Thirteen years ago, I traded Utrecht for Amsterdam. Together with my friends Henty van Holthe and Bart Hendriks – now head chef in the kitchen – I dreamed of having a place of our own. In the beginning, we still had a French concept in mind, even the name La Grappe was already prepared. But soon we thought: we need to do something for the neighborhood. Not a complicated kitchen, but an accessible place where local residents feel at home and return with their friends.
This is how it all started, Buurtcafé De Tros – a warm living room where good food, wine, and atmosphere come together. We don’t like complicated places. It should be simple, but done with love.
Underpromise & overdeliver turned out to be our key to success. De Tros slowly grew from a neighborhood favorite to a well-known name throughout Amsterdam and beyond. When Het Parool and the Volkskrant published glowing reviews within ten months, everything fell into place. The reviews struck exactly the note we were trying to hit. Our guest base grew, but that sense of neighborhood community always remained at the heart.
De Tros is now known for our classics – the lasagna and the burger are real crowd favorites. The walls display art by local residents, the wine list is curated by sommelier (and now co-owner) Thiago De Sena, and everywhere you can feel the sense that you’re sitting at the table with friends.
Bar Turbo
A few years after the opening of De Tros, we felt the itch again; sitting still is not for us. We wanted to expand the neighborhood feeling, but also dare to try something new. Together with co-owners Pierre de Wit, Henty van Holthe, Mats van der Sluijs, and Bart Hendriks, we created Bar Turbo – a place where comfort food, global snacks, and restaurant-quality cocktails come together. An accessible and affordable spot, but with an experimental twist. At Turbo, we pursue innovation while staying true to that same warmth. The staff, the atmosphere—it all has to feel right. Just like at De Tros.
Wijnwinkel De Kaaf
In the building of a former tattoo shop, our own wine shop De Kaaf opened. Where you can find special wines for your December dinners, but where we will also be organizing tastings. In the summer, benches will be placed outside. We want to create a place where people don’t just buy wine, but also experience something—just like at De Tros. Always with love and care.
I believe that good food, a smile, and a generous dose of love for the neighborhood are the recipe for lasting success in East—and for everyone who doesn’t know us yet: you’re very welcome!
Floris Baltes, one of the owners of De Tros and Bar Turbo, shares his story – From neighborhood café to city classic
