Shiraz Jardin des Vins

With a cellar inventory topping 600 labels, the usual barrier to entry is committing to a full bottle, but Shiraz Jardin des Vins leans heavily on the Coravin system to keep things flexible. This preservation method allows the staff to pour high-end vintages by the glass, letting you explore the list without the commitment of a full cork pull. The approach fits the venue's hybrid concept – a nod to both the Persian origins of the Shiraz grape and the French tradition of the wine garden. The space itself shifts depending on where you sit. Inside, the atmosphere is deliberately cellar-like, with low light and jazz tracks playing against a backdrop of dark wood and packed shelves. On the Lijnbaansgracht, the footprint extends to a waterside terrace and a stationary boat docked right on the canal, giving you the option to drink on the water rather than just near it. The kitchen operates in service to the cellar. The menu sticks to small plates, tapas, and boards of cheese or charcuterie designed for grazing while you drink. It is largely a walk-in operation for small groups – they generally only book tables for parties of fifteen or more – so finding a spot can be a matter of timing. Weekends tend to get loud as the room fills up, trading the quiet of a tasting room for the hum of a busy bar.