The best restaurants in Rotterdam

Last updated: Aug. 25, 2025.

The Maas City is quirky and you can taste that. Chefs like to experiment, there is a lot of attention to sustainable products and flavors from all over the world come together here. Rotterdam is bursting with tastemakers. From small bistros where you prefer to linger for hours to creative kitchens in industrial buildings. In this blog you will find a tasty mix of atmospheric, culinary and cozy restaurants in Rotterdam, conveniently grouped by neighborhood. So you can easily find a table in the neighborhood where you want to eat.

Katendrecht
Old North
Center
North and Blijdorp
West and Delfshaven
Kralingen and Crooswijk
Hillegersberg
Child friendly eating out

Katendrecht

De Kaap is one of the nicest parts of Rotterdam for drinking and eating. Everything is within walking distance around the Deliplein.

Bistrot du Bac

On Deli Square, Bistrot du Bac feels like a cozy Parisian bistrot. Classically French, well-executed and just the place for a long lunch or an evening of dining. There is often a three-course set menu and a pleasant wine list. Start festively with oysters and a glass of bubbly, then go for bistro classics of the season.

La Petite Soeur

Bistrot du Bac’s little sister can be found around the corner. La Petite Soeur is an intimate restobar for a good glass of wine, a cocktail and delectable petits plats to share. Ideal for an early drink, a light lunch or a casual dinner. Mix and match small French dishes and make it a table full.

Fancy even more Cape conviviality? Around Deli Square you’ll find several bistros and bars for pre-dinner drinks or coffee after.

The Old North

In Rotterdam’s Old North you’ll find committed and creative entrepreneurs, neighborhood spirit and lots of small businesses. Perfect for an evening bite to eat.

Destino

Fancy a taste of Spain in the Old North? At Destino, slide in for sophisticated tapas, made fresh daily and with a wide selection of Spanish wines and sherries. The atmosphere is relaxed and the menu changes with the season. Enjoy croquetas, padróns, bearjenas or opt for the menú del día with surprising tapas.

Center

From fine dining to approachable world cuisine. Everything is nice and central around Stadhuisplein, the Meent and Witte de With.

joelia

Joelia is chic without being stiff. They serve modern-French cuisine with a creative twist. You can opt for an extensive menu, or eat a la carte. Ideal for an evening of extensive dining or a festive lunch. Joelia is located in the Hilton Rotterdam.

Amarone

Amarone is known for high quality dishes with French and Japanese influences and an excellent wine list. This restaurant can be found on Rotterdam’s shopping street the Meent and has held a Michelin star since 2007.

North and Blijdorp

Here you eat in cozy neighborhood restaurants with a lot of attention to coffee, brunch and honest food.

BIRD

At BIRD under the Hofbogen, slide in for tasty wood-oven pizzas and world dishes from Asian, South American, Mediterranean and Arabic cuisine, appetizers and a lively night out with live music. Combine dinner with a concert or dance the night away.

Ban Nok

Ban Nok is a homey restaurant that invites sharing as it is done in Thailand. Authentic noodle and rice dishes full of fragrant curries, homemade spring rolls and Pad Thai as Kim (with Thai roots) learns it from her mother. Here you will enjoy spring rolls, fresh Pad Thai, fragrant Thai curries with the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, sour and salty.

West and Delfshaven

Industrial buildings, water and history. Here you combine an afternoon along the Schie with a tasty evening.

The Machinist

De Machinist is a brasserie in an archetypal Rotterdam location in an old shipping school building. They have a wide menu for lunch and dinner in a tough industrial setting. Be sure to try a daily burger, fish of the week or one of the classics with a twist.

City Brewery Pilgrim

Pelgrim is Rotterdam’s only city brewery with a tasting room. You’ll drink home-brewed beer with hearty pub food or something light on the quayside terrace in historic Delfshaven.

Kralingen and Crooswijk

Here it is green, stately and you will find many students. You can have a nice drink and extensive dining here.

In den Rustwat (IDRW)

In den Rustwat is located in a detached building just next to the Excelsior Stadium. A cute little house, small in size and with delicious food. They have been awarded the Bib Gourmand here several times by Michelin for a reason. IDRW is definitely recommended when you want to enjoy delicious food in a nice and quiet restaurant. For special occasions when you really want to take time for each other and enjoy taste and experience.

Osteria Vicini

Vicini is family-run, lively and open from breakfast until late. Perfect for a delicious espresso in the morning, tasty focaccia for lunch or homemade antipasti, pasta or pizza in the evening with a nice glass of wine.

Hillegersberg

Here it is chic, green and with the Bergse Plassen as a backdrop. Ideal for a sunny lunch or drinks by the water.

Gauchos on the lake

A favorite for long summer days. With a large terrace right on the lake, an Argentine grill overlooking the water. At Gauchos on the Pond, you’ll taste juicy steaks and grilled specialties in a warm, casual atmosphere. Perfect for those who love good meat and enjoy lingering on the terrace afterwards.

Wine Bar Mendoza

For wine lovers, Mendoza is the place to be. Overlooking the water, you taste glasses from all over the world, combined with bites to share.

Child-friendly dining

Eating out with the family is easy in Rotterdam. Useful choices are: restaurants with children’s menu, coloring sheets and a play corner always score points. Combine with a visit to Miniworld or a trip on the water cab for extra fun.

Pancake boat Rotterdam

An outing and dinner in one. Step aboard the Pancake Boat and take a cruise while eating unlimited pancakes. For children a feast, for parents relaxed enjoyment with a view of the skyline. Sail and feast at the same time.

Credit photos: OpstapmetLisa, AnneKaere photography and Canva.com