Facelift for Café Americain

Who doesn’t know the art deco café by Leidseplein? The grande dame has had a makeover—and welcomed a new chef.

Café Americain is an institution in the capital, and has been for more than a hundred years. The landmark building in striking art deco style, located next to the Stadsschouwburg, has a rich history. Since 1902, to be precise, when it was built next to Hotel American (without the i). The grand café’s fame is partly based on its heyday in the 1950s and 1960s, when it became a beloved spot for artists, creatives and writers. Insiders from those days still refer to it as ‘Het Américain’ or ‘Américain’.

Former glory

But you can’t live off former glory forever. The concept and interior had become—literally—worn out. So it was time for a refresh. Fortunately, the designers from Studio Linse (number 39 on the FavorFlav Food Top 100 of 2017) have respected the grande dame’s character. The art deco decor, with its stained-glass windows and original Tiffany lamps, has been preserved. Here and there, a contemporary touch has been added, with a new, impressive central cocktail bar and benches in separate booths. On a large wall hang framed old black-and-white photos that showcase its illustrious history.

New chef

The revamped menu by signature chef Peter Gast (known, among other things, for the Michelin-starred Schulten Hues and for Ballenbar in the Foodhallen) mainly features (French) brasserie classics. Think bouillabaisse, French onion soup, steak tartare, poussin and steak frites. The kitchen works extensively with local heroes such as Slagerij de Wit (Amsterdam ox sausage!), Patisserie Holtkamp (shrimp croquettes!) and the fries from Frites uit Zuyd.

Good news: the revamped Americain offers an all day menu. From an (à la carte) breakfast to a high tea with an extensive patisserie trolley filled with cream puffs, cakes and other sweets. And from drinks and dinner to a nightcap after a visit to the theatre or cinema.