ARLES: A SLICE OF FRANCE IN DE PIJP
words FLYNN LANZ
Down the hustle and bustle of the vibrant De Pijp streets, you will find a slice of France, a restaurant with local appraisal and known by the name of Arles. With a welcoming warmth that curates an atmosphere of Provence, this unique restaurant carves a path for lovers of modern French cuisine within Amsterdam, labelling it as a go-to spot by locals and visitors alike.
Since its opening in September 2017, Arles has become a staple restaurant within the renowned dining experiences you will find throughout Amsterdam. This remarkable restaurant combines top-quality meals with a laid-back quality. Co-owned by Maximillian Huiskamp, Arles is remarked as a family-owned and orientated business as Maximillian helped his father whilst completing his studies and discovering his true passion for hospitality. From the owners to the staff, everyone works hard on a daily basis to ensure the atmosphere is positive and of high quality.
In the kitchen, the chefs offer us a fresh take on classic French dishes but add their own twist of unexpected flavours. At Arles, you will never get bored of their menu as it changes six times a year and features three, four, or five courses - led by seasonal ingredients. Chef Numa Muller brought his modern take on this unparalleled French cuisine by drawing on his upbringing in Arles, France. His passion for cooking and innovation led to the opening of Arles as it gave him an avenue to experiment with flavours and techniques whilst maintaining the essence of French gastronomy. Numa is a pillar of this venue as he ensures it remains grounded in its French roots whilst nurturing a distinctive force of creativity that attracts crowds craving the restaurant’s culinary concepts.
A key feature that links Arles with its French foundings is its exclusive serving of French wines. By offering an extensive wine menu, featuring both modern and classical selections, it allows for the perfect pairing for any meal and for any personal palate. The wine selection is a key feature in Arles’ overall dining experience as the wine is curated by select suppliers including Au Paradis, Vleck, De Gouden Ton, and many more.
At Arles, they place a focus on the overall mood and hospitality they bring, ensuring each individual feels embraced; falling in love with the French music, art, and extensive food and wine menu. This one-of-a-kind venue consists of several rooms, each with its own unique atmosphere. Notably, the Salon, Cave, and Serre are ideal if you are looking for an intimate dinner or even for larger groups. One of Ariel's hallmark characteristics is a wall filled with French art found from various markets and ateliers, creating a niche artistic ambiance. The individualism that is drawn throughout this venue - from its creative interiors of wall art to its distinctive menus - acts as a reflection of its namesake ‘Arles’, a small city in Southern France known for being a sanctuary of art, more famously, the works of Van Gogh. The decor constructs a bistro-like feel through its chairs, wooden tabletops, and vibrant setting whilst an open-kitchen displays the chefs at work - anchoring us in the reminiscent aura of Parisian establishments.
Arles is a place of true hospitality and unique to the Amsterdam dining scene. By embracing the modernity of France today, it crafts flavours and memories that will be held by many around the world.