Article about Papillon on the Papaverweg in Amsterdam Noord, highlighting the opening, coffee menu, bakery, Friedhats, and private dining.
About Papillon
Papillon in Amsterdam Noord: A profile of an all-day venue with a focus on coffee
History and Concept
Papillon is located at Papaverweg 38 in Amsterdam Noord. According to public reports, the establishment opened in late May 2025, with May 28, 2025, cited as the specific opening date. Public documentation identifies Thomas van der Meulen as the founder and owner. He is also known as the owner of restaurant Mitts in Amsterdam-Oost. No other co-founders are mentioned in the consulted sources.
The concept combines multiple functions under one roof. Papillon presents itself as a café and restaurant with its own bakery. During the day, the emphasis is on coffee, viennoiserie, and fresh bread. Later in the day, the offering shifts toward brunch, lunch, and dinner with a Mediterranean approach. The restaurant’s description speaks of cooking with craftsmanship and simplicity, primarily based on Italian cuisine.
This setup is also reflected in the press, where Papillon is described as a venue that operates as a deli or bakery-café by day and a Mediterranean restaurant by night. The open kitchen fits perfectly within this model. Additionally, it is mentioned that sourdough bread is baked daily for both Papillon and Mitts. As such, the bakery plays not only a supporting but a structural role within the business.
Coffee and Brewing
For coffee drinkers, it is particularly relevant that Papillon is publicly linked to Friedhats Coffee Roasters. On the Friedhats retailer map, Papillon is listed as a point of sale at the same address in Amsterdam Noord. The available information makes it clear that there is a concrete supplier relationship. No public documentation regarding other coffee roasters or additional coffee partners was found in the consulted sources.
The drinks menu shows a fairly broad yet recognizable coffee selection. The establishment lists several classic preparations, alongside a few variants for cold or mixed service. An Instagram mention from the morning service also refers to a flat white paired with croissants from their own bakery. This image aligns with Papillon’s positioning as a place where coffee and bakery products play a central role in the daily routine.
- espresso
- americano
- batch brew
- cortado
- espresso macchiato
- cappuccino
- flat white
- latte
- espresso tonic
- raspberry tonic espresso
- iced latte
- espresso martini
Alongside coffee, the menu also features matcha latte, chai latte, and barista cocoa, including iced versions of matcha and chai. For milk options, Papillon offers cow’s milk, oat, and coconut. Regarding the coffee service, this reveals something about the practical layout of the bar: the menu is broad enough for standard espresso drinks, while also leaving room for alternative beverages and seasonal moments.
Space Utilization and Public Function
Papillon positions itself as more than just a place to eat and drink; it is also a venue for gatherings. Official information mentions a Private Room available daily for dinners, meetings, and other events, accommodating up to 36 guests. Furthermore, the booking form distinguishes between corporate and private reservations. On Instagram, a smaller private dining space, Table 47, is mentioned for groups of up to eight guests.
Local reports portray Papillon as a spot designed to attract a crowd at various times of the day, appealing to different age groups. According to these reports, Thomas van der Meulen spoke about a positive reception within the neighborhood following the opening. No public information regarding workshops, cuppings, exhibitions, or recurring cultural programming was found in the sources examined.
The initial funding phase was partially managed through crowdfunding, raising 75,150 euros from 33 investors. This indicates that the opening was not achieved solely through traditional hospitality development, but also via a publicly funded trajectory. Further details regarding the investment structure, term, or additional forms of financing are not detailed in the available documentation.
Sourcing, Sustainability, and Public Visibility
Regarding sourcing, the relationship with Friedhats is concretely documented. Additionally, press releases and listing texts mention that Papillon serves natural and biodynamic wines. At the same time, public materials lack a broader, independent sustainability vision for the business as a whole. No additional supplier relationships have been publicly detailed, aside from the mentioned coffee partner and a few brand mentions on the menu.
Since its opening, Papillon has appeared in the media across several platforms. The establishment received attention in June 2025 through an opening announcement and a local profile story. Additionally, Papillon appeared in city guides and coffee crawls later in 2025. Notably, no public documentation of awards, prizes, or formal distinctions was found in the consulted sources. Visibility is therefore primarily editorial and guide-based, rather than award-driven.
