ROTTERDAM, 28 May 2026 – Dudok Horeca Groep has opened HAKA Rotterdam and the HAKA Urban Bistro inside the historic HAKA building. After years of vacancy and temporary use, the listed building now has a new role as a restaurant, event venue and cultural meeting place in the M4H area.
Image: Nicolai Heijster, CEO of Dudok Real Estate and Dudok Horeca Groep, and host Lieke van der Plas during the official opening moment of HAKA Rotterdam.
The official opening marks a new chapter for one of Rotterdam’s industrial landmarks. HAKA Rotterdam combines hospitality, events and heritage in a building that has been part of the city’s working landscape since the early 1930s.
HAKA building gets new use
The HAKA building was originally built in 1932 for the Handelskamer, known as HAKA. It was designed by architects Hermann Friedrich Mertens and Jacobus Koeman.
The building is an example of the architectural movement New Objectivity (De Nieuwe Zakelijkheid), with a sober, functional style that fits its industrial roots. Since 2002, it has held national monument status (rijksmonument), recognising its value as industrial heritage.
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Dudok brings hospitality to M4H
With the opening of HAKA Rotterdam, Dudok Horeca Groep gives the building a new public-facing purpose. The property is owned by Dudok Real Estate.
Frans Salawanej, Commercial Director at Dudok Horeca Groep, said: “With the arrival of the Urban Bistro and the event spaces, we are breathing new life into this monumental building. At the same time, we are contributing to the development of the M4H area into an inspiring place for makers, entrepreneurs and a new generation of city dwellers.”
The renovated building brings past and present together. WDJARCHITECTEN worked on the building, while Ron Tetteroo created an interior that supports its new function as a restaurant.
Original features have been preserved and combined with a contemporary hospitality setting. The result keeps the industrial character visible, while giving the building enough warmth and flexibility for dining, events and private gatherings.
The open kitchen at HAKA Bistro. Photo: Brian Lubking
Urban bistro opens for lunch
The HAKA Urban Bistro serves lunch and dinner with an accessible menu. The kitchen takes its cue from Rotterdam’s direct attitude: niet lullen maar poetsen, roughly meaning less talking, more doing.
The food concept reflects the energy and mix of the city, with inspiration from the harbour area and Rotterdam’s many cultures. The bistro positions itself as a relaxed meeting place where hospitality, city life and a no-nonsense kitchen come together.
HAKA Rotterdam opens as urban bistro and event venue
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Event spaces fill three floors
HAKA Rotterdam is designed for different types of events across three floors. The basement offers a more intimate setting for events, break-out sessions and parties with a darker, moodier atmosphere.
On the ground floor, the former office area now houses the restaurant. A separate space with large glass sliding doors can be used for private dining, while the full floor can host seated lunches or dinners for 150 to 200 people.
The first floor has plenty of natural light and an industrial feel, making it suitable for conferences, drinks receptions and larger events. Outside, the site includes a spacious terrace with open fire.
The outdoor area is planned to include a vegetable garden and more greenery over time. That gives HAKA Rotterdam room to grow beyond a standard restaurant or events location.
The outdoor area is planned to include a vegetable garden and more greenery over time.
Cultural programming joins business events
HAKA Rotterdam will also make space for cultural programming. On 1 August, the event Dagvlinder will take over the full site.
That mix of restaurant, event spaces and cultural activity gives the HAKA building a broad new role in M4H. It can host smaller gatherings, business events and larger productions, while keeping the building’s industrial history part of the experience.
How to get there
HAKA Rotterdam is located in the M4H area, between Marconiplein and the Merwe-Vierhavens harbour district. From Rotterdam Centraal, take the metro to Marconiplein and continue on foot, by bike or by tram towards Vierhavensstraat. The area is also easy to reach by bike from Delfshaven, Schiedam and the city centre.
