There are sandwich shops, and then there’s Leauf Spui. The concept is simple enough: fresh sandwiches, made to order. But what goes between the slices of bread is a different story. Ribeye, kimchi, figs, and blood peaches—ingredients you’d otherwise only find in a Michelin-starred restaurant. The shop calls its sandwiches ‘Leaufs,’ has its own unique vocabulary, and positions itself as ’too good for Paris.’ Inspired by Paris, but at home in Amsterdam. The second location on Spui, following the original in the Jordaan, shows that this is no one-off experiment.
Behind Leauf are two young Amsterdammers. Gijs Dominicus (26 at the time of the opening) brings culinary experience from the world of Michelin-starred restaurants. That precision, that feel for ingredients and technique, is reflected in what’s on the menu. Mats Hageman (24 at the time of the opening) handles the hospitality side: the atmosphere of the restaurant and how guests are welcomed. Together, they form a duo that transcends their years. *Het Parool* described the concept as an innovative sandwich concept that thinks outside the box, and that’s spot on.
Leauf’s philosophy can be summed up briefly: simple, bold, and delicious. The menu changes monthly, tailored to seasonal ingredients and whatever is fresh and special at the time. That means you might find blood peaches on your sandwich in the summer, and figs in the fall. Never the same, always well thought out. The restaurant on Spui is compact, just as a good lunch spot should be. No wasted space, no distractions. The focus is on what’s served at the table.
The ribeye sandwich makes the most direct statement: this isn't a croquette from the fry shop, but sliced meat with character.
The Spui is a great spot for Leauf. The neighborhood attracts students, office workers, and people taking a break from the city. A lunch spot that offers a little more than the usual fits right in there. The Jordaan location on Tweede Goudsbloemdwarsstraat was the starting point, but the Spui location feels like the confirmation: this concept needs space—and it deserves it. Gijs and Mats are young, but the sandwiches speak for themselves.