Venus & Adonis

Some people love Valentine’s day, others love to hate on how commercial it is and how it ruins the beautiful and simple concept of love. I know that Valentine’s day means a nice dinner out, so you can call me a fan. If there’s steak, there’s love. This year, Venus & Adonis was our chosen location for the Vday dinner.

Well, technically that’s not true. Hayden wanted to surprise me, so I did not have anything to do with choosing the venue – all him. I was supposed to find out when we’d walk in. However, I am a woman, I am his woman, I know him well, and guessed the venue prior to the date. Hayden also had a dress picked up for me, but I picked it up myself that morning instead. Asked him later on if I can wear this for dinner: “I was going to pick that one but since you already have it on…just keep it”. He’s just lovely.

NOW, back to my love for food. After a short 5 minute walk we made it to Venus & Adonis. Both of us passed it dozens of times but never dined there. Recently, a friend told us he had “the best steak of his life” here, which was probably the last push we needed.

The restaurant is small and cozy, with a simple decor, like a fancier brown cafe. If personal space is your thing, this won’t be your favorite spot. We sat down and received the regular menus, together with the Valentine’s special. None of us were into it, so we just made our choice out of the standard menu.

We both ordered white beers to go with our meals. We probably did not look as fancy as most other people there, but that’s none of our business. Our order was taken fast, and the beers arrived right away.

We started with their chicken thighs. Although I don’t remember ever having such a dish for a starter, the chicken was really juicy and it went really nice with the Thai dip – I would have preferred it spicier.

For mains, we both had steak. I chose the Venus one, a 200 gr filet. It came with a Chimichurri sauce, which I chose out of 3 varieties (pepper sauce, and…something else?).

I loved how tender and juicy it was. Cutting it barely took any effort, and it had none of that chewy, annoying texture you sometimes get. The taste, however, did not impress me much.

Hayden had the Rib-Eye Steak, 300 gr. He said this one makes his top 10, but it wouldn’t get into top 5. The texture was correct for the type, but it lacked flavor as well.

As sides, we both had potato wedges, spiced with rosemary. They come with the Thai dip. Pretty flavorful, a nice addition to the steak.

Overall, we had a tasty dinner at Venus & Adonis, with quality food, in a nice ambiance. In my opinion the restaurant is highly overpriced for what it offers. Good food, not the best. I’d recommend this place for a special dinner or a first date, mostly due to the ambiance and staff, which were lovely. They also have surf & turf options!

Personally, I will probably not return, as I believe there are better alternatives around for a similar budget.

Value for money: 6

Food Quality: 8

Location: 9 (Prinsengracht 274)

Service: 8

Website: https://venusenadonis.nl/

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