As the primary port city in the Netherland’s, Rotterdam has developed a particularly worldly flair while retaining its hearty homegrown identity. This also rings true when it comes to its culinary scene. Food lovers will find that the city simply brims over with restaurants and bistros that provide dishes as potent as their environs. With that, here are eight dining establishments that will definitely match the zest of Rotterdam.
1. S.S. Rotterdam
For some, the idea of dining aboard an ocean liner that is permanently docked may not be the first option that comes to mind. But when it comes to the S.S. Rotterdam, it’s not even a second thought. The luxury liner was once the crown jewel of the Holland America Cruise line, built in the city it takes its name from. It sailed the high seas until the year 2000 when it was seemingly abandoned in the Bahamas. But an intervention from an organization brought the Rotterdam back to its home city, and in the years since, it has been fully renovated. To that end, there are five different restaurants to choose from, on board, which include the stately Club Room and the casual but spacious Lido Restaurant.
S.S. Rotterdam
Address: 3e Katendrechtse Hoofd 25, 3072 AM Rotterdam, Netherlands
Opening Hours: 8am - 10pm daily.
Duration: around 2 hours required.
Access: 29 minutes via transit from Rotterdam Centraal Station.
Contact: +31 10 297 3090
Website: S.S. Rotterdam
2. Pelgrim
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Pelgrim is a brewery that is well known to the natives of Rotterdam, and adding to that reputation is a quality restaurant housed in the same building. And what a building it is – stepping inside will give visitors a feeling of stepping back in time, especially when it comes to the spacious outside courtyard. Located in the Delfshaven area, right on the waterfront, Pelgrim offers patrons French-influenced cuisine, such as mustard soup and cheese fondue to pair with any of their five beers on tap. If you’re traveling with company, make sure to call ahead to see about dining in the courtyard, to add extra charm to your outing.
Pelgrim
Address: Aelbrechtskolk 12, 3024 RE Rotterdam, Netherlands
Price: from 7.50 USD
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 12pm - 12am. Sunday 12pm - 10pm.
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: 10 minutes via taxi from Rotterdam Centraal Station
Contact: + 31 10 477 1189
Website: Pelgrim
3. Bazar
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
There are quite a few cultures represented in Rotterdam, and one that has maintained a steady presence has been the Middle East. This is fully embodied in Bazar. Bazar is the chief restaurant in the hotel of the same name which is ensconced in the centre of the city. The décor seems plucked from a bistro in Casablanca, with weathered but brightly colored tables and dazzling lanterns with painted glass hanging from the ceiling. The menu is strictly Mediterranean with savory couscous and meaty kebabs. There’s also vegetarian dishes available and the place attracts a sizeable brunch crowd.
Bazar
Address: Witte de Withstraat 16, 3012 BP Rotterdam, Netherlands
Price: from 11 USD
Opening Hours: 8am - 1am Monday - Thursday. 8am - 2am Friday & Saturday. 9am - 12am Sunday.
Duration: around 2 hours required.
Access: 9 minutes via taxi from Rotterdam Centraal Station.
Contact: +31 10 206 5151
Website: Bazar
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4. Fenix Food Factory
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Food courts are always a crowd-pleaser, and it definitely goes for those living in and visiting Rotterdam. This is exemplified in the Fenix Food Factory. Opened over two years ago, the food court is set up in a former warehouse called the Fenixloods, which is located right in the heart of the city, on the Katendrecht peninsula. Inside, the vendors are spread over a quadrangle, with ample seating in the center. Those visiting can choose from vendors such as cheese from Booji Kaasmakers, scintillating entrees from well-known area chefs at the Kaapse Kitchen and rolls and pastries from Jordy’s Bakery. Follow it up with some beer from Kaapse Brouwers or some cider. You may even get to observe some live entertainment while you’re there, as musicians and other performers put on shows on certain days.
Fenix Food Factory
Address: Veerlaan 19D, 3072 AN Rotterdam, Netherlands
Price: from 6 USD
Opening Hours: 10am - 7pm Tuesday - Friday. Saturday 10am - 6pm. Sunday 12pm- 6pm.
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: 18 minutes via transit from Rotterdam Centraal Station.
Contact: +31 64 613 6799
Website: Fenix Food Factory
Rotterdam Tour Guide
Miriam Meda
I inspire and help you on your trips to Belgium with my project, Curiositas Mundus. My goal is to avoid you any surprises once you land in this beautiful and small country. Traveling with kids? No problem. Are you a high school teacher preparing for your next study trip? No worries. Families? Friends? Solo travel? VIP? Companies? Universities? Lost souls? Restless minds? Physical challenges or difficulties? All of you are welcome! My specialty is the preparation of tours all over the country. I can guide you through the Belgian streets, museums, bars, chocolate paradises and other places of interest. I want my services to be cultural, responsible, and engaged with the local people. I already have ideas to improve that relationship tourists-inhabitants and to work also with local non-profit associations and businesses :-) In a more personal way, but also related to this nice job of guiding strangers from all over the world, I am a crazy learner of history (especially European history), art, literature, comics (long life to Marvel), languages (you can contact me in English, French, Spanish or Dutch; now I am trying to learn Japanese), philosophy, sociology, politics, videogames and so on! Above all, I have tons of curiosity about everything that surronds me.
5. Parkhuevel
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Wilt u voor aankomende feestdagen nog een van deze prachtige, smaakvolle doe-het-zelf kookboxen voor thuis bestellen?...
Posted by Restaurant Parkheuvel on Tuesday, December 14, 2021
An elegant dining experience is what compels people to go to Parkhuevel and with good reason. Since it first opened its doors in 1986, Parkhuevel has become tops among restaurants not only in Rotterdam but nationwide. This is bolstered by the fact that it was the first in the nation to be awarded three coveted Michelin stars – part of a run that has seen the restaurant attain at least one star from 1990 to the present day. Parkhuevel is perched near the waterfront, giving patrons a picturesque view of Rotterdam Harbor. The interior is opulent and done up in an Art Deco manner. The menu is robust, with the option to have up to eight courses, in one meal. Being that Parkhuevel is that revered, calling ahead for reservations, is strongly recommended.
Parkhuevel
Address: Heuvellaan 21, 3016 GL Rotterdam, Netherlands
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 12–3PM, 6:30–10PM. Saturday 6:30 - 10PM. Closed Sundays.
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: 12 minutes via taxi from Rotterdam Centraal Station.
Contact: +31 10 436 0530
Website: Parkhuevel
6. Roots Bar & Restaurant
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
The Roots Bar & Restaurant makes its home in the Rotterdam Hilton, with an eye on delivering quality dining in a trendy but formal setting. Located in the Lijnbaankwartier district that boasts a brisk shopping area, walking into Roots will give visitors the impression of being whisked back to the 1950’s, with its décor of sleek marble and deeply rich wood. The cuisine is a mixture of French, Mediterranean and other international dishes – the Croque monsieur is deemed one of their standouts.
Roots Restaurant
Address: Kruiskade 9, 3012 EE Rotterdam, Netherlands
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 10pm. 7am -10pm weekends.
Duration: around 1.5 hours required.
Access: 9 minutes walk from Rotterdam Centraal Station.
Contact: +31 10 710 8000
Website: Roots Restaurant
7. Dudok
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Dudok is a stylish café, which has done well enough to have sister restaurants in three other cities in the Netherlands. This location is set up in a rustic brick building, with high ceilings and wide windows for patrons to view the bustling streets outside. The dining space can accommodate large parties and it has an all-around menu for any time of day which includes a special high tea course, for those who indulge. And if you’re looking to just enjoy a drink or two, Dudok boasts a hefty menu featuring local and international beers and wine. One thing to note – their apple pie is a big draw, and many choose the restaurant for a leisurely brunch.
Dudok
Address: Meent 88, 3011 JP Rotterdam, Netherlands
Opening Hours: 8am - 11pm Monday - Thursday. Friday 8am - 1am. Saturday 9am - 12am. Sunday 9am -11pm.
Duration: around 2 hours required.
Access: 6 minutes via transit from Rotterdam Centraal Station
Contact: +31 10 433 3102
Website: Dudok
8. Las Palmas
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Dining elegance is at its height, at Las Palmas. Visitors get that sense as they step inside this restaurant, and observe the lengthy dining room and the counter, off to the side, constructed with fine marble and polished steel. The mission of the head chef at Las Palmas is to have the patron observe the origins of their meal and see how they create it. There’s good reason for that – the head chef is Herman del Bijlker, who has his own popular TV show, in Holland. One striking example of this focus lies in the racks of fresh wagyu that hang above the counter in the exposed kitchen. Seafood is a dedicated speciality of the place and should be first among anyone’s choice when patronizing the restaurant.
Las Palmas
Address: Wilhelminakade 330, 3072 AR Rotterdam, Netherlands
Price: from 9 USD
Opening Hours: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm Monday - Friday. Saturday 6pm - 11pm. Sunday 12pm - 8pm.
Duration: around 2.5 hours required.
Access: 14 minutes via transit from Rotterdam Centraal Station.
Contact: +31 10 234 5122
Website: Las Palmas
Dine your way through Rotterdam
The city of Rotterdam holds a bevvy of culinary gems for both the casual and discerning food lover. With dining establishments that encompass the best of what the Netherlands has to offer, travelers will be happy to discover each place and how they work in contrast - or in total synchronicity with their environment.
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