Mamas & Tapas

Here we go, another intelligent lockdown – which means restaurants are closed, everyone is struggling and this blog will take another break. BUT BEFORE THAT: one last shout out to Mamas & Tapas, a – you’ve guessed it – tapas restaurant in Amsterdam West.

I’ve recently moved from my beloved Jordaan 5 minutes more West around Hugo De Grootplein. I was extremely excited to explore all the new restaurants and local shops. The area has plenty! As part of this plan, we’ve scheduled a date night at Mamas & Tapas for Thursday. Then rumours leaked as the almighty press conference was approaching, and we’ve moved it to Tuesday – the night we all got the news.

Fortunately Mamas & Tapas is now a long 1 minute walk from my place so plans can change quick. We were welcomed by the lovely owner who sat us down at a nice table, separated with a plastic screen from others. Hayden is already dreaming that this thing will never go away, even after corona, as the American in him can’t stand the elbow-to-elbow Dutch dining culture. Cute.

Soon enough we got our pitcher of Sangria. Our friends told us it’s the best in Amsterdam and…hell yeah it is! As the waitress was pouring it in our glasses, the owner jokingly told her “not to make a mess like last time”. Jokes and smiles with your service in Amsterdam?! I KNOW!

Turns out, he’s Croatian. Makes sense.

Next, we carefully picked too much food off the menu, as usual. With 7 tapas, we sat and waited as they carefully came out one by one and took over our small table. If that’s our biggest problem in life, may it stay that way.

So here’s what we ordered: Calamares, El Diablo a Caballo (dates wrapped in bacon), Chorizo, Pimientos de Padron, Portobello Relleno, Tabla de Quesos and Albondigas en Salsa Roja.

Every single dish tasted great. The only “mediocre” thing I’d say were the Albondigas, but I’m really not much of a meatballs fan in general. Our favorite dish was the Calamares, clearly superior to any others I’ve had around here. Crispy, not too chewy: just perfect.

The El Diablo a Caballo were also sublime, although you can’t see them under all that cheese – worth it, trust me.

I’ve heard good things about the Pulpo a la Plancha. I didn’t get it this time, but thought I should pass the knowledge – it’s supposed to be amazing!

Overall, I am confident now that this is the best tapas restaurant in Amsterdam. It’s not the cheapest choice, as no similar restaurant in Amsterdam currently is, but it won’t break the bank either. We left stuffed with a bill of 70 EUR, including drinks.

I also like Duende Dos, but Mamas & Tapas is just…better. The food, the Sangria, the hosts…just go for it, really.

Oh wait, you can’t right now. But you can definitely show your support while getting yummy food and drinks. They still do take-away, plenty of their menu is still available, they still offer fresh Paellas and of course…the Sangria! Stop by for the best take-away dinner you’re likely to get!

I’m Andra and I approve this message.

Value for money: 9

Food Quality: 10

Location: 8 (Hugo De Grootplein 6)

Service: 10

Website: https://www.mamasandtapas.nl/