Bar Italia is an ambitious wining and dining concept that stretches from Rokin to Nes. After visiting the restaurant and caffè (bar), it was time to try out the espresso bar, part three of this gastronomic triumvirate.

Bar Italia's espresso bar is located below street level and continues the unfinished industrial look of the caffè above it: exposed beams, metal lamps and unvarnished tables that are already looking stained and tatty.

The food and drink on offer at Bar Italia espresso bar is simple and so difficult to do badly, you'd think. However, the good Lavazza coffee was ruined with long-life milk, and almost everything, apart from some very brown croissants, was pre-cooked, pre-cut and pre-packaged, including brownies, sickly sweet muffins and anaemic-looking apple pie.

The sugar, jam and so on were served in individual portions, which made me feel like I was in a motorway service station.

I visited Bar Italia espresso bar between 8 and 9 a.m. - prime time for catching pre-work traffic - and there was only one other customer. Perhaps that says enough about this disappointing culinary experience.

Restaurant info

Opening hours:
daily 08.00-19.00

Price indication:

Our rating:

Address: Rokin 81-83 / Nes 96
City: Amsterdam
Telephone: 020 620 2442
Web: go directly to homepage

eat amsterdam