Some restaurateurs aim for even more stars after earning a Michelin star. Simon Witmaar chose a different path. The former owner of Coulisse—the subsidized restaurant he ran for years—opened Vermut on Jan Pieter Heijestraat. No white tablecloths, no tasting menus. Just a good vermouth at the bar, a plate on the side if you like, and seeing what the evening brings.
Witmaar made a name for himself in the upper echelons of Amsterdam’s hospitality scene. Coulisse was considered a serious establishment—the kind of place you needed a reason to visit. Vermut is the exact opposite of that. The choice of vermouth as the central concept is no coincidence: in Spain, the aperitif ritual is a daily occurrence, something you do between noon and dinner, with friends or colleagues, without too much fuss. Witmaar brings that culture to Oud-West, and it fits in better on this street than you might think.
Jan Pieter Heijestraat is one of the busiest shopping streets in Oud-West. During the day, people walk here with groceries and strollers; in the evening, they head to the restaurants and bars that make the street increasingly crowded. Vermut is located on the ground floor, right at street level, so you can just walk right in without having to plan ahead. The establishment combines an aperitif bar with a dining experience under one roof: you can stop by for a glass of vermouth and a snack, but also for a full meal if you’d like. Mediterranean influences, a casual atmosphere, and a vibe set by the drink that takes center stage.
For someone with his background to consciously choose to be accessible—that’s not a step backward. It’s a choice.
It makes sense that Witmaar is doing this in Oud-West. In recent years, the neighborhood has built up a dense network of great spots—from coffee to wine to food—and there’s room for a place that doesn’t try to stand out but is simply good at what it does. For someone with his background to consciously choose to be accessible—that’s not a step backward. It’s a choice.