Bazar - Amsterdam

Bazar is the type of well-reviewed, eclectic eatery that the Frommer's and Fodor's of the world eat up. It's got a story (big, old converted church), it's got atmosphere (funky North African decor complete with authentic neon advertisements) and it's got location (smack dab in the center of the Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp). The problem, from where I sit, for our lunch was that the food just wasn't that great. Disappointing, considering the seeming unanimous praise and aforementioned perfect storm of expectation...

Mint tea - always a good thing
Mish I Bluar - minced beef and lamb patty with feta
New Delhisoep - red pepper soup with Madras curry
Sopa Tunesi - lentil soup with scraps of meat

Nothing on my plate was special. The meat was a tad tough and overcooked and the soup was a little bland. My wife's lentil soup did have scraps of chorizo-like meat scattered atop, which was pure salty goodness, but that's about it. Maybe it was what we ordered, maybe it was the weight of expectations, maybe it's just over-rated. I probably won't return to figure it out...

Rating: 5.5/10.0
Cost: $$

Bazar Restaurant
Albert Cuypstraat 182
Amsterdam
020 675 0544