A pop-up dining experience has opened behind the ticket barriers at platform 2 inside Amsterdam Centraal Station. Travelling restaurant De Maaltuin has taken over the historic first-class restaurant space and the adjacent former “1e Klas” waiting room following three weeks of renovation work.
The concept serves a five-course meal themed around local history and stories. It will remain in the station for two months.
The rooms had been vacant for more than a year after the previous operator went bankrupt and was forced to vacate. That tenant had operated there since the late 1980s but had accumulated significant rent arrears and had experienced a prolonged dispute with NS over the check-in gates that guests must pass through to reach the dining room.
Restoring Cuypers’ historic interiors
Extensive repairs were required before the site could open to guests again, according to station manager René Wubs. The interior retains historic wall paintings designed by Georg Sturm, a frequent collaborator of central station architect Pierre Cuypers.
The decorative scheme features leaf motifs and green tones designed to make visitors feel surrounded by nature.
NS is treating De Maaltuin as an interim occupant while searching for a permanent business to run the space over the long term. Wubs said the station wants an establishment accessible to a broad public rather than a fine-dining venue.
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