Helling 7

Helling 7 is one of Amsterdam’s most distinctive dining destinations. The restaurant stands high above the IJ on a former shipbuilding slipway, surrounded by working cranes, enormous ships and the raw industrial landscape of Amsterdam-Noord.

The name refers to Slipway 7, the smallest of the seven original slipways at the historic NDSM shipyard. Ships once entered the water from this platform; today, its highest point is occupied by a modern restaurant constructed almost entirely from materials reclaimed from the shipyard.

Steel beams from offshore platforms, discarded ship decks, old dock supports, industrial glass and reclaimed wooden furniture have been transformed into a dramatic dining room. The result feels authentic rather than artificially industrial, with panoramic windows and a large terrace overlooking the water, shipyard and Amsterdam skyline.

Fire forms the connection between the restaurant and its surroundings. Just as the shipyard outside revolves around welding, cutting and metalwork, everything in the open kitchen is prepared over real fire. There are no conventional stoves: a custom-built grill allows the chefs to use flames, glowing embers and smoke to develop flavour.

The seasonal menu is available à la carte or as a four- or five-course chef’s menu. Fish, meat and vegetables all receive equal attention, with dishes built around high-quality local ingredients and uncomplicated combinations. Vegetarian chef’s menus are available, while larger dishes such as sea bass or côte de boeuf regularly appear as sharing options.

A carefully selected wine list combines international classics with less familiar bottles and is designed around the smoky, roasted flavours produced by the open-fire kitchen.

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