Restaurant Kenneh Amsterdam
© Restaurant Kenneh, @restaurantkenneh

Kenneh Amsterdam: the first West African fine dining restaurant in the Netherlands

Emma

 

September 21 2024

Restaurant Kenneh Amsterdam is the very first place in the Netherlands where you can experience West African cuisine in a fine dining setting. And it's even better than you think.

Ambience and interior at Restaurant Kenneh Amsterdam

With years of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens, Chef Samuka Kenneh is on a mission: to bring something truly unique to the Netherlands. And he does so with gusto. Not only through his dishes, but also by bringing the story behind each dish to life. Thanks to his passion for food and strong connection to his roots, the chef has created a completely new dining experience: Kenneh Amsterdam is the first West African fine dining restaurant in the Netherlands (!). Dishes from Gambia to Sierra Leone, Ghana, and beyond pay tribute to the rich West African history.

The atmosphere at Kenneh is relaxed and welcoming; you immediately feel at ease and don't have to speak softly, as is sometimes the case in fine dining restaurants. Kenneh's primary goal is to inspire and introduce his guests to the hospitality and flavors of West Africa. And a good atmosphere is, of course, part of that. The combination of dark wood and terracotta walls contributes to that warm feeling.

Restaurant Kenneh Amsterdam

© Restaurant Kenneh, @restaurantkenneh

Menu and dishes at Kenneh Amsterdam

Kenneh offers a unique chef's menu that changes occasionally. The current lunch menu starts with a Gambian-style oyster, followed by ampesi: mackerel with a special jam, steamed spinach, and avocado. For dinner, you can choose à la carte or one of the two current menus: "The Full West African Experience" or the "Tasting Menu." Both begin with a well-known Nigerian snack: puff-puff. The Full Experience consists of ten courses, the Tasting Menu seven. Both are excellent options, as they offer a good glimpse into the unique flavor palette that characterizes West Africa. The Yasa lobster is one for the books; the lobster is enriched with truffle, chili oil, and yasa chips. Together, all the dishes on the menu evoke Chef Samuka's story, from childhood memories to travels.

Restaurant Kenneh is suitable for a date night or a special evening out

Reservations at Kenneh are available for two people or more, but groups are also more than welcome. Private events are even an option; you can accommodate up to 34 people.

Tip: these (new) restaurants are also in West

more Amsterdam tips

Restaurant Kenneh Amsterdam

© Restaurant Kenneh, @restaurantkenneh

Restaurant Kenneh Amsterdam

© Restaurant Kenneh, @restaurantkenneh

Things to do in Amsterdam

view all 24 tips here

Best Hotels in Amsterdam

view all 16 tips here

LET'S GET SOCIAL

Follow @yourlbb on Instagram

Fancy a break from the city? 🍂 These are my favourite walking & drinks spots in the Netherlands. To be honest... I don't see myself living outside the city anytime soon, but on weekends I love getting out into nature. That's why I've created a YLBB shortlist of the most beautiful walking areas, complete with a great drinks spot nearby. My perfect Sunday? First a walk, then relaxing somewhere with a treat or a hot chocolate (or, of course, a glass of wine and bitterballen!). 📍From Lage Vuursche to the Waterleidingduinen and the Amsterdamse Bos, I share my favourites in this video. But... there are of course many more lovely places in the Netherlands where you can enjoy a drink after a walk. Which tip do you think is a must-see? 👇 Save this post to get out into nature this season or forward it to your walking date. 🍁 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #yourlittleblackbook #hikinginthenetherlands #drinksspot #discoveringthenetherlands #natureinthenetherlands #autumnroutes #hikingtips #dutchautumn #walks #naturewalk #weekendtips #netherlandsholiday #drinks #outdoorlife #amsterdamweekend #thingstodonetherlands #yourlbb
Forget the classic omakase experience in Amsterdam, this is something else. Hidden inside burger spot @paindemie_amsterdam and inspired by the Tokyo subway, you'll find @moyo_amsterdam. A new hotspot redefining the omakase concept. Chef @guillaumedebeer is behind this next-level concept, and it shows in every creative detail. But here O-toro and Wagyu take the stage 🥩. It's intimate, creative, and seriously one of the most exciting new openings in Amsterdam right now. Save this for your next special dinner night 🔥 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #amsterdam #amsterdamcity #amsterdamfoodguide #amsterdamfood #amsterdamtravel
The most beautiful l𝗶𝗰𝗵𝘁𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘀 for your 𝗡𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 this season The days are getting shorter, the evenings longer… And honestly? I secretly think that’s one of the nicest things about this season. Because the transition from autumn to winter means: light festivals! ✨ All over the Netherlands, cities, parks and castles light up with light art, projections and installations that you’ll love to see them all. What once started with the Amsterdam Light Festival has grown into one of the most beautiful winter traditions in the country, if you ask me! Most light festivals also offer cozy hot chocolate and food stalls for something tasty to go. Perfect for a winter evening with your loved one, family, or friends. Can you picture yourself strolling past artworks that transform streets, parks, and canals into a fairytale, with a hot chocolate or mulled wine in hand? 📍From North Holland to Gelderland, I'm sharing all the tips in a comprehensive article on Your Little Black Book, featuring the best light festivals in almost every province in the Netherlands. Trust me: this is such a special outing to brighten up the dark days. P.S. I'll also have exciting news about the @lefoodwalk at the @amsterdamlightfestival on Your Little Black Book soon! Have fun planning! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #lightfestival #netherlandstips #winterouting #yourlittleblackbook #thingstodo #lightart #amsterdamlightfestival #wintervibes #dayout #romanticouting #autumndinings #gluhweinmoment #fallinthenetherlands
Looking for the hottest new spot for a date night in Amsterdam City Center? Meet @littlebonfire.ams 🔥 With its cozy vibe it's the kind of place that feels like an extension of your living room: but with much better food and wine. On the ever changing menu you'll find classics to share: from pan con tomate with anchovies, stracciatella with zucchini and peas, to crispy eggplant, vitello and sea bass with clams. Don't skip dessert: the Basque cheesecake is already my favorite. This spot is perfect for a date night at the bar or dinner with the girls. I think Little Bonfire Amsterdam is a keeper in the city center! 📍Little Bonfire Amsterdam City Center Who are you taking here first? 🖤 ​​✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #LittleBonfireAmsterdam #AmsterdamRestaurants #DateNightAmsterdam #AmsterdamCityCentre #AmsterdamHotspots #Amsterdamfoodie #Amsterdamtravel #YourLittleBlackBook
@yourlbb_amsterdam

Travel Essentials

view all 36 tips here