HAPPENING 28 AUG–12 SEP 2025 | A new culinary pop-up is set to open in Het Industriegebouw, offering an intimate late-summer dining experience. The collaboration between Fundamental and Lolo Vins will temporarily transform the space into a setting for natural wines and locally inspired cuisine.

Late-summer dining pop-up in Het Industriegebouw

From 28 August to 12 September 2025, Het Industriegebouw will host Bistronomique Fantastique, a temporary dining concept created by Fundamental and natural wine importer Lolo Vins. The pop-up aims to extend the summer atmosphere through curated dinners that focus on natural wines and ingredients sourced from the local landscape.

The event has been organised under the motto Vacation never ends, with the intention of prolonging the relaxed spirit of Mediterranean summer evenings. According to Merel Beelenkamp and Bastiaan Kalmeyer of Fundamental, “We want to hold onto that free summer feeling, with dishes straight from nature.”

Fundamental brings their concept to the city centre

Fundamental was founded by Beelenkamp and Kalmeyer and has become known for its intimate, seasonal chef’s table dinners in the Nieuwe Westen. Their menus are shaped by Dutch landscapes and seasonal ingredients. “From salty greens from the salt marshes to herbs from the dunes and forest mushrooms, each dish tells a story about the place we live in,” Beelenkamp explained.

For Bistronomique Fantastique, the duo will leave their familiar atelier setting to present their style in a different environment. “In Het Industriegebouw, we’re bringing our approach to a new context, while maintaining the same intimate experience at the table,” Kalmeyer added.

Natural wines curated by Lolo Vins

The wine list will be curated by Laurens Bagnalasta, founder of Lolo Vins, a natural wine importer established in 2022. Bagnalasta has developed a portfolio of wines that are described as uncompromising and closely tied to the land. He visits the winemakers personally and aims to match the wines with Fundamental’s menu.

“Natural wine is always a reflection of the place it comes from,” Bagnalasta said. “I’ll be present during the dinners to share the stories behind each bottle, adding a personal element not often encountered in regular restaurants.”

A temporary transformation at Het Industriegebouw

This year marks the tenth anniversary of Het Industriegebouw’s (HIG) modern redevelopment. The building, which houses a variety of tenants from startups to design studios, will offer one of its ground-floor spaces to the pop-up.

Directors Desiree van den Wittenboer and Eva Sharo stated: “It’s quite special that, given the building’s high occupancy, we can temporarily curate this ground-floor unit with some of the city’s most interesting culinary projects. The building’s diversity reflects what makes Rotterdam distinctive.”

When and where

Bistronomique Fantastique will be open on 28, 29, and 30 August, and again on 4, 5, 6, 11, and 12 September. The pop-up is located at Het Industriegebouw, Goudsesingel 204, Rotterdam. Reservations can be made via the Fundamental website or social media channels.

Directions and area

Het Industriegebouw is situated on Goudsesingel, on the edge of the city centre. The building is easily accessible by bicycle, tram, or on foot. The area is known for its mix of architecture, independent shops and nearby cafés, offering a vibrant urban atmosphere.

So, you're in Rotterdam and you want to grab a nice bite for lunch, but you're too hungry to do lengthy research? No problem, we've got you covered! Rotterdam has quite a few go-to places to get your belly filled. 

P.S. this is not a ranking, all of the areas listed in this article are completely different and just as awesome.

1. The Markthal

If you’re in Rotterdam, you must see the Markthal. No, really – you do. It’s an architectural marvel (often dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam” for its massive kaleidoscopic ceiling) and a foodie paradise under one arch. Originally intended as an indoor market space, it evolved into something more upscale than planners expected – stalls here are a bit pricier than the outdoor market. Still, the place is chock-full of goodies when you’re hungry. Dozens of vendors serve treats from Dutch cheese to exotic spices, and the hall is rimmed by restaurants on the upper levels. Snack on fresh stroopwafels or pick up some fancy mushrooms and nuts to inspire your next dinner. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, grab dessert to eat on the spot or take away. In short, the Markthal isn’t just a food hall – it’s an experience (and an Instagram hotspot to boot).

Markthal RotterdamMarkthal Rotterdam 📷 MarkthalMarkthal Rotterdam 📷 Markthal

2. West-Kruiskade

If you’re near Central Station, not yet biting off strangers’ heads from hunger, and fancy a little stroll, West-Kruiskade is a great street to explore. This area is basically Rotterdam’s own Chinatown – but it’s not just Chinese food. Here you go for the most authentic international eats: Chinese dim sum, Japanese ramen, Surinamese roti, Thai curries – you name it, they have it. (There’s even a KFC, if you’re feeling less adventurous.)

De Kade Asian Surinamese restaurant 05

Most eateries here are casual, open for lunch, and require no reservation. For dessert, try the Chinese bakery or one of the best ice-cream shops in town. And while it depends on how much you gorge yourself, you probably won’t spend a fortune here.

Bonus: while you’re in the neighborhood, peek into Slagerij Schell (the city’s oldest butcher) and the quirky pet shop De Rimboe – rumor has it they even used to stock “voodoo chickens” if asked. West-Kruiskade keeps it real, in the most delicious way.

West Kruiskade Rotterdam

3. Witte de Withstraat

Fancy a more pub-grub kind of meal in a hip artsy setting? Pop over to Witte de Withstraat. This vibrant strip is packed with eclectic restaurants, trendy bars, and even boutique shops and street art. By day, you can find cafés and galleries (it’s right next to the Museum Quarter, which adds to the creative vibe). By night, Witte de With comes alive as one of Rotterdam’s main nightlife hubs – think busy terraces, neon-lit bars, and hungry crowds looking for burgers, falafel, sushi, or anything in between. You’ll find ice cream parlors for a sweet treat and plenty of cozy pubs to hang out in after dinner.

And if casual isn’t your style, on the fringes of this street there are some fancier restaurants tucked away. Whether you’re up for a wild night or just a good meal, Witte de Withstraat has something for everyone (plus plenty of cool backdrops for your Instagram feed).

Witte de Withstraat Rotterdam 📷 Marco DerksenBazar Rotterdam

4. Kop van Zuid

Kop van Zuid – the modern harborfront area – is a great foodie spot that also offers a stunning skyline view. Start at the Foodhallen, an indoor food court where a dozen stands whip up everything from Vietnamese spring rolls to Neapolitan pizza. You can literally grab anything you’re craving in Foodhallen’s stylish venue.

If you’re in the mood for a burger, swing by Diego’s nearby – Rotterdam’s self-proclaimed “burger king,” who in 2023 pivoted to a gourmet street food menu (so expect some creative small dishes alongside his famous burgers).

After filling up, take a walk past the landmark Hotel New York. HNY, set in the historic Holland-America Line building, is a must-see for its history and architecture alone. They have a restaurant inside (with a gorgeous terrace view of the river). Ever since a hotel chain took it over a few years ago, locals say the food isn’t as special as it once was – but the ambiance is still ace.

In any case, the whole Kop van Zuid/Wilhelminapier area is an experience: ultra-modern skyscrapers mixed with old maritime history, plus lots of eateries and bars. Don’t forget to snap a photo with the skyline or the Erasmus Bridge in the background while you’re here!  

Hotel New York Rotterdam

5. Katendrecht

The Deliplein in Katendrecht is a trendy square lined with eateries. Behind Hotel New York, a pedestrian bridge crosses the Rijnhaven to the Katendrecht peninsula. This 160-meter bridge, officially the Rijnhavenbrug, has a cheeky nickname – De Hoerenloper (“the whore walker”) – hinting at Katendrecht’s gritty past. But today Katendrecht is the place to be for foodies.

First stop: the Fenix Food Factory. Once housed in a repurposed warehouse, the Fenix Food Factory has recently moved into a sleek new space on the waterfront – but it’s still a hip market hall where local vendors offer cheeses, charcuterie, fresh bread, craft beers and more. It’s informal, fun, and while nothing here is free, you won’t break the bank eating from the various stands.

After sampling craft cider or local microbrew at Fenix, wander over to Deliplein, the heart of Katendrecht’s revival. This historic square now boasts over 20 restaurants, cafés, and bars. Craving Thai, seafood, Italian, or some artisanal Dutch cuisine? Deliplein has it all, from gourmet bistros to casual eateries. Many spots here are dinner-only, a bit pricier, and often require a reservation (it’s that popular).

Katendrecht was once a rough-and-tumble sailors’ district, but it’s transformed into one of Rotterdam’s trendiest neighbourhoods – full of post-industrial charm, creative entrepreneurs, and yes, plenty of Instagrammable views of the skyline across the water. Come hungry and bring your camera!

Fenix Food Factory Rotterdam 📷 Marco Derksen

Vislokaal Kaap Rotterdam 📷 Frederik Klanberg

6. MaHo Kwartier - Pannekoekstraat / Botersloot

The MaHo Kwartier – short for Maagd van Holland Quarter – is a little gem in the city center comprising Pannekoekstraat and Botersloot. These two streets are packed with cute, often quirky, speciality eateries and shops.

Along Botersloot, you’ll discover cozy lunchrooms, juice bars, maybe a ramen joint or an exotic deli. It’s a great area for a DIY food crawl: grab a gourmet sandwich at one spot, then wander next door for dim sum or a vegan treat, and finish with a coffee two doors down. Pannekoekstraat (despite its name) has hardly any pancakes, but it offers plenty of other bites. You’ll find trendy brunch cafés, artisanal pizza, Indonesian street food, and more.

Not all places here are open for lunch – some open a bit later for the dinner crowd – but it’s lively day and night thanks to all the boutiques and galleries around. MaHo has a slightly off-beat, local vibe compared to the touristy hotspots, so it’s perfect if you want to eat where the locals do. Whether you’re slurping noodles at a counter or savouring a pastry from a bakery, this quarter feels both laid-back and distinctly Rotterdam.

Botersloot Rotterdam
Noo.Me Rotterdam

7. Rotterdam Noord (Oude Noorden)

Finally, a shout-out to Rotterdam Noord – particularly the Oude Noorden (Old North) neighborhood – which has blossomed into an up-and-coming foodie area in recent years. Centered around streets like Zwaanshals and Noordplein, this district is where hip locals go for that authentic Rotterdam charm. By day, you can browse indie design shops and vintage boutiques (Zwaanshals is one of the most popular streets in North, known for its cool stores), and by meal time you’ll find plenty of cozy spots to eat and drink.

There’s a little bit of everything: Surinamese-Javanese warungs tucked next to vegan cafés, Middle Eastern mezze joints, craft beer bars, and artisanal bakeries. On Saturdays, the Noordplein hosts a farmers’ market for fresh cheeses and produce – very “local Dutch” but in the cool way, not the stuffy way. In the evenings, areas of Noord like around Zaagmolenkade fill up with young Rotterdammers grabbing tapas or a specialty beer.

You might not see as many tourists here, but that’s part of the charm – it’s an authentic slice of Rotterdam life. If you have time, head north for a taste of this neighbourhood’s vibe: unpretentious, multicultural, and utterly delicious.

HAPPENING 6 SEP 2025 | Views of World Port Days will be offered from the Euromast, which plans extended opening on 5–7 September. A harbour-inspired four-course dinner is scheduled for Saturday with late-evening access to the tower for the fireworks.

_{Image: World Port Days Rotterdam. Credit: Arisca Photography}

World Port Days from above

During World Port Days (Wereldhavendagen) on Friday 5, Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September 2025, the Euromast will be open to visitors seeking a high-level vantage point over the river, ships, crowds and skyline. The programme is being framed as an opportunity to experience the city’s maritime activity from a single viewpoint.

Four-course dinner on 6 September

On Saturday 6 September, the Euromast Brasserie is set to serve a four-course menu inspired by Rotterdam’s harbour. The announced menu features mackerel tartare with squid tuile and shellfish mayonnaise; a course of fried mussels; cod with purple sweet potato, green asparagus, carrot and a pepper sauce; and a dessert of cherry parfait with vanilla ice cream and fresh summer cherries. Seating can be reserved from 17:30. The dinner price is listed at €65 per person and includes a welcome drink and a ride on the Euroscoop. 

Late opening and fireworks

On 6 September, the Euroscoop is scheduled to operate until 23:00. From 22:00, the Euroscoop and the outdoor observation deck will be open exclusively to guests holding a dinner reservation. The World Port Days fireworks over the river are planned as the evening’s finale, to be viewed from the tower by diners with late-evening access.

How to get there

The Euromast stands on Parkhaven at the edge of Het Park, facing the Nieuwe Maas. The area is reachable by public transport and bicycle, with limited on-street parking nearby. Water taxi services operate to and from Parkhaven, and walking routes through Het Park provide step-free access to the entrance.

It is every restaurant owner's dream to be featured in the Michelin Guide. So naturally, if you're looking for a truly special dining experience, visiting a restaurant with a Michelin star is definitely a great place to start! We've compiled all of Rotterdam's most respected restaurants for you in one list. 

There are eight Michelin star restaurants in and around the greater Rotterdam area. One of them is actually located in Capelle aan den Ijssel, but the town is so well-connected it is often mistaken as one of the city's many suburbs. 

How the Michelin star system works: 
⭐ One star is awarded to a restaurant that is considered very good in its category. 
⭐⭐ Two stars are awarded to a restaurant that offers excellent cooking and is worth a detour.   
⭐⭐⭐ Three stars are awarded to a restaurant that offers exceptional cuisine and is worth a special journey.  

FG Restaurant ⭐⭐

FG Restaurant in Rotterdam

Whether you're looking for excellent seafood or beef, in the mood to taste unique cocktails based on house-crafted gin or in the mood for a shot from the most advanced espresso machine in the world, FG Restaurant is an excellent choice.

The menu features unsalted caviar from the White Siberian sturgeon as well as Hida-gyu, which is considered the finest beef in the world. Don't feel like dressing up for dinner? Who cares! FG Restaurant welcomes all patrons, regardless of dress codes. FG is also the only restaurant in the Netherlands with its own 'flavour laboratory.'

Website: https://fgrestaurant.nl
Address: Katshoek 37b, 3032 AE Rotterdam

Parkheuvel ⭐⭐

Restaurant Parkheuvel in Rotterdam

Parkheuvel, located near the Euromast and on banks of the river Nieuwe Maas, has been crowned with two Michelin stars. Parkheuvel's signature dishes include Oyster, Snails, Wagyu beef, Goose liver, Bresse Chicken and Wild grey-legged partridge. Chef Erik van Loo takes pride in knowing where the ingredients come from and in handpicking suppliers who share the restaurant's philosophy regarding taste and quality.

Parkheuvel's dining room area is shaped like a half-moon, its interior is modern art-deco and the restaurant also has a nice terrace overlooking the river and passing boats. Moreover, if you're bent tasting all the wines, Parkheuvel will even drive you home in your own car! 

Website: http://www.parkheuvel.nl
Address: Heuvellaan 21, 3016 GL Rotterdam

Fred ⭐⭐

Restaurant Fred in Rotterdam

Fred honours the traditional French cuisine while adding its own special touch to every dish. Fred aims to present foods as they are. At Fred, you'd rarely find any pastes, powders or gel on your plate. Specialties include crustaceans, shellfish and all early vegetables. The cuisine is based on the use of acids. For example, citrus fruit, as it ensures that all the dishes are easily digestible. Fred has two Michelin stars. 

 The restaurant is located in the Rotterdam Kralingen area, near the Excelsior stadium and Erasmus University.

Website: https://www.restaurantfred.nl
Address: Honingerdijk 263-265, 3063 AM Rotterdam

Amarone ⭐

Restaurant Amarone in Rotterdam

An open kitchen, a fireplace and luxurious lounge chairs all add to the warm and welcoming vibe at Amarone. The food is based on the French cuisine and their main courses include Dover sole, skin-fried seabass, Anjou pigeon and saddle of venison.

Amarone is also a good choice for wine lovers. Amarone received the "Award of Excellence" for its wine menu from Wine Spectator magazine in 2008 as well as "one star" from The World’s Best Wine List in 2014. Amarone is located on Meent; one of the most popular streets in Rotterdam.

Joelia ⭐

Restaurant Joelia in Rotterdam

Joelia by Mario Ridder offers a dining experience fit for royalty! We know because we once spotted the Dutch king & queen having lunch here. The restaurant is located inside the Hilton Rotterdam, which is a national monument in its own right. All dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients and chef Mario's signature dishes include turbot, sole, roe deer and Dutch hare. 

Website: https://joelia.eu (Dutch)
Address: Coolsingel 5, 3012 AA Rotterdam

Fitzgerald ⭐ — Permanently closed, as of 13 July 2025

Fitzgerald in Rotterdam

Fitzgerald was a beautiful restaurant located in Rotterdam's Oude Haven area (near Blaak). It offered a regularly changing menu of contemporary dishes inspired by international cuisine, along with an extensive wine selection numbering in the hundreds. The restaurant was named after writer Francis Scott Fitzgerald, who famously said: “Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just right.” That, we definitely agreed with—until its permanent closure on 13 July 2025. 

Website: https://www.restaurantfitzgerald.com
Address: Gelderseplein 49, 3011WZ Rotterdam

The Millèn ⭐

Restaurant The Millèn Rotterdam

 

Restaurant The Millèn serves distinctive dishes with cosmpolitan flavours. The restaurant opened in 2018 and managed to claim its Michelin star within 5 months. Owner and worldclass chef Wim Severein takes great pride in only using local and seasonal ingredients in his culinary creations.

At Restaurant The Millèn, you can either dine a la carte or opt for a four, six or eight-course dinner menu featuring scallop, tuna, cod, chaps, sweetbread, venison, le bouygette and passion fruit.

The Millèn is located on the first floor of the Marriott hotel; the iconic grey tower across the street from Rotterdam Central Station. Private dining in also available for groups of up to 16 people.

Website: https://restaurantthemillen.nl/
Address: Weena 686, 3012 CN Rotterdam

 

Perceel ⭐

Restaurant Perceel in Capelle aan den Ijssel

Perceel was officially opened in 2010 and it only took 16 months before they were awarded their Michelin star. The meals are prepared with seasonal products. Choose from a four, six or eight-course menu featuring fine dishes such as corvina, cod, beef tartare, farm chicken and desserts such as chocolate (70%) or carrot with tripel beer and lovage. The restaurant is located inside the old Town Hall in Capelle aan den IJssel. 

Website: http://www.restaurantperceel.nl
Address: Dorpsstraat 3, 2902 BC Capelle aan den IJssel 

Zeezout ⭐

Restaurant Zeezout in Rotterdam

Seafood restaurant Zeezout - located in the Scheepvaartkwartier in Rotterdam - has been in existence since 1998. Patron Cuisinier Patrick 't Hart understands the art of handling ingredients in a very careful and honest way. At Zeezout, it's not only what's on the plate that's important, but also what happens around the plate. The focus is on consistent quality and attention to the guests. Every dish on the menu promises something special. In the 20 years that Zeezout has been operating, this approach has paid off.

Website: https://restaurantzeezout.nl/
Address: Westerkade 11, 3016 CL Rotterdam