The French Cafe Bistrot, not to be confused with its fancier sibling the French Cafe two doors away, does exactly what it says on the tin: serves French bistro food – at bistro prices.

Frenchman Grégory Nicole opened the French Cafe in 2006. Perhaps realising that not everyone could afford the on average €28 price tag for a main course, he opened the French Cafe Bistrot in 2010. Dishes are simpler and the prices significantly lower; mains are all €19.50 or a two-course meal costs €26.50, three courses €30.50.

The menu, written in French except where the chef thinks additional explanation is needed, is filled with bistro classics including fish soup, pâté, snails, lobster and crème brûlée.

I started with another classic, salmon tartare with a lemony crème fraîche marinade. This was accompanied by buttons of light, home-made mayonnaise topped with orange salmon roe.

The main course of roast chicken, served with haricots verts and potatoes, was rather anaemic – it could have done with another 10 minutes in the oven to brown off the skin – but this was cosmetic and did little to detract from the flavour, which was helped along by a rich, salty jus.

The weather was good that day, one of the few in what is shaping up to be the wettest July ever, so we sat at one of the white wooden tables outside. Overlooking Gerard Douplein and sipping a Picpoul de Pinet, I pretended I was living la belle vie on a French terrace – until the clouds rolled in and it started to rain again.

Restaurant info

Opening hours:
lunch Weds-Sat midday-14.00; dinner daily 18.00-23.00

Price indication:

Our rating:

eat amsterdam