Afsana is an afghan restaurant in Centrum, Rotterdam.
An Afghan restaurant near Rijnhaven serving ashak dumplings, lamb qorma, and bolani flatbread in a relaxed dining room. One of the few dedicated Afghan kitchens in Rotterdam.
Must order: Ashaak dumplings and the lamb qorma.
Tip: Call ahead: the kitchen sometimes closes early when produce runs out, especially the ashak.
Address: Nieuwe Binnenweg 179, 3021 GC Rotterdam
An authentic Thai family restaurant on Nieuwe Binnenweg with laab, som tam, and massaman curry at prices below their quality level. One of the city's more honest Thai kitchens.
Order: Green curry and the pad see ew.
Tip: Order the green mango salad as a starter; it cuts through the richness of the curry.
A Neapolitan pizza and trattoria on the Meent using San Marzano tomatoes and 00 flour in a wood-fired oven. The city's most serious Neapolitan-style pizza.
Order: Pizza Margherita and the spaghetti alle vongole.
Tip: The tiramisu is homemade and better than it looks; order it early as it runs out.
A long-running pasta specialist on Nieuwe Binnenweg with handmade fresh pasta from tagliatelle al ragu to cacio e pepe. The most affordable proper Italian pasta in Rotterdam.
Order: Cacio e pepe and the daily pasta special.
Tip: The pasta-lunch on Saturday is one of the better deals in Rotterdam Noord: three courses under 20 euros.
An Indian and Pakistani buffet restaurant on Schiedamseweg in Delfshaven serving biryani, curries, and fresh naan. The all-you-can-eat lunch is one of Rotterdam's best-value meals.
Order: The all-you-can-eat buffet at 24.50 euros per person.
Tip: The buffet is refilled fresh at 12:00 and 18:00; arrive at either time for the best selection.
A Surinamese canteen on Jonker Fransstraat serving moksi meti (mixed meats with rice), roti, and saoto soup from a short menu that changes daily. One of the most authentic Surinamese spots in the city.
Order: The moksi meti mixed-meat rice plate and the saoto soup as a starter.
Tip: Bring cash: this is a card-optional kitchen. The roti sells out by mid-afternoon on Saturdays.
A waterfront Italian grand cafe in Nieuw-Kralingen by the Old Scuola team, with wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, pasta and natural wines for 180 indoor seats and a 150-seat terrace.
Order: Wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and a glass from the natural-wine list.
Tip: Book a table on the waterside terrace for the golden hour: it is open until 23:00 on Fri-Sat.
