Insider's Pick
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Shot by a City Insiders curator.
esra
★ 5.0(1 review)Restaurant
intimateseasonalunpretentious
About the Vibe
Tucked away in Amsterdam's Eastern Docklands, esra is the intimate brainchild of chef Selin Kiazim and her partner Steph de Goeijen. Here, the menu is a mood board of seasonal ingredients and spontaneous inspiration—sometimes you'll get Turkish flavors, sometimes something entirely different, but always cooked with precision and heart. The space is small, the kitchen even smaller, which means every dish feels like a personal offering rather than a production line output. You'll find yourself drawn to their Mediterranean and Turkey-adjacent wine list, which perfectly complements the ever-changing plates. Be prepared to book well in advance—tables vanish quickly—but if you're lucky enough to catch a walk-in spot early in the evening, you're in for something special. Just know they can't accommodate every dietary restriction, so come with an open mind and a flexible palate. This isn't your typical Amsterdam restaurant; it's more like dinner at a friend's house who happens to be a world-class cook. The vibe is warm, unpretentious, and deeply human.
Known For
- •seasonal tasting menus
- •Turkey-adjacent wine list
- •chef Selin Kiazim's cooking
- •small kitchen with big flavors
Best For
date nightfoodie adventureintimate dinners
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 1, 2026
A personal dining experience you won't forget
esra is the kind of place that reminds you why you fell in love with dining out in the first place. Chef Selin Kiazim, formerly of London's Oklava, brings her Turkish roots and global perspective to this tiny venue in the Eastern Docklands, creating menus that feel both personal and adventurous. The food is seasonal, fresh, and always thoughtful—whether it's a simple vegetable dish or something more complex, everything tastes like it was made with care and intention.
The atmosphere is as welcoming as it gets: small, cozy, and unpretentious. You're not here for a grand spectacle; you're here for the food and the experience of being in the presence of two people who clearly love what they do. The wine list, focused on Mediterranean and Turkish selections, pairs beautifully with the ever-changing plates. Reservations are essential, though they do keep one table free for walk-ins if you arrive early.
Be aware that their small kitchen means limited flexibility for dietary restrictions, but that's part of the charm. This is a place where you trust the chef and go along for the ride. It's not just a meal; it's a conversation between cook and guest, and that's rare in today's restaurant scene.