Of the thirteen houses on a canal crossing in all of Amsterdam, exactly one houses a restaurant. That's De Belhamel, on the corner of Brouwersgracht and Herengracht. You can live in this city for a long time without realizing that there are only thirteen of those intersections, but once you sit there at the table, with that view of the water on two sides, you immediately understand why this place has a reputation that has built up over decades.
Since July 2022, Bram, Milan and Stijn have been running the business. Stijn was already at the helm before then, along with former co-owner Victor. That the transfer remained internal and the formula was not overturned is no coincidence. The three owners did not want to trade the reputation De Belhamel had built up for something new, but to further strengthen it. Warm service, no stiffness, high quality in the kitchen. That's the line they maintain.
The interior is Art Nouveau, and that is not a vague description of something that looks a little old. Curved lines, organic shapes, details you don't see until you sit for a while. The windows overlook the canals, and if the light is right at night, there's not much in the city that can stand up to this. Downstairs sits the speakeasy bar, considered one of the city's finest. Wine, cocktails, appetizers. You don't have to have eaten there.
Of the thirteen houses on a canal crossing in all of the city, there is exactly one that houses a restaurant. That's De Belhamel.
The Belhamel runs in one of the most beautiful locations a restaurant can have in this city, and Bram, Milan and Stijn know that very well.