
Brasserie Marie, Amsterdam
By Sophie Weir, Senior Editorial Assistant, Luxury Hospitality Magazine.
Brasserie Marie brings the charm of a Parisian brasserie to the heart of Amsterdam, with a modern twist that elevates both dining and atmosphere.
Situated along the serene Amstel River, Brasserie Marie offers a stylish and elegant setting, indoors and out. In the heart of De Pijp—a bohemian enclave just beyond the city’s historic canal rings—Marie reflects the district’s cosmopolitan soul. Known for its artistic flair, the neighbourhood imbues the restaurant with the spirit of Amsterdam, while also evoking the grace of other storied European cities. In many ways, Marie strikes a delicate balance between timeless elegance and modern sensibility.
Inside, warm lighting, soft furnishings, and inviting décor evoke the intimate charm of a Parisian salon. The terrace, with uninterrupted views over the river, provides a spectacular backdrop for dining al fresco. Boats drift past leisurely, the sun flickers across glassware, and the scent of grilling and fresh herbs lingers; one can’t help but admire the cinematic setting, which offers far more than food and wine alone.
Brasserie Marie is guided by a culinary philosophy that intertwines quintessential French tradition with seasonal Dutch produce, executed under the thoughtful direction of its head chef. The result is a menu that feels at once classic and inventive, grounded in technique but attuned to modern tastes.
Our party of three began with starters that exemplify Marie’s commitment to refinement and flavour. We shared the Tartare de Boeuf—steak tartare with pumpkin and sugar-coated pumpkin seeds—the Artichaut Poivrade, BBQ artichoke with smoked ricotta and calamansi, and the Oeuf Marigold, a delicate composition of egg with green asparagus and zucchini. Each dish was precise, balanced, and visually striking: the tartare vibrant and fresh, the artichoke smoky with a citrus lift, while the Oeuf Marigold showcased an elegant simplicity that allowed the produce to shine. The combination was both playful and refined, setting the tone for the courses to come.
For mains, the plates proved just as captivating. The Agneau brought together tender lamb tenderloin and slow-braised neck, their richness offset by seasonal vegetables and a gentle bitterness of radicchio—a composition both rustic and refined. The Sébaste, redfish accompanied by artichoke, butter beans, endive, and sourdough, arrived as a study in balance: the fish perfectly flaky, the vegetables lending earth and freshness, the bread a subtle nod to comfort. The Vol-au-Vent, its golden puff pastry encasing belper knolle, aubergine, and seasonal greens, was at once delicate and deeply satisfying—classic French craft reimagined with a modern sensibility.
Desserts carried the same level of precision and indulgence. The Sélection de Fromages paired cheeses with fig bread and quince compote—a satisfying finale for those preferring savoury notes. Sweet selections—the Moelleux au Chocolat and Millefeuille with strawberry, lemon, and yoghurt—were both visually stunning and texturally nuanced, demonstrating the kitchen’s attention to layering flavour and presentation.
For wine aficionados, a highlight of the meal was a bottle of Château Minuty Prestige Rosé, Côtes de Provence. Light, crisp, and aromatic, it paired seamlessly with both the seafood and lighter dishes, enhancing the experience without ever overpowering it. The sommelier offered quiet, confident guidance, curating pairings that felt thoughtful and attuned to both the meal and the mood.
After our meal we ventured to Chapter 1896, a hidden multisensory speakeasy nestled in a former library, where the ambiance echoes the timeless elegance of a bygone era. Here mixology transcends simple drink-making; each cocktail is a carefully crafted narrative inspired by the seven liberal arts—an artful blend of philosophy, precision, and creativity.
We sampled three distinct cocktails that perfectly encapsulated the bar’s ethos. The Woza Mary, a bold concoction of Copper Republic Brandy, Chakalaka Juice, lemon, and charred corn foam, offered warming notes of spice and savoury depth. The Tease combined Rémy Martin VSOP, Cointreau, passionfruit, banana, crème fraîche, lime, and champagne air into a sparkling interplay of tropical flavours. Lastly, the Beautiful Game, with cachaça, dark cane, mango, coconut water, condensed milk, and lime, combined a silky, indulgent sweetness that unfolded gracefully. Each cocktail told a story, weaving together flavours both familiar and unexpected—rooted in tradition yet elevated by the boundless creativity that defines the bar’s approach to mixology.
Brasserie Marie impresses with its commitment to French culinary heritage and local artistry. From the careful sourcing of ingredients to the thoughtful presentation of each dish, every element reflects both respect for tradition and a modern, cosmopolitan edge. It’s not just a restaurant, but a curated experience. In a city that thrives on the harmony of history and reinvention, Brasserie Marie feels like a quiet triumph—timeless, tasteful, and utterly transportive.
Brasserie Marie doesn’t just serve a meal but curates a memory. Whether enjoying a leisurely lunch, a riverside aperitif, or a decadent evening, Brasserie Marie crafts an experience that is unmistakably Parisian yet entirely at home in Amsterdam—a graceful celebration of French gastronomy and riverside charm.
For more information or to book a table, please visit: Brasserie Marie | Amsterdam