Canal Restaurant

The restaurant “Canal” is part of an aparthotel - a concept built around serviced apartments with full hotel amenities. It’s located by the canal, slightly hidden from the main road, and clearly not designed for random walk-in guests. Neighbourhood restaurants are one of my favourite formats - this is where true local gems are hidden sometimes.When we arrived, the restaurant was lively and fully booked, but we still managed to secure the very last table.The interior is built on contrast: a cold industrial shell - stone walls, metal, exposed structures - deliberately softened by warm wood, wine cabinets, and gentle lighting. The atmosphere feels cosy and intimate, encouraging you to place your order without overthinking it.For a quick starter, go for the hot fried olives - highly recommended as a way to begin.The stracciatella with tomatoes was slightly disappointing. The tomatoes were unsuccessful: bitter, with a faint chemical aftertaste. Please, change the tomatoes.The stracciatella itself, however, was okay - a classic soft, stretchy texture with a creamy, milky flavour.With a bit of caution, I moved on to the beef cheeks with celeriac purée - and they completely erased the frustration caused by the previous dish. The meat was tender, falling apart into fibres, exactly the way I like it. The celeriac purée is a smart and non-obvious choice, adding freshness to an otherwise familiar dish.Pollock. And until I translated the word, I would never have guessed that’s what it was. Not a trace of its usual characteristic flavour - the fish was delicate, beautifully cooked, and served in a generously sized portion.To sum up: I’m happy to recommend this restaurant -as long as they promise to change the tomatoes 🙂