6 Restaurants & Cafes I've Cried In Recently And Why.
A List of Some Of My Favourite Places I Have Shed Tears When I'm Not Going To Dinners With Kind Strangers : Amsterdam Edition
Farine Boulangerie & Cafe, Amsterdam
Farine entrance taken with my iPhone on a grey morning. Duration of Tears: 7 minutes
Reason: The date I was planning to meet there stood me up entirely and left an underwhelming lacklustre apology two hours after the fact. All this during a deeply depressive episode.
Score: 8/10 - It was a cathartic cry session. Farine has this remarkably thoughtful, intricate yet vast interior including a great upper floor seated section for working and more casual window seating on ground floor. Generous, kind windows that create a truly uplifting ambiance. I will conclude with sincere compliments to the one thing this bakery is known for far and wide ; its unforgettably sumptuous fresh pastries. I savoured them with every bite.
Rue D’Alger, Amsterdam
close up taken with my iPhone at Rue D’Alger. Duration of Tears: 35 minutes
Reason: I watched and overheard a couple planning their summer together while twiddling each other's fingers playfully. It was a strange reminder of how much I sincerely yearn for a romantic relationship and the reality that I may never have one. Also, their ability to freely plan an itinerary exposed my apparent insecurity as an immigrant. My chest grew cold and my eyes weld up.
Score: 8.5/10 - It was a great cry and I had to look down during my meal to obscure the morose expression on my face. The Mediterranean meals at Rue D’Alger are authentic and nourishing. There is no menu but rather you are presented with options which are essentially on a combined assortment of starch, meat and vegetables [ rice, couscous, lamb, tageen chicken, aubergine, etc]. It is incredible experience and the staff are remarkably friendly. They know how much I love my spicy Harissa and it’s the best condiment to complete their already flavourful steamed dishes.
Kikkie van de Prinsensluis, Amsterdam
a window view at Kikkie taken with my iPhone . Duration of Tears: 20 minutes
Reason: Found out from a Gallerist that a dear friend who struggled with chronic low self-esteem and depression died from a possible drug overdose at his family’s castle in East Sussex. Had to gather myself.
Score: 7/10 - It was a noisy place to cry at a busy hour. The smash burger at Kiki’s is unarguably one of the best burger’s in the world — not just The Netherlands. The Staff at Kikkie’s are typically pleasant but often seem categorically overwhelmed which is its own vibe. It feels like a woody pub with very grounded “establishment roots” aesthetics that give you the impression that you are dining at an…..establishment. I have many fond and pleasant memories of this place in a way that brings a smile on my face and its always filled with some of the most fascinating locals you’ll chance upon in the city.
The Dylan, Amsterdam
Duration of Tears: 10 minutes
Reason: I was approached by a lovely PhD student from The Hague who recognised me. Her partner had survived severe liver failure from the overprescription of lithium to treat his bipolar disorder. He had to get a transplant after years of dealing with prerequisite dialysis treatment. There was a certain helplessness which completely overwhelmed me and I felt her partners pain and anguish as he told his story. I was touched and deeply empathetic with everything he felt in that moment.
Score: 8/10 - An absolutely wholesome cry session. The Dylan has a remarkably elevated dining feel and experience with a charming bar. It also has cozy moments and a fairly continental menu that is almost always fairly reliable. Their breakfast buffet is a vast open secret and I think is one of the best in Amsterdam The staff are serviceable, polite and seem to have this sense of quiet enthusiasm.
Bocca Coffee, Amsterdam
Duration of Tears: 4 minutes
Reason: The minor inconvenience of a paper cut on release forms for a Dutch Broadcaster that began an existential spiral.
Score: 7/10 - Bocca Caffe Amsterdam is a haven for those who appreciate the art of coffee in its purest form. With an interior that feels both minimal and warm, it offers a space that is perfect for introspective moments or quiet conversations. Their coffee program is remarkably elevated, with an emphasis on precision and quality, making every cup feel like a small ritual.
The atmosphere is unfussy but inviting, with a sense of understated coolness. The staff are knowledgeable, genuinely passionate about coffee, and exude a calm, effortless hospitality. While their selection of pastries and small bites is limited, everything on offer is carefully curated and consistently good.
Bocca is the kind of place where time slows down just enough for you to exhale, sip, and—if needed—have a wholesome cry in peace.
De Aardige Pers, Amsterdam
Duration of Tears: 15 minutes
Reason: These were tears of joy as I was genuinely grateful that three long time friends had travelled over 6,000km to come and have dinner with me and was remarkably touched by their presence. ( Still very thankful to Kurdish Australian women who hosted me for the 30th Dinner of The Last Supper Project at this Persian restaurant )
Score: 9/10: The tears flowed that day and it was beautiful. De Aardige Pers is a hidden delight for Persian cuisine lovers in Amsterdam. The moment you walk in, the scent of saffron, grilled meats, and freshly baked bread sets the stage for a comforting, home-style dining experience. The menu is deeply rooted in tradition, featuring classics like fragrant tahdig, succulent kebabs, and rich stews that are packed with slow-cooked depth.
The staff live up to the restaurant’s name—warm and genuinely passionate but could stand to be more attentive. While the setting is simple and unpretentious, the food speaks volumes, offering an authentic taste of Iran in the heart of the city.
