Posted on: January 11, 2025
Paleis van de Weemoed is a hidden gem in Amsterdam’s Red Light District. It sits on the charming canal Oudezijds Voorburgwal 15, just a short walk from Central Station. The area is full of history, and stepping into this venue feels like entering a different world.
The location is perfect for both locals and tourists. You can enjoy dinner and a show here before exploring the lively streets of De Wallen. Since it’s in such a central spot, you can also combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Oude Kerk or Dam Square.
One of the highlights is the canal-side terrace. On warmer evenings, you can sip a drink while watching boats glide past. It’s a rare chance to enjoy the energy of Amsterdam in a more intimate setting.
Quick facts about the location:
Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 15, Amsterdam
District: Red Light District (De Wallen)
5–7 minutes from Central Station on foot
Canal-side seating available
Oh boy, we sure were surprised by the quality of this restaurant! Paleis van de Weemoed means something like: “Mood Palace”. We went here in the first week of 2015. Although we’ve been in before, we had never eaten here. The last time we went was during the Amsterdam Dance Event 2014. We just had some drinks back then, so this time we wanted to experience what Paleis van de Weemoed is all about.
Restaurant Paleis van de Weemoed is located in the Amsterdam’s Red Light District. Just a 5 minute walk away from Central Station.
We made a reservation for the dinner show. The only thing we knew beforehand was that there was going to be a live performance and great food. Sounded good to us!
We arrived a bit early. Willem, one of the waiters, welcomed us in Restaurant Paleis van de Weemoed. He took our coats and hung them in the back of the restaurant. He explained the programme for the night and told us that the first performance would start within 30 minutes. We were very curious to find out what the performance would be… Willem asked us: What would you like to drink?
We ordered a glass of wine and a beer. Willem gave us the menu and 15 minutes later we walked down to our table.
The things that this restaurant has on the menu are delicious!
Starters:
Main course:
All main courses are served with fresh vegetables and potato garnish.
Extra to order: Hand carved fries with home made mayonnaise.
Desserts:
Between meals this is when we were entertained by the band “Landslide”, who covered great tracks from Van Morrison, Ray Charles, Amy Winehouse and many others. The band was awesome! Here’s how it went down:
Great music, delicious dinner.. an unforgettable evening!
Our main course at Restaurant Paleis van de Weemoed. This was sooo good. Take us back, please!
We sat next to a group of ladies who were celebrating a birthday; The ladies had big fun!
Restaurant Paleis van de Weemoed is a good place to celebrate a birthday. Very original as well.
A lot of restaurants don’t know how to deal with proportions. Most of time, a main course is just too heavily filled with good that there is no more appetite for a dessert. But, this restaurant certainly understands how to deal with that. The starter and the main course were really good!
Luckily we had some room left of a dessert. We had the cheese plate, combined with a lovely Port wine. We got like five or six different cheeses – These were so good, that we totally forgot to make a picture of them. Ah well, go experience it yourself. You definitely won’t regret it!
What sets Paleis van de Weemoed apart is its dinner shows. Guests don’t just eat; they are entertained with live performances that bring a theatrical flair to the night. Think cabaret, drag acts, live bands, and even burlesque.
The shows are vibrant, playful, and sometimes a little cheeky—perfect for a night of fun. Each performance is carefully curated, so no two evenings are exactly alike. That makes it a great place to visit again and again.
The format is usually a three-course dinner paired with live entertainment. While you enjoy your meal, the lights dim, and the stage comes alive. The mix of food and show creates a cozy, festive mood that few restaurants in Amsterdam can match.
Types of entertainment you might see:
Burlesque dancers with classic glamour
Drag queens with humor and style
Variety acts including singers and musicians
Bands bringing live energy to the room
This mix of food and show makes Paleis van de Weemoed a top pick for birthdays, group outings, or even a unique date night.
Restaurant Paleis van de Weemoed is an hidden diamond in Amsterdam’s Red Light District. It’s definitely going into our favorite hotspots list. We really had a great night here!
Food: 10/10
Ambiance: 8.5/10
Service: 9/10
Location: 10/10
Combine a Red Light District Tour with an amazing dinner show in Restaurant Paleis van de Weemoed. During the tour a virtual guide tells you everything you need to know and see about the Red Light District: History, fun facts, secret alleys, old buildings, red light windows, hidden art and much more!
After this interesting and fun tour, we’ll bring you to this amazing hidden restaurant in Amsterdam’s Red Light District were you can enjoy the rest of the evening with your fellow travelers.
Planning ahead is key to getting the best experience at Paleis van de Weemoed. Because it’s both a restaurant and a theater, reservations are strongly recommended. Dinner shows are especially popular, and seats sell out fast.
The pricing reflects the unique experience. While it’s more expensive than a standard dinner, you’re paying for both high-quality food and live entertainment. Most guests find it worth the splurge for a special evening.
Getting there is easy. From Central Station, it’s just a short walk through the Red Light District. The venue is also close to trams and taxis for late-night rides home.
Visitor tips:
Book tickets early for dinner shows
Arrive a little before your booking to enjoy a drink
Great for celebrations, group dinners, and date nights
Dress smart casual—comfortable but stylish
For anyone looking for a mix of fine dining and live theater in Amsterdam, Paleis van de Weemoed delivers a one-of-a-kind night out.
Watcher there went to comedy night on 31/07/17 and had a wicked night great venue great people ash ruu ahhruu ahhruu wicked times ahead ian and Trudi Ipswich England