Restaurant de Jong
In an unexpectedly spartan environment, under the Rotterdam train line (handy for transport), is among the most beautifully decorated restaurants in the city. Founded by young restaurateur Jim de Jong, a proud supporter of the Slow Food Movement, De Jong is committed to the use of the most ethically cultivated ingredients around, with an abundance of its herbs and vegetables grown on site in the restaurant’s own private garden. Serving a surprise prix fixe menu, at the discretion of the chef, the meal is guaranteed to be consistently delicious and unexpected.
Address: Raampoortstraat 38, 3032 AH Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Euromast
This famous observation tower in Rotterdam is the tallest building in the city, and also home to one of its most popular restaurants. As well as standard a la carte ordering, the restaurant also features a ‘surprise’ prix fixe option of 3, 4, or 5 courses, all prepared from seasonal ingredients. And with a 360 degree view of the entire city, Euromast offers one of the most exciting dining-experiences to be found in the Netherlands.
Address: Parkhaven 20, 3016 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Brazzo
This beautiful establishment occupies the location of the former public slaughterhouse of Rotterdam, giving an unexpected historic dimension to so modern a restaurant. Committed to the support of local artists, the interior is tastefully decorated with an abundance of quirky artifacts, paintings and sculptures. Even the dinner plates are designed by local artists. And if you like your plate you can take it home with you. Well-known for its intimate, romantic atmosphere, Brazzo is perfect for couples dining, and is well positioned near many attractive bars and clubs to round off the night.
Address: Boezemstraat 188, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Parkheuvel
Recipient of numerous awards for quality, including 2 Michelin Stars, this luxurious French restaurant features 180 degree views from a surrounding façade of glass of the beautiful Meuse River and Het Park. Famous for their exquisite presentation and service, and assiduity in matching the numerous courses (from a prix fixe menu) and wines to perfection, this is the creme-de-la-creme of Rotterdam dining.
Address: Heuvellaan 21, 3016 GL Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Amarone
Amarone was awarded a Michelin Star after only a year of business, and has gone on to secure its reputation with an unwavering commitment to fine dining. With a gorgeous modern interior, beautiful presentation, and an expansive menu combining elements of French, Spanish, and Mediterranean cuisine, Amarone has also been consistently praised for its excellent value, a quality not often attributed to recipients of a Michelin Star.
Address: Meent 72-A, 3011 JN Rotterdam, Netherlands
Joelia
Itself a work of art, and situated on the ground floor of the Hotel Hilton in downtown, restaurant Joelia was designed to dazzle, and is so successful in its attempt that it’s difficult to know where to begin. Set about with all manner of golden objects, reflective gold sculptures hanging from the ceiling, rose trees with yellow blossoms and light-sculptures, Joelia serves a prix fixe menu with advancing numbers of courses (‘The Culinary Trip’ for example, features 10), inspired from culinary traditions from all parts of the world.
Address: Coolsingel 5, 3012 AA Rotterdam, Netherlands
FG
This 2 star Michelin Restaurant, owned by renowned molecular gastronomer Francois Geurds, features a 9-course tasting menu complete with wine, cheese and liquor pairings, everything expertly paired. Internationally inspired, with an emphasis on seafood and fowl, all dishes are made from the best local ingredients, and beautifully presented in a series of small plates. An experience at FG tends to run over several hours, so it’s really more of an experience than a dinner date.
Address: Lloydstraat 204, 3024 EA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Rosso
This chic, romantic establishment on Van Vollenhovenstraat specializes in Mediterranean and French cuisine. With lounge-style seating and an emphasis on warm, vermilion colors in its decor, Rosso exudes a vibe at once classy, modern, and relaxed. It features a menu of about 3 or 4 dozen small dishes, from which you can either make your own selection or entrust to the discretion of the chef. With a fun atmosphere featuring occasional live-music performances, Rosso is the perfect place for a dinner experience to remember.
Address: Van Vollenhovenstraat 15, 3016 BE Rotterdam, Netherlands
De Harmonie
With an outdoor dining option in their enchanting par terre, surrounded by flowers and trees for a truly private, intimate experience, De Harmonie is a gem for enthusiasts of al fresco dining. A minimalist interior is offset by striking examples of contemporary art, and the enchanting views of the Rotterdam canal add a touch of romance to the experience. Their menu features numerous vegetarian options in addition to beef and seafood, sweetbreads, cheeses, and fine wines.
Address: Westersingel 95, 3015 LC Rotterdam, Netherlands
Ter Marsch & Co
Famous for their incredible range of steak and hamburgers, and recipient of an award for the best burger in Holland (their ‘Burgeresse,’ on brioche bread), Ter Marsch & Co have quickly garnered an international reputation for consistent high quality, great service, and a fine-dining approach to the traditional American Hamburger. With a comfortable, modish interior, outdoor and bar seating, and fine views of the Rotterdam canal, Ter Marsch is the destination of choice for Rotterdam’s greatest burger.
Address: Witte de Withstraat 70, 3012 BS Rotterdam, Netherlands