Bistros, trattorias and the everyday places where Rotterdam actually eats.
Bistros, trattorias, taverns and neighbourhood rooms: the mid-tier places where Rotterdam actually eats.
A former harbour warehouse turned indoor artisan market on Katendrecht, housing Jordy's Bakery, Booij Kaasmakers, Blije Wijnen natural wines and the Kaapse.
Order: Sourdough from Jordy's Bakery and craft beer from Kaapse Brouwers.
Tip: The waterfront terrace faces west over the Maas; the evening light from 17:00 is worth timing your visit.
Three floors of North African and Middle Eastern cooking in Hotel Bazar, open from 08:00 through the small hours. Located in Witte De Withstraat.
Order: Mixed mezze spread and the slow-roasted lamb.
Tip: Breakfast here is surprisingly good: eggs shakshuka, fresh flatbreads and strong coffee from 08:00.
Fair-trade frites and Dutch snacks on Witte de Withstraat: croquettes, bitterballen, vegetarian options and the definitive Rotterdam portion of patat.
Order: Fair-trade fries with mayonnaise and a bitterballen side.
Tip: The satay sauce instead of mayo is a Rotterdam way to eat patat; the Frietboutique does it well.
A serious burger kitchen on Nieuwe Binnenweg using Wagyu, Iberico pork, and Dutch ox meat. Located in Rotterdam Noord. Kitchen leans burgers.
Order: Wagyu burger and the hand-cut.
Tip: The Iberico pork burger with chimichurri is the sleeper pick; most people default to the beef.
The gastropub inside the Stadshaven Brouwerij, a 1920s fruit warehouse in Merwe-Vierhavens. Order the stadshaven octopus blond with the house burger.
Order: Stadshaven Octopus Blond with the house burger.
Tip: The brewery tour at 15:00 on Saturdays includes three tastings; book it as a package with dinner.
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.
An all-day breakfast and pastry spot on Noordplein, known for brioche buns, quality pastries and unhurried mornings. Located in Lloydkwartier.
Order: Brioche bun with scrambled eggs and the filter coffee.
Tip: The cinnamon roll is made fresh each morning and sells out by 11:00 on Saturdays.
An Indonesian warung on Gouvernestraat serving rijsttafel, gado-gado, and babi pangang. Located in Centrum. Order the rijsttafel for two and the satay ayam.
Order: Rijsttafel for two and the satay ayam.
Tip: Order the rijsttafel for two even if dining solo; it costs the same and gives a fuller spread.
A fully vegan restaurant near the Centrum serving waffles, smoothie bowls, hummus plates, kapsalon and bowls across breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Order: Smoothie bowl and the vegan kapsalon.
Tip: The vegan kapsalon is the best version of the Rotterdam classic available without meat; it is genuinely.
The Rotterdam outpost of the Canadian vegan chain, with 107 HappyCow reviews at 4.5 stars. Order the the power bowl and the plant-based burger.
Order: The Power Bowl and the plant-based burger.
Tip: The Power Bowl with quinoa and roasted vegetables is the most filling option for under 15 euros.
The Rotterdam location of the Flemish artisan bakery chain known for long-fermentation sourdough, excellent croissants and a reliable espresso bar.
Order: Pain au chocolat and the cortado.
Tip: The Thursday special loaf changes weekly; worth a detour if you are in the Centrum on a Thursday morning.
A Rotterdam institution in a 1920s bank building on the Meent, famous for its apple tart and as a meeting point for the city's business and creative classes.
Order: Apple tart and the house lemonade.
Tip: The apple tart is the reason to come; the rest of the menu is grand-cafe standard. Order it warm with cream.
Rooftop brunch in the Schieblock surrounded by rooftop greenery, with egg dishes, s'mores pancakes, French toast and a cocktail breakfast menu.
Order: S'mores pancakes and the avocado toast.
Tip: The rooftop fills quickly on sunny Sundays; the app allows advance table reservation for the weekend.
A vegan and vegetarian brunch spot on Zaagmolenkade in Noord, serving organic granola bowls, plant-based egg dishes and fresh juices in an industrial-light.
Order: The organic granola bowl and cold-brew coffee.
Tip: The weekend brunch menu is broader than the weekday offering; check the Instagram for Saturday specials.
A neighbourhood cafe and restaurant in Kralingen with a strong vegetarian menu and local produce sourcing. Order the seasonal soup and the cheese board.
Order: Seasonal soup and the cheese board.
Tip: The Sunday lunch is popular with local families; the kitchen does a weekly roast with Dutch-grown vegetables.
A specialty coffee and brunch bar on Hoogstraat near the Markthal, serving burrata avocado toast, tuna melts, acai bowls and well-sourced espresso drinks.
Order: Burrata avocado toast and the single-origin cortado.
Tip: The acai bowl with granola is a proper meal in a glass; order it with an oat cortado for a complete brunch.
A cafe and brunch spot on Nieuwe Binnenweg in Noord serving seasonal bowls, soups, and baked goods with rotating art on the walls. Located in Rotterdam Noord.
Order: Seasonal bowl and fresh-pressed juice.
Tip: The back garden is one of the best outdoor seating spots on Nieuwe Binnenweg in summer.
A fully plant-based sushi and wok restaurant on Beurstraverse serving nori rolls, crispy tofu, and Japanese-inspired bowls. Located in Centrum.
Order: Vegan maki rolls and the tofu ramen.
Tip: The dragon roll with avocado and tempura is the signature; order two portions between two for a full meal.
The fully plant-based kitchen at the Rotown concert hall on Nieuwe Binnenweg. Burgers, kapsalon, rendang, kebab and more, all without animal products.
Order: Vegan kapsalon and the rendang rice bowl.
Tip: The vegan fried chicken sandwich rivals most of the non-vegan competition on Nieuwe Binnenweg.
A 100-percent vegan restaurant on Nieuwe Binnenweg with 400+ HappyCow reviews at 5.0 stars, making it one of the most-reviewed vegan spots in the Netherlands.
Order: Vegan cake and the smoothie of the day.
Tip: The raw cake with cashew cream is the draw for most visitors; arrive by 14:00 for the best selection.
A fully vegan pizza restaurant near the Markthal with sourdough bases, creative toppings, and a solid dessert menu that make this one of the better vegan.
Order: The house truffle pizza and the vegan tiramisu.
Tip: The cashew ricotta is house-made and noticeably better than the packaged alternatives used at other vegan pizza bars.
A neighbourhood restaurant in Rotterdam Noord on Zwart Janstraat serving Dutch seasonal cooking with a wine list focused on natural and biodynamic producers.
Order: Daily soup and the vegetarian stamp pot.
Tip: The lunch changes daily and is written on the board; call ahead if you need to plan around a specific dish.
A contemporary cafe on Witte de Withstraat with a focus on fresh international dishes and a large vegetarian menu. Open tue-sun 09:00-17:00.
Order: Seasonal salad bowl and the house lemonade.
Tip: The afternoon cheese plate with Dutch varieties is good value at 12 euros for two with a glass of wine.
A properly built ramen kitchen near Pannekoekstraat with long-simmered broth and house-made noodles. Located in Centrum. Kitchen leans japanese ramen.
Order: The tonkotsu ramen with chashu pork belly and marinated egg.
Tip: The broth runs out before the kitchen closes on busy nights; arrive by 20:00 to guarantee the tonkotsu.