On Gerard Douplein there is a business that redefines its menu every day. Not because it sounds so hip, but simply because the catch changes. Brut de Mer collects fresh oysters daily from Zeeland oyster farms, and whatever else comes in that day in terms of fish and seafood determines what's on the menu. That gives the kitchen a rhythm that few restaurants in the area know.
The showpiece is the fruits de mer platter. A large plank full of seafood for those who want the full spread right away. But you can also just order individual dishes. The six oyster varieties are there every day, straight from Zeeland, and that selection is constant. There are also mussels, freshly prepared with herbs and spices, and sustainable fish of the day straight from the sea. For those who want something less classic: there are also lobster rolls on the menu. Plenty to choose from, without making the menu endlessly long.
The space itself is small and intimate. The long bar is the focal point of the establishment, with stone walls reminiscent of a coastal village. No show kitchen or big open dining room, but a setting that suits the idea of blowing in quickly for some oysters and a glass. And that terrace on Gerard Douplein is, on a good day, simply the best spot in the neighborhood. The square is alive, and Brut de Mer cheerfully participates.
If you like fish and don't want to order the same thing every time, this is the place to be. Today's menu will be different tomorrow.
The kitchen is open until 10 p.m., and the business is open six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday. Mondays are closed. The Pijp has a lot to offer in terms of food, but a real oyster bar with daily fresh supplies and a square as a terrace is a different kind of offering. Those who like fish and don't want to order the same thing every time are in the right place. Today's menu will be different tomorrow.