Papillon Amsterdam: Mediterranean hotspot with terrace and oysters

P apillon Amsterdam is the new hotspot in Amsterdam-Noord that you really want to discover this summer. In the middle of the Papaverweg, between creative studios and old warehouses, you will find this hidden gem in Noord. The shop has a sunny terrace, Mediterranean cuisine and homemade sourdough breads from the bakery that are still warm when you take them home.

Behind Papillon is Thomas, known from Mitts in Amsterdam-Oost . With this new address he brings his love for craftsmanship, Mediterranean comfort food and accessible hospitality to Noord. Everything is homemade, from the croquettes to the sourdough bread.

Papillon is French for butterfly – airy, beautiful and that is exactly the atmosphere you can taste everywhere. The bakery is literally the beating heart of the business. The interior was designed by OST Interior and mixes warm Sahara tones with wood, natural stone and art and design accents. That raw industrial Northern look gets a warm, natural twist here. Open kitchen, cooking on an open fire, friendly service; the audience is young and old and the atmosphere is accessible. Something to celebrate? For private events or presentations there is an intimate space every day, perfect for a drink or dinner for up to 36 guests.

Not only the looks surprise, also the menu makes this a culinary hotspot Amsterdam Noord . Everything here revolves around Mediterranean flavors , from Israel to Greece, sometimes with a worldly twist. The menu changes with the seasons, but home-made classics always remain.

We started with oysters, fresh from the cucumber, shallot and that vinegar kick – perfect when you feel the sun on your face. Then the firm tomato croquette with basil mayo: full of flavor and fresh sour, that you really sit down for.

What should you definitely try? The flatbread with slow-cooked pork, harissa, yoghurt and herb emulsion – light, airy and yet packed with flavour. Prefer something cold? Then order the beef tartare with brioche, salted egg yolk and fermented tomato.

The warm dishes are the surprise of the evening for us. Take the whole grilled fish: crispy on the outside from the open fire, wonderfully soft on the inside. And the saddle of lamb with celeriac, sour cream and sesame-cumin cheese cracker… normally we are not fans of lamb, but this was so velvety soft , a little sweet, that syrupy glaze – really our favorite.

From 08:00 you can have breakfast in the Bakery-Café – everything is allowed, nothing is required. Croissants , cinnamon rolls or that lemon mint cake that you will definitely come back for. Don't feel like hanging around? The mini-shop with Friedhats coffee, Magnolia wines, Matcha or an iced barista cocoa for home is also a tip.”

Whoever says that Noord is only raw and industrial, should really take this summer terrace Amsterdam-Noord with you. From the first ray of sunshine you can sit here among the locals with a Papillon Spritz with Vermouth, cava and grapefruit. Prefer something else? Go for the Bergamot Spritz with Italicus or the Lillet Rosé Spritz with lemon and Mediterranean Tonic.

Fancy something tropical? The New Cuban cocktail with Havana Club rum, sage, mint and coconut soda is refreshing and just a little bit different. From your first cappuccino to a last glass of Spritz – Papillon feels like that relaxed place where you want to hang out all day.

And believe us, you want to discover this new hotspot in Amsterdam-Noord, the sunny terrace, the Mediterranean flavours and the home-made snacks from Papillon… now.

Papillon Amsterdam Papaverweg 38, Amsterdam (Amsterdam-North) papillon.amsterdam