Rijsel
A popular French-Flemish restaurant in Amsterdam, known for its classic dishes, cozy atmosphere, and exceptional wine selection.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Rijsel
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A popular French-Flemish restaurant in Amsterdam, known for its classic dishes, cozy atmosphere, and exceptional wine selection.
"This was the best meal we had in Amsterdam. Cannot wait to come back!"
Book in advance
Reservations are highly recommended due to strong demand; book well in advance.
Don't miss signature dishes
Try the celebrated spring chicken and oysters for a truly memorable dining experience.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
French-Flemish
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Signature Poussin (Spring Chicken)
Juicy, perfectly roasted spring chicken cooked whole on the bone with a simple, delicious bean preparation.
Exceptional Wild Deer Meat
Tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked wild deer meat that is an absolute must-try for any diner.
Cozy French Bistro Ambiance
Experience a warm and cozy atmosphere reminiscent of a French bistro, with a charming industrial canteen setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in advance
Reservations are highly recommended due to strong demand; book well in advance.
Don't miss signature dishes
Try the celebrated spring chicken and oysters for a truly memorable dining experience.
Watch for the step
Be aware of a small step leading to the garderobe inside the restaurant to avoid tripping.
Consider off-peak hours
Visiting during less busy times can offer a more relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in advance
Reservations are highly recommended due to strong demand; book well in advance.
Don't miss signature dishes
Try the celebrated spring chicken and oysters for a truly memorable dining experience.
Watch for the step
Be aware of a small step leading to the garderobe inside the restaurant to avoid tripping.
Consider off-peak hours
Visiting during less busy times can offer a more relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rijsel is lauded for its exceptional French-Flemish cuisine, particularly its signature poussin and wild deer dishes, served in a cozy, bistro-like atmosphere. While many praise the friendly service and impressive wine list, some diners have noted issues with inconsistent service and perceived high prices, with one review calling it 'overrated and disappointing'.
"Had a sweet birthdat dinner here. Staffs were really sweet and kind and dishes were very amazing! When I saw the spring chicken dish pics on the reviews, I thought it is small, but in real it was quite a lot! Three course meals made us really full. Each dish is 10 out of 10. Thank you! Had a really memorable dinner!"
Daehun
"Lovely local joint with a great atmosphere with the open kitchen adding to the theatre of service. Poussin is obviously excellent. I had the cote de bouef which was full of flavour. A great wine list with a section for magnums which is always fun if you're in a larger group. Typically friendly dutch service is icing on a very well made culinary cake."
Charlie Kirk
"This was the best meal we had in Amsterdam.
We had the oysters with horse radish and pickled onions, Russian salad, Fish soup, spring vegetable croustillant, and roast chicken.
Every dish was excellent. Cannot wait to come back."
Richard Yeng
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Rijsel is renowned for its perfectly roasted spring chicken (poussin) and exceptional wild deer meat. Oysters and duck liver are also highly recommended.
Yes, it is highly recommended to make reservations well in advance, as the restaurant is very popular.
The restaurant offers a cozy and charming atmosphere, reminiscent of a French bistro, with an industrial canteen design and an open kitchen.
Rijsel is considered upscale, with a 3-course menu around €39 and à la carte options that can contribute to a higher bill.
No, there is no outdoor terrace available at Rijsel.
While they offer an extensive wine selection, one reviewer noted that the alcohol-free wine served from cans was a letdown.
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Best restaurants for French cuisine in Amsterdam
Rijsel’s spartan 1960s modern interior – a study in white, blonde wood, steel and stone with an impeccably kept open kitchen – is just as no-nonsense as its Northern French-Flemish food ( Rijsel is the Flemish name for Lille). Known for classics such as Breton fish soup and rotisserie chicken, an excellent wine list and friendly service, you’re always in good hands at this Oost mainstay.
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Bij Café Rijsel eet je het beste van de klassieke Franse keuken, al weten ze de meeste gerechten op een smaakvolle manier om te toveren naar unieke gerechten. Als je hier gaat eten mag je trouwens absoluut de Toast Kannibaal en de Poussin niet overslaan. Laat je adviseren over de mooiste wijnen, leun achterover en geniet van een geweldige avond.
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An all-time favorite, so popular that they just released their own cookbook. Be welcomed at the door by your hosts, who politely introduce themselves and make your way into a charming former school. Chef Iwan Driessen is a master in classic French dishes, while Sommelier Pieter will pour you something delectable to accompany the flavours.
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Special Jury Prize Netherlands, presented by Vinos Baettig 2021. Rijsel is a lovely bistro with the typical cosy Dutch atmosphere in a 60’s environment. Plastered and half painted walls, natural stone, steel, with old-fashioned furniture from the sixties makes this an honest and easy-going establishment.
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Een Bib Gourmand en 14,5 punt bij Gault&Millau heeft restaurant Rijsel, dat is gevestigd in een voormalige huishoudschool. Eigenaren zijn Pieter Smits, Bob Kaasenbrood en Iwan Driessen. Vanuit de grote open keuken bereiden Driessen en zijn keukenteam gerechten op niveau.
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Het draait hier om no-nonsense gerechten geïnspireerd op Franse tradities en met een knipoog naar Vlaanderen. Onder begeleiding van chef Iwan Driessen zorgt de keukenbrigade voor de lekkerste gerechten. Je kunt er fijn tafelen in een ontspannen sfeer.
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Rijsel – Al sinds de opening raakt Amsterdam hier niet uitgegeten. De geweldige poussin van het spit, de ‘simpele’ gerechten als huzarensalade, de heerlijke wijnen, de vriendelijke hand bij binnenkomst. Rijsel scoort punten, nog altijd.
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