Amsterdam is famous for its canal houses and Golden Age architecture, but hidden on Vijzelstraat is one of the city's most remarkable buildings: a soaring Art Deco masterpiece from 1926 that most visitors walk right past. Inside, Café Restaurant De Bazel lets you combine architectural appreciation with an outstanding meal — dining on the very same mosaic floors that Dutch bankers once crossed on their way to the vault.
The Architect: K.P.C. de Bazel
Karel Petrus Cornelis de Bazel (1869–1923) was one of the most visionary Dutch architects of the early twentieth century. Influenced by theosophy and Eastern philosophy, he infused his designs with symbolic meaning, geometric precision, and a deep sense of harmony. The building at Vijzelstraat 30 was his magnum opus — commissioned as the headquarters of the Nederlandsche Handel-Maatschappij (Netherlands Trading Society), one of the most powerful Dutch colonial trading companies.
Tragically, De Bazel died three years before the building was completed in 1926. But his vision was faithfully executed, and the result is a structure that blends Art Deco glamour with the distinctly Dutch Amsterdamse School style. The building is now a designated Rijksmonument (National Monument) and has served as Amsterdam's City Archives (Stadsarchief) since 2007.
Architectural Details to Admire While Dining
Eating at De Bazel is an immersive experience. Unlike a museum, you're not behind a rope — you're sitting right in the middle of the art. Here's what to look for:
- Mosaic Floors — Designed by De Bazel himself, the elaborate floor mosaics tell the story of global trade. The patterns incorporate geometric motifs inspired by Eastern and Western traditions.
- Stained Glass Windows — The towering stained glass panels filter natural light into the dining space, casting coloured patterns across the tables. Each window panel depicts scenes related to commerce and navigation.
- Marble Columns and Walls — The grand columns and wall cladding use multiple types of marble, carefully selected for their colour and veining to create a warm, luxurious atmosphere.
- Original Wood Panelling — The dark oak panelling throughout the ground floor is original, meticulously restored to its 1926 condition.
- Wrought Iron Details — Balustrades, light fixtures, and decorative elements in hand-forged iron showcase the craftsmanship of the era.
Private Dining in an Extraordinary Space
De Bazel's most intimate space is the Private Dining room — a beautifully appointed Art Deco space with vaulted ceilings that seats up to 40 guests. Whether for a birthday celebration, a business dinner, or a private gathering, it offers a truly unique setting. Check the group dining page for more details.
"As an architecture lover, dining at De Bazel was a dream. The mosaic floors alone are worth the visit, but the food was genuinely excellent too. We had the Steak Tartaar and the Escargots — both superb. Incredible experience."
What to Eat: Dinner Highlights
The dinner menu at De Bazel is designed to complement the setting — refined but unpretentious, with a focus on quality ingredients and careful preparation:
- Steak Tartaar — €16. De Bazel's signature dish: hand-cut beef tartare prepared tableside with classic accompaniments. A must-try.
- Escargots — €14. Burgundy-style snails in garlic herb butter, baked until bubbling. A perfect starter.
- Jachtschotel — €28. A classic Dutch hunter's stew — slow-cooked meat with rich gravy, root vegetables and mashed potatoes. Hearty and satisfying.
- Biefstuk — €27. A premium beef steak, cooked to your preference, served with seasonal vegetables and a choice of sauces.
For drinks, the drinks & bites menu features an extensive wine list, craft beers, and cocktails. The breakfast and lunch menu is equally impressive for earlier visits.
Combining Your Visit with the City Archives
While you don't need to visit the City Archives to eat at De Bazel, we highly recommend it. The Stadsarchief Amsterdam regularly hosts free exhibitions about the city's history, and the building itself is part of the experience. After lunch, take a stroll through the exhibition halls and admire the architecture from different angles. It's a perfect way to spend a cultural afternoon in Amsterdam.
Practical Information
Address: Vijzelstraat 30, 1017 HL Amsterdam (inside the City Archives)
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 09:00-22:00, Mon 09:00-17:00
Phone: 020-3376589
Getting there: Metro 52 Vijzelgracht stop, Tram 4/14/24 Muntplein stop
Walking distances: Bloemenmarkt 3 min, Muntplein 2 min, Rembrandtplein 5 min, Hermitage 8 min
Frequently Asked Questions
Is De Bazel really an Art Deco building?
Yes, De Bazel is an authentic Art Deco building completed in 1926, designed by the renowned Dutch architect Karel Petrus Cornelis de Bazel (1869–1923). The building combines Art Deco with the Amsterdamse School architectural style, creating a unique blend found nowhere else. It features original mosaic floors, stained glass windows, marble columns, ornate ironwork, and wood panelling. The building is a designated Rijksmonument (National Monument) of the Netherlands.
Does De Bazel have private dining rooms?
Yes, De Bazel has several exclusive private rooms: the Private Dining (up to 40 guests), the Trading Room (up to 30 guests) and the Grand Café (up to 100 guests). All are available for private dinners, celebrations, and corporate events. Contact us at 020-3376589 or info@caferestaurantdebazel.nl.
Do I need to visit the City Archives to eat at De Bazel?
No, Café Restaurant De Bazel has its own entrance and operates independently from the City Archives (Stadsarchief Amsterdam). You can visit the restaurant without entering the archives. However, if you're interested in Amsterdam's history, we recommend combining your meal with a visit to the free exhibitions at the City Archives — the entrance is in the same building at Vijzelstraat 30.