Restaurant Wils
Amsterdam, Netherlands · Amsterdam-Zuid
Insider Compass
An expert assessment built on data, context and gastronomic judgement.
RECOGNITIONS
About Restaurant Wils
Joris Bijdendijk's modern European showcase in the Move Building overlooking Amsterdam's Olympic Stadium is built around the primal power of open fire cooking. The Michelin-starred kitchen works wood-fired ovens, hanging grills, and live flames in full view, coaxing deep char and instinctive flavors from exceptional seasonal produce—some of it grown in their own rooftop garden. This is cooking that tastes of smoke, earth, and terroir, delivered in a striking architectural space where the brigade's mastery of flame becomes theater. Expect composed, contemporary plates with a backbone of ancient technique.
Good to know
Book a seat at the chef's counter to watch the brigade work the flames up close—you'll see whole fish land on hanging grills and vegetables get charred to order.
The chef
Joris Bijdendijk
Joris Bijdendijk honed his craft under Ron Blaauw in Amsterdam before staging at Le Jardin des Sens in Montpellier and working at Bridges. He earned widespread acclaim as chef of RIJKS at the Rijksmuseum, where he developed his signature approach to Dutch terroir and seasonal precision. Bijdendijk's cooking philosophy centers on open fire and instinctive flavors, using wood, coals, and live flames to draw out the essence of exceptional ingredients—many sourced hyperlocally or grown in Wils' own rooftop garden. His work has earned him recognition as a leading voice in modern Dutch gastronomy.
The Insider Compass
Four dimensions, each assessed independently against the same criteria everywhere we rate.
Plate
Bijdendijk's brigade commands fire with precision, using wood coals and hanging grills to layer smoke, char, and caramelization into every dish—from beef fat-glazed oysters to ember-roasted vegetables pulled from the rooftop garden. The cooking skews earthy and instinctive, built on umami-rich foundations like Jerusalem artichoke, chestnut, and deeply browned proteins, with surprising compositions that balance primal intensity with modern finesse. The sourdough bread and dessert program round out a tasting menu that speaks to both technique and terroir.
Vibe
LivelyThe open kitchen anchors the room, with flames licking grills and the brigade working in orchestrated rhythm—it's live-fire cooking as performance art. Warm wooden materials and views toward the Olympic Stadium create a cozy yet architectural backdrop, while the energy skews focused and contemporary rather than hushed or formal. The space hums with a modern, immersive vibe that invites you to lean in and watch the craft unfold.
Service
The young, international brigade runs the dining room with attentive warmth and solid product knowledge, guiding guests through the menu and wine pairings with confidence. Service feels informal yet polished, with the team working in visible sync—servers and kitchen crew collaborating seamlessly. Expect friendly professionalism rather than stiff formality, though pacing can occasionally stretch during busy evenings.
Setting
The Move Building location gives Wils a striking architectural frame, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Olympisch Stadion and interiors clad in warm wood and natural materials. The open kitchen dominates the space, with hanging grills, wood-fired ovens, and live flames creating both visual drama and ambient heat. Ask for a tour of the rooftop garden, where herbs and seasonal produce grow just steps from the pass—it's a tangible connection between soil and plate.
These four dimensions are a handful of the attributes we review. The Insider Rating also draws on research the compass does not display — among them the wine programme, the size and quality of the cellar, the location, and how long the house has operated. It is not an average of the scores above.
Go for
- Watching a Michelin-starred brigade command open fire and wood-fired ovens in full view
- Bijdendijk's earthy, smoke-driven modern European cooking with roots in primal technique
- A striking architectural setting with Olympic Stadium views and a working rooftop garden
Don't go for
- Traditional white-tablecloth formality or hushed, reverential fine dining
- Light, delicate cuisine—this kitchen leans into char, smoke, and bold umami flavors
Details
Stadionplein 26, 1076 CM Amsterdam, Netherlands
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