Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, but what others don’t know is that the city is a foodie paradise. If you’re looking for a gastronomic adventure, you should visit Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The city is packed with Michelin restaurants and many more hidden gems. Even if you’re looking for an affordable restaurant, you can find some amazing options here.
Over the years, the city has transformed into a place with delicious cuisines and newcomers in the culinary world make noise when it comes to the food they serve. The city’s food scene has something for everyone.
Here are some of the best restaurants you should try when you’re in Rotterdam:
Parkheuvel
Head on over to Parkheuvel to experience a two Michelin star restaurant in the city. The restaurant is the first in the whole country to be awarded three Michelin stars in 2002, which is why you should definitely eat here when you have the chance.
It’s hard to miss the restaurant with its beautiful round building in the park. The chef only uses current-season ingredients, so the restaurant only offers dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients.
Besides the delicious food, the restaurant also offers magnificent views of the Nieuwe Maas and Rotterdam Harbour that will take your breath away.
Japanese Cuisine Yama
Experience fine Japanese dining in Rotterdam at Japanese Cuisine Yama. As you walk through the doors of the restaurant, you will be welcomed with the zen-like, intimate atmosphere.
Here, you can choose delicious Japanese cuisines from their innovative menu which incorporates Dutch ingredients.
Every three months, they change the menu and at least one or two dishes change every month, so there’s always something new to try. Keep in mind, though, you need to book a reservation—you can’t just walk in!
FG Food Labs
Another Michelin star restaurant in the city, FG Food Labs is by Francois Geurds, a well-known chef. What makes the restaurant extra special is that it is situated on an unusual site—in the old railway station, Hofplein, where Rotterdam trains stopped on the way to The Hague in the early 1900s.
The restaurant doesn’t have the word “lab” in it for nothing. Chef Geurds is the only man in the country who runs a laboratory to test flavors until they’re the best. The restaurant is known for its scientific approach when it comes to intense flavors.
The restaurant holds one Michelin star and it prides itself to be “an attraction within an attraction”. Prepare for an unforgettable gastronomic journey for foodies who love to experiment with various dishes.
Zeezout
If you’re a seafood lover, you should definitely head to Zeezout in the Scheepvaartkwartier neighborhood. The restaurant is one of the best seafood places in Rotterdam where they serve fish, crustaceans, and shellfish.
The restaurant uses a lot of local ingredients, such as Rotterdam Tomasu soy sauce, 010 vodka, and Rotterdam mustard. So, if you want to support locals while you’re dining in the city, you will be able to do so here at Zeezout, which, by the way, is “Sea Salt” in Dutch.
Kwiezien
You better come here hungry because the restaurant serves five or more courses of dinner if you like. The menu at Kwiezien is ever-changing, which can be difficult if you have a favorite item because it likely won’t be on the menu after a few weeks or months. That is also why it’s highly recommended you visit the restaurant as often as you can.
Besides their delicious food, they also offer a selection of wines from all over the world. If you don’t mind getting buzzed, you can get a wine arrangement from the chef’s personal collection!
Asian Glories
Craving Asian food? Asian Glories, as the name implies, offer delicious Asian cuisines and is known as one of the best Chinese restaurants in the country.
They serve authentic Chinese and Cantonese cuisine along with other specialties, like Peking duck. If you have the budget for it, you can get the duck menu: a four-course meal with duck pancakes, duck and tofu soup, and foie-gras wrap.
Hotel New York Restaurant
Go on a historical trip while you dine at Hotel New York’s restaurant. Located in the iconic Hotel New York, which is a pride of the city, you can find a restaurant, which can get really crowded during the weekend, so a reservation is a must.
The restaurant offers delicious seafood but they also have other classic Dutch cuisines that you should definitely try. Hotel New York offers some of the city’s best bitterballen, which are Dutch meatballs.
Are you hungry yet? Make sure to check out these restaurants in Rotterdam. You will surely have an amazing experience!
Additional Resources
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