Yes, many steakhouses in Amsterdam now offer takeaway service. This trend has grown significantly since 2020, with premium restaurants making their quality dishes available for home enjoyment. You can order your favorite steaks for pickup from various top locations such as The Duchess, Loetje, and Restaurant Greetje. Most steakhouses offer online ordering options or phone reservations, and you can typically pick up your order within 30-45 minutes.
Which steakhouses in Amsterdam offer takeaway service?
Amsterdam has several premium steakhouses that offer takeaway service. Loetje, famous for their steak, has multiple locations throughout the city where you can order by phone or through their website. The Duchess on Spuistraat offers an extensive takeaway menu featuring their signature dry-aged steaks. Restaurant Greetje combines Dutch traditions with modern techniques and lets you enjoy their meat specialties at home as well.
Most steakhouses have specific pickup hours, usually between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM. At popular establishments like Cafรฉ de Reiger and Restaurant Red, you often need to order in advance, especially on weekends. Many restaurants use special packaging that maintains the temperature and quality of the meat during transport.
Since 2020, an increasing number of high-end restaurants have expanded their services to include takeaway options. This initially came about due to lockdowns, but has proven to be a lasting service that many guests appreciate. Even exclusive establishments like The Butcher Social Club and Gauchos now regularly offer takeaway promotions.
How does ordering steaks for pickup work?
The ordering process at steakhouses usually works through their website or by phone. Online, you browse the takeaway menu, make your selection, and choose a pickup time. When ordering by phone, you often receive personal advice about the best choices for takeaway. Preparation time varies between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on your order and how busy they are.
For the perfect doneness with takeaway, many chefs recommend ordering one level less cooked than you normally would. A medium-rare steak continues to cook slightly during transport in the packaging. Steakhouses use special insulating containers that retain heat without further cooking the meat.
Packaging methods are crucial for maintaining quality. Premium restaurants often use separate compartments for meat, sauces, and side dishes. Some establishments even include instructions for optimal serving at home, including tips for reheating if necessary.
What’s the difference between pickup and dining in at a steakhouse?
The biggest difference lies in the presentation and temperature of your dish. In the restaurant, your steak is served on a preheated plate at perfect temperature. With pickup, you need to account for some heat loss, although good packaging minimizes this. You naturally miss the ambiance and service of the restaurant at home, but you can eat at your own pace.
Regarding menu options, you often see that restaurants offer an adapted takeaway menu. Dishes that are less suitable for transport, such as paper-thin carpaccio or soufflรฉs, are usually absent. Steaks, burgers, and hearty side dishes work excellently as takeaway items. Pickup prices are often 10-15% lower because you don’t pay service charges.
Certain dishes lend themselves better to takeaway than others. A ribeye or entrecรดte maintains its flavor and texture well, while a delicate filet mignon cools down more quickly. Side dishes like roasted potatoes and vegetables stay fine, but fries unfortunately become soggy quickly. Many restaurants therefore offer special takeaway versions of popular side dishes.
How do you keep picked-up steaks at the right temperature at home?
The best method is to preheat your oven to 60-70 degrees Celsius. Place the steak in the original packaging (if it’s oven-safe) or on a preheated plate in the oven. Use aluminum foil to loosely cover the meat, preventing it from drying out while retaining heat. Leave the steak in the oven for a maximum of 10-15 minutes.
Resting time is important before serving. Remove the steak from the oven 5 minutes before serving and let it rest under foil. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Preheat your plates in warm water or in the oven – this makes a big difference in how long your steak stays warm while eating.
If your steak has cooled too much, you can briefly sear it in a hot pan with a knob of butter. A maximum of 30 seconds per side is enough to make the outside crispy again without affecting the doneness. Serve immediately with the provided sauces at room temperature for the best result.
Why do people choose takeaway service from premium steakhouses?
The main reason is enjoying restaurant quality in your own environment. At home, you can pour your favorite wine, play your own music, and sit at the table in sweatpants if you want. For special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries, you create an intimate atmosphere without the bustle of a restaurant. Additionally, you don’t need to arrange a babysitter or worry about parking fees.
Convenience also plays a major role. No reservation needed, no waiting times, and you can eat when it suits you. For people with young children or pets, this is ideal. You can take breaks between courses, and no one looks strangely if you get up halfway through. The flexibility to dine at your own pace is increasingly appreciated.
The growing demand for luxury takeaway options also comes from changing eating habits. People want to be home more often but don’t want to compromise on quality. Premium steakhouses respond to this with special takeaway menus, seasonal promotions, and even complete dining experiences for home. Some restaurants even offer instructional videos or QR codes with chef tips for perfect home preparation.
Does Vlees & Co in Amsterdam also offer takeaway service?
Yes, at our location in Amsterdam-Noord, you can also enjoy our premium steaks through takeaway service. We offer a selection from our extensive menu for pickup, including our famous dry-aged steaks and specialties like USA Prime and Scottish Angus. Our meat sommeliers are happy to advise you on the best choices for home and the ideal preparation method.
We use special packaging that preserves the unique flavor of our charcoal grill preparation. Every order is prepared with the same care as in our restaurant, adjusting the doneness slightly so your steak arrives perfectly at home. With your order, you receive personal instructions for serving, so you can experience the optimal meat experience at home as well.
Our takeaway service is available during our regular opening hours. You can order by phone or come by to make your selection. We prepare everything fresh for you, guaranteeing the quality of our premium selection. Whether you choose a juicy ribeye or an exclusive Wagyu, we ensure you can enjoy the same quality at home as in our restaurant.
Do I have to pay extra for special packaging when picking up premium steaks?
Most premium steakhouses don’t charge extra costs for their special packaging. These costs are usually included in the takeaway price. Some restaurants do offer premium packaging options for an additional fee, such as vacuum packaging or luxury presentation boxes for special occasions, but the standard heat-retaining packaging is almost always free.
How far in advance do I need to place my steak order for pickup?
For weekday evenings, 1-2 hours in advance is usually sufficient, but on weekends we recommend ordering in the afternoon for the same evening. For special occasions like Valentine’s Day or during the holidays, it’s wise to reserve even days in advance. Some restaurants accept last-minute orders if they’re not fully booked, but for certainty and the best selection, early ordering is always better.
Can I also get wine recommendations with my picked-up steak?
Yes, many premium steakhouses are happy to provide wine advice with your takeaway order. Ask for the sommelier’s wine suggestions when ordering. Some restaurants even sell the matching wines or have special wine-steak combination packages. If the restaurant doesn’t have its own wine sales, you usually get a list of recommended wines you can buy at the liquor store, including specific grape varieties and price ranges.
What’s the best way to keep side dishes like sauces and vegetables warm?
Sauces are best warmed au bain-marie: place the sauce container in a pan with hot water over low heat. Put vegetables in a preheated covered dish in the oven at 80 degrees. Potato dishes like mash or roasted potatoes can be covered with aluminum foil and placed in the oven at 100 degrees for a maximum of 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave for reheating steakhouse side dishes, as this can ruin the texture.
Do steakhouses also offer catering service for larger groups at home?
Many steakhouses in Amsterdam indeed offer catering for home parties starting from about 10 people. This ranges from complete BBQ packages to pre-cut steaks with all side dishes. Some restaurants even send a chef along who prepares the steaks on-site with a portable grill. Inquire at least two weeks in advance about possibilities and prices, as these services are often customized.
How do I recognize if my picked-up steak is still of good quality after transport?
A good steak should still feel firm and shouldn’t have become mushy. The color should be consistent with your ordered doneness – for medium-rare, still pink inside. If there’s a lot of moisture in the packaging, that’s normal due to condensation, but the meat itself shouldn’t be dripping. The smell should be pleasantly meaty without sour or strange odors. If you have doubts about the quality, contact the restaurant immediately.