The Best Restaurants in Rotterdam, Netherlands
A curated guide to the best restaurants in Rotterdam, worth planning your meals around, plus all the best cafes and bars.
Rotterdam has changed dramatically over the last few decades. Once known primarily as Europe’s busiest port, the city has evolved into a cultural and culinary destination in its own right, shaped by diversity, bold architecture, and a forward-thinking attitude.
The food scene here reflects that same spirit—international, modern, and never afraid to try something new.
With more than 170 nationalities calling Rotterdam home, the city’s restaurants draw from a wide mix of global flavors, yet there’s still a strong local identity threaded through it all.
You’ll find contemporary Dutch cuisine that focuses on seasonal produce and sustainability, alongside excellent Indonesian, Surinamese, Turkish, and Middle Eastern spots that speak to the city’s layered history and present-day communities.
The result is a dining landscape that feels confident and refreshingly unpretentious—places that champion creativity, collaboration, and good ingredients, without the need for grandstanding. It’s food that matches the city’s energy: modern, diverse, and distinctly rooted in the here and now.
I spent a few days in Rotterdam recently, of course, eating my way through the city. Here are the best restaurants in Rotterdam to try out on your next trip, along with all my favorite cafes and bars.
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17 Best Restaurants in Rotterdam, Netherlands
1. Héroine Restaurant & Bar
Héroine Restaurant & Bar sits inside the iconic Het Industriegebouw and feels very much like the Rotterdam of today—confident, design-forward, and quietly inventive.
The space is all raw concrete and steel softened with warm wood and retro-modern touches, creating a polished but relaxed backdrop for chef Michael Schook’s seasonal tasting menus (usually five or seven courses) that lean into unexpected flavor pairings without ever feeling showy.
It’s the kind of place where langoustine might meet elderflower and coffee, and somehow it just works. There’s also a separate bar area for cocktails and small bites, which makes Héroine just as suitable for a low-key night as it is for a long, celebratory dinner.
In a city that thrives on experimentation, this is one of the restaurants most clearly defining where Rotterdam’s culinary scene is headed.
2. Zeezout
Zeezout in Rotterdam’s Scheepvaartkwartier is as much a temple to the sea as it is a restaurant—chef-owner Patrick ’t Hart brings decades of fish-cooking expertise to each plate. Located at Westerkade 11b, it holds a Michelin star for its high-quality seafood cooking.
This is what stands out for me: the fish starters and mains are refined yet honest. The plates featured ingredients that speak clearly but get a nudge of creativity (smoked or marinated fish, tempura lobster, a salt-crust sea bream).
Versatility in technique and an accent on freshness give Zeezout its edge—the preparation of seafood and the service were both standouts here.
For the foodie crowd looking for where to eat in Rotterdam it hits all the right notes. A restaurant that’s serious but not stuffy, anchored in place (the historic Scheepvaartkwartier by the water) and offering a dining experience that feels like Rotterdam’s serious side stepping out in style. A must-visit when spotlighting top-tier seafood in the city.
Read more: Where to Stay in Rotterdam: Best Areas & Hotels
3. On Cru
On Cru is one of the best restaurants in Rotterdam that feels like it was built for people who really love food, particularly farm-to-table—no theatrics, no over-polished pretense, just thoughtful cooking and a team that clearly enjoys what they do.
The experience here centers around a seasonal tasting menu that changes frequently, so no two visits are exactly the same. You can expect clever plates built from local produce and pristine seafood, plus the occasional surprise ingredient that reminds you Rotterdam’s culinary scene is paying attention to the wider world.
The atmosphere is intimate—warm lighting, relaxed energy, an open kitchen you can actually see working—making it feel special without ever moving into ‘special occasion only’ territory.
There’s also a smart, natural-leaning wine list and a staff that guides rather than instructs, and you’ve got one of the city’s most quietly confident fine dining rooms.
4. River Bar
River Bar is straightforward and easygoing, a place you go when you want good food without ceremony. The space sits right along the waterfront, and the menu leans into Mediterranean flavors with plenty of seafood.
I ordered the oysters to start—fresh, clean, no fuss—followed by the grilled salmon, which came tender with just a little char, served over a light chickpea purée.
The beef tenderloin was another highlight: well-seasoned, not overly cooked, simply plated with toasted sourdough. For the main, the gambas were the clear choice—served simply with smoked garlic aioli, sweet & sour potatoes, letting the seafood speak for itself.
Nothing here feels overly conceptual; it’s just well-prepared dishes, good wine, and a setting that makes you want to linger a bit longer than planned.
5. Fred
Restaurant Fred, located at Boompjes 41, holds two Michelin stars and represents one of the city’s highest forms of fine dining.
Chef Fred Mustert builds his cuisine on a French classical foundation but is firmly guided by seasonal Dutch produce and precision. His philosophy is based on recognisability of ingredients, product quality first, and a light modern twist rather than excessive gimmickry.
The dining experience is polished and composed as you might expect. There are multi‐course tasting menus (the “Menu Inspiration” is often the route), a standout cheese trolley, a serious Burgundy-heavy wine list, and service that blends warmth with refinement.
If you’re profiling top-tier establishments in Rotterdam’s culinary landscape for a special evening or celebratory night out, Restaurant Fred is a must.
6. Putaine
Putaine is a smart casual-upscale destination perched inside the Floating Office Rotterdam (FOR)—a striking, timber-built, climate-resilient office complex floating in the Rijnhaven, and acclaimed as the world’s largest sustainable floating office.
This restaurant, led by chef Michael Schook and partner manager Eva Eekman, offers a seasonal à-la-carte menu that emphasises vegetables and highlights beautifully sourced proteins such as oysters and langoustine.
The setting features large windows, a terrace overlooking the harbour, and an interior design that balances relaxed elegance with bold touches—making it suitable for both lunch, dinner, and even cocktails later into the evening.
In short: if you’re profiling Rotterdam’s best restaurants with a twist, Putaine brings the flavour and a distinctive location in one of the city’s most innovative buildings.
7. Rotonde
Rotonde is one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Rotterdam for anyone compiling a story on the city’s progressive dining scene. The kitchen is fully vegetarian (with plenty of vegan options) and built around a wood-fired approach and ultra-local sourcing—from nearby growers and producers.
The focus here is dual: flavour and responsibility. Vegetables, mushrooms, grains, pulses—often all-of-a-plate—are treated as the stars, not side-notes. The wine list complements that ethos too: mostly natural or biodynamic wines.
Service has a relaxed, sociable tone, and the open fire-cooking adds an element of theatre without being showy. Rotonde is an excellent example of the city doing dining differently—refined, but reflective of a new wave of conscious cuisine rather than old-school glamour.
8. Aji
Ají brings together Latin American and Asian influences in a way that feels considered rather than flashy.
The menu leans into bright, layered flavors—think tuna tartare cut with leche de tigre and crunchy corn, watermelon sharpened with kimchi and togarashi, or slow-braised beef cheek rendang that’s deep and comforting without being heavy.
There’s a sleek, warm atmosphere to the space, with dim lighting and a subtle lounge feel that works well for lingering. Plates are designed to be shared, and the combinations are bold but balanced, making Ají one of those places where each dish feels like its own little discovery – perfect for when you want something a little different.
9. The Millèn
The Millèn, in Rotterdam’s landmark Millennium Tower, is a refined dining destination headed by chef-owner Wim Severein. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in December 2018.
The kitchen focuses on pure, seasonal ingredients, creating menus that change monthly. Dishes demonstrate a global sensibility—herbs and spices appear alongside Dutch-grown produce—but always with balance and clarity.
The setting complements the cuisine: modern, calm, with large windows and enough space to feel elevated without being overly formal.
10. Tres
Tres is a 12-seat counter-style restaurant in Rotterdam’s Kop van Zuid-Entrepot district, run by chef Michael van der Kroft and front-of-house partner Emy Koster.
The focus is on hyper-local Dutch produce, processed with advanced techniques—fermentation, drying, garums, deep aging—so that familiar ingredients reveal unexpected depths.
Menus follow the seasons: seafood in winter, lamb in spring, vegetables in summer, and game in autumn.
The atmosphere is raw yet intimate—located in a former warehouse basement with dim lighting, open kitchen, and seating around a wooden counter.
In short: Tres isn’t just a meal—it’s a detailed exploration of Dutch terroir and technique, presented with precision and with minimal distraction from the dining experience.
11. Bistrot du Bac
Bistrot du Bac brings a slice of Paris to Katendrecht, Rotterdam, with classic French bistro fare delivered in a warm and unpretentious setting.
Located at Sumatraweg 5-B, the restaurant serves up three-course menus featuring perennial favourites like œuf mayonnaise, escargots, côte de boeuf with béarnaise and house fries, and crème brûlée.
The finished effect is cosy, familiar, well-executed French comfort cooking done right. I personally love this spot for a relaxed mid-week lunch, easily one of the best restaurants in Rotterdam for me.
12. NOTK Wine Restaurant & Bar
NOTK Wine Restaurant & Bar takes a wine-first approach, and it shows. The best way to experience it is to go for the wine flight and let the pairings shape the meal.
I started with the ajo blanco—light, silky, and just the right amount of garlic warmth, balanced by a clean, mineral-driven white.
The standout, though, was the fried red fish served with leeks and fennel. Crisp skin, tender flesh, and the vegetables softened just enough to stay bright without losing texture.
The wine pairing here pulled everything together—savory, slightly saline, and perfectly matched to the flavors on the plate. It’s the kind of dinner that feels quietly smart: nothing showy, just well-made food and wines chosen with real intention.
13. Loetje
Loetje in Rotterdam has built its reputation around one very clear proposition: steak done simply but very, very well. The downtown location at Binnenrotte 192 places it right beside the city’s landmark Markthal, a perfect setting if you’re after a reliably good but casual meal in a central spot.
The star of the show is the tenderloin steak, served with their signature jus and soft white bread—no frills, just quality. Accompany it with fries and a fresh salad, and you’ve got the classic experience: straightforward, satisfying, and unpretentious.
While the focus is clearly on the steak, Loetje also accommodates non-meat eaters with a selection of vegetarian and fish dishes as well as plant-based ‘steak’. If you’re after something casual, reliably good, and centrally located in Rotterdam, Loetje ticks those boxes.
14. Cafe Marseille
Café Marseille serves up classic French-inspired dishes alongside a thoughtfully curated selection of wines.
The kitchen opts for seasonal, organic ingredients and delivers familiar yet refined fare: think shellfish, fish soups, crisp, hearty steak frites, and well-executed bistro staples.
On the wine front, the emphasis is on natural and biodynamic bottles—wines made with minimal intervention, offering a bit of funk, character, and lots of drinkability. It’s a great spot for an aperitivo, too, if you have plans to eat elsewhere.
Overall, Café Marseille blends the ease of a French bistro with the contemporary draw of natural wine culture—making it a solid pick when you want good food, smart wine, and a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
15. Madame Saigon
Madame Saigon, just off the buzzing Witte de Withstraat in Rotterdam, serves up Vietnamese cooking rooted in family recipes and seasonal ingredients.
Highlights include fresh spring rolls and banh xeo (Vietnamese filled pancake), five versions of pho—with beef, chicken or vegetarian—and rice-and-noodle bowls meant for sharing. The space also features a cocktail bar with Asian-twist drinks and a terrace for warmer evenings.
It’s not super authentic Vietnamese, but it is very tasty – a great spot for lunch or casual dinner.
16. By Jarmusch
By Jarmusch is a lively, modern American-style diner for breakfast and brunch, with two Rotterdam locations: East at Goudsesingel 64 and West at Nieuwe Binnenweg 575.
On the menu you’ll find classic diner dishes done really well: eggs any way you like, fluffy pancakes, chicken & waffles, breakfast burritos, and sandwiches built for big appetites. Coffee lovers are also catered for—freshly brewed filter and specialty roasts keep things moving from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily.
By Jarmusch nails the relaxed all-day breakfast format—great for late starts, strong coffee, and hearty brunch plates in a friendly, informal setting. It’s widely popular, especially on weekends, so get there early.
17. Fenix Food Factory
Fenix Food Factory sits in a raw, converted warehouse on the Katendrecht peninsula, tucked beside the Rijnhaven and opposite Hotel New York.
What makes it interesting is that it’s less of a “restaurant” and more of a curated food ecosystem. Several artisan vendors share the space—there’s a bakery, cheese maker, specialty coffee roaster, craft brewer, and seasonal food stands.
You can stroll in, grab a cheese or charcuterie board, pick up a craft beer or cider, sit by the water or inside the hall-style space, and feed into the local food culture. It’s casual, communal, and reflects Rotterdam’s port-heritage turned creative-district vibe.
If you want a casual spot where food meets laid-back energy and local craftsmanship—this is it.
Best Bars in Rotterdam, Netherlands
The bar scene in Rotterdam is relaxed but refined—cocktail spots with personality, neighborhood hangouts with good energy, and a few places that feel like you wandered into something only locals know about.
It’s less about velvet-rope glamour and more about great drinks, interesting spaces, and places you want to return to.
Botanero -Inspired by Mexico City-style drinking culture—mezcal, tequila, and small bites to match. Warm, lively, and the kind of place where one drink becomes three without trying. It’s a good spot to eat, too.
Juni Rotterdam – A bright and easygoing wine bar with a well-chosen list and plenty of by-the-glass options. Ideal for a casual early evening drink that might turn into a longer stay. One of my favorites.
Jigger – Classic cocktail bar energy—dim lighting, serious technique, and well-balanced drinks without overcomplication. A spot for when you want something made properly.
The Rumah – A rum-focused bar run by people who genuinely love the spirit. Expect creative tropical-leaning cocktails that still feel elegant, not overly sweet.
Vessel 11 – A red lightship turned bar and restaurant moored in the harbor. It’s fun, relaxed, slightly quirky, and excellent on a sunny day with a drink on deck.
Best Cafes in Rotterdam
Rotterdam does cafés really well—bright, design-forward spaces, creative pastries, and coffee that’s taken seriously.
The cafe scene spans minimalist matcha bars, neighborhood bakeries, roastery cafés, and spots where you can actually sit and work without feeling rushed. Here are some of my favorites to save:
Harvest Café & Bakery – Trendy neighborhood spot with great coffee and a strong brunch game—think good sourdough, eggs done right, and pastries that actually sell out.
Matcha Next Door by Round & Round – A calm, minimalist space dedicated to matcha in all forms—lattes, cold brews, and desserts—alongside delicate Japanese-leaning pastries.
Café Unfiltered – Crisp interiors, friendly vibe, and consistently excellent coffee. A go-to for grab-and-go cups or a quick sit-down.
Hotel âme Café – Light-filled and stylish, attached to the design-forward Hotel âme. Coffee, matcha, and thoughtfully plated light bites with a serene, almost gallery-like atmosphere.
Man Met Bril Koffie – Local roastery café and hotel in Rotterdam Noord known for excellent beans, smooth brews, and a spacious interior that’s perfect for settling in with a laptop for a few hours.
Nine Bar – Small and focused, offering consistently good coffee with a warm, neighborhood feel.
Espressobar Kopi Soesoe – A cozy classic in Katendrecht—laid-back atmosphere, strong espresso, and a space that feels lived-in in the best way.
Which of these best restaurants in Rotterdam, Netherlands, will you be heading to? Share your questions and comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
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