3-course Dinner in the Dark Amsterdam

Discover the 3-course Dinner in the Dark Amsterdam Tour

The 3-course Dinner in the Dark in Amsterdam offers a truly different way to enjoy a meal. Priced at $59.61 per person, this two-hour experience combines fine dining with sensory exploration. It’s designed for those curious about how food tastes without sight, featuring blind or visually impaired wait staff guiding your journey into darkness. With an average booking lead time of 43 days, this popular experience is recommended by 90% of past participants, earning a solid 4.5-star rating based on 40 reviews.

The experience takes place at Amsteldijk 55, Amsterdam, where guests are welcomed in a lighted lounge, then guided into a pitch-black dining room. The focus is on international gourmet cuisine, served in three courses with amuse bouche included. It’s a two-hour adventure that invites you to rely solely on your senses—taste, sound, and touch—making it ideal for food lovers and the adventurous alike. Keep in mind, drinks and water are not included, so you’ll need to purchase beverages separately.

Key Points

• Price of $59.61 per person for a 2-hour experience
• Includes a 3-course dinner and 2 amuse bouche
• Guided by blind or visually impaired wait staff trained for dark dining
• Booking recommended 43 days in advance due to popularity
• Group discounts and mobile tickets available for convenience
• Suitable for children aged 6 and up, with most travelers enjoying the experience

How the Dinner in the Dark Experience Works in Amsterdam

The dining experience begins in a lighted lounge area where guests check their coats and leave behind all belongings but their curiosity. Once everyone has ordered from an outside illuminated menu, the group is guided into the completely darkened dining room. Here, the physical environment is pitch-black, designed to heighten your other senses.

Throughout the meal, blind waiters—who are specially trained—serve each course, offering guidance and reassurance. This style of service ensures that guests feel comfortable navigating the darkness while focusing on tasting and appreciating the cosmopolitan international cuisine. The absence of sight challenges perceptions of food, encouraging exploration through taste, smell, sound, and touch.

The Menu and Gourmet Courses in Complete Darkness

Guests select their preferred meal before entering the dark room, choosing from an illuminated menu outside. The 3 courses feature dishes inspired by international flavors, with amuse bouche included at the start to awaken the palate. The menu aims to surprise and delight, pushing the boundaries of taste and texture.

It’s important to note that extreme ingredients like bones, insects, or fats are never served, and candlelight is not optional during the meal. This thoughtful approach ensures safety and comfort during the experience.

Guide and Staff Interactions in the Dark

The blind wait staff play a central role, guiding guests through the meal with professionalism and friendliness. Past reviews highlight the impeccable service provided by staff like Noele, who make guests feel very comfortable despite the darkness. Their training allows them to serve meals efficiently and reassure guests, helping to create a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.

The staff’s presence underscores the educational aspect of the experience, as they share insights about their own sensory perceptions. Their calm and expert guidance are often praised as one of the highlights of the tour.

Logistics: Meeting Point and Accessibility

The tour starts and ends at Amsteldijk 55 in Amsterdam, a location that’s near public transportation for easy access. Guests are advised not to wear white clothes to avoid staining or visibility issues in the dark.

During the experience, all restrooms remain in the lit lounge area, maintaining comfort and convenience. Guests are required to store their mobile phones and cameras in personal lockers during dinner to preserve the darkness and allow full sensory engagement. Service animals are permitted, accommodating guests with disabilities.

Pacing, Pupil Expectations, and Group Size

The two-hour duration includes arrival, ordering, dining, and some time for reflection or optional quizzes. The experience is designed for most travelers, including children from 6 years and above who can understand and enjoy the concept.

The group size is limited to 5 travelers, which helps maintain an intimate atmosphere and ensures attentive service from the staff. Some reviews mention that the wait between courses can feel long, and the restaurant can be chilly at times, so bringing a light jacket might be beneficial.

Food Quality and Customer Feedback

Many reviews highlight the high quality of the food, describing it as excellent and served with high-quality ingredients. Guests enjoy the surprise element of not knowing what they are eating until tasting, which adds an element of fun and curiosity.

However, there are some mixed opinions about the food’s identifiability. One review mentions that the food was unidentifiable, and some guests found themselves starving after the meal. It’s worth noting that the menu is designed to encourage exploration rather than precise recognition, which may not appeal to everyone.

Unique Aspects of the Dark Dining Experience

What sets this tour apart is the guidance from blind or visually impaired waiters, which offers an educational and empathetic perspective on sensory perception. Guests frequently praise the friendly staff, professionalism, and the fun of trying to identify dishes in complete darkness.

Another unique feature is the optional quiz at the end, where guests can guess what they ate, adding an interactive element. The dark environment itself creates a sense of mystery and adventure, making this experience more than just a meal.

Pricing, Booking, and Cancellation Policies

The tour costs $59.61 per person, including two amuse bouche and the full three-course dinner. It’s recommended to book about 43 days in advance for best availability.

The experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled time, allowing flexibility for changing plans. Payments are secure, and mobile tickets facilitate easy access.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience appeals to adventurers, foodies, and those intrigued by sensory perception. It suits most travelers, including children 6 years and older, particularly if they’re open to trying new ways of experiencing food. The small group size ensures a personalized experience, making it a good choice for couples or small groups.

While some reviews mention long waits between courses and a chilly atmosphere, these are minor and do not overshadow the overall positive reception. The focus remains on fun, discovery, and high-quality cuisine.

Final Thoughts on the Amsterdam Dining in the Dark Tour

The 3-course Dinner in the Dark in Amsterdam provides a thought-provoking and entertaining way to experience culinary arts. The guides and staff are highly praised for their professionalism, and the menu offers a variety of international flavors.

While the price point is reasonable for a two-hour gourmet experience, guests should be prepared for the darkness and the potential for long pauses between courses. This tour is a great pick for those wanting a memorable and sensory-rich night out.

This experience offers a fresh perspective on food, encourages empathy, and guarantees an unusual yet delightful evening in Amsterdam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the dinner suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 6 years and up can participate and generally enjoy the experience, especially if they are curious and open-minded.

Are drinks included in the price?
No, drinks and water are not included and need to be purchased separately.

What should I wear?
Guests are advised not to wear white clothes for safety and comfort in the dark environment.

How long does the experience last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 2 hours, including arrival, ordering, dining, and possible reflections or quizzes.

Can I cancel my booking if plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

Is the venue accessible by public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point at Amsteldijk 55 is near public transit, making it easy to reach.

What makes this experience different from regular dining?
The complete darkness, guided by blind waiters, emphasizes sensory perception beyond sight, creating an interactive, educational, and fun atmosphere.

Are there any dietary restrictions or extreme ingredients served?
No, the menu avoids extreme ingredients like insects or bones, focusing instead on high-quality, safe, and enjoyable dishes.

Is this experience suitable for people with disabilities?
Yes, service animals are allowed, and the experience accommodates guests with disabilities, with restrooms remaining in the lighted lounge area.