Vietnamese€€Witte de WithstraatDaily 12:00-22:00
A Vietnamese restaurant on Witte de Withstraat with pho, bun bo, and banh mi made from long-simmered house broths. The most-praised Vietnamese kitchen in central Rotterdam.
Order: Pho bo and the banh xeo pancake.
Tip: The lunch set before 15:00 is better value than dinner; the kitchen uses the same produce.
Afghan€€centrumTue-Sun 16:00-22:00
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.
Order: Ashaak dumplings and the lamb qorma.
Tip: Call ahead: the kitchen sometimes closes early when produce runs out, especially the ashak.
Thai€€CentrumDaily from 17:00; weekend late service until 01:00
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.
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.