Amsterdam for Oyster Lovers: Revisiting Brut de Mer
When I booked a few days in Amsterdam with B, I wasn’t planning an oyster trip. Compared to other cities I’ve visited, this one doesn’t exactly scream “bivalve capital.” Which is funny, considering how often oysters show up in Dutch Golden Age paintings — laid open on silver trays in still lifes, gleaming next to a half-peeled lemon, draped in symbolism.
I remember noticing it on my first visit to the Rijksmuseum. The Dutch had spent a century painting oysters as an icon of excessive indulgence. Actually eating them, however, seems to be more of a recent hobby.
Still, I’d been to Brut de Mer once before and liked it enough to return. This time I had a local connection, the same great corner bar seat, and a short but well-curated list of oysters. Aside from that meal, I didn’t eat much seafood here (shocking, I know). This trip was a mix of old favorites and new-to-me spots, a little culture, and the kind of low-key wandering that pairs well with a good cocktail and a warm stroopwafel.
The VIP corner at Brut de Mer, Amsterdam, with new friends Marinke and Frits.
Between the Oysters
Some trip highlights from the non-bivalve portion of the itinerary:
Peking Duck at Sichuan Food — a fantastic reco by my friend Jules; the Chef’s Recommended duck feast is amazing!
Lunch at De Kas, served in a greenhouse surrounded by the growing vegetables you’re about to eat. This is as farm-to-table as you can get.
Playful, mushroom-forward tasting dinner at Choux. Great wine pairings and service.
Proper cocktails at Flying Dutchmen bar, where we stared at their 800+ bottle collection and custom stained glass. It’s a tiny bar, so consider making a booking if you don’t have much time.
A hot, crisp stroopwafel made to order at Hans Egstorf.
Two pints at the canal-side Café Brandon, which felt like the neighborhood bar everyone’s been going to since 1626 (that’s how old it is!). Apparently, this sleepy, eclectic place turns into a disco madhouse in the evening.
A pilgrimage to the Van Gogh Museum, where I admired some of his most iconic pieces such as Almond Blossoms, Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers, and Bedroom in Arles. My souvenir: Miffy ornament with a hand-painted Sunflower dress.
Stroll through Keukenhof, but unfortunately too early for tulips. It was a lovely day though, so no complaints!
I loved wandering up and down the canals of Amsterdam.
Brut de Mer: The Oyster Lineup
On Sunday afternoon, the oyster bar was running a tight line-up of French brands with one Dutch highlight. We ordered all five to try, shucked by Beau:
Gold Beach, Utah Beach, Normandy, FR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Geay, Marennes-Oléron, FR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gillardeau, Marennes-Oléron, FR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Krystale, Gouville-sur-Mer, Normandy, FR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dutch Imperial Flats, Zeeland, NL: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The standout oyster of the bunch was the European flat from Zeeland—Dutch Imperial is a brand by World of Oyster. It had a vibrant, layered flavor: mineral and metallic at first, with a nutty finish and a fresh green note that reminded me of young asparagus. The texture was firm and satisfying, a nice contrast to the Gillardeau, which leaned in the opposite direction: plump, polished, and almost absurdly sweet.
Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my oyster tasting journal 🙈 so I don’t have notes to share.
Round one of the oysters starting at the lemon, working clockwise: Gold Beach, Geay, Krystale, Gillardeau.
Brut de Mer offers a strong lineup of cooked shellfish and seafood, much of it with a Spanish lean. Between the four of us, we shared:
Grilled zamburiñas (small scallops)
Navajas (razor clams)
Fried squid
Octopus
A deeply rich lobster bisque
The food was excellent, but it was the company that really made the night. As anyone in the oyster world knows, it’s a small and strangely well-connected circle. Thanks to social media, it’s not hard to find fellow bivalve nerds in unexpected places.
Marinke, a fashion industry veteran, pivoted during the pandemic to open her own oyster shop. She and her partner Frits live on a houseboat just outside of the center of Amsterdam and host the kind of al fresco seafood and wine dinners that I now aspire to crash. We talked about the slow-but-steady rise of oyster culture in Amsterdam, swapped travel stories, and, unexpectedly, touched on Frits’ love of extreme sports.
Is Amsterdam an Oyster Destination?
Not yet. But there’s something charming about how low-key it all is. Brut de Mer is just doing what it does well: serving good oysters, pouring good wine, and making space at the bar for people who care.
If you're oyster-inclined and find yourself in Amsterdam, this place is worth the detour. Especially if you can land that seat in the corner.
Brut de Mer
📍 Gerard Doustraat 15, 1073 VT Amsterdam
🍽 Reservations recommended. My suggestion is grabbing a seat at the bar. The best seat is in the corner.
Getting There: The Sprinter train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal is quick and easy. Take the Metrolijn 52 at the station to De Pijp. Walk about 6-7 minutes.
Street Navigation: Look both ways when crossing. Bikes will find you. You will not win.
