Belgian-Dutch bakery cafe€€CentrumMon-Fri 07:30-18:00; Sat 08:00-18:00
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.
Dutch grand cafe€€CentrumMon-Thu 09:00-21:00; Fri-Sat 09:00-22:00; Sun 10:00-21:00
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.
All-day brunch€€CentrumDaily 09:00-17:00
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.
Vegan brunch€€Rotterdam NoordDaily 09:00-17:00
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 space.
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.
Dutch with vegetarian options€€KralingenTue-Sun 10:00-21:00; closed Mon
A neighbourhood cafe and restaurant in Kralingen with a strong vegetarian menu and local produce sourcing. One of the few proper sit-down kitchens in the lake.
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.
Specialty coffee brunch€€CentrumDaily 08:00-17:00
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.