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Amsterdam, a city celebrated for its diverse culinary offerings, hides gems like Chez Nina Green Brasserie, a vegetarian haven created by the renowned four-times cookbook author, Nina Olsson. Opened in the summer of 2022, Chez Nina is a testament to the growing trend of plant-based fine dining. During my recent visit to this Amsterdam gem, I was treated to a memorable dining experience that I’m eager to share.

Sharing the Delightful Vegetarian Experience

At Chez Nina, food isn’t just meant to be consumed; it’s meant to be shared and savoured together. The philosophy here is that sharing a delectable food experience amplifies the pleasure of dining. With this in mind, my dining companion and I decided to embark on a culinary journey by opting for the “10-course tasting menu” at a reasonable price of 55€ per person. This menu is designed for sharing, with each pair of diners receiving eight savoury courses and a sweet dish of their choice, culminating in a total of ten delightful dishes. To complement our meal, we chose the alcohol-free options of Chez Nina’s Raspberry & Hibiscus Soda (for 4€) as well as Wilderland Chamomile Kombucha (for 5€), which turned out to be a refreshing choice.

A Gastronomic Adventure: Exploring the Tasting Menu at Chez Nina

The 10-course tasting menu at Chez Nina took us on a tantalizing journey of flavours and textures, each dish expertly crafted and beautifully presented. Here’s a glimpse of our dining experience, course by course:

1. House Bread with Extra Virgin Olive Oil (evo): The meal commenced with the simplest yet essential offering – freshly baked house bread served with velvety extra virgin olive oil. A delightful start that showcased the restaurant’s commitment to quality.

2. Caulifritters with M. Jeanette Mayo and Mint Yogurt: These crispy cauliflower fritters were a revelation. The mint yoghurt added a refreshing contrast to the mild spice of the Jeanette Mayo. A harmonious blend of textures and flavours.

3. Aubergine & Feta Yoghurt with Pistachio Pesto, Chilli Oil, Pine Nuts, Dill: The aubergine and feta yoghurt dish was a masterpiece of Mediterranean flavours. The pistachio pesto and chilli oil provided a perfect balance of nuttiness and heat.

4. Stonefruit & Burrata with Makrut Lime and Pistachio Oil: This dish was a symphony of sweet and creamy, with the fresh stone fruit and burrata complemented beautifully by the zesty makrut lime and pistachio oil.

5. Salt-Baked Beet & Green Tahini with Cavolo Nero, Toasted Almonds: The salt-baked beetroot was a standout. Its earthy sweetness paired wonderfully with the creamy green tahini and the crunch of toasted almonds.

6. Fennel Radicchio Salad: A refreshing palate cleanser, this salad combines fennel and radicchio with pecorino cheese, crispy capers, and walnuts for a burst of textures and flavours.

7. Peanut Bucatini with Makrut Lime, Peanut Sauce, Cavolo Nero: The peanut bucatini was a unique and satisfying dish. The Makrut lime added an unexpected brightness to the rich peanut sauce.

8. Esmeralda Pizzetta with Chevre, Honey, Pistachio, Courgette: The Esmeralda Pizzetta was a delightful balance of savoury and sweet, with creamy Chevre, drizzles of honey, and the nutty crunch of pistachios.

9. – 10. Desserts: Burnt Basque Cheesecake with Cherry Sauce and Espresso Chocolate Cake with Amaretto Cream, Sumac: The dessert courses were a fitting conclusion to our culinary journey. The Burnt Basque Cheesecake was a rich and creamy delight, while the spiced Espresso Chocolate Cake was a bittersweet symphony complemented by the amaretto cream.

As we savoured each course, the service was both friendly and attentive. The staff’s passion for the food they serve was evident, and their knowledge of the menu enhanced our dining experience.

A Highly Recommended Tasting Menu Experience

In conclusion, Chez Nina Green Brasserie is a fine-dining destination that deserves its place among Amsterdam’s culinary elite. The 10-course tasting menu at 55€ per person, designed for sharing, offers exceptional value for the quality and creativity of the dishes presented. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or a curious omnivore, Chez Nina’s culinary expertise will leave you with a newfound appreciation for plant-full dining. With the option of a 6-course lunch menu at 38€ per person, Chez Nina ensures that fine dining is accessible to a wide range of diners.

If you’re seeking an unforgettable gastronomic adventure in Amsterdam, Chez Nina Green Brasserie should be at the top of your list.

Chez Nina Green Brasserie
Address: Van Limburg Stirumplein 10 A, 1051 BE Amsterdam
Opening hours: Mo-Fr 17:30-0:00 Sat-Sun 12:00-0:00
Website: cheznina.nl
Social Media: Instagram @chez.nina.amsterdam

Disclaimer: I was invited to this dinner in exchange for a review. My opinion has not been influenced nor did I have to send the content in prior to publication. My view is unbiased.