Char.d Amsterdam: new barbecue restaurant with fire, smoke and flavor

Sometimes you walk into a place and immediately feel it: everything is just right here. That's what happened at Char.d Amsterdam , the new , modern barbecue restaurant in the heart of the city . The aroma of charcoal hangs softly in the air, the sound of sizzling meat blends with the murmur of conversation and the clinking of glasses.
It's modern, warm, and a touch rugged. It's as if someone simply combined fine dining and barbecue at one table. And that's exactly what they do here. The name, by the way, refers to charring . Slow-grilling over charcoal, that signature flavor of fire and depth that Char.d is all about.
Downstairs, you'll find a long, organic bar with high stools and candles, right next to the open kitchen. The aroma of grilled meat hangs softly in the air. Outside, there's a terrace. Perfect for balmy evenings with a glass of wine. Upstairs, you'll find an intimate, dark space with earthy tones, black bistro chairs, and soft candlelight. Rugged yet warm.
The chefs built the interior themselves, from the paint to the floor. Only the wooden bar was handcrafted by a professional. This makes Char.d feel like a place with character, not just a concept. A hidden gem in Amsterdam that only just opened, but should already be on your list.

The magic of Char.d Amsterdam comes from two friends: chef Dean Baker and chef Slava Nazaryan . They met at MOMO , worked for names like Mr. Porter , The Duchess , Nela , and even Gordon Ramsay in London.
Dean specializes in meat, Slava focuses on fish. Their style? English precision meets Southern European flair, with a shared love of fire and deep flavor.

Char.d Amsterdam 's menu revolves around modern BBQ with flavor and fire. The dishes are largely meat- and fish-based, but vegetarians will also find something to their liking. Think roasted eggplant with Parmesan and buckwheat or grilled leek with bell pepper and almonds. Dishes that are just as carefully crafted as the rest of the menu.
Order a brioche with marmite butter and lemon pepper . So soft your knife will glide right through it, with the salty umami of marmite and a lingering citrus kick. Or go for the grilled rock oysters with fermented strawberries and basil: fresh, spicy, and just a little bit different.
The beef skewer is so tender it slides off the skewer, with a light, sweet glaze. And then there's the yellowtail , gently smoked, almost sweet and fresh at the same time. The kind of fish that literally melts in your mouth.


The veal cheek pastrami , smoked for six hours until the meat practically falls apart, comes with a light coleslaw for balance. Or the corn-fed chicken : crispy on the outside with miso and brown butter, juicy and tender on the inside. Even the sides have character. Fries with sage and Parmesan , or grilled pointed cabbage with mustard sauce .
For those who really want to go all-in: the signature 600-gram steak , first seared over hot coals and then slow-cooked in the Kopa oven for that double smoke sensation. The menu changes monthly, but favorites like rock oysters, corn-fed chicken, and the skewer remain on the menu.


The extensive wine list, curated by sommelier Job (formerly Nela ), is as dynamic as the menu. He spent months visiting small importers, creating a collection of sparkling, white, and red wines that changes with the seasons. Most wines are available by the glass, allowing you to fully savor everything.
Once a bottle is finished, something new is introduced. The wine list evolves with the menu. His favorite? The biodynamic wines from Bodegas Bhilar , full of character and zest. And for those who prefer mixing to sipping, there are also surprisingly good cocktails on the menu.
Char.d feels like a neighborhood favorite in the making . A place where passion and refinement meet without fuss. No stiff fine dining, but modern dining with soul . The aroma of grilled meat evokes warm summer evenings in the park, with friends, wine, and a delicious BBQ. And that's exactly the feeling you take home with you.
Craving that charcoal scent and a lasting summer feeling, even in winter? Book now at Char.d Amsterdam and see for yourself why this culinary hotspot in Amsterdam deserves a spot on your must-visit list.
Char.d Utrechtsestraat 6, Amsterdam (Center) chard-restaurant.com
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