Peps Amsterdam: new Spanish wine and food bar in Oud-West

There 's a new hotspot in Amsterdam where the wine keeps flowing and the evening always lasts longer than planned. Peps Amsterdam , on Bilderdijkstraat in Oud-West , is a Spanish wine and food bar where tapas, pinchos, and wine come together in a sultry mix of charm and chaos.

The name comes from owner Pepijn , who once wrote a thesis about his dream business. Years later, that idea became reality: Peps Amsterdam , a place where spontaneity reigns supreme.

The red awnings outside draw you in, and inside, a world of warmth, bottles of wine, and people celebrating life awaits. As soon as you step inside, you're transported to another world: tables laden with small dishes, glasses of cava clinking, and a team that greets you as if you've been coming here for years.

The decor is Mediterranean, but not overdone. Warm wooden accents, wine bottles reaching the ceiling, and candlelight giving the room a soft glow.

A long bar runs along the front, with a pintxos bar at the entrance. On the right, people are standing with glasses of wine in hand, while on the left, people are relaxing and enjoying a meal . Up front, you'll find a small wine corner with curtains and candles, perfect for a date. In the back, the open kitchen bustles with a chef's table and a dark "living room" full of wine cabinets. And despite seating 230, it feels surprisingly intimate.

The service is young, cheerful, and genuine. According to floor manager Shai : " You come here for the good food and stay for the atmosphere ." And he succeeds. Even on weekdays, Peps is packed with people who, after "just one more drink," have secretly finished three rounds.

At Peps Amsterdam, you eat according to the flow of the evening. You order what sounds good, share what you can't resist, and after each dish say, "Okay, one more then." The table keeps filling up, the wine keeps coming, and nobody watches the clock.

The menu is a feast of over sixty small dishes: oysters, tapas, charcuterie with cheese, cold and hot pinchos, and appetizers . Everything is designed to be shared, in several rounds. Just as it should be at a Spanish eatery.

We started with pimientos de padrón , charred to perfection, followed by pata negra and crispy chicken with chipotle mayo; dangerously delicious. Next came the warm shells of mussels braised in white wine, razor clams, and vongole with crisp gremolata, a favorite of chef Ramon van Welzenis (formerly of BAUT), and we now understand why. The sea bass was tender and full of flavor, just a touch too much olive oil, which somewhat drowned out the buttery notes.

In between, bowls of roasted vegetable tapenade , tuna tartare with avocado foam , and chorizo ​​with that smoky Spanish kick appeared. The cuisine at Peps is Mediterranean with a Burgundian touch: lots of flavor, no frills, generous portions, and fair prices.

At Peps Amsterdam, it's just as much about what's in your glass. The wine list changes with the seasons, from crisp Verdejos to full-bodied Riojas, and you're always welcome to sample before choosing. Besides wine, there are cavas, homemade sangrias bursting with fresh fruit, and light, playful cocktails like the pink Readpertineje or the Aqualychee with lychee and lime.

Extra tip: During the day, there's happy hour from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM for food and drinks. In the evening, the bar naturally fills with chatter, drinks, and stories.

Peps is the place where anything goes and nothing is required. Where you pop in for a glass of wine and linger until the candles are gone. For five minutes or five hours. From drinks to dinner.

This new neighborhood favorite in Amsterdam West is exactly what the area needed: vibrant, welcoming, and full of flavor. No stuffy stuff. Just good food, great people, and vibrant energy. In short: Peps Amsterdam is all about flavor, atmosphere, and community.

An evening here flies by, so grab that girlfriend, order another glass of sangria, and discover for yourself why this Spanish wine and food bar in Oud-West will become your new favorite.

Peps Amsterdam Bilderdijkstraat 158H, Amsterdam (Old West) restaurantpeps.nl