There’s a new rhythm pulsing through Rotterdam’s MaHo district, and its name is Morena. Warm, colourful and full of Latin soul, this new restaurant captures the energy of the continent it celebrates: lively, bold and impossible to forget.
Created by Darryl Peijnenborgh and Faruk Dervis, the duo behind The Iron Lady and The Fat Fox, Morena blends Latin passion with Rotterdam flair. Having visited both of their earlier ventures and enjoyed them, I was curious to see what this restaurant duo would come up with next.
The grand opening
We visit Morena on 15 October 2025, the night of its grand opening. The restaurant is packed, filled with chatter and laughter, and the smooth sounds of samba and bossa nova float through the air courtesy of a live Brazilian band.
Grand opening of Morena, on 15 October 2025
Halfway through the evening, something completely unexpected happens: a group of alpacas walks into the restaurant. Yes, real alpacas. Guests are given snacks to feed them, and the room erupts in disbelief and laughter. It’s playful, a little chaotic and absolutely unforgettable, perfectly matching Morena’s spontaneous energy.
Yes, that's an alpaca...
A space that glows with warmth
The interior feels like a love letter to Latin America. Behind the bar, rows of rum, mezcal and tequila bottles sparkle beneath hanging glassware and cascading greenery. The terracotta tiles, golden accents and soft lighting make the entire space glow.
Large murals of Latina women in tropical settings set the tone: warm, proud and full of life. Velvet curtains, wooden tables and palms add a touch of elegance, while candlelight flickers across brass details and patterned floors. Even the restroom mirror, framed in gold and surrounded by flowers and candles, feels like part of the experience.
The service is excellent. The staff are friendly, attentive and genuinely seem to enjoy what they do. The team is multicultural, each bringing their own energy and charm to the floor, which adds to the restaurant’s warm and inclusive atmosphere.
Morena brings Latin warmth and rhythm to Rotterdam’s MaHo district
Tapas with a Latin heartbeat
My friend and I start with a crispy chicharrón, served on a tortilla with fresh guacamole and lime. The balance between crunchy, creamy and citrusy is spot on.
Next comes a beef empanada, golden and flaky, paired with a bright tomato salsa. Then there’s the oyster mushroom taco, a surprise hit. The mushroom seems lightly fried, topped with baby corn, pickled onion and a touch of green salsa. It’s smoky and earthy with just enough bite.
The steak, similar to picanha, is perfectly cooked with a seasoned crust that adds incredible flavour. We end with a Tres Leches cake, soft and creamy, topped with strawberries and a dusting of cinnamon. Every bite is sweet comfort.
Even though these dishes were part of the opening-night tasting selection, they capture Morena’s essence: bold flavours, bright colours and plenty of soul.
Beef empanada at Morena
Tres Leches Cake at Morena Rotterdam
Drinks that dance
We begin the evening with a rum punch, bright, fruity and dangerously smooth. Halfway through the night, we order another round, and that’s when we realise just how strong it really is. It’s tropical, delicious and, true to its name, it definitely packs a punch.
The rest of the bar menu follows the same rhythm with mezcal and maracuja, pisco and guava, rum and lime. Every cocktail tells a story.
The Rum Punch at Morena definitely packs a punch
My final word
Morena feels like a restaurant with heart. It’s full of character, warmth and joy, the kind of place that leaves you smiling as you walk out the door. In fact, we had so much fun that after leaving Morena, we headed straight to a salsa and bachata night to keep the rhythm going.
If that doesn’t say something about the energy of the evening, I don’t know what does.
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