ROTTERDAM, 2 June 2025 – On 4 June, residents and visitors in Rotterdam are invited to dine with an elderly person for free. The initiative aims to foster real conversations and tackle loneliness.
Restaurants in Rotterdam take part in national effort to combat elderly loneliness
A collective of restaurants across the Netherlands, including several in Rotterdam, will take part in the initiative 'Een tafel voor Twee tegen Eenzaamheid' (A table for two against loneliness) on 4 June, coinciding with Nationale Opa en Oma Dag (National Grandparents’ Day).
Under this campaign, diners who bring an older companion—such as a grandparent or neighbour—will pay only for their own meal, while the elder’s dinner will be covered by the participating restaurant. Locals can make reservations via the campaign website, eentafelvoortwee.nl, where a list of participating establishments can be found.
Participating locations in Rotterdam
The following restaurants in Rotterdam will take part in Een tafel voor Twee on 4 June. Offers may vary slightly by venue, but all include a complimentary meal for the older guest when dining with a companion.
- Café de Ooievaar (Havenstraat 11B)
- Lokanta Proeflokaal (Waterloostraat 148A)
- Ninety Rotterdam (G.H. Betzweg 445)
- Mooie Boules (Vijverhofstraat 45)
- Morgan and Mees Rotterdam (Mathenesserlaan 145)
- De Pizzabakkers (Pannekoekstraat 68A and Peppelweg 56A)
- Pierre (Pannekoekstraat 38A)
- Vegan Pizza Bar (Goudsesingel 73)
A simple meal to encourage meaningful contact
The action is led by Oma’s Soep, an organisation that has long worked to counter loneliness among older people. While active nationally, its relevance in Rotterdam is particularly strong, where elderly residents are disproportionately affected by social isolation.
The event promotes social contact and shared meals as means of reconnecting generations. Through their programmes—including weekly cooking days and community events—Oma’s Soep has aimed to provide elderly people with something to look forward to. According to founder Martijn Canters, the organisation is “grateful for the restaurants opening their doors, helping to bring joy back into people's lives through meaningful moments.”
Health impacts of elderly isolation
The initiative is supported by researchers such as Emiel Hoogendijk, an epidemiologist from Amsterdam UMC, who underscores that loneliness can exacerbate physical decline in older adults. Referring to the medical concept of ‘frailty’, Hoogendijk emphasises the need for a systematic approach to checking in on elderly individuals and promoting social inclusion.
Oma’s Soep allocates half its profits from food sales to its foundation, which organises intergenerational activities. These programmes are designed not only to alleviate loneliness, but also to enhance the mental and physical wellbeing of elderly participants.
Participating locations in Rotterdam
While the campaign spans cities across the country, several Rotterdam eateries have confirmed their involvement. Locals are encouraged to reserve a table in advance via the campaign website. Each participating restaurant will host guests for an inclusive dining experience aimed at building connections across generations.
How to get there
Participating restaurants are located in various neighbourhoods across Rotterdam, including the city centre and surrounding districts. The event is accessible by public transport, with several tram and metro lines nearby. More detailed directions and a list of venues can be found on the campaign’s website.
