15 perfect restaurants in Rotterdam, Netherlands
Welcome to Rotterdam, where foodies rejoice and taste buds tango! If you're craving culinary delights that will make your heart skip a beet, you've come to the right place. From charming cafes serving mouthwatering pancakes to hipster joints dishing out heavenly burgers, this article will guide you through the city's 15 best restaurants; trust us, you'll be eating like a champ and rolling out of here like a satisfied sushi roll. Bon appétit, my hungry wanderers!
Save destination1. Parkheuvel
Heuvellaan 21, 3016 GL Rotterdam, Netherlands
Welcome to Parkheuvel in Rotterdam, where culinary dreams come true faster than it takes for your butter to melt on a hot pan! Prepare your taste buds for a rollercoaster ride of gastronomic delight as you surrender to the charms of this Michelin-starred wonderland. With stunning views of the Maas River to feast your eyes on, this elegant restaurant promises to bring you joy, laughter, and the urge to discreetly unbutton your pants for that inevitable food baby. Bon appétit, fellow foodies!
Learn more2. De Matroos en Het Meisje
Delistraat 52, 3072 ZL Rotterdam, Netherlands
Ah, De Matroos en Het Meisje, where salty sailors and trendy locals converge in an unlikely union of beer and haute cuisine. Nestled in the heart of Rotterdam, this charming eatery invites you to indulge in a maritime-themed dining experience that is sure to ignite your taste buds like a unexpected wave crashing on a sunny beach. From their delectable seafood dishes that would make even Poseidon himself jealous, to the whimsical decor that transports you into the magical world of Jacques Cousteau, this place offers a culinary voyage that is guaranteed to leave you both satisfied and humming sea shanties.
Learn more3. De Jong
Van Riemsdijkweg 58-60, 3088 HD Rotterdam, Netherlands
Nestled in the lively streets of Rotterdam, lies the glorious De Jong, a true sensation for taste buds seeking adventure. This culinary haven will transport you to foodie heaven faster than you can say "Houd je mond vol" (which is Dutch for "shut your mouth and eat"). Brace yourself for a mind-boggling fusion of flavors, where dishes are not just served but orchestrated like a well-rehearsed symphony, leaving you wondering whether you've stumbled upon a secretly Michelin-starred joint or simply experienced euphoria-induced food hallucinations.
Learn more4. The Millèn
Weena 686, 3012 CN Rotterdam, Netherlands
Welcome to The Millèn, where culinary magic unfolds in the heart of Rotterdam! This exquisite restaurant is like an enchanting potion made by a Michelin-starred wizard. With its sophisticated ambiance, every corner screams "posh," so don't be shy to swap your flip flops for fancy footwear. Get ready to be amazed by Chef Wim Severein's dazzling creations that will make your taste buds do a happy dance, but be warned: you might leave with an insatiable craving for their divine beef Wellington that rivals your own mother's cooking.
Learn more5. Bokaal
Nieuwemarkt 11, 3011 HP Rotterdam, Netherlands
Welcome to Bokaal, the holy grail of beer enthusiasts and social butterflies alike! Nestled in the heart of cool and quirky Rotterdam, this lively watering hole boasts an impressive selection of craft beers that would make even the snobbiest beer snob weak at the knees. Prepare to have your taste buds ignited and your nights filled with hazy memories as you embark on a boozy adventure where pints flow freely and conversation flows even freer.
Learn more6. Restaurant Fred
Boompjes 41, 3011 XB Rotterdam, Netherlands
Nestled in the heart of Rotterdam, Restaurant Fred welcomes its patrons with open arms and tantalizing aromas that waft through the air, inviting you to embark on a culinary adventure. This gastronomic haven, helmed by the ingenious Chef Fred, has become the talk of the town, leaving both locals and visitors alike salivating in anticipation. As you step inside, brace yourself for an exquisite dining experience filled with thoughtfully crafted dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious – prepare to have your taste buds doing the samba!
Learn more7. FG Food Labs
Katshoek 41, 3032 AE Rotterdam, Netherlands
Nestled in the culinary wonderland of Rotterdam, FG Food Labs is a gastronomic playground where food dreams come true, and taste buds dance the conga. This quirky establishment takes experimental dining to new heights, launching you into a parallel universe where meals are designed to tickle your imagination as much as your palate. Brace yourself for a whimsical journey filled with mind-bending flavor combinations, surprising textures, and a chance to sample dishes that will make your taste buds throw a disco party.
Learn more8. Ayla
Kruisplein 153, 3014 DD Rotterdam, Netherlands
Welcome to Rotterdam, where you’ll find Ayla, a charming little café that’s anything but ordinary. With a name that sounds like a friendly neighbor or a mischievous gnome, Ayla invites you to step into its world of delightful surprises. Get ready to be entranced by its hip décor, cheerful staff, and mouthwatering food. Nestled in the heart of the city, Ayla is a quirky oasis that dances to its own beat. The café flaunts a unique blend of industrial chic and vintage charm, like a funky party that’s been going on since the '80s. From the moment you step inside, you might feel as if you've stumbled into a bohemian wonderland, complete with mismatched chairs, edgy graffiti, and whimsical art that makes you question if you’ve inadvertently entered a modern art installation. But don’t let the quirky vibe fool you – Ayla is an absolute foodie paradise. With a menu bursting with innovative dishes that will make your taste buds do the tango, this place is a haven for culinary adventurers. From their famous avocado toast that could convert even the sworn avocado skeptics to their heavenly rosemary-infused cocktails that make you feel like you’re sipping liquid poetry, Ayla promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience. So, whether you're a curious wanderer seeking a hip spot, a food adventurer ready to mingle with unconventional flavors, or simply someone who wants to add a dash of quirkiness to your day, Ayla in Rotterdam is the perfect place to go. Explore, eat, laugh, and revel in the joyful chaos that awaits you.
Learn more9. Burgertrut
Delftseplein 39, 3013 AA Rotterdam, Netherlands
Welcome to the quirky world of Burgertrut in Rotterdam, where burgers are anything but ordinary. This offbeat eatery, tucked away in the bustling Witte de Withstraat, serves as a playground for burger enthusiasts looking for a side order of eccentricity. With mismatched furniture, walls adorned with local artwork, and a staff with more tattoos than fingers, Burgertrut dares you to embrace the unconventional while chomping down on their deliciously unconventional creations.
Learn more10. Joelia by Mario Ridder
Coolsingel 5, 3012 AA Rotterdam, Netherlands
Welcome to Joelia, an exquisite dining destination in the heart of Rotterdam, where Mario Ridder's culinary prowess takes you on a delicious adventure like no other. Feast your eyes on a lively, contemporary ambiance that effortlessly blends elegance and charm, making it the perfect spot for both special occasions and spontaneous indulgence. Prepare to be swept off your feet as Joelia's playful yet sophisticated menu dares to tantalize your taste buds with culinary creations that challenge the boundaries of flavor and imagination.
Learn more11. Zeezout
Westerkade 11, 3016 CL Rotterdam, Netherlands
Welcome to Zeezout, the seafood mecca nestled in the heart of Rotterdam, where even the pickiest of pescatarians would find themselves weak at the knees, or rather, fins. This charming culinary haven offers a delightful array of fresh catches that could coax a monkfish into a tango. Prepare to dive headfirst into a sea of tantalizing flavors, where every bite transports you to a fishy paradise that Jacques Cousteau himself would be proud to call home.
Learn more12. Bertmans
Karel Doormanstraat 292, 3012 GP Rotterdam, Netherlands
Nestled in the vibrant city of Rotterdam, Bertmans emerges as the perfect culinary sanctuary for the hungry wanderer in need of revitalization. This trendy restaurant, with its cozy interior and eccentric décor, will awaken your taste buds and introduce you to a world where vegetables reign supreme. From their imaginative breakfast bowls to their innovative lunch plates, Bertmans effortlessly transforms Brussels sprouts into little green delicacies that will convert even the most ardent veggie-phobes.
Learn more13. FG Restaurant
Katshoek 41, 3032 AE Rotterdam, Netherlands
Welcome to FG Restaurant in Rotterdam, where culinary dreams come true faster than you can say "I'm assuming my food baby will be triplets!" This hidden gem seamlessly blends exquisite taste and avant-garde presentation, tantalizing even the most astute food critic's eyebrows into an arched state. Prepare for a gastronomic adventure that will leave your taste buds saying, "We're in Rotterdam, but we feel like we just ascended to cloud nine!"
Learn more14. Las Palmas by Herman den Blijker
Las Palmas, 3072 AR Rotterdam, Netherlands
Situated in the lively city of Rotterdam, Las Palmas by Herman den Blijker is a culinary gem that will transport you straight to sunny Spain. The restaurant offers a delightful blend of Spanish flavors and Dutch humor, ensuring a memorable dining experience. With its vibrant atmosphere and mouthwatering tapas, Las Palmas is the perfect spot for food enthusiasts looking to indulge in a savory adventure without the hassle of airport security checks.
Learn more15. Amarone
Meent 72A, 3011 JN Rotterdam, Netherlands
Welcome to Amarone, a foodie's paradise tucked away in the vibrant streets of Rotterdam. This place is like a culinary magician, constantly conjuring up delightful surprises with their Italian cuisine! Get ready to unleash your taste buds on an adventure that will make you exclaim, "Mamma Mia!" amidst the delicious chaos.
Learn moreHow to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Rotterdam by plane is to fly into Rotterdam The Hague Airport, which is 7.5 km from the city center. You can catch a direct flight to Rotterdam from many European cities such as London, Paris, and Berlin. Alternatively, you can also fly into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, which is about 50 km away from Rotterdam. From there, you can take a train or bus to Rotterdam.
Car
The best way to get to Rotterdam by car is to take the A16 motorway, which runs from Rotterdam in the south to Breda in the north. The journey from Amsterdam to Rotterdam takes about an hour, depending on traffic. Once you arrive in Rotterdam, you can park your car in one of the many public parking lots or garages located throughout the city.
Train
The best way to get to Rotterdam by train is to take a high-speed train to Rotterdam Centraal Station, which is the main train station in Rotterdam. You can catch a direct train to Rotterdam from many European cities such as Paris, Brussels, and Cologne. The train is a comfortable and convenient way to travel to Rotterdam, and it offers scenic views of the Dutch countryside.
Boat
The best way to get to Rotterdam by boat is to take a cruise from many ports in Northern Europe such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Hamburg. The cruise will arrive at the Port of Rotterdam, which is one of the largest ports in the world. Once you arrive, you can explore Rotterdam's many attractions or take a tour of the port itself.
Bus
The best way to get to Rotterdam by bus is to take a coach from many European cities such as London, Paris, and Berlin. The coach will arrive at Rotterdam Centraal Station, which is the main bus station in Rotterdam. The journey is usually quite long, but it can be a great way to see Europe while traveling to Rotterdam.