Ramen Kanpai is a japanese ramen restaurant in Centrum, Rotterdam.
A properly built ramen kitchen near Pannekoekstraat with long-simmered broth and house-made noodles. One of Rotterdam's more serious ramen rooms; small and usually full.
Must 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.
Address: Pannekoekstraat 17, 3011 LB Rotterdam
A former harbour warehouse turned indoor artisan market on Katendrecht, housing Jordy's Bakery, Booij Kaasmakers, Blije Wijnen natural wines and the Kaapse Brouwers.
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. Colourful, atmospheric, reliably good value at any.
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. Tighter menu than most burger places; every patty is considered and consistent.
Order: Wagyu burger and the hand-cut fries.
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. Casual dining alongside the brewery tanks: Dutch classics meet craft beers brewed on site.
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.
