Ciel Bleu

The definition of fine dining

Strawberries, pannacotta, lemon

If you ask an Amsterdam local to suggest you a fine dining restaurant, for a truly special occasion that you will be remembering for a long long time, the chance is Ciel Bleu would most likely to be the recommendation. Located inside the super luxury 5 stars Okura hotel on the top floor, Ciel Bleu is a double Michelin starred, modern French restaurant with a stunning view overlooking the city. The restaurant is all about using luxury, prime ingredients from around the world with a touch of creativity. Diners have the choice of 3 tasting menu and a standard a la carte, if you really want to splash the cash, you can also upgrade to the caviar menu which contains caviar in every dishes.  

Parsnip, artichoke and garden peas

Tom Yam, Grey shrimp & Chicken skin

Oyster, elderflower, green apple, celery

Butter party!

King crab and Oscietra caviar

In typical fashion, the tasting menu was the choice for me. the house signature course king crab was an indulgence dish with Oscietra caviar, the freshness of the crab blended in nicely with the mild savory profile of the caviar, it was brilliantly executed. Interestingly the fish course was a Dover sole, but done in such a refined manner with white asparagus, buttery soft texture, well seasoned with a grassy and woody aftertaste that came with the sherry and clove sauce. The main event of lamb was a winner, rich and moist with such a beautifully complex flavour combination of a southern European element of the olives and hyssop. To finish off, the strawberries ‘Shaken not Stirred’ Panna cotta was a fun dessert which the presentation was finished off by our table, with some cocktail shacking action to deliver the ultimate summer dessert.

Langoustine Carrot, Kumquat & Vadouvan spices

Dover sole, white asparagus, sherry

Dorset lamb, olive, toast cannibal

P4

What I really enjoyed is each course was delivered to your table with some form of drama to ensure you are closely engaged with the experience, and you can really tell the kitchen team is real serious about the food, with just the butter alone, which you are given a number of choices and a cheese trolly that can rival any classic fine dining French restaurant back in France. There is fine dining, and there is fine dining at Ciel Bleu, the dinner experience was sensational, with really top quality cooking combining with world-class service. For a really special occasion, Ciel Bleu ticks all the boxes, you will not be disappointed.


Food 4.5/5

What I paid: 
£200 per person with wine

Average cost without drinks and services:
£170

Ferdinand Bolstraat 333, 1072 LH Amsterdam, Netherlands

https://www.okura.nl/en/culinary/ciel-bleu-restaurant/