Young Entrepreneurs & new locations | Ikigai, restaurant Salut and the Salsa Shop
Restaurant Salut in the Pijp in Amsterdam
Restaurant Salut in the Pijp in Amsterdam
Restaurant Salut in the Pijp in Amsterdam
Restaurant Salut in the Pijp in Amsterdam
The Salsa Shop on Station Amsterdam Centraal
The Salsa Shop on Station Amsterdam Centraal
Lunchconcept Ikigai on the Haarlemmerstraat in Leiden
Lunchconcept Ikigai on the Haarlemmerstraat in Leiden
Lunchconcept Ikigai on the Haarlemmerstraat in Leiden
Every day, we spot fun and inspiring new concepts. This week: restaurant Salut in De Pijp, lunch concept Ikigai in Leiden, and the latest Salsa Shop opening at Amsterdam Central Station.
In the heart of De Pijp in Amsterdam, Restaurant Salut has opened its doors: an all-day café combining French charm with Mediterranean comfort. The concept comes from the entrepreneurs behind restaurant Bisous. In Leiden, a new lunch spot has launched on Haarlemmerstraat: Ikigai. Here, you can enjoy sandwiches with Japanese toppings on brioche bread, paninis, and special drinks. Lastly, the Salsa Shop recently opened its 18th location. At Amsterdam Central Station, you can now grab a fresh burrito or quesadilla!
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams the best of luck and lots of fun with their new concepts.
2 minutes read
Ikigai Leiden | Slow down and enjoy their food
Leiden just gained a new lunch spot: Ikigai, located at Haarlemmerstraat 64. Ikigai (生き甲斐) is a Japanese concept that refers to having a purpose, a reason to live, or simply something that gets you out of bed in the morning. On their website, the owners describe it as: Welcome to the ‘Slow Down Club’. They choose calm in a fast-paced world. At Ikigai, it’s all about enjoying the little moments: the smell of freshly baked bread, the first bite of your favorite sandwich. The logo reflects a sense of balance and mindful living, inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi.
The menu features brioche sandwiches with toppings such as sweet ribeye, Japanese egg & bacon, the “Japan Furi” (furikake, Japanese omelet, and sriracha mayo), salmon or Tahino Tofu (vegan). You’ll also find paninis like melted tuna, pesto chicken, smashed avocado (vegetarian) and a weekly changing Chef’s Special. Drinks include protein shakes, coffee, tea, matcha, and fun options like a hangover detox or a flavor bomb.
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Salsa Shop opens at Amsterdam Central Station | Fresh, fast, and healthy Mexican food on-the-go
Salsa Shop did open a new location on July 25th in the IJ Passage of Amsterdam Central Station, perfectly timed for the Pride and Sail. Located outside the ticket gates, it’s easily accessible for both travellers and passersby looking for a fresh burrito or quesadilla. Orders can be placed at the counter or via a self-service kiosk, and your meal will be ready within 90 seconds—ideal for on-the-go or to enjoy at one of the indoor or outdoor tables.
This marks Salsa Shop’s permanent return to the station after a previous temporary location. Choosing this high-traffic spot fits with the brand’s ambition to be visible at train stations, targeting commuters and tourists. Through a pitch, Salsa Shop convinced Dutch Railways (NS) of its contribution to a varied and high-quality food offering. In doing so, the brand continues to grow its name recognition and becomes part of the daily dining routine of thousands of people passing through. Salsa Shop currently operates 18 locations, with the 19th opening soon at Rotterdam Central Station.
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French flair and everyday indulgence at restaurant Salut in De Pijp
In the heart of De Pijp in Amsterdam, restaurant Salut has opened its doors—an all-day café that blends French charm with Mediterranean comfort. Guests are welcome from morning to late at night, whether for coffee and a croissant on the terrace, an apéro with friends, or an extended dinner followed by late-night cocktails. Chef Matthew Neve, who has worked in top-tier restaurants, serves timeless dishes such as steak with pepper sauce, Pasta Diavola, and Moules Pastis—all made with fresh, daily-sourced ingredients.
The interior, designed by the Belgian studio JPMeyer&Co, radiates Parisian elegance with a cheerful, glamorous twist. restaurant Salut is the brainchild of three young entrepreneurs—Bas Noorman (27), Lowie Jansen (27), and Joris Keizer (28)—also known for the successful restaurant Bisous. Their shared passion for hospitality and style comes together in a place where the good life is celebrated throughout the day—accessible, atmospheric, and focused on quality.
