About Loetje

When you say Loetje, you're talking about the tastiest steak. Served in a no-nonsense manner with real Loetje gravy, along with white bread, a generous portion of fries, and salad. In addition to these classics, Loetje has many more delicious options on the menu. Lunch, fish, vegetarian dishes, and of course, desserts. There's nothing quite as delicious as Loetje.

Billiards Café

At its founding around 45 years ago, the intention for Café Loetje in Amsterdam South was to become a successful billiards café. A place where an occasional omelet or meatball would also be served. However, founder Ludwig 'Loetje' Klinkhamer made the fortunate 'mistake' of putting his tenderloin steak on the menu. It was a huge success, partly due to his background as a butcher. Soon, the place was packed with enthusiasts wondering why that billiards table was in the way.

Amsterdam and Beyond

From that one café, Loetje has spread throughout the Netherlands. To say that everyone knows Loetje nowadays would be an exaggeration. But we're getting there. Restaurants, each with the trusted steak recipe and warm Loetje DNA. Wherever you are, Loetje is that place where you can enjoy some old-fashioned goodness and escape the hustle and bustle of daily live.

1977

Opening Café Loetje by Loetje and Dirk Klinkhamer

1979

Bep bakes her first steaks at Café Loetje

1994

Jaap Klinkhamer and Peter take over Café Loetje from the old Loet

2006

Jaap, Pien en Mike open the second Loetje aan de Amstel

2009

Jaap and Mike decide to expand Loetje with a third location in Laren

2010

Loetje's daughter, Marga Klinkhamer, joins the family business

2011

Loetje Overveen opens, the first location with hotel rooms

2016

Not only does Loetje celebrate its fortieth anniversary, but it also opens four restaurants in 2016

2018

Loetje is growing rapidly. With over 1000 employees, including 40 at the office alone, that's why the headquarters is relocating

2020

What a year! Thanks to Loetje at home, you can also enjoy the tastiest steak during the lockkdown(s)

2021

The growth of Loetje continues! The 25th Loetje is opened in Arnhem

2022

A year full of milestones. Loetje turns 45 years old, we launch the plant-based Biefstuk Bali 0.0, and the 30th Loetje opens in Reeuwijk

2023

Loetje opened a total of 6 new restaurants this year.

#LoetjeDoen

Loetje Contact: Question? Suggestion? Rent a room?

For more information about our concept, you can contact us via this form.
Do you have a question, a suggestion, a comment or feedback? We'd love to hear from you!
Are you looking for a great venue for a business meeting or a private event? Then visit Loetje rooms for more information.

Frequently asked questions to us…

I want to make a reservation, where can I do that?

You can easily make a reservation on our website: www.loetje.nl/reserveren.

Can I make a reservation for the terrace?

Taking a seat on the terrace can be arranged with our colleagues at the branch, but reservations are not possible.

I want to make a reservation for a group, is that possible?

Great that you want to come with a group! Easily make your reservation using the ‘reserve’ button at the bottom right of your screen (for groups up to 14 people). For groups of 15 or more, submit your request here, and/or check out the options for events or parties at Loetje. We will contact you as soon as possible!

Can I organize a (business) event or party at Loetje?

Absolutely, at Loetje we are happy to assist you in organizing your event or party! From a (business) meeting, breakfast, lunch or drinks to a fantastic wedding celebration. Check out all the options and packages here for groups of 15 or more.

What are the options if I have an allergy/dietary restriction?

At Loetje, we try our best to accommodate guests with special dietary needs. We would appreciate it if you could inform us of your requirements when making a reservation or upon arrival at the restaurant. In each restaurant, we also have cards with allergen information so you can see which ingredients are in each dish. If you’d like to view this information in advance, you can take a look at: Allergens – Loetje*.

Of course, we can always consider to remove an ingredient from a dish. Feel free to ask about this at the restaurant. For example, we have gluten-free bread to serve with the steak, or we can cook the steak in oil to serve it lactose-free. Please note that we cannot completely eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination.

*Please note: all our dishes are prepared in an environment where gluten and nuts are present.

Does Loetje have vegetarian options?

Loetje is for everyone, including those who don’t eat meat (for now). You can find various vegetarian dishes on our menu.

Also, try our plant-based Steak 0.0 and enjoy the unique flavor experience that Loetje’s finest steak is known for. Take a look at our menu for all the vegetarian options.

What gravy does Loetje use?

About our gravy
Quality is our number one priority at Loetje. We maintain our 45-year-old Loetje recipe for steak with gravy to ensure this. The ingredients of our iconic gravy are an essential part of it, which is why we have invested to preserve the margarine we have been using for 45 years.

Gravy for our tenderloin steak
45 years ago, Loetje started cooking with Blue Band margarine. In 2018, the decision was made to move away from Blue Band as it became a plant-based margarine and to develop our own margarine recipe with Remia. Our own margarine contains the animal proteins needed for the foamy Loetje gravy. Our tenderloin steaks do not use additives, and we use margarine only as the base for the gravy. To avoid dependence on a single producer, in 2022 we sought a second supplier. Therefore, in addition to our own recipe, we started using Solo margarine, which meets the same quality standards as 45 years ago.

Gravy for our plant-based steak
For our plant-based steak, we use the same margarine as for our tenderloin steak, which contains a milk component. The gravy for the plant-based steak is not yet plant-based, but it is vegetarian. Since the plant-based steak does not release animal juices that provide flavor to the gravy, we use a powder for the plain and garlic gravy of the plant-based steak to achieve the same flavor. This powder is based on natural ingredients such as tomato, carrot and bell pepper. We have not yet found a plant-based alternative for the butter we use in our gravy that has te same ‘foaming’ effect and meets our requirements. There is still too much impact on the flavor, affecting the experience. We are actively searching for the perfect plant-based gravy as well.

Can I also have lunch at Loetje?

You are more than welcome to join us for lunch at Loetje. We offer a delightful lunch menu. Of course, you can also order our delicious steak during lunch.

Do you accept gift vouchers?

At Loetje, we only accept our own gift vouchers and do not accept dinner cheques, VVV vouchers, or other dining vouchers. You can purchase a gift voucher in amounts starting from €10,-. You can order them here.

Is my dog welcome at Loetje?

Your four-legged friend is welcome as long as they are leashed and not bothering other guests.

I would like to work at Loetje, where can I apply?

How nice that you want to work with us! Here you can find all our job vacancies.