Stepping off Govert Flinckstraat in Amsterdam’s vibrant De Pijp neighborhood, we experienced something unexpected: the sensation of being transported directly into a cozy Alpine chalet.
This wasn’t a trick of the imagination—it was Restaurant Mont Blanc, a Michelin-starred gem that brings the French region of Savoie to the heart of the Netherlands. An Immersive Alpine Experience. The evening came to us in the form of a gift card from my partner’s grown kids for his Birthday. We had no idea what we were in for, but we were clearly open for the adventure. And what an adventure it was!
From the moment we entered, every detail reinforced the restaurant’s dedication to its Alpine inspiration. The interior recreates the warm ambiance of a mountain lodge with pine wood paneling, a crackling fireplace, leather furnishings, and sheepskins draped over lounge chairs. The attention to authenticity extends to playful touches like cowbells in the restrooms—a charming detail that brought smiles throughout the evening.
The intimate dining room faces an open kitchen, offering diners a fascinating view of the culinary team at work. What struck us was the remarkable calm and synchronicity within the kitchen—a ballet of precision that speaks to the restaurant’s fine dining pedigree. Add to that the professionalism of the wait staff and sommeliers who genuinely seemed to enjoy servicing us as they highlighted the details of each course and wine pairing that came before us.
The Vision Behind Mont Blanc
Restaurant Mont Blanc is the creation of chef Thibault Casasole and his wife Dieuwertje, a husband-and-wife team whose passion for the Savoie region is evident in every aspect of the experience. Chef Thibault hails from Savoie, and his culinary journey began with their first restaurant in Montmin, a small mountain village at 1,157 meters altitude with just 300 inhabitants. That experience of cooking at elevation, surrounded by Alpine traditions, clearly shaped their culinary philosophy.
In 2015, they opened Bistrot des Alpes in Amsterdam’s Utrechtsedwarsstraat before launching Restaurant Mont Blanc as their fine dining flagship—a venue dedicated to taking guests on what they describe as “a culinary journey around Mont Blanc.”
The Culinary Approach
Chef Thibault’s cooking philosophy centers on authentic Savoyard flavors enhanced by creative impulses and technical mastery. His signature style emphasizes spiciness and vibrancy, moving beyond traditional Alpine cuisine into innovative territory while respecting the integrity of regional ingredients. The aesthetic appeal of the presentation adds volumes to the experience.
One dish that exemplifies this approach features catfish prepared in three elaborate presentations. One preparation involves an eight-week aged fillet marinated with miso and sourdough, served with a frothy beurre blanc, parsnip purée, and a sweet-and-sour vegetable chutney. The technique of aging fish combined with Japanese-inspired fermentation demonstrates the kitchen’s willingness to push boundaries while maintaining classical French foundations.
The menu celebrates Alpine ingredients and preparation techniques with a modern sensibility. Expect dishes that honor natural flavors while incorporating contemporary culinary thinking—what might be described as Alpine cuisine with natural undertones and a focus on preparation methods, not to mention the art of the presentation.
The Wine Program
The wine list at Mont Blanc deserves special mention. It’s part of the Wine Star List and features an outstanding selection focused on wines from the Savoie region—bottles you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere in Amsterdam. Sommelier Juliane curates both a Savoie wine tasting and a Prestige wine tasting, offering guests the opportunity to discover lesser-known varietals that perfectly complement the mountain-inspired cuisine.
For cheese enthusiasts, the restaurant’s cheese trolley has earned particular acclaim. Featuring selections from the Savoie and surrounding Alpine regions, it’s been consistently described as “superb” by critics and diners alike.
Our Tasting Experience
We opted for the chef’s tasting menu, which delivered far more than the stated number of courses. What was listed as a six-course experience expanded to include numerous amuse-bouches and intermezzo courses, each one a carefully crafted surprise.
The meal began with creative appetizers that set the tone for the evening. Highlights included polenta chips artfully presented via pine cone with a dip of fresh goat’s cheese and pine needles, and “tartiflette bitterballen”—a clever fusion of the classic Savoyard potato and cheese dish with the Dutch tradition of bitterballen. These small touches demonstrated the restaurant’s ability to honor both its Alpine roots and its Dutch home.
The tableware itself told a story. Custom Mont Blanc-shaped white dishes, elegant black and brass cutlery, wooden bowls, stone vessels, and white plates embossed with tiny mountain ranges all contributed to the immersive experience. Even the hand towels came with theatrical presentation—what appeared to be a peppermint dissolved in warm water to reveal a tiny towel for cleansing our hands, a thoughtful COVID-conscious detail.
The Service Philosophy
The service team at Mont Blanc strikes a perfect balance between professionalism and warmth. The staff is attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about each dish and wine pairing, and genuinely enthusiastic about sharing the Savoyard experience. They take time to explain the inspirations behind dishes and the stories of ingredients, enhancing the educational aspect of the meal without feeling pedantic.
Understanding the Value
Fine dining at this level represents an investment. Our experience, including the tasting menu with wine pairings and additional courses reflects the quality and scarcity of ingredients, the skill of preparation and presentation, the extensive wine program, and the overall theatrical experience. It provided a perfect opportunity to celebrate my partner’s birthday and our travels to this wonderful city.
What’s notable is that despite its Michelin star and exceptional quality, Mont Blanc remains somewhat under the radar compared to Amsterdam’s more famous starred restaurants. This means reservations, while recommended, are often easier to secure than at similarly ranked establishments. Several recent reviews have expressed surprise that the restaurant hasn’t yet earned a second star, given the ambition and execution of the cuisine.
Location and Accessibility
Mont Blanc’s location in De Pijp, at Govert Flinckstraat 308H, places it slightly outside the tourist-heavy city center, in a neighborhood beloved by locals for its authentic Amsterdam character. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday evenings, with dinner service beginning at 7:00 PM.
The intimate size of the dining room creates an exclusive atmosphere but also means advance reservations are essential, particularly for weekend dining.
Why Mont Blanc Stands Out
In a city filled with Michelin-starred restaurants, Mont Blanc distinguishes itself through its singular focus and authenticity. This isn’t a restaurant trying to be many things—it’s a love letter to a specific region, executed with precision and passion.
The experience offers something many fine dining establishments lack: a coherent narrative that runs through every element, from the decor to the glassware to the food itself. You’re not just eating a meal; you’re being transported to the French Alps, experiencing the terroir, traditions, and innovations of Savoie through the lens of two restaurateurs who deeply understand and love their subject matter.
For travelers seeking not just excellent food but a complete sensory journey, Mont Blanc delivers something truly special. It’s a reminder that the best restaurants do more than feed you—they tell stories, create memories, and offer windows into different worlds.
Final Thoughts
Our evening at Restaurant Mont Blanc was a highlight of our Amsterdam visit. While the city offers numerous outstanding dining experiences, few provide such a complete and transporting concept. The combination of Chef Thibault’s technical skill, the couple’s obvious passion for their homeland, the carefully curated wine program, and the immersive Alpine atmosphere creates something greater than the sum of its parts. As well, the staff treated us like treasured guests to their homes, and took great pride in their jobs and in their extensive knowledge in every dish and glass of wine they were serving us, which is rare to find, and only enhanced our pleasure with this experience.
For those planning their own Amsterdam culinary adventures, we highly recommend including Mont Blanc in your itinerary. Whether you’re a fine dining enthusiast, a lover of French cuisine, or simply someone who appreciates when a restaurant commits fully to its vision, this Alpine oasis in De Pijp offers an experience you won’t soon forget.
Just be sure to book ahead, arrive with an appetite, and prepare to be transported to the mountains—no ski lift required.
Have you dined at Mont Blanc or other Michelin-starred restaurants in Amsterdam? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.
