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De Aardige Pers (Saman Restaurant)B-Worth Trying

Name: De Aardige Pers (Saman Restaurant)
Address: Tweede Hugo de Grootstraat 13H, 1052 LA Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1052 LA Amsterdam
Rating: 4.4

Tweede Hugo de Grootstraat 13H, 1052 LA Amsterdam, Netherlands · Persian restaurant, Halal restaurant, Restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (1614 reviews)

Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Authentic-leaning Persian grills and stews with generous portions; service can be inconsistent and the space can get crowded and loud.

Why it gets a B- for overall quality

De Aardige Pers delivers strong food quality with tender kebabs and fragrant saffron rice that earn consistent praise, but quality varies noticeably between visits—some stews arrive bland or overcooked while others shine. Service ranges from warm and attentive to slow and inattentive, particularly during busy periods, and the small, crowded room adds to the unpredictability. A solid neighborhood Persian spot with genuine culinary strengths, though execution gaps and tight quarters prevent it from reaching higher distinction.

Restaurant Summary

A small neighborhood spot where grilled meats sizzle and saffron rice perfumes the room, this place feels warm and bustling when full. Service ranges from kindly efficient to stretched-thin on busy nights, and the compact room can get lively and loud. One diner put it simply: "Tender lamb and fragrant rice made the meal memorable," though another wished for a touch more polish at peak times. The cooking leans traditional Persian with stews, polos, and kebabs rather than flashy fusion. Expect classic recipes done generously: koobideh and joojeh are frequent crowd-pleasers, while baghali polo with lamb shank earns raves for tenderness. A minority find stews inconsistent or bread too supermarket-like, but when the grill is on point, it delivers that comforting Persian depth people seek. Families should do well here: kebabs, rice, and yogurt sides are easy wins for kids, even if there is no formal kids menu. Portions are ample, and desserts like saffron ice cream sweeten the finish. Do note the crowded small space and consider reserving early if wrangling little ones.

At a Glance

Tender kebabs and aromatic rice are frequent highlights
Broad classic Persian menu with vegetarian options
Service can be slow or brusque when busy
Small, loud room; tight seating
Occasional inconsistency in stews and bread quality

What Sets It Apart

broad_classic_persian_menu
generous_kebab_portions
neighborhood_location

What People Love

Tender, well-seasoned kebabs
Fragrant saffron and dill rice
Generous portions that feel good value
Welcoming vibes when staff are on form
Traditional Persian desserts and drinks

Points of Concern

Service inconsistency with slow check-ins during peak hours
Space can feel cramped and noisy
Some diners report bland or small-portion stews and supermarket-style flatbread
Parking is difficult; plan on transit or walking

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost€38-52 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Pair a shared appetizer (€7.95) with a kebab (€20-26) and split saffron ice cream (€8.95) for value; vegetarians can choose Dal Adas or Kashke bademjan with rice.

Perfect For

Casual dinner craving Persian grills
Sharing plates with a small group
Comforting rice-and-stew meal on a cool night
Introducing friends to Persian cuisine

Location Insights

Area: Leafy residential streets near Jordaan, casual local vibe with neighborhood shops and cafes.

Safety: Generally safe, steady foot traffic; occasional busy intersections and bikes.

Nearby: Close to Jordaan canals, boutique stores, and other eateries along Hugo de Groot and Kinkerbuurt.

De BaarsjesDe Baarsjes is a dynamic neighborhood characterized by its multicultural population and a growing number of hip cafes, restaurants, and bars. The dining scene is eclectic, ranging from traditional Dutch eateries to international cuisine, reflecting the area's diverse community and youthful energy.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday16:00–22:30 Tuesday Wednesday16:00–22:30 Thursday16:00–22:30 Friday16:00–22:30 Saturday16:00–22:30 Sunday16:00–22:30

Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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