Published on
December 24, 2025
World‑renowned chef, restaurateur and cookbook author Yotam Ottolenghi is set to open his first restaurant in the Netherlands in early 2026 at the newly rebranded Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium in Amsterdam, marking a major milestone in Europe’s culinary scene. Known for his signature vegetable‑centric dishes and bold Mediterranean‑Middle Eastern flavours, this new venue will be Ottolenghi’s twelfth globally and his second on the European mainland after Geneva. The restaurant debut enhances Amsterdam’s appeal as a travel destination for food lovers and cultural explorers alike, greatly expanding gastronomic experiences available to visitors.
Country and City Context
This news relates to the Netherlands, a Western European country famed for its vibrant cultural life, historic canals and innovative food scene. Amsterdam, the capital city, is a key destination for international travellers, known for world‑class museums, historic architecture and growing fine dining reputation. The new Ottolenghi Amsterdam restaurant will be part of the Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium, a luxury hotel in the Museum District, close to iconic attractions such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum—all major draws on travel itineraries.
Restaurant Overview and Location
Ottolenghi Amsterdam will be located inside the Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium, Amsterdam—formerly the Conservatorium Hotel—which is undergoing rebranding and renovation ahead of the restaurant opening in early 2026. The choice of location situates the restaurant in one of the city’s most prestigious cultural zones, ensuring accessibility and attraction for both tourists and locals.
Ottolenghi’s restaurants are celebrated for their emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and innovative use of vegetables, bold spices and diverse sharing plates. The menu in Amsterdam will take inspiration from his London restaurant ROVI, highlighting Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences with locally sourced Dutch ingredients. The restaurant will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, catering to a range of traveller dining preferences.
Ottolenghi’s Culinary Legacy
Yotam Ottolenghi first gained international fame as a cookbook author with titles such as Plenty (2010), Simple (2018) and Comfort (2024), which have collectively sold millions of copies worldwide. He opened his first deli in Notting Hill, London in 2002 and has since grown a global food empire with 12 establishments including delis and restaurants in the UK and Geneva, Switzerland. The Amsterdam venue will be the first in the Netherlands and represent a significant expansion of his culinary brand.
Strategic Hotel Partnership
The Ottolenghi Amsterdam restaurant is part of the Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium’s transformation. In January 2026, the Conservatorium Hotel will be officially rebranded as Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium, reflecting a fresh chapter in the hotel’s evolution. According to the hotel’s general manager, the restaurant is seen as central to the venue’s appeal, creating a culinary destination that draws both hotel guests and local residents.
What Travellers Should KnowOpening Timeline
This phased rollout gives travellers ample opportunity to plan visits around the restaurant’s grand opening and enjoy the new dining options shortly after the hotel’s transformation.
Location Benefits for Travellers
The restaurant’s location in Amsterdam’s Museum District enhances travel experiences:
• Proximity to major museums including the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum supports flexible day itineraries.
• Easy access from central Amsterdam transport hubs makes the restaurant convenient for tourists.
• A venue within a top luxury hotel adds to lodging and dining convenience for travellers seeking high‑end experiences.
Benefits for TravellersCulinary Tourism Appeal
The opening of Ottolenghi Amsterdam positions the city as a deeper culinary destination, especially for tourists who prioritise food experiences. Travellers can enjoy signature Ottolenghi dishes that blend Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Dutch seasonal produce, expanding beyond typical Dutch fare.
Extended Stay Appeal
With an acclaimed chef joining Amsterdam’s dining scene, travellers may extend stays to explore both cultural and culinary offerings, combining museum visits with gourmet dining adventures.
Local and International Exposure
The new restaurant offers global food lovers a reason to revisit Amsterdam, potentially increasing repeat tourism as the city enhances its international food reputation.
Potential Disadvantages and ConsiderationsPrice Point and Reservation Demand
High‑end dining experiences often come with premium prices. Travellers should budget accordingly and consider booking in advance, especially in peak travel seasons, as reservations may be competitive.
Travel Timing Uncertainty
Exact opening dates are yet to be confirmed. Visitors planning trips around the restaurant’s debut may need flexible travel arrangements until official launch details are released in early 2026.
Conclusion
Yotam Ottolenghi’s first restaurant in the Netherlands at the Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium, Amsterdam represents a major development in the city’s culinary landscape for travellers visiting in 2026. With Ottolenghi’s globally recognised cooking philosophy, the restaurant will enhance Amsterdam’s reputation as a top global travel and dining destination. Combining cultural exploration with gourmet dining, tourists can look forward to memorable, vegetable‑centric menus and vibrant flavours inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern traditions. While premium pricing and scheduling remain considerations, the new venue is poised to become a must‑visit stop for food lovers and cultural travellers alike.
