Dining in complete darkness, I heard about this concept in the early aughts — and was immediately intrigued. However it took close to two decades for me to experience this for myself.
In the early 2000s, I heard about a restaurant where you dine in total darkness. Using touch, smell and sound to navigate through dinner. It was at a restaurant in Amsterdam, I was fascinated with the idea. Two decades later, on my proper trip to Amsterdam, I knew that I had to try this dining experience. In the subsequent years since I first learned of this dining concept, it has grown in popularity. But Amsterdam was the city I first learned of this unique experience and it’s where I want to try it myself.
When I arrive, I’m greeted in a lounge where there is still light. I’m given a “rundown” of how the dining experience is going to go — a server will come out to guide me into the restaurant. The room is in complete darkness and disorientation is possible. I’m also not told what I’m going to eat. The restaurant wants it to remain a mystery — they double check on allergies and food restrictions beforehand — encouraging you to use your other senses to both enhance your meal and work out what it is.
It’s bizarre at first. Sitting in total darkness at a table and hearing my companion less then a foot away from me but not being able to see them. Navigating simple tasks (obviously) becomes much more interesting — pouring water, cutting food, even making sure food makes it from the plate to my mouth takes a bit more thought. Of course, phones are also not allowed to be used, least the light ruin the experience. All of this allows me to be more present, enjoying the food and the conversation.
The food is delicious, I know not all blind dining restaurants focus on the quality of their meal but rather on the gimmick — but it doesn’t feel like the case here. It feels like the restaurant cares as much about the food, and subsequent drink pairing, as it does about the experience.
I can’t say I’d book this for myself again, but I am happy to have tried it and satisfy my two decade old curiosity.