R21

The story

R21 Amsterdam – Seasonal Fine Dining by Chef Orlando David | Michelin Recommended

A Personal Vision on Peperstraat

R21 is the realisation of chef-owner Orlando David’s two-decade journey through some of the Netherlands’ finest kitchens. Born in Amsterdam to Chilean-Colombian parents, David started cooking at 15 and opened his own restaurant in November 2023 – exactly 21 years later. The name is no coincidence.

The restaurant occupies a beautifully restored monumental building near Waterlooplein. Original architectural details meet a sleek, modern interior – warm, elegant, and unmistakably its own. Here, the food is the reason to come.

Seasonal, International, Ever-Evolving

David’s cooking refuses to be pinned to one geography. His menus are rooted in high-quality products and a lifelong curiosity for the world’s cuisines, changing with the seasons and his inspiration. The result is a tasting experience that feels both grounded and surprising.

On the current chef’s menu (4, 5, or 6 courses with optional wine pairings), dishes include mackerel with radish, avocado, kiwi, and aji ancho; white Dutch asparagus with green peas, morels, and yoghurt; and lamb with artichoke, baby potato, and vermouth sauce. À la carte options span sea bass ceviche, steak tartare with ras el hanout cream, and turbot on the bone with asparagus sauce and wild garlic. Desserts like strawberry with elderflower and verbena, or a Coupe Colonel with apple, caramel sorbet, and Dutch Barn vodka, round out the meal.

Recognition That Matches the Ambition

Within two years of opening, R21 earned a place in the Michelin Guide 2026 – Recommended – and a score of 13.5/20 from Gault&Millau. These accolades reflect the precision and personality David brings to every plate.

For diners seeking a seasonal, ingredient-driven meal in Amsterdam, R21 offers a setting that is both intimate and refined – a restaurant that lets the cooking speak for itself.