Nieuw Amsterdam

Nieuw Amsterdam owner Michael Roszbach (ex-Cookie) had an inkling of what he wanted for his new venture, but until he found the double storey 1880s red brick building he wasn’t certain.

Bringing interior designers Eades & Bergman on board (the creative duo behind The Meatball & Wine Bar, Mr Miyagi and Bomba Bar), it became apparent that the exposed brick, beautiful archways and big windows screamed New York style, and Nieuw Amsterdam was born.

New York influences aside, the upstairs dining area has a distinct French bistro feel, with dark wood and classic bistro furnishings. French influences creep into the menu too; carrot remoulade offers a contrasting sweetness to the subtle smokiness of beef brisket and the chicken waffles appetiser, where orange caramel topped crispy chicken skin rests upon pate, terrine, and mini waffle.

Lunch time offerings include Italian style New York deli sandwiches (gooey, melted mozzarella baked eggplant for vegetarians) and a BBQ meat tray where you choose from three different types of protein served with sides on a metal tray.

Then head down to the dimly lit basement cocktail bar, perfect for night owls and, as Roszbach so eloquently puts it, “hang-ups, hangovers and heartaches.”