Dining in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a city that truly dazzles the senses, offering an eclectic mix of culinary delights to match its stunning architecture and vibrant culture. Whether you’re in the mood for fine-dining sophistication or crave the charm of hidden local gems, this bustling port city has something to tempt every palate. We spoke with the ECIO Local Host Committee members to find out what restaurants to not miss while you are in Rotterdam.

Dr. Mark Burgmans

▪️ Aji Restaurant – “My first pick would be Aji restaurant. It is a vibrant place with delicious fusion cuisine.”

▪️ Il Gattopardo – “This restaurant is another excellent option known for its fine dining and passion for food.”

▪️ De Harmonie – “A centrally located restaurant with a cosy atmosphere and a fantastic menu.”

▪️ Hotel New York – “This place is known for its romantic and unique atmosphere as well as its good and varied menu.”

Dr. IJsbrand Zijlstra

▪️ De Matroos en Het Meisje – “De Matroos en Het Meisje is a lovely, down-to-earth restaurant with a fixed menu. It is open for dinner seven days a week, so you have no excuse not to try it!”

▪️ Rotterdam Foodhallen – “A great place if you enjoy choosing from a wide variety of international flavours in an “urban jungle” setting.”

Hotel New York – Copyright @ Iris van den Broek

Copyright @ De Harmonie

Prof. Jurgen Fütterer

▪️​ Hotel New York – “This iconic venue combines history and charm, serving delicious seafood and classic dishes in a vibrant atmosphere. It’s situated in the former headquarters of the Holland America Line.”

▪️ Markthal Rotterdam – “Not a single restaurant, but a culinary hotspot housing diverse food stalls and eateries. You can sample everything from local Dutch treats to international cuisines.”

▪️ De Matroos en Het Meisje – “Offering a unique dining concept with a surprise menu, this cozy restaurant serves seasonal dishes made from local ingredients. It’s ideal for adventurous foodies.”

Dr. Sorina Simon

▪️ Putaine – “Located on a floating dock, this restaurant and bar offers a beautiful view of the Rotterdam skyline and Nieuwe Maas river.”

▪️ Celest – “Prepare for an unparalleled experience at a height of 190 meters and enjoy spectacular views of Rotterdam!”

▪️ NOTK Wine Restaurant & Bar – “Looking for the ultimate wine and dine experience? Head to NOTK Wine Restaurant & Bar and indulge in the surprise Sommelier’s Menu—a perfect pairing of flavours and fine wines!”

▪️ Trattoria A Proposito – “Trattoria A Proposito is a hidden gem in the heart of Rotterdam: this family-run Italian restaurant is celebrated for its authentic Italian cuisine and warm family atmosphere.”

Copyright @ Celest

Copyright @ NOTK Wine Restaurant & Bar

Dr. Tarik Baetens

▪️ Trattoria Panini – “If you’re a fan of panini (the correct term in Italian is panino), I recommend Trattoria Panini. Go for the daily special, if it hasn’t sold out yet!”

▪️ The Burger Club – “If you’re a burger fan, I highly recommend this place – truly a treat!”

Dr. Eva De Graaf

▪️ Markthal Rotterdam – The Markthal is the Netherlands’ first and largest indoor food market. The market is open until 20:00, but restaurants stay open later, so you can enjoy a meal after your congress sessions.

▪️ Celest – Located at the top of the Zalmhaventoren, the tallest building in the Netherlands, is a high-end cocktail bar and restaurant offering a spectacular view of Rotterdam and beyond.

▪️ Euromast Rotterdam – Another great spot for panoramic views of Rotterdam, the restaurant at the Euromast serves à la carte or a set menu. Please note that you need to purchase a separate ticket to access the restaurant and reservations are encouraged.

▪️ Witte de Withstraat – “If you are looking for an area to wander around, Witte de Withstraat Street is a trendy street filled with bars, restaurants, cultural centres, and art galleries.”

▪️ Mood Streetfood Rotterdam – A fast-casual restaurant serving Asian style street food, poke bowls, sushi, and more.

▪️ Héroine – Located in an industrial-style building, this restaurant offers a distinctive ambience with its blend of retroelements, modern design, and eye-catching artwork. The surprise menu features innovative combinations, international influences, and a focus on vegetables.

Copyright @ Napoli

Copyright @ The Burger Club

Dr. Christiaan van der Leij

▪️ Mr NonNo West – “For breakfast, I recommend Mr NonNo West which specializes in sweet and savoury pancakes.”

▪️ Napoli – “If you’re in the mood for delicious Italian food, this place is a great choice.”

▪️ Het Eethuisje van Delfshaven – “For an authentic Dutch dining experience with a traditional atmosphere, I suggest visiting Het Eethuisje van Delfshaven. However, keep in mind that traditional Dutch cuisine is not particularly known for its haute cuisine!”