Most steakhouses in Amsterdam allow you to bring your own wine, but you’ll pay a corkage fee that varies from €15 to €35 per bottle. The policy differs per restaurant, with some establishments only allowing it for special occasions or for exceptional wines that aren’t on their wine list. Always ask in advance about the possibilities and corkage fee rate when making your reservation.
What Is The Policy For Bringing Your Own Wine To Amsterdam Steakhouses?
The policy for bringing your own wine varies greatly between Amsterdam steakhouses. About half of the restaurants allow this, while others prefer not to or even prohibit it. These differences stem from various factors such as the type of restaurant, target audience, and business model.
High-end steakhouses are often more flexible with their BYOB policy (Bring Your Own Bottle) because they understand that guests sometimes want to share special wines. These restaurants rely on their food quality and service to make profit, not solely on beverage sales. Smaller, more casual steakhouses are sometimes stricter because wine sales form an important part of their revenue.
Location also plays a role. Steakhouses in Amsterdam’s city center are accustomed to international guests who sometimes bring exceptional bottles. Restaurants in residential neighborhoods often maintain stricter policies. Business steakhouses accept personal wine more frequently because companies sometimes want to serve specific wines during important dinners.
How Much Corkage Fee Do You Pay On Average At A Steakhouse?
Corkage fees at Amsterdam steakhouses vary between €15 and €35 per bottle, depending on the restaurant’s level. Budget steakhouses usually charge €15 to €20, while premium establishments ask €25 to €35. This amount covers more than just uncorking your bottle.
For your corkage fee, you receive professional service where the sommelier checks your wine, uncorks and serves it. The restaurant provides the proper glasses, decants if necessary, and keeps your wine at the perfect temperature. At some steakhouses, you even receive advice about the best pairing with your steak and side dishes.
Note that corkage fees are charged per bottle, not per person. If you bring multiple bottles, you pay for each bottle separately. Some restaurants use tiered pricing where the second bottle is cheaper. Champagne and sparkling wines sometimes cost €5 to €10 extra due to the more complex service.
What Etiquette Applies When Bringing Your Own Wine?
The most important rule is to inform the restaurant in advance about your desire to bring your own wine. It’s best to do this when making your reservation, so the staff can prepare. Also mention how many bottles you want to bring and whether they’re special wines that require extra attention.
Choose wines that complement the steakhouse menu. A heavy red wine pairs perfectly with a ribeye, while a lighter pinot noir combines better with filet. Avoid bringing wines that are prominently featured on the restaurant’s wine list, unless you have a particularly old vintage.
Adjust your tip when bringing your own wine. The serving staff still provides full service, so an extra tip of 10-15% on top of the corkage fee is appropriate. Offer the sommelier a taste, especially if it’s an exceptional wine. This is highly appreciated and shows respect for their expertise.
When Is Bringing Your Own Wine Appropriate And When Is It Not?
Bringing your own wine is especially appropriate for special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, or important business milestones. Also when you have a rare wine that’s not on the wine list, or a bottle with emotional value like a birth year wine, restaurants completely understand your choice.
It’s not appropriate to bring your own wine purely to save money. Also on first dates or informal dinners, you’re better off choosing from the wine list. Restaurants don’t appreciate it when you bring a cheap supermarket wine while they have a carefully curated selection.
Business dinners form a gray area. For important deals or international guests, a special wine from your own cellar can be perfect. For regular business lunches, it’s better to choose from the wine list. Group dinners are often a good occasion for personal wine, especially if you want to share multiple bottles.
How Do You Ask About The Possibility Of Bringing Your Own Wine?
The best approach is to be direct but polite when making your reservation. Say something like: “We have a special bottle of wine that we’d like to drink with our dinner. Is it possible to bring our own wine and what is your corkage policy?” This direct question prevents misunderstandings.
Provide relevant information about your wine, especially if it’s something special. Mention if it’s an old vintage, or if the wine needs special treatment like decanting. Also ask about practical matters like whether you can drop off the wine in advance for proper temperature.
If the restaurant doesn’t allow personal wine, ask about alternatives. Some steakhouses can order special wines for you or have a ‘cellar selection’ with exceptional bottles. Respect the restaurant’s policy and don’t force anything. There are plenty of other steakhouse Amsterdam options that do accept personal wine.
Which Premium Steakhouses In Amsterdam Welcome Wine Lovers?
Premium steakhouses like ours understand the passion of true wine lovers. We carefully balance between our own extensive wine selection and the wishes of guests who want to share something special. Our sommeliers are trained to treat every wine, whether it comes from our wine list or is brought by you, with the same care and expertise.
At our restaurant in Amsterdam, we welcome wine lovers with a thoughtful approach. Our wine list contains carefully selected wines that pair perfectly with our menu, but we understand that special occasions sometimes call for special wines. Our sommeliers are happy to advise on the best combinations with our premium steaks.
The best premium steakhouses create a memorable wine experience by combining expertise, service, and flexibility. They invest in professional sommeliers, proper glassware, and storage facilities. These restaurants see wine not just as a product to sell, but as an integral part of the complete dining experience they want to offer their guests.