Duende Dos, the best tapas in Amsterdam
It’s a gut feeling, like falling in love, or knowing when something just works. That’s how I felt the first time I walked into Duende Dos, the Spanish restaurant that—bold as it may sound—might just serve the best tapas in Amsterdam. Let’s get into it.
A Fine Line
If you’re at the right restaurant, the owners will always try to incorporate something of their culture into it to make you feel like you’re experiencing a fragment of their life. The decor, the music, souvenirs hanging from the walls—you name it. There’s a fine line between overdoing it and hitting it just right, and like my gut feeling, you’ll know it when you see it. The first time I went to Duende Dos, I was with a few of my Spanish friends; they had been there before and recommended it. How could I say no? I remember it like yesterday.
Sanctuary
A hot summer day, a light breeze in the air, and the sun reflecting in the canal. We walked in, and it felt like I was transported to another world. Colorful walls surrounded the large wooden tables. Spanish music was in the background while the laughter of customers filled the room, buzzing like a late-night family gathering. This place was a breakaway from daily life, where you didn’t have to think about work or rent, a place where you could relax and eat amazing food. If you’ve been in Amsterdam and know the chaos that comes with it, you’ll know that places like this are vital for our survival.
I did what any good friend does and let my friends order for the table. Words were said, nods exchanged, and before I knew it, there were beers. Nothing could’ve prepared me for what was about to bless our table. More than fifteen small white plates began to crowd the table, one by one, until there was no room left. Patatas Bravas, croquettas, chorizo cooked in cider, squid from the grill, Manchego cheese, just to name a few. Every plate was another deep dive into Spanish cuisine, and I was here for it.
First Impressions
At first glance, you wouldn’t think much of the dishes set before you, but once you start pricking your fork into them and tasting the flavors, you’ll quickly come to realize that what you’re eating was made with care, a passion to represent a home far away. The chorizo was soft and rich, packed with paprika and spices, oozing amber-colored oils with the press of a fork. The croquettas—filled with ham, cheese, or chorizo—were soft and creamy inside, with a perfectly crisp, golden shell. There was squid too, tender and juicy, glistening in olive oil and garlic, with just enough smoke to make it one of the best plates of the night. It was the kind of meal that makes you forget to check your phone—or even speak.
The Final Bite
As I said before, Duende Dos has become a sanctuary for me and my friends whenever we have the chance to get together and enjoy a meal. We can sit there for hours, ordering plate after plate until we can’t continue any longer, drinking as many beers as our livers allow. This is what happiness is to us, to me. Take someone, or someones, pick as many plates from the menu as you can fit on the table, and just let the experience take over. It’s loud, it’s messy, it’s perfect. I promise you won’t regret it.
