Café Cook

Found this little place by accident and I am thrilled. It was the most local experience I’ve had on our two week European trip. We were the only Americans there, the menus were only in Dutch, and I really wasn’t sure exactly what I was ordering. The staff was excellent, and they took such good care of us. I would say that if you want a local, energetic, bistro feel, this is the place. We had a few plates of soup, osso bucco and a nettle (?) bread and fig starter, and a lovely fish entrée. We had a delicious cheesecake from a local patisserie, 2 sodas, three beers, a complimentary order of a local snack (bitterballen) and all of it was delicious and only 64 Euros. Best deal for a nice, sit-​down meal in a long while. Excellent!

Colleagues of mine who live in the same neighbourhood are always surprised that I have never heard of this place. In my defence, it’s in a street where I have no business so I have never seen it.
Also I have regularly misjudged the opinions of some colleagues when they tell me that they had the bestest something or other somewhere, EVER. And then I go try it out and it is a total let down.
First thing my colleague told me about this place is that it is very popular and having a reservation is a pro. When we walked in and asked for a table for two, the first fact turned out to be true. The place was buzzing and all the empty tables had reservations. However they could place us for slightly longer than an hour. Sounded fine for us.
The place has a very comfy ambiance, small groups of people actively discussing and more than enough children and a few prams. So if you like a quiet place, this would not be my first suggestion.
Just before we were about to open the menu the friend waiter informed us about the daily specials. One was venison on mash of chestnuts and red beets. So we never really looked at what else was on offer (I know as a good Unilocaler I should have to give you an better idea of the place, my apologies. I’m easily distracted when someone offers me venison).
Due to the active atmosphere we did have to lean into each other to have a conversation. It wasn’t hard to follow other people’s conversations though (-; At least you’re not in a dead silent restaurant afraid to raise your voice every now and then.
The food was WONDERFUL! The portion not very large, but quality trumps quantity!
The venison was perfectly cooked! The mash and the beets were nice, but the meat was the star!
So my colleague was right on this one (-; should have asked for some more ideas…
I will certainly be back on another occasion to try out some more!!!

Really nice hiding little café! once you arrive in that place you forget the noise and the wild city life.
The terrace is great, old fashion tables with sun until the end of the day.
eating over there is also great, but a bit expensive sometime for what it is!