60-C, 1013 GX Amsterdam, positioned at the canal junction where Brouwersgracht meets Herengracht on the edge of the Jordaan neighborhood.

Public Transportation
From Amsterdam Centraal Station, take tram 2 or 12 to Westermarkt stop, then walk 5 minutes north toward Prinsengracht and turn right onto Brouwersgracht. Alternatively, trams 2, 12, and 13 serve nearby Westerkerk stop.

Walking Directions
The restaurant is approximately 20 minutes walking from Amsterdam Centraal Station. Head west along Prins Hendrikkade, turn left onto Singel, follow to Brouwersgracht, then turn right. De Belhamel will be visible at the canal junction.

Cycling Access
Amsterdam’s excellent cycling infrastructure makes biking an ideal option. The 15-minute ride from Centraal Station follows scenic canal routes. Secure bike parking is available near the restaurant.

Taxi and Ride-sharing
Taxis and ride-sharing services can drop passengers directly at the restaurant address. However, traffic in central Amsterdam can be slow, particularly during rush hours, making public transport often faster.

Parking Considerations
Street parking in this historic area is limited and expensive. For drivers, Park & Ride facilities on the city outskirts combined with public transport offer a more practical solution for reaching the restaurant.