A Guide to the Best Restaurants in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands, known for its vibrant nightlife, industrial atmosphere, and culinary diversity. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a casual bite, Rotterdam has something for everyone. Here is a guide to the best restaurants Rotterdam has to offer.

Fine Dining Restaurants

If you’re looking for a luxurious dining experience, Rotterdam has plenty of options. The city is home to Michelin-starred restaurants like De Kromme Watergang, where guests can try traditional Dutch cuisine with a modern twist. Restaurant Parkheuvel is another Michelin-starred restaurant, located in a historic villa. Here, guests can enjoy a delicious French-inspired menu, with dishes like roasted duck and lamb racks. For seafood lovers, there’s Restaurant Vermeer, which serves fresh seafood dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.

Asian Fusion

Rotterdam is known for its diverse culinary landscape, and for good reason. The city is home to several top-notch Asian fusion restaurants. Restaurant Zout is one of the best, offering a menu of traditional Asian dishes with a modern twist. The sushi rolls are a must-try, as is the tempura and dim sum. If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional, try Restaurant Azië, which serves a variety of Chinese dishes like Peking duck and Sichuan salmon.

Vegetarian and Vegan

Rotterdam is a great destination for vegetarian and vegan diners. The city is home to several meat-free eateries, including Restaurant De Vegetarische Slager, which serves up plant-based versions of classic Dutch dishes, like vegetable burgers and vegan stew. For vegan Mexican food, try El Burro, which serves a range of tacos, quesadillas, and burritos. And for the health conscious, there’s Restaurant Pure, which focuses on light, plant-based dishes.

Italian Fare

If you’re looking for a classic Italian meal, Rotterdam has plenty of options. Restaurant La Fattoria is one of the best, serving up traditional Italian dishes like homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. For seafood lovers, there’s Restaurant Calabria, which serves fresh seafood dishes, like pan-seared scallops and grilled squid. Or for a more casual option, try Restaurant Da Vinci, which serves up classic Italian dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.

Seafood

Rotterdam is known for its fresh seafood, and the city has plenty of restaurants offering up delicious seafood dishes. Restaurant Vis aan de Maas is one of the best, serving up traditional Dutch seafood dishes, like mussels and fish stew. For something a bit more upscale, there’s Restaurant Boot, which serves up classic French seafood dishes, like bouillabaisse and lobster. And for a more casual option, try Restaurant De Pijp, which serves up fresh seafood in a relaxed atmosphere.

French Cuisine

Rotterdam is also a great destination for French cuisine. Restaurant Le Fjord is one of the best, offering a luxurious dining experience with dishes like duck confit and beef tartare. For a more casual option, there’s Restaurant La Maison, which serves classic French dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. And for something a bit more unusual, try Restaurant La Cave, which serves up a unique selection of French-inspired dishes, like escargot and squid ink risotto.

Spanish Tapas

Rotterdam is also home to several top-notch Spanish tapas restaurants. Restaurant La Tasca is one of the best, offering a menu of classic Spanish dishes, like patatas bravas and chorizo. For something a bit more gourmet, try Restaurant La Española, which serves up a unique selection of modern Spanish tapas dishes, like roasted octopus and garlic shrimp. And for a more casual option, there’s Restaurant La Casa, which serves up a variety of tapas in a relaxed atmosphere.

Dutch Classics

Of course, no guide to the best restaurants in Rotterdam would be complete without mentioning the city’s classic Dutch eateries. Restaurant De Kalkmarkt is one of the best, offering a menu of traditional Dutch dishes, like herring and mashed potatoes. For a more upscale option, try Restaurant De Taberna, which serves up modern Dutch dishes in a luxurious setting. Or for something a bit more casual, try Restaurant De Gouden Karper, which serves up traditional Dutch dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.

International Cuisine

Rotterdam is also home to several top-notch international restaurants. Restaurant La Vaca is one of the best, offering a menu of classic Spanish dishes, like paella and churros. For something a bit more exotic, try Restaurant Bijou, which serves up a unique selection of Asian-inspired dishes, like Thai curries and Indonesian stir-fries. Or for a more casual option, there’s Restaurant Bazar, which serves up a variety of international dishes, from Mexican tacos to Indian curries.

Cafes and Bistros

Rotterdam is also home to plenty of cozy cafes and bistros. Cafe De Koffie is one of the best, serving up classic Dutch dishes like croquettes and Dutch cheese. For something a bit more upscale, try Bistro Bijou, which serves up modern French dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. Or for something a bit more casual, there’s Cafe Sluis, which serves up a variety of sandwiches, salads, and pastries.

Gastropubs

Rotterdam is also home to several top-notch gastropubs. Gastropub De Koning is one of the best, serving up classic Dutch dishes, like bitterballen and smoked sausage. For something a bit more upscale, try Gastropub De Kater, which serves up modern Dutch dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. And for something a bit more casual, there’s Gastropub De Bierkelder, which serves up a variety of beers and classic pub dishes.

Street Food

Rotterdam is also home to some of the best street food in the Netherlands. Markthal Rotterdam is a must-visit, offering a variety of stalls serving up everything from Indonesian satay to Dutch bitterballen. Or for a more casual option, try one of Rotterdam’s many food trucks, like Bites & Bowls, which serves up fresh salads and sandwiches. And for something a bit more exotic, there’s Rotterdam Street Food, which serves up a range of international dishes, from Mexican tacos to Thai curries.

Conclusion

Rotterdam is a great destination for foodies, with a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. From Michelin-starred fine dining to street food stalls, the city has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a casual bite, Rotterdam has plenty of delicious options to choose from.