New: Xampanyeria Centra in 020

On Lange Niezel, right in the heart of Amsterdam, Xampanyeria Centra opened last week among the scantily clad women and coffeeshops.

The Xampanyeria is a Spanish restaurant from the same owners as the popular Asian restaurant Dum Dum Palace on Zeedijk: Mooie Jongens and HotMamaHot. That promises a lot.

History
Centra has been around for decades. The restaurant opened more than seventy years ago, introducing Spanish cuisine to the Netherlands. It became a hit, and Centra was soon well known to a wide audience. From students to famous Dutch people, everyone knew the place. Nevertheless, the business eventually went bankrupt in 2016.

Tapas? Nope
Fortunately, the current operators still saw potential in the property. With a new concept, but still based on Spanish cuisine, they are giving it a new lease of life.

Don’t expect clichéd tapas, but beautiful Spanish dishes to share. Think a chorizo hot dog with sauerkraut, apple ketchup and foie gras, piperade with white beans, manchego and breadcrumbs, or charred spring onion with romesco and almond. There are also classics such as boquerones (pickled anchovies) and good old patatas bravas, but with pulled beef, saffron mayo and olive crumb.

Cava
Alongside various sparkling Spanish wines, the cava that Centra makes itself can be found on the cava menu. We’re curious.

Xampanyeria Centra
Lange Niezel 29, Amsterdam

Opening hours
Monday to Friday from 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m.