Fish, fish and more fish

Bar Fisk in Amsterdam’s De Pijp has fish written all over it. From the interior to what’s on the plate. If you love fish, this is where you need to be.

The lamp above our table is made from a fishing rod, the bar features a scale motif and even fish have been drawn in the bathroom. It quickly becomes clear that we’re dealing with a more-than-fishy concept. It’s noisy because the place is completely full on Wednesday evening. The lively and welcoming atmosphere of Tel Aviv, but in Amsterdam. We’re especially big fans of the cheerful music, which makes a major contribution to the atmosphere here.

Focus on fish

The dishes on the menu are intended for sharing and cost between €9 and €17.50; for the latter price, you get a whole sea bass. Count on around two to three dishes per person for a full stomach. The focus is on fish, with a small number of vegetarian and meat dishes, all modern Israeli. There’s also an extensive selection of cocktails, which we happily drink alongside the menu, leaving the entire selection up to the kitchen.

Surprising flavours

We start with tartare of corvina with labneh, aubergine and tabbouleh. The tabbouleh is exactly as it should be: an enormous amount of fresh parsley with a few specks of bulgur, rather than the other way around. The smoked mackerel with horseradish is also a hit. The crunchy bulgur gives the dish texture and a distinctive flavour. We’re not very familiar with Israeli cuisine, and all the flavours are surprising without there being too much on the plate or any far-fetched combinations.

Even when we stray from fish, we’re not disappointed

The mussels with tarragon and preserved lemon are perfectly cooked and delicious. Even when we stray from fish, we’re not disappointed. The lamb sweetbreads have a great texture and are crispy, just like the potatoes served alongside them. Fresh oregano, charred garlic and a good dose of salt: we love it. The portions are generous; we share six dishes and a dessert in total, and that was more than enough. The dessert with rosewater, pistachio and coconut tastes typically Tel Aviv and is light enough to still manage after all the dishes.

Plenty of options

Every Monday you can go there for Tasty Mondays, when you order a six-course chef’s menu for €35, and on weekends they’re open for lunch. Plenty of opportunities to get your fish fork into something delicious. Just don’t wear clothes you need to wear to an important meeting the next day. The extraction system isn’t the best, resulting in a strong smell of fried food lingering in your clothes.

Bar Fisk
Eerste Sweelinckstraat 23
Amsterdam