Restaurant
RIJKS
The Rijksmuseum's own Michelin-starred restaurant, led by Joris Bijdendijk and serving the cuisine of the Low Countries with Dutch produce.
Ciel Bleu
A two-Michelin-star restaurant on the 23rd floor of Hotel Okura, serving creative tasting menus with views over the city.
At a glance
- Type
- Creative fine dining
- Area
- De Pijp, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Official site
- cielbleu.nl
Good to know
- Two Michelin stars
- City views
- Chef's table
- Valet parking
Why we recommend it
Ciel Bleu sits on the 23rd floor of Hotel Okura Amsterdam, which opened in 1971, and the view across the rooftops of Amsterdam Zuid and De Pijp towards the historic centre is part of the experience. The dining room has widely spaced tables arranged to make the most of the windows, and as the evening goes on the city lights come up below.
The restaurant has held two Michelin stars since 2007 and has kept them in successive editions of the guide. The kitchen is led by executive chef Arjan Speelman with chef de cuisine Mike Klaassen, and the cooking is creative and built around seasonal produce, served course by course as a tasting menu. Service is overseen by Francesco Simonelli, and wine pairings are part of the experience.
For groups of four or more there is a Chef's Table, which offers a view of the kitchen in action and a dedicated sommelier to guide the wine pairing. Each June the kitchen also hosts the 24H Chefs culinary marathon, with proceeds going to the Princess Máxima Center and War Child.
Ciel Bleu is a special-occasion restaurant, best suited to couples, celebrations and serious food lovers who are happy to spend an evening at the table. It is open for dinner only, from Tuesday to Saturday, and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Reservations are handled directly by the restaurant, so book by phone or through the website well ahead, especially for Friday and Saturday. Ask for a window table, ideally around sunset. Smart dress is appropriate, and you should allow at least three hours for the full menu.
Hotel Okura stands beside the Amstel canal at the southern end of Ferdinand Bolstraat, and valet parking is available. The Europaplein metro station on the Noord-Zuid line and tram stops are within walking distance, and a taxi from the centre is quick. The hotel's other restaurants include Yamazato, which holds a Michelin star of its own, and the Twenty Third Bar, next to Ciel Bleu, is a good place for a drink before or after dinner. De Pijp and the Albert Cuyp Market are a short walk north.
Ciel Bleu FAQs
When is Ciel Bleu open?
For dinner from Tuesday to Saturday; it is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Is there a chef's table?
Yes, a chef's table experience is offered for groups of four or more.
How many Michelin stars does it have?
Two, held since 2007.
Where is it?
On the 23rd floor of Hotel Okura Amsterdam, Ferdinand Bolstraat 333.
Who leads the kitchen?
Executive chef Arjan Speelman with chef de cuisine Mike Klaassen.
How do you book?
Reservations are handled directly by the restaurant, by phone or via its website.
Is there parking?
Yes, the hotel has a car park and valet parking.
Where can you have a drink beforehand?
The Twenty Third Bar on the same floor.