Café-Bar Vita Lente opens doors in Amsterdam-West

Former Coulisse* owner Simon Witmaar starts new place with Southern European flavours and focus on spontaneity

Following the closure of Amsterdam star restaurant Coulisse*, entrepreneur Simon Witmaar has broken new ground with the opening of Vita Lente on Jan Pieter Heijestraat in Amsterdam-West. In a bright corner building with a terrace, he presents not fine dining but an approachable café and bar that revolves around spontaneous encounters, good drinks and dishes that invite sharing. The kitchen is headed by chef Bas Holthuizen, who previously worked at Coulisse.

From fine dining to long drinks

After almost two decades of fine dining, Simon is shifting his focus to a freer and more accessible style with Vita Lente. “I wanted to create a place where you can go without a reservation, for an espresso in the morning, a sandwich in the afternoon or a long drink in the evening,” he says. “No course menus or set structures, but walking in spontaneously and lingering longer than you had planned.”

That philosophy is reflected in the name: Vita Lente, or slow life, With its Southern European flavours, accessible prices and focus on enjoying together, Vita Lente in Amsterdam-West is a place where you forget the hustle and bustle but the atmosphere buzzes. The property offers around 35 seats inside, including a breakfast bar and a semi-open kitchen, and from spring onwards, 15 more spots on the terrace. 

Exciting southern European flavours

Witmaar outlines Vita Lente as a place that is not all about star-level dining. Everyone is welcome, whether you come for one bite and drink or stay for the whole evening. “With us, it's all about honest, robust and Southern European food. Pronounced flavours that are often a bit heartier or more exciting,”he says. “The dishes are mainly there to accompany the drinking: lots of wines by the glass, sherry and vermouth. Small bites to choose for yourself and larger portions that invite you to share together.”

Menu: bar food that moves with the day

During the day, the menu consists of simple, accessible lunch dishes. There are also sandwiches ‘to-go’ in the afternoon. In the evening, the focus shifts to sophisticated but comfortable bar snacks and dishes from the grill. Thus, the kitchen moves with the rhythm of the day.

Focus on drinks

With a strong emphasis on the bar, there is a wide range of vermouth, sherry, and classic aperitifs, in addition to a selection of wines and beers. Those who do not drink alcohol can also choose from homemade iced tea, kombucha and sparkling tea.

Vita Lente is from now on open on Mondays and Thursdays from 11:00 - 00:00, Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 - 01:00 and Sundays from 11:00 - 19:00.
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 94A HS