Where to eat in Rotterdam: what to order and where
Rotterdam eats from every corner of the world. The Markthal and Katendrecht are the best starting points, and the waterfront is best at lunch. Book dinner at weekends, and keep an afternoon free for a food hall.
The short answer
- Best area to eat
- The Markthal for variety, Katendrecht for craft food.
- Order this
- Stroopwafel, kibbeling and a local beer.
- When to eat
- Lunch from 12:00. Dinner from 18:00.
- Book or walk in
- Book dinner at weekends. Markets and food halls take walk-ins.
- Tipping
- Round up by about 5 to 10 percent.
What to eat in Rotterdam
- KibbelingBattered fried white fish, served with a sauce.
- StroopwafelA caramel waffle, best warm from a market stall.
- BitterballenFried meat croquettes with mustard.
- HaringRaw herring with onion and pickle.
- Surinamese rotiA curry with flatbread, common in the city.
- Craft beerLocal brewers are strong on Katendrecht.
Where to eat in Rotterdam, by neighborhood
Markthal and Centrum
The market hall has stalls from many countries. Surrounding streets have more choices.
Katendrecht
A port quarter turned a food and drink district.
Delfshaven
Old harbor cafes and bars.
Places worth a booking or a queue
-
Markthal
€€Market hall · Centrum
OrderA stall lunch of local snacks
A covered market hall with fresh food stalls and restaurants.
- Book
- Walk in
Confirmed open: markthal.nl
-
Fenix Food Factory
€€Food hall · Katendrecht
OrderA craft beer and a snack from a stall
An old warehouse on the waterfront with artisanal producers.
- Book
- Walk in
Confirmed open: fenixfoodfactory.nl
-
Hotel New York Café-Restaurant
€€€Restaurant · Wilhelminapier
OrderA seafood plate and a river view
A former shipping line headquarters, now a hotel with a large cafe-restaurant.
- Book
- Reserve online
Confirmed open: hotelnewyork.nl
-
Biergarten Rotterdam
€€Beer garden · Centrum
OrderA pint and a charcoal-grilled snack
An outdoor beer garden, open until late.
- Book
- Walk in
Confirmed open: biergartenrotterdam.nl
Food markets in Rotterdam
- MarkthalA covered market hall with food stalls under an arched ceiling.Monday to Thursday 10:00 to 20:00, Friday 10:00 to 21:00, Saturday 10:00 to 20:00, Sunday 12:00 to 18:00Source: markthal.nl
- Fenix Food FactoryAn artisan food hall on Katendrecht.Check the official site for current hoursSource: fenixfoodfactory.nl
How Rotterdam eats
- Meal timesLunch from 12:00 and dinner from 18:00.
- TippingRound up by about 5 to 10 percent.
- ReservationsBook dinner. Food halls and markets take walk-ins.
- CardsCards are widely accepted.
Signs of a place to walk past
Restaurants on the main shopping streets with photo menus.
Menus in six languages.
Stalls selling pre-packaged food in the Markthal.
Eating in Rotterdam: questions people ask
What food is Rotterdam known for?
It has no single dish. It is known for markets, kibbeling, herring and global food.
Where is the best place to eat in Rotterdam?
The Markthal for variety, Fenix Food Factory for craft food.
Do you need to book restaurants in Rotterdam?
For dinner at weekends, yes. Markets take walk-ins.
How much do you tip in Rotterdam?
Round up by 5 to 10 percent.
Is Rotterdam cheaper than Amsterdam?
Slightly. Food halls and markets keep lunch affordable.