HAPPENING 21 June 2025 – Doppio Espresso will mark the official start of summer with complimentary iced coffee on the longest day of the year. The initiative will take place at various locations, including a branch at Erasmus MC in Rotterdam.

Free iced coffee at Doppio Erasmus MC to mark summer solstice

On Saturday 21 June, coinciding with the summer solstice and the longest day of the year, Doppio Espresso will be offering free iced coffee to visitors at all its locations nationwide, including its branch at the Erasmus University Medical Center (Erasmus MC) in Rotterdam.

From 14:00 to 16:00, guests may collect a complimentary caffè freddo – a chilled Italian-style coffee – served in small, refreshing portions. The initiative is part of the brand's seasonal gesture, timed to coincide with over sixteen hours of daylight on the solstice.

According to Thyrza Ruiter, Marketing Co-ordinator at Doppio Espresso, the gesture is about creating a small, pleasant moment in the day: “Doppio revolves around hospitality, craftsmanship and the art of enjoyment. Much like in Italy, joy often lies in something small – a good conversation, a warm smile, or cooling off on a hot day.”

A moment of refreshment in Rotterdam

Rotterdammers on or near the Erasmus MC campus will have a convenient opportunity to pause and enjoy a complimentary iced coffee on what is expected to be one of the brighter days of the season. Whether stepping out for a break or passing by, locals and visitors are welcome to partake.

The iced coffee will be served while supplies last during the designated two-hour window. The gesture aims to complement the relaxed tempo of a summer afternoon and encourage spontaneous moments of calm.

About Doppio Espresso

Founded in 2007 in Groningen, Doppio Espresso now operates twenty cafés across the Netherlands. Its offering is inspired by Italian coffee traditions and focuses on simplicity, quality and daily fresh products. The brand encourages taking a brief pause – what it describes as il dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing) – with an emphasis on creating a moment away from daily busyness.

Event location and directions

The Rotterdam location taking part in this initiative is situated at the Erasmus University Medical Center on Wytemaweg 72. The area is well-served by public transport, with nearby metro and tram connections. The café is located within the hospital complex, near the main entrance, and is accessible on foot or by bicycle from the city centre.

ROTTERDAM, 17 January 2025 – Café Van Zanten’s ‘Leo’s Restaurant Week’ returns this January, offering culinary delights at reduced prices. For one week only, enjoy specially curated dishes for just €7.50 each.

Leo’s Restaurant Week returns to Café Van Zanten

Café Van Zanten, located at the vibrant Binnenrotte in Rotterdam, is set to host Leo’s Restaurant Week from 20 to 26 January. The event, led by manager Leo, promises an affordable dining experience with a selection of specially crafted dishes.

Leo, who has organised the event after its success last year, shared his motivation: “After the expensive holiday season, we all need a little indulgence without breaking the bank. Don’t ask me how it’s possible – just enjoy it!”

Affordable dining with a gourmet twist

During the week, guests can expect an array of carefully prepared dishes at an accessible price point. Highlights from the menu include an artisan sausage sandwich topped with crispy bacon, pickles, smoky BBQ sauce, and caramelised onions. Another standout option is the Black Angus burger, made with 100% pure beef, served on a brioche bun and accompanied by Swiss cheese, fresh tomato, mixed greens, and golden potato fries.

Each dish, usually priced at approximately €10, will be available for just €7.50, making it an enticing opportunity for locals and visitors alike to savour quality meals at a lower cost.

Leo’s Restaurant Week at Café Van Zanten

About Café Van Zanten

Café Van Zanten is a beloved spot in Rotterdam, situated at the bustling Binnenrotte on the corner of the Meent. Known for its cosy atmosphere, the café caters to a diverse audience with offerings ranging from coffee and beer to lively celebrations during Feyenoord matches. With its sun-drenched terrace and central location, it has long been a favourite among locals.

Location and directions

Café Van Zanten is located at Binnenrotte 15, Rotterdam, near the popular market square. The area is easily accessible by public transport, with Blaak station just a short walk away. Visitors can enjoy the lively surroundings, which include shops, markets, and other dining options.

ROTTERDAM, 24 February 2025 – A frikandel like you’ve never had before is set to take centre stage in Rotterdam. On 7 March, Café Van Zanten presents the return of the Haute Friture Frikandellen Feest, offering a four-course tasting menu dedicated to the Dutch snack.

Frikandel as fine dining at Café Van Zanten

Café Van Zanten is bringing back its Haute Friture Frikandellen Feest, a culinary event where the frikandel is reimagined in a fine dining format. Taking place on 7 March, the evening will feature a four-course tasting menu, with each dish offering a new interpretation of the well-known Dutch snack bar staple.

Dishes include The Russian Roulette, Der Kaiser, Fricandellington, and Saigon Streetfood, each presenting unique flavour combinations that go beyond the traditional deep-fried meat sausage with mayonnaise.

Café Van Zanten hosts four-course frikandel tasting

Live music and atmosphere

Beyond the food, the evening will include a live performance by Jesse van der Wielen and a DJ, creating a lively atmosphere for guests. The combination of music and creative frikandel variations aims to provide an entertaining dining experience in the heart of Rotterdam.

Event details

• Date: Thursday, 7 March
• Time: From 19:00
• Location: Café Van Zanten, Rotterdam
• Price: €19.50 per person (includes four-course tasting menu)

Tickets are sold here.

Getting there

Café Van Zanten is centrally located in Rotterdam, making it easily accessible by public transport, bike, or car. The venue is a short walk from major tram and metro stops, with parking options available nearby.

ROTTERDAM, 24 October 2024 – Dudok, a café brasserie on the Meent in Rotterdam, has been a mainstay of the city's dining scene for over 33 years. Known for its iconic design and famous apple pie, Dudok continues to be a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists.

^{Photo credit: Masha Bakker}

Dudok: a Rotterdam icon on the Meent

Dudok is more than just a café; it is a key part of Rotterdam's social and cultural landscape. Located on the bustling Meent, a street known for its vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, and cafés, Dudok has been a favourite meeting place since it first opened its doors over three decades ago. Named after Dutch architect Willem Marinus Dudok, who designed the original building, the café blends an industrial aesthetic with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Inside, the interior reflects a balance between Rotterdam’s no-nonsense character and its hospitable nature. The use of materials such as concrete and metal, softened by wooden finishes and gentle lighting, creates an ambiance that is both functional and inviting. Dudok’s spacious terrace also makes it an ideal spot for people-watching, offering guests a front-row seat to the lively flow of city life on the Meent.

A diverse menu with a French twist

Dudok’s culinary offerings reflect its role as a place for any occasion. The menu features a variety of dishes, inspired by French cuisine, and is available throughout the day. Whether it is breakfast, lunch, dinner, or high tea, the brasserie has something for everyone. A particular highlight of the menu is Dudok’s famed apple pie, which has become a signature item not only in the café itself but also through its patisserie, where it is baked daily and sold to the public.

For those looking to experience something a little different, Dudok also serves a popular high tea, which pairs their renowned pastries with an assortment of teas. The high tea has become a staple for both residents and visitors, many of whom come to Dudok specifically for this experience.

Events and private gatherings

In addition to its day-to-day offerings, Dudok also serves as a venue for private events. The first floor of the café is equipped with two light-filled rooms that are perfect for gatherings ranging from birthdays to business meetings. With the flexibility to accommodate various group sizes and catering options, Dudok has positioned itself as a versatile space in the heart of the city.

A cultural touchstone in Rotterdam

Beyond its role as a café, Dudok plays a significant part in Rotterdam’s cultural and social scene. Over the years, it has hosted numerous community events, reinforcing its status as a space where residents and tourists can connect. It is not unusual to see the café brimming with activity, as it has become a backdrop for social gatherings, casual meetings, and even cultural events.

The café’s longevity is testament to its role in Rotterdam's evolving landscape. As the city has grown and changed, Dudok has remained a constant, continuing to reflect the innovative and dynamic spirit of Rotterdam while offering a comfortable, familiar setting for all who pass through its doors.

Directions to Dudok

Dudok is located at Meent 88, in one of Rotterdam’s most popular shopping districts. The café’s central location makes it easily accessible by both foot and public transport. Visitors can enjoy the surrounding area, which is home to unique shops, boutiques, and other dining establishments, making it a great stop during a day out in the city.