Le Garage: see and be seen in the living room of Amsterdam-Zuid
It was briefly closed for a small renovation, but the mirrors have stayed—and so have some of the classics on the menu. Le Garage is once again the place in Amsterdam-Zuid for a good glass, a delicious bite and, of course, shamelessly watching the neighbors.
Hotspot for artists
Le Garage has been around since 1990 and can rightly be called an iconic spot. It has always been a hotspot for writers and artists—and this is reflected in the original works by illustrious Le Garage visitors such as Erwin Olaf, Corneille, Jan Cremer and Herman Brood. Their art hangs side by side on the walls, alongside work by international heroes such as Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.
Sinking into the red benches
The distinctive red benches have also stayed, surrounded by mirrors so you can enjoy watching from every angle. That keeps the sexy atmosphere just as it used to be—and that was exactly the intention: “for us, preserving the feeling and atmosphere was of the utmost importance,” says Arthur van de Ven, who has been running Le Garage together with Erwin Walthaus since this year.
French bistro
But more has been preserved, such as the rotisserie at the entrance, where rows of chickens turn. It immediately creates that lovely French bistro feeling. Le Garage also explicitly wants to measure up to the good bistros you find in Paris. In other words: beautiful wines and good dishes at a pleasant price. No fiddly little creations or foam-and-gimmick flourishes, but spit-roasted chicken and classics such as a fine tournedos (for enthusiasts: with foie gras), the famous tuna pizza and steak tartare. And of course also on the table: good bread and creamy butter.
Exactly how you like it
The steak tartare comes in various preparations, exactly how you like it best. Spicy, or preferably mild? With or without capers? You ask, they make it happen! And naturally, as tradition dictates, a small tasting spoon comes in between. You can order it as a starter or main course.
Champagne, yes please!
Another deliciously French thing: drinking champagne. And Le Garage strongly encourages it. Because why on earth would you sip prosecco when you can have Ruinart at a great price? Exactly! So don’t drink champagne only as an aperitif, but during dinner too. A glass of Blanc de Blancs champagne with fish in beurre blanc is truly a heavenly combination. And that beautifully crisp fizz also cuts nicely through those thick, crunchy fries.
Relaxed and super polished
Snow-white napkins, impeccable service, beautiful glassware—it is all balanced with lively nonchalance. Take the (gigantic!) menu, with lines such as ‘Beetroot in various flavors and preparations, because beetroot is “hot”‘.
Tuna pizza
Sometimes you eat something that immediately makes you want to start a conga line. Here, that’s the tuna pizza. No wonder it has been copied so often, because this dish has everything. An ultra-thin, crispy base generously topped with fresh tuna, wasabi and mayo. It must never leave the menu—and fortunately, it never will.
Love spoon
Save room for dessert—or don’t, and order something anyway, because you know you want it. And feel free to share: you each get a ‘love spoon’, a heart-shaped spoon. That way, the crème brûlée is gone before you know it.
This is why we’ll be back
For that delicious, sometimes sultry atmosphere and the very well-executed bistro classics, such as the old-time tuna pizza (with champagne!) and sea bass in beurre blanc. And that new tableware? We want it at home too.
Le Garage, Ruysdaelstraat 54-56, Amsterdam
Interior photography: Jaap Beyleveld
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