Brasseries in Amsterdam: the concept and Brasserie Lenny
Not every restaurant serving a French dish is a brasserie
A brasserie is an informal restaurant with French roots, often serving lunch and dinner and featuring a bar. The name literally means brewery in French. A broad menu and an atmosphere that invites you to linger are part of the tradition; a visible open kitchen is not a requirement.
In Amsterdam, the name brasserie is used in different ways. Look beyond the sign above the door to the menu, hours and atmosphere. Lunch and dinner, familiar dishes and the option to drop in for a drink bring the concept to life.
Brasserie Lenny as an example
Brasserie Lenny at James Wattstraat 56-58 offers its own interpretation: French dishes, separate lunch and dinner menus, a bar and a terrace on a low-traffic square. The kitchen is open Wednesday–Sunday 11:30–22:00. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Concept developer Ramon Beuk: “It needs to feel familiar to international hotel guests, while we offer local residents a distinctive neighbourhood character that still surprises them.”
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a brasserie and a restaurant?
A brasserie is a type of restaurant rooted in informal French dining, often offering lunch, dinner and a bar. Other restaurants may offer the same: the name alone does not say everything. Lenny combines lunch and dinner menus with French dishes and Amsterdam hospitality.
Which Amsterdam brasserie is best?
It depends on what you want. Lenny offers lunch, dinner, a bar and terrace in Amsterdam East. Het Parool described it as “French with an Amsterdam twist”. Compare the atmosphere, menu and prices with your preferences.
Is Lenny open for lunch?
Yes. The kitchen opens Wednesday–Sunday from 11:30. Déjeuner 3 Services is a three-course lunch for € 27.50.
Reserve at Brasserie Lenny
James Wattstraat 56-58, 1097 DM Amsterdam Oost.
Kitchen Wednesday–Sunday 11:30–22:00. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
