Restaurant JA - Fine Dining with a lot of Love

23. Dez.

A stylishly set wooden table at Restaurant JA in Amsterdam with wine glasses, a lit candle, and a white vase with dried flowers.

in short…

a little gem in De Pijp
Amy and Julius - the loveliest hosts
what we love - every plate is a work of art

Being cooked for by friends, in a familiar atmosphere, with that extra touch of love that only dear ones can infuse into their food, is always a rare delight to find outside one's home.

At Amy and Julius's restaurant JA such a cozy feeling washes over you the moment you step into the charming space with its open kitchen.

It is here that we learn fine dining can indeed be incredibly familial.

Restaurant JA in Amsterdam featuring two elegantly set wooden tables in front of a large window with decorative glass details. Bicycles and cars are visible outside.

The most beautiful Dining Room

After a leisurely stroll through Sarphatipark, we amble through the surrounding De Pijp district, dating back to the late 19th century.

At Tweede Jan Steenstraat 3, we are captivated by a beautiful white wooden storefront.

Exterior view of Restaurant Jā in Amsterdam with large front window, floral vase display, Art Nouveau details and website printed on the glass.

At first glance, we envy the family who calls this extraordinarily pretty dining room their own and, admittedly, we peer inside a bit too cheekily.

To our great delight, a second look reveals a small, picturesque restaurant.

In delicate white lines, we read the word "JA" on the windowpane. Fortunately, we manage to secure one of the few tables in this intimate locale on short notice.

The perfect hosts

In the open kitchen of Restaurant JA in Amsterdam, Amy and Julius work intently on their dishes. A white vase with blooming branches decorates the counter.

On Friday evening, we are the first guests to arrive, stepping inside almost bashfully, as if entering a private residence.

Amy and Julius greet us with such warmth, it feels akin to being welcomed by old friends, and immediately, we feel right at home.

Two bite-sized appetizers with caviar served on a black wide-rim plate, placed on a wooden table at Restaurant Jā in Amsterdam.

As the JA begins to fill, Julius transforms plates in the kitchen into small works of art, giving rise to a feeling of wanting to join him and chat a bit.

Amy, the perfect hostess, is always present for any questions and friendly conversation throughout the evening.

A beetroot starter with decorative licorice spiral, served in a textured white bowl at Ja Restaurant in Amsterdam, accompanied by a glass of white wine.

The JA-Menu

The delicious four-course menu is framed by incredibly refined amuse-bouches and the finest Dutch cheese for those who wish.

It comes without meat, without anything missing.

A fillet of fish with crispy crust, served on a light sauce and topped with white blossoms, presented on a white plate at Ja Restaurant in Amsterdam.

The fish and seafood are sourced from the sustainably managed Amsterdam fishery of Hendrik Kramer and couldn't be fresher or more flavorful.

The wine pairing, consisting of four or five glasses depending on your preference, is meticulously chosen and adds such enjoyment that it feels almost essential.