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Welcome To Scheltema
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Amsterdam on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, Scheltema is a historic café and restaurant, renowned for its charming ambiance and delectable offerings. Celebrated as a journalists' haven, it boasts a cozy décor that reflects its rich heritage. The menu features a variety of mouthwatering dishes, including hearty onion soup, savory Zuurkoolstamppot, and delightful apple tart with ice cream. Guests rave about the attentive service, and unique to this establishment is its beloved mascot, Antonio the cat, who adds warmth to the experience. With a prime location and a welcoming atmosphere, Scheltema promises a truly delightful dining experience.
About
Scheltema
Welcome to Scheltema, a charming eatery nestled in the heart of Amsterdam, specifically at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 242. Here, history and flavor converge, creating a delightful oasis for both locals and tourists alike. With a legacy stretching over 110 years, this café has become a beloved institution, earning accolades like the prestigious "Jubilee Medal" from the city in 2017.
Scheltema is not just a place to dine; it’s a culinary refuge where traditional dishes shine. Patrons rave about the hearty offerings, from the expertly cooked steak to the soul-warming onion stew that has left many diners craving more. One guest, 'Bánh Bao,' proclaimed their meals as “absolutely smashing,” highlighting the perfect portion sizes that keep you satisfied long after your visit. This encapsulates the essence of Scheltema—a blend of intimate dining and comforting, well-prepared food.
But the experiences don't stop at the food. Visitors often mention the warm ambiance created by the friendly staff and the cozy, old-style decor. It is a place where you can unwind, enjoy a meal, and even encounter the resident feline, Antonio. 'Bánh Bao' and others have shared lovely moments with this charming cat, who serves as a friendly mascot for the establishment.
Scheltema also holds a special place in popular culture, having been featured in the new Van der Valk TV series, solidifying its status as a destination worth visiting. The café’s rich history as a haven for journalists in days gone by adds a layer of intrigue to your dining experience, making each visit feel special.
Guests like 'Nunya,' who relished the thick pea and meat soup known as SNERT, describe their experience as both satisfying and economical, emphasizing the excellent quality and value of the meals. Whether you’re indulging in the iconic Zuurkoolstamppot or savoring a warming soup on a chilly day, you are guaranteed a memorable culinary journey.
If you're in Amsterdam and looking for a delightful meal in a cozy setting, I can't recommend Scheltema enough. The combination of exceptional flavors, welcoming service, and a rich backdrop of history makes it a must-visit destination. Come for the food, stay for the ambiance—and don’t forget to say hello to Antonio!
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“ Beautiful little traditional bar, which used to be popular amongst journalists back in the day and was used heavily in the new Van der Valk TV series. The staff are super friendly the food is excellent, prices also are excellent and I had the cheapest BUT most satisfying meal a thick pea and meat soup known as SNERT, can't recommend this place enough. ”
“ Recording location (TV series) "Van Der Valk" Also used for scenes from the TV series "De Joodse Raad" Café/Restaurant Scheltema. Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 242, Amsterdam Café Scheltema has a long tradition as a journalists' café The café received the "Jubilee Medal" from the city of Amsterdam in 2017 on the occasion of its 110th anniversary. Scheltema has a small host "Antonio" the cat who visibly attracts attention while sleeping. Coffee, lunch, dinner..good, fast service and outside terrace on a nice street where a lot happens, in the heart of the city ”
“ One of the best soups I have ever had! Think it was their special of the day, Onion soup! I was freezing and just wanted a quiet place in the city to have a quick bite. The service was excellent and very cozy! Would highly recommended checking them out if you’re ever in the area! ”
“ Lovely bar, great staff, great food never had Zuurkoolstamppot (mash with sauerkraut, bacon and apple) wash epic! Lovely cat and some history great and stories! We’ll be back ”
“ Loved the foods and the place! They offered breakfast and lunch as well but I came for dinner. The foods were absolutely smashing, good onion stew, steak cooked perfectly to my liking, apple-tart with ice cream was a wonderful finish to a hearty meal. Portion just about right and kept me full until late into the next morning. Old-style cozy warm place, friendly staffs and speedy services. Nice location in the city centre and has good view of the street. The first day i did not meet the boss of the house (Antonio the cat) but the second day i came at dinner, Antonio was at the front of the house, greeting and welcoming the guest! Update: the foods, the service and Antonio the boss kept me coming for the 3rd time the next day. Met the cat again, ordered different dishes and they tasted exceptional as well. Really recommended! Be aware that I went alone and always eat almost a full course including a starter, main and dessert plus a drink so its ranges between 30-40€ and I think its a great price for such a hearty meal. ”
“ I visited this delightful restaurant after discovering it featured in scenes from the ITV series Van Der Valk—a detail that instantly intrigued me. Stepping inside, I was greeted by a warm, nostalgic atmosphere, complete with beautiful period furniture that added to the setting's historic charm. The food was excellent and the service was charming. Adding to the charm was the restaurant’s 19-year-old resident cat, who slept gracefully like a seasoned host. The entire ambiance felt like a scene from another time—cozy, cultured, and quietly magical. Highly recommended for fans of the show, lovers of characterful spaces, and anyone who appreciates excellent cuisine served with a side of history. ”
“ Beefsteak is awesome. Super nice employees! Back for round 2 Beef Steak Scheltema. Onions mushrooms and a slightly sweet gravy. Awesome cook to a slightly under medium. Beef steak: perfect medium with a more savory gravy. Fries: to die for with the house mayo (seasoned like a light ranch flavor) Salad with a varied list of extras like olives, cucumber, tomato, pickle and onion) ”
“ Great experience! The onion soup was absolutely fantastic, rich, flavorful, and one of the best we’ve ever had. We ordered the steak, which is a house specialty. Although no one asked how we wanted it cooked, it still came out very tasty and well-prepared, with an incredible sauce that really made the dish stand out. We also tried a sandwich, which was solid and delicious. Perfect for a lighter lunch. With it, we had Amstel beer, nothing fancy, but a nice match for the meal. The biggest surprise was the apple pie. Warn, fragrant, with juicy apples and a perfectly crisp crust. A perfect way to end the meal. The service was great. Our waiter was friendly, efficient, and confident. The restaurant has the feel of a classic place with tradition and quality at its core. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a good meal in the center of Amsterdam without unnecessary fuss. ”