Italian€€CentrumDaily 12:00-22:00
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.
Italian€€Rotterdam NoordDaily 17:00-22:00; Sat-Sun also 12:00-16:00
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.
Indian€DelfshavenDaily 12:00-22:00
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.
Surinamese€CentrumDaily 12:00-20:00; closed Sun
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.
Neapolitan Italian€€Nieuw-KralingenMon-Tue 17:00-22:00; Wed-Thu and Sun 11:00-22:00; Fri-Sat 11:00-23:00
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.
British gastropub€€Witte de WithstraatDaily 12:00-23:00
A British-style gastropub on Witte de Withstraat serving fish and chips, steak pies, and Sunday roasts. The most committed British pub kitchen in Rotterdam, popular with expats and locals alike.
Order: Fish and chips with mushy peas.
Tip: The Sunday roast sells out quickly; reserve a table by Thursday if you want to guarantee a seat.