South bank skyline district: Hotel New York in the former Holland America Line building, upscale apartments and some of the best river views in the city.
An Afghan restaurant near Rijnhaven serving ashak dumplings, lamb qorma, and bolani flatbread in a relaxed dining room. Located in Kop Van Zuid.
Order: Ashaak dumplings and the lamb qorma.
Tip: Call ahead: the kitchen sometimes closes early when produce runs out, especially the ashak.
Two Michelin stars since 1992 under chef Erik van Loo in Heuvellaan park. The lobster bisque and North Sea fish tasting menu define Rotterdam fine dining.
French-inspired brunch near Veerhaven with a pastel-coloured room and shareable plates: pancakes, French toast with vanilla cream, eggs Benedict.
Order: Croissant with cultured butter and the smoothie bowl.
Tip: The French toast with vanilla cream is worth sharing between two alongside savoury dishes.
In the basement of the New York Hotel on Kop van Zuid, NY Basement channels Manhattan energy with DJ sets, cocktails, and intimate jazz evenings until 4am.
A weekend-only brunch specialist on Scheepstimmermanslaan near Veerhaven that has made the Dutch uitsmijter its calling card: open-faced eggs on toast.
Order: The Dutch uitsmijter with aged Gouda and house-cured salmon on Zaans mustard toast.
The basement bar of the New York Hotel on Kop van Zuid, serving cocktails and bar snacks until 4am on weekends with DJ sets inside a preserved Art Deco.
The basement bar of the New York Hotel hosts intimate jazz evenings on select Thursdays in the historic waterfront building, with cocktails, a grand piano.