Adamo

In the city center of Haarlem, we find trattoria/enoteca Adamo, where owner and host Luca Adamo welcomes us with open arms. The space exudes a modern-classic Italian atmosphere with white table linens, a warm gas fireplace at the center, and soft lighting that, combined with candlelight, creates an intimate ambiance. The bar, wine cabinets, and the hatch to the kitchen give the entire space a lively yet relaxed vibe. The kitchen is Italian and follows the traditional lines of classic Italian cuisine. There is a choice of à la carte, antipasti, primi, secondi, and a Tasting Menu. We begin with an amuse-bouche of Polpette Napoletano: a crispy meatball in tomato sauce, although the parmesan unfortunately doesn't really come through. Alongside this, the owner pours a Prosecco DOC Rosé and a Prosecco Canevel DOCG, accompanied by silky-smooth Parma ham that almost melts in your mouth. The starter is tuna tartare with lemon and sesame. The tuna is tender, but the sesame overpowers it and the lemon falls flat, making it taste somewhat bland. The bresaola involtini with stracciatella, tomato, and parmesan is classic. A glass of Antinori Bramito della Sala 2022, a full-bodied Chardonnay from Umbria, pairs harmoniously. For the intermediate course, there is burrata with tomato, pistachio, and basil oil: creamy and pure, though the additions could have been a bit more pronounced. For the main courses, we take a journey across land and sea. The dorado cooked en papillote, stuffed with pesto, tomato, olives, and capers, is perfectly cooked and pairs beautifully with grilled artichokes and spinach. The tournedos with truffle pasta and mushrooms is butter-soft and is accompanied by an elegant Ca’ Botta Valpolicella Ripasso Alta 2018. We finish with an Espresso Martini, strong and creamy, and a lemon semifreddo that unfortunately is served slightly too warm, causing it to lose some of its impact. Service is led by Luca Adamo, who together with his daughter ensures a smooth evening. The pace is pleasant, and the host personally oversees that his guests lack nothing. Adamo offers honest, flavorful Italian cuisine in a welcoming environment. Minor details that could use attention detract nothing from the warm welcome and the solid execution of the dishes. A trattoria Haarlem can be proud of.

New in Haarlem’s historic centre is trattoria/enoteca Adamo, named after its owner Lucca Adamo, who took over the former La Forca location. The venue has been beautifully renovated, boasting a bright interior with lovely Scandinavian chairs and linen tablecloths. Adamo is an authentically Italian restaurant featuring a classic menu divided into antipasti, primi, secondi, and dolci. The wine list comprises exclusively Italian selections, organized by colour and reasonably priced. There is also a generous range of wines available by the glass at fair prices. The starters are straightforward yet expertly crafted with high-quality ingredients, such as tuna tartare and a classic vitello tonnato. They arrive incredibly fresh and generously portioned. Next up are the pasta dishes, both of which are delightful, particularly the spaghetti allo scoglio: slightly thicker spaghetti cooked al dente, tossed in a delicious sauce of crustaceans, shellfish, cherry tomatoes, and herbs. It may sound simple, but it is a real treat. It comes with delicious vongole and mussels, crowned with a large prawn. This is exactly how pasta should be. The main courses are equally impressive, showcasing Southern Italian influences, particularly the sea bass dish served with a rich tomato sauce. The lemon semifreddo is spot-on: refreshingly crisp and tangy with the perfect texture. The host, who could certainly use a bit more warmth, and a young server pour a recommended glass of Italian wine to accompany the meal. The Tenuta Scuotto Fiano di Avellino DOC stands out as an excellent choice: a refined, full-bodied white that pairs beautifully with the briny flavours of the spaghetti. All in all, Haarlem now boasts another excellent Italian restaurant. Welcome to Lekker.