TL;DR
Award‑winning Shiraz Jardin des Vins (Lijnbaansgracht 267, 1017 RL Amsterdam) combines a fearless wine list of 200+ labels from 20 countries with Michelin‑honed snacks, seasoned sommeliers, and the city’s most inviting canal‑side terrace. Come for the bottles you cannot pronounce, stay for the unexpected Middle‑East‑meets‑Burgundy vibe.
Why Shiraz Tops Amsterdam’s Wine Scene
- #1 Wine Bar of the Year (Dutch Wine Bar Awards, 2024)
- Sommelier of the Year: Allisandro Matrone – quick to translate your mood into a flawless pour.
- Founders with Michelin DNA: the Fitouri brothers (ex‑restaurant Fitouri, 2 נ★) curate every pairing.
- Jardin des Vins terrace: 32 seats under olive trees, heat lamps for chilly Dutch evenings.
- Adjoining Shiraz Boutique des Vins lets you bring rare finds home—yes, they’ll bubble‑wrap for hand luggage.
Fast Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | Lijnbaansgracht 267, 1017 RL, Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Opening Hours | Mon–Thu 15:00 – 00:00 · Fri–Sat 15:00 – 01:00 · Sun 15:00 – 23:00 |
| Wine List | 200+ wines from around 20 countries; strongest in Rhône, South Africa, Lebanon |
| By‑the‑Glass | 35 rotating pours (ask for the Coravin specials) |
| Food | Middle‑Eastern small plates, French bistro classics, vegan options |
| Average Spend | €9‑14 / glass · €45‑150 / bottle |
| Reservations | Recommended Thu‑Sat after 19:00; walk‑ins welcome off‑peak |
The Wine List: What to Drink First
Shiraz excels at contrast: familiar Burgundy beside Mullineux Chenin from Swartland, an elegant Coche-Dury Meursault shoulder‑to‑shoulder with edgy Georgian qvevri amber wine. Highlights this season:
- Domaine Lamy‑Pillot Chassagne‑Montrachet 2021 – laser‑precise white burgundy; pair with the za’atar‑spiced burrata.
- Château Musar 2017 – Lebanon’s flagship, decanted; astonishing with the lamb kofta sliders.
- Mullineux Syrah 2020 – velvet tannins, black olive notes; made for the duck rillettes bao.
- Jura Savagnin “Sous Voile” 2019 – nutty, oxidative; transforms the truffle‑salt popcorn.
- Grower Champagne Cazé‑Thibaut ‘Naturellement’ – zero dosage, razor‑sharp; kick‑starts any tasting flight.
Private Tastings & Classes
- Mini‑Masterclass (45 min, €35) – four themed wines, ideal pre‑dinner.
- Deep‑Dive Flight (2 hrs, €95) – explore orange wines or old‑vine Grenache; includes cheese & charcuterie board.
Food That Goes Beyond Cheese Cubes
Shiraz’s kitchen matches Michelin discipline with wine‑bar informality:
- Zucchini Flowers stuffed with Labneh – feather‑light, drizzle of date molasses.
- Charcuterie Board 2.0 – wild boar coppa, ras‑el‑hanout pâté, champagne‑mango chutney.
- Vegan Smoked Beet Tartare – beet cured in black cardamom, paired with aged balsamic pearls.
- Sun‑dried Tomato Kibbeh – unexpected umami hit alongside Rhône Grenache.
Every plate is formatted for sharing; portion sizes stay snack‑friendly so you can explore more of the extensive wine selection.
Best Time to Visit
| When | Crowd Level | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday 15:00‑18:00 | ★☆☆ | Chatty staff, daylight canal views, easy terrace seats |
| Fri‑Sat 18:00‑21:00 | ★★★ | Buzzing, prime people‑watching, reservation essential |
| Late‑night (after 22:30) | ★★☆ | Post‑dinner calm; sommeliers experiment with off‑list bottles |
How to Get There Without Spilling a Drop
- Tram: Lines 2, 11, 12 → Koningsplein (2‑min walk).
- Metro: North‑South line 52 → Rokin; walk 5 min via Spuistraat.
- Bike: Amstel’s safest bike lanes lead straight to Lijnbaansgracht 267; racks opposite the bar.
- Walk: 8 min from Dam Square, 6 min from Leidseplein—makes an easy canal stroll.
- Car: Don’t. Park at P+R Zeeburg and tram in; you’ll thank us after the second glass.
Insider Tips
- Sit at the bar for real‑time tasting notes from the sommeliers.
- Ask for the off‑menu mezcal – a secret nod to their partnership with a boutique Mexican importer.
- Split a bottle between courses; the kitchen will time dishes to your drinking pace.
- Shop smart: Buy bottles next door before your tasting; you’ll reclaim the VAT refund at Schiphol.
- Take the canal route home: Hop on the night tram at Leidseplein to watch Amsterdam light up.
