Best restaurants in Rotterdam

Fred

★★ Michelin€€€€Creative French

Everything revolves around luxury and opulence at this restaurant. On the way to your table, you will pass the "Cheese Boutique" – the cheese trolley is truly exceptional – and champagne arrives on its very own trolley. The vibrant decor is complemented by finishings made of the finest materials, as innovative design meets modern elegance. This is a cosmopolitan restaurant that embodies the vibrant spirit of Rotterdam. Fred Mustert's precise cuisine is imbued with French flair. No unnecessary frills – just pure intensity. The ingredients take centre stage. For example, he sears top-quality lan

FG - François Geurds

★★ Michelin€€€€Creative

Striving for nothing less than perfection, François Geurds has created a trendy urban restaurant that is immediately captivating. Luxurious porcelain custom-made for specific dishes, and an impressive collection of knives and trolleys – at FG, they do not shy away from the spectacular. The private dining room even features an upside-down garden! Chef Geurds loves to work with premium ingredients such as Wagyu A5 and truffle, but he has no hesitation in letting a potato take centre stage. His dishes are thought-provoking and characterised by meticulous attention to detail and original ideas. Hi

Parkheuvel

★★ Michelin€€€€Modern Cuisine

(Temporarily closed for renovation works) Located in Het Park and boasting a spectacular view of the Meuse River – best enjoyed from the terrace – this elegant pavilion is the ideal setting in which to indulge in a wonderful fine dining experience. Erik van Loo is a chef with a feel for classic finesse. This comes through, for example, in the lobster cream sauce, full bodied and rich, which takes his well-known combination of bream chicken and langoustine ravioli to the next level. At Parkheuvel, it is the sauces that really blow diners away. His son Juliën's input adds detail and diversity in

Amarone

★ Michelin€€€french, fusion, japanese

The decor at Amarone is elegant, luxurious and alluring, featuring a white 3D wall by the open kitchen and artistic nods to Japan. This is a fantastic restaurant where you will immediately feel comfortable. Hostess and sommelier Yoshiko adds to the experience with her appealing wine list and astute recommendations. In the kitchen, chef Jan van Dobben expresses his love for classic and Japanese cuisine, expertly combining ingredients such as Wagyu and umeboshi with top-notch local produce. For instance, he elevates hamachi with a sweet and sour vinaigrette made with rice vinegar. He also adds a

🕐 Mo-Fr 12:00-14:00,18:00-21:30, Sa 18:00-21:30

Joelia

★ Michelin€€€€Modern French, Creative French

Joelia's charm permeates every nook and cranny of this restaurant. As you enter, you'll be instantly smitten with the eclectic decor, a captivating fusion of vintage and contemporary design. This space exudes a certain American grandeur, and the open kitchen and the impressive wine collection on show add to the atmosphere. Maître d' Pieter Timmer and chef Sofiane Bons inject a youthful energy into proceedings, including the menu. The passionate chef honours his French roots with meticulously crafted sauces and dishes. He adds pep and intensity by drawing inspiration from far-flung places, espe

🕐 Tu-Fr 12:00-14:00,18:00-21:30

The Millèn

★ Michelin€€€fine_dining

The Millennium Tower is a Rotterdam landmark and, thanks to this vintage-chic restaurant, also a destination for foodies. The open kitchen and the view of the central station afforded by the floor-to-ceiling windows are the standout features of the space. But it is chef Wim Severein's expertise and inventive spirit that really steal the show. His cooking style is clean and accessible, and his use of spices adds international flair and a distinctive personality – uncompromising and bursting with flavour. For example, he cooks farm-raised pigeon until medium-rare, carves it with meticulous preci

Zeezout

★ Michelin€€€fish

Whether smoked or marinated, prepared in tempura or ravioli, encased in a salt crust or served as tartare – one thing is clear at Patrick 't Hart's kitchen: only the finest seafood makes the cut. His solid expertise in classic cuisine gives him the freedom to explore various techniques – always focused on elevating the sea's rich bounty to perfection. The authentic flavours of the produce shine through in original creations. The chef's fish dishes include influences from around the world – enhanced by the brininess of nori, the sweet and sour nuances of sambai,and the bright freshness of a tom

Perceel

★ Michelin€€€€Creative

Flowers are a thing at Perceel. They add a vibrant touch to the modern interior design, which draws on the building's old-world character. Outside, there is a terrace right by the Ijssel River, as well as a herb and flower garden. Flowers are not only part of the decor; Jos Grootscholten also likes to add them as a final flourish to his dishes. He shows you what it means to be in perfect harmony with nature. Herbs from his garden and zesty notes are at the heart of his cooking. The beef tartare with kimchi and sweet-and-sour cornichons is a signature dish. Another standout: crispy veal sweetbr

Asian Glories

Bib Gourmand€€Chinese

The natural light and high ceilings are the first things to catch your eye when you walk into Asian Glories, but it is the view of the church and the canal that really wins you over. Understated Asian art lends a touch of individuality to the decor. The open kitchen affords glimpses of hanging Peking ducks and busy chefs at work. The culinary traditions of Canton and Sichuan prevail here, served up in generous, umami-rich dishes. Dim sum, prepared in house, chicken tempura, a beautifully light and airy steamed bun with pork belly confit: good luck choosing from the extensive à la carte and set

Vineum

Bib Gourmand€€wine

The wine list is the linchpin of this warm, aptly named restaurant with an intimate urban garden to the rear. Owner David van Steenderen, a world-class sommelier, has a knack for finding new gems. He takes great pleasure in letting his diners taste his discoveries for themselves, offering a choice of wine pairings. The food is just as sophisticated. Classic techniques meet innovative ideas and expertise, creating dishes that complement the wines beautifully. Savour ceviche made with young mackerel, or salmon tartare with a millefeuille of chicory and sorrel oil. With an extensive à la carte se

🕐 Mo-Fr 12:00-14:30, Mo-Sa 18:00-21:00

Rotonde

Bib Gourmand€€Vegetarian, Modern Cuisine

They pick up their vegetables in an electric van. The aim is to utilise every part of their produce, which is grown with respect for nature and the seasons. All of their wines are biodynamic or natural. This vintage-style restaurant is deeply committed to sustainability and is always looking for ways to do better (visit their website to learn more). This vision is brought to life in creative, intriguing and entirely vegetarian dishes that are incredibly flavoursome, sophisticated and full of surprises. Think bell pepper confit and an XO sauce made from mushrooms to elevate a sapid leek stalk.

Nova

Bib Gourmand€€Farm to table

Located on the edge of the Bergse Bos forest, with a romantic terrace and a pontoon on the River Rotte to the front, and a cosy, luxurious atmosphere inside, Nova is a really wonderful establishment! Your elegant hostess extends a warm welcome, and chef Vaandrager proposes an appealing menu. His contemporary dishes combine playful ideas with impressive culinary expertise. Whether preparing a salade niçoise with mi-cuit tuna or giving pink-roasted lamb a southern twist with a ratatouille garnish, he puts the focus firmly on bold flavours – and all at excellent value for money. Don't miss the ch

Restaurant Renilde

€€€Organic

Renilde Hammacher-van den Brande served as a curator at the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen for many years and would no doubt have been proud of the restaurant that bears her name. Located in a creatively landscaped rooftop garden on the sixth floor of what is now Depot Boijmans, this place affords stunning views over the city. In the afternoon, the restaurant is reserved for museum visitors; in the evening, it opens its doors to everyone who wishes to discover chef De Jong's surprise menu. This creative chef has a penchant for vegetables and bold combinations. His culinary audacity shines throu

🕐 Th-Sa 17:00-23:00

On Cru

€€€Farm to table

Housed in a listed building, this restaurant with its exposed brick walls is reminiscent of old England. Think Chesterfield chairs, a striking semi-circular counter and dimmed lighting. Kelvin de Pijper's classic market-fresh cuisine lets the ingredients take centre stage, for example, pairing freshly caught cod with a velvety creamed sauce made with fish fumet. Crispy sweetbreads are given a glossy finish with a veal reduction infused with cardamom, lovage and pink peppercorns. This chef honours the natural flavours of the produce while adding subtle, measured nuances. A real gem at the pictu

🕐 We 18:00-00:00; Th-Sa 12:00-16:00,18:00-00:00; Su 12:00-16:00,18:00-24:00

Huson

€€Modern Cuisine

This stylish urban restaurant combines sophistication with vibrant energy. The menu spans creative dishes with exotic twists, sharable signature plates and more exclusive specialities such as ribeye dry-aged in Himalayan salt – there is something for every palate. Chef Mark van Wijngen is a bold culinary artist with impeccable technique and intuition, masterfully balancing subtle refinement with bold, punchy flavours. Take his medium-rare lamb saddle and confit lamb neck paired with a robust natural jus, green asparagus, lemon zest, polenta with smoked egg yolk and an asparagus cream. A Rotter

🕐 Mo-Fr 12:00-21:30; Sa 17:30-22:00

Héroine

€€€Modern Cuisine

Housed in an industrial building, this restaurant has a unique feel on account of its decor incorporating retro features and modern design, as well as striking artwork on the walls. The surprise menu showcases exciting combinations, international influences and vegetables. The chef serves crispy breaded scallops, for instance, on a delicate passion fruit cream, finishing the dish with a butter sauce enhanced with coconut and dill. His bold and innovative creations will leave you craving more.

Bar Bù

€€€Asian, Fusion

Upon entering this grand property near the marina, you have to decide between taking the stairs on the left to the lounge bar, or those on the right to the restaurant. The cocktail list is definitely worth exploring, but we would nonetheless encourage you to immerse yourself in the refined Asian-inspired ambience of the restaurant. The cuisines of France and the Far East are fused with a sure touch. The dim sum are fantastic, particularly the soft steamed dumplings stuffed with pork and prawn, served with a trout roe vinaigrette. The crispy pork belly, with plum sauce for umami nuances, is als

Xīn

€€Modern Cuisine, Chinese

Alexander Wong brings his unique interpretation of Chinese cuisine to the ground floor of the urban Supernova Hotel. Xin translates to "new", which sums up the chef's approach to traditional recipes. Think slivers of kingfish cured in vinegar, with marinated daikon, puffed rice, a hint of allspice, olive leaf oil and a fragrant coriander and chive coulis. Chef Wong likes to think outside the box, while retaining those spicy undertones and quintessentially Chinese nuances. He has a knack for striking a fine balance between disparate impressions. The extensive menu is a veritable voyage of disco

Restobar Vista

€€€Modern French

Dine against the stunning backdrop of the Rotterdam skyline and the Nieuwe Maas River at Restobar Vista. On the ground floor of the De Rotterdam building, the tastefully modern restaurant is done out in muted colours. The team assembled by Henrie van der Heijden, head chef at Vista in Willemstad, creates distinctly French dishes, with the occasional nod to the Mediterranean. Think succulent roasted tournedos on a bed of caramelised onion, accompanied by a rich Madeira sauce and potato rösti. The chefs eschew complexity and delight diners with their unpretentious dishes. The extensive menu and

River Bar

€€Modern French

The maritime decor inside this striking oval pavilion is indeed enchanting, yet one of its main draws is the view of the Nieuwe Maas River. As you soak up the vibrant atmosphere and watch the cruise ships dock, you can choose from a fine selection of wines by the glass and the European-inspired menu. Eschewing any unnecessary frills, the chef comes up with some truly original dishes. His repertoire includes perfectly cooked Mediterranean-style turbot, foie gras as rich as anywhere in France – and even beef Wellington! The wide selection promises a delightful culinary journey along Europe's riv

Tres

€€€€Country cooking, Modern Cuisine

Descending into Michael and Emy's intriguing cellar is the start of a special adventure. Tres is raw and pure, vintage and warm. As soon as you enter, you are presented with products from local artisans, mostly sourced from within a 30-kilometre radius. At the expansive dining counter, you will be fascinated by the inventiveness of the self-taught chef. The freshness of fermentations, the depth of garums, the complexity of maturations, the creativity with which products are used in their entirety, processing with the latest techniques... For example, the chef glazes dry-aged turbot with yeast

NY Basement

€€€Modern Cuisine, French Contemporary

This atmospheric restaurant on the basement level of Hotel New York is reminiscent of a jazz club in the Big Apple of the 1920s and 1930s. The setting could not be any cooler! Kick things off with a cocktail at the 11m-long bar before getting stuck into the modern cuisine, which is right on trend and international. The chefs are as adept at handling yuzu and wasabi as they are at preparing a celeriac Wellington or elevating pan-seared sole with a full-bodied beurre blanc enriched with smoked eel. Fans of fresh oysters and shellfish will find the oyster bar simply irresistible!

🕐 Tu-Sa 17:00-24:00

Putaine

€€€Modern Cuisine, Creative French

The Rotterdam skyline and Nieuwe Maas river form the backdrop to your dining experience at Putaine. On a pontoon floating in the Rijnhaven, this on-trend restaurant has large windows and a fabulous terrace. You could happily spend the whole day here working your way through the creative à la carte menu. Chef Schook makes a point of working with Dutch produce, giving vegetables special emphasis; he has a penchant for crisp, vibrant nuances. A cosmopolitan and exciting place!

Il Gattopardo

€€€italian

Il Gattopardo is a charismatic Italian restaurant that possesses a certain je-ne-sais-quoi. The chef personally comes to your table to present his signature Sicilian dishes, which he continuously revamps with exciting new takes – for instance, crème brûlée made with butter-soft octopus alongside an exquisite potato cream enhanced with seaweed. He is meticulous both when crafting intricate sauces and filling home-made ravioli with gorgonzola. Be sure to peruse the wine list, which features a tempting array of fine Italian wines.

In Den Rustwat

€€€french

In Den Rustwat is a premier destination set in a charming old inn dating back to 1597. Its thatched roof, period tile floor and Delft Blue ceramics, plus an idyllic terrace overlooking the arboretum make for a refined and comfortable setting. The service is exceptionally attentive. Marcel van Someren is a seasoned chef who cooks with clarity and purpose. His creativity and expertise shine through in dishes ranging from an Asian-inspired concoction with avocado, wasabi and a soy dressing, or turbot with a full-bodied beurre blanc. A true mainstay on the culinary scene.

YANO

€€€Creative French, Fusion

Scandinavian minimalist design, a Japanese Zen vibe and a warm, intimate atmosphere are the defining features of YANO. Diners are welcomed with effortless charm by Britta, before savouring the culinary creations of chef Yuri, who draws on his Moluccan roots, classic French techniques and influences from around the globe. His dishes are vibrant, precise and full of character – following his grandmother's recipe, he serves cured mackerel topped with bumbu, accompanied by a deeply flavoursome fish head and bone jus enhanced with lemongrass and lime leaf. This chef is carving out a unique culinary

Aan de Zweth

€€€€french

The Delftse Schie provides a striking focal point in this elegant restaurant – the view is nothing short of breathtaking. A meal on the waterfront terrace is an experience not to be missed. You have a choice of two French-inspired set menus with bursts of Mediterranean flair. Familiar flavours are subtly elevated by creams and other accompaniments. For instance, the chef pairs medium-rare veal fillet with asparagus and lemon mayonnaise, wild asparagus with dill, pommes Anna and a syrupy veal jus. The elegantly plated dishes reflect the restaurant's ambition. Thanks to Indy and Justin, this ren

🕐 Th-Sa 12:00-14:00,18:30-20:00; Su 12:00-16:00,18:30-20:00