Since late summer of 2015, pop-up restaurant Gustafson has called one of the Dutch capital’s most hip & happening hotspots, the Westergasfabriek, home. In anticipation of the warmer months ahead, Gustafson recently opened a large terrace, GUUS, which seats up to 150 people and weather permitting, profits from round-the-clock sunshine. But that’s not all. The trendy and multifaceted establishment is also a podium for design, music, expositions and a variety of other cultural events.
On Friday, we finally had a chance to check out Gustafson’s menu, and though the weather certainly did not lend itself for dining on their new terrace, the experience inside did not disappoint.
The interior is sleek and harmoniously artistic with splashes of color on walls and tables and an eclectic mix of textures. Angular surfaces are balanced with accents in the form of fabrics and crumpled lamps hanging from their high ceilings. Though the space is large, it still manages to convey a sense of intimacy.
The dinner menu is diverse and features starter options such as a melt-in-the mouth salmon tartare; tabouleh with citrus fruit and creamy burrata; and a tangy Peking duck topped with fresh, crisp beansprouts. The star of our main course was definitely the tender sea bass fillet served on a bed of mildly seasoned pearl barley and dressed with a vibrant antiboise. Our meal was rounded off with a selection of bite-sized sweet treats including a velvety cheesecake we both really enjoyed.
Gustafson, also open for lunch, cocktails and bites, will be open until the 30th of September.