If you’re a fan of Argentinean cuisine, particularly the grilled meats, Restaurant Argentino Luna in Amsterdam might catch your eye. This small, cozy establishment offers a variety of steaks and other meats, complemented by a selection of wines that pair perfectly with the hearty dishes. While our recent dining experience featured some delicious food, the service left much to be desired.
The Food: A Mixed Bag
We decided to indulge in some classic Argentinean dishes during our visit. One of the stars of the meal was an Argentinean Entrecote paired with rice and a rich Roquefort sauce. The steak was tender and flavorful, cooked just right, and the sauce added a delightful creamy contrast to the savory meat. However, it did taste like a little too much cornstarch had been added as a thickener. The rice was well-prepared, providing a simple yet satisfying accompaniment.
Alongside the entrecote, we ordered a mixed grill featuring an assortment of meats, served with fries, pepper sauce, chimichurri, and mayonnaise. The meats were expertly grilled, capturing that quintessential Argentinean char and smokiness. The chimichurri was fresh and vibrant, adding a zesty kick to each bite.
To complement our meal, we chose a Malbec wine—a classic choice for Argentinean beef. The wine was robust yet smooth, with rich berry flavors that paired beautifully with the grilled meats.
The Service: Room for Improvement
Unfortunately, while the food quality was commendable, the service did not match up. Upon arrival, we were looking forward to our meal, but soon after, several key components of our order were missing. The rice, mayonnaise, pepper sauce, and sausages that should have accompanied the mixed grill were nowhere to be found.
To our surprise, the sausages were replaced with pieces of corn, which was not listed on the menu. More troubling was that this substitution was made without any prior notice. When we inquired about the missing sausages, the staff eventually brought them to the table, as they were indeed part of the dish. However, we later observed that other tables were served the same dish with corn instead of sausages, making it seem like a deliberate choice rather than a simple mistake.
Even after this issue was addressed, we had to ask again for the mayonnaise and pepper sauce that were part of our original order. These repeated oversights were frustrating, and what made it worse was the lack of any acknowledgment or apology from the staff. While the team was generally pleasant, these service lapses significantly impacted our experience.
Final Thoughts: Good Food, But Service Needs Attention
In summary, Restaurant Argentino Luna offers some genuinely good Argentinean food, particularly when it comes to steaks and grilled meats. The flavors are authentic, and the quality of the meat is quite high, especially considering the reasonable prices.
However, the service issues we encountered—missing items, unexpected substitutions, and a lack of proper communication—left a sour note on an otherwise enjoyable meal. Given the number of hiccups in a single visit, coupled with the absence of apologies, it’s hard to overlook these shortcomings. While the food might tempt you to return, the inconsistent service might make you think twice.
With some improvements, Restaurant Argentino Luna could become a top destination for Argentinean cuisine in Amsterdam, but for now, it falls short of its potential.
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Review: 7.6/10
Price / Quality: 8 | Service: 4 | Atmosphere: 9 | Originality: 7 | Freshness: 10 | Choice: 8
