Bakery and restaurant Papillon is the new neighborhood favorite in Amsterdam-Noord

In Amsterdam-Noord, there’s always something exciting happening when it comes to new food spots. And with Papillon, the second restaurant by Thomas van der Meulen (you may know him from Mitts in Oost), there’s another hit on the scene. He raised the investment for Papillon through crowdfunding. The place has only just opened, but it’s already a hit with local residents and passersby with a nose for good coffee, delicious sourdough bread and great food.

From vacant building to lively restaurant

The large building on Papaverweg stood empty for more than a year and a half. Now, thanks to Papillon, it has become a bustling hub. When you enter, the half-open kitchen and bakery are on the left, while the restaurant area is on the right. Outside, there is a large terrace. The parasols are still folded up, but you can imagine how lovely this place will be in warm weather. And it was clear that there was a need for somewhere like this: even before opening time, there’s already a queue for freshly baked bread and croissants.

Deli by day, dinner by night

At Papillon, the day starts with a specialty coffee, with or without viennoiserie, or lunch with Tuscan scattiata. This bread is reminiscent of focaccia, but is less airy and thinner. In the evening, Papillon transforms into a restaurant where you dine on seasonal Mediterranean dishes, optionally paired with a natural wine – the wine of Noord; at the very least, it’s a striking choice.

Private dining

Papillon is spacious and feels like a canteen. With tables for two, seats at the bar and long benches, it’s a place for everyone: families with hungry children, couples on a date or friends who only stop by for a sandwich but end up having a glass of wine at sunset. Also handy: Papillon has a space for private dining and small parties.

Favorites on the menu

Tender ribeye, delicious chocolates

The ribeye is wonderfully tender and comes with potato cream and gremolata; the latter is a mixture of lemon zest, garlic and parsley, with the garlic fortunately not overpowering. The slowly cooked lamb shoulder is also delicious, topped with a crunchy sesame cracker. We also order the two side dishes: a huge grilled romaine lettuce with almond and vitello tonnato dressing, and incredibly tasty crispy potatoes with tzatziki mayo (once again: kudos for not overdoing the garlic).

Of the four desserts, unfortunately only the homemade chocolate truffles are still available, but they are incredibly delicious. The atmosphere stays great all evening – what a lovely place this is. Even if you don’t live in Noord: take the ferry across the IJ and you’ll be there in no time. We’ll be back soon!

Papillon practical information

Address: Papaverweg 38, Amsterdam-Noord
Open: Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday from 09:00 – 00:00, Friday & Saturday from  09:00 – 01:00 (open 7 days a week soon).
Reservations: via the Papillon website or simply walk in

Also read:

• Restaurant V12 in Amsterdam-Noord: delicious food, a lovely terrace and well-priced
• Review: the new French restaurant Veneur in Amsterdam
• BAUT Del Sol: the Ibiza of Amsterdam you’ll want to visit now