ROTTERDAM, 14 January 2025 – A new dining experience has opened its doors in Rotterdam’s iconic Zalmhaven. The restaurant and bar combine culinary innovation with a nod to one of the city’s literary connections.

New restaurant Celest opens atop Rotterdam’s Zalmhaven

A new dining destination, Celest, has officially opened in Rotterdam, occupying the 57th and 58th floors of the Zalmhaven Tower. Located 190 metres above the ground, the establishment includes a cocktail bar and a restaurant, offering a distinctive culinary experience inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s 1835 story, The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall. This tale tells of a Rotterdam resident who travels to the moon in a homemade balloon, considered one of the first works of science fiction.

The restaurant’s design, created by Doepel Strijkers architects, draws from the story’s themes of exploration and innovation. Key features include intimate dining pods called “moon pods” and a large, digitally rendered moon globe measuring 2.5 metres in diameter.

Celest opens in Rotterdam’s Zalmhaven Tower

Celest opens in Rotterdam’s Zalmhaven Tower. Photo credit: Kimo Grashuis

Culinary offerings

Led by head chef Lars Drost, previously associated with the two-Michelin-starred Ciel Bleu, Celest aims to merge local ingredients with international culinary techniques. “We collaborate closely with local fishermen, farmers, and producers to source the best seasonal products,” said Drost. The menu focuses on light and fresh dishes with unique flavour profiles.

Opening night

The grand opening event on 13 January featured a drone show that illuminated the Rotterdam skyline, showcasing the story and themes behind the venue. “It’s been months in the making, and it feels special to finally share this result with our guests and the city,” said Dennis Vermeulen, general manager of Celest.

The show, produced by Drone Stories, highlighted the connection between the restaurant’s theme and its sky-high location.

Visiting Celest

Celest is situated within the Zalmhaven Tower, the tallest structure in the Benelux region. Reservations and additional information about the restaurant and bar are available on their official website.

How to get there

The Zalmhaven Tower is located in the Scheepvaartkwartier (Maritime Quarter) of Rotterdam, a neighbourhood known for its historic charm and modern architecture. The area is accessible by tram, metro, and water taxi, with parking available nearby.

ROTTERDAM, 13 December 2024 – Hawaiian Poké Bowl is expanding in Rotterdam with two new locations. One has opened in Alexandrium Shopping Centre, while the other will follow later this month on Hoogstraat.

Hawaiian Poké Bowl expands to Rotterdam

Rotterdam residents and visitors now have additional dining options for quick and healthy meals. Hawaiian Poké Bowl, a brand well-established in Belgium and the Netherlands, has launched its newest outlet in Alexandrium Shopping Centre, with a second location on Hoogstraat set to open on the 20th of December.

A customisable dining experience

Hawaiian Poké Bowl allows guests to design their own bowls using fresh ingredients, including a base of sushi rice or quinoa, toppings like avocado and edamame, and protein options ranging from fresh fish to vegan alternatives. For those unsure of what to choose, the menu features several curated bowls, such as the Sweet Chicken and Funky Falafel, to accommodate a variety of preferences.

The concept aims to blend convenience with nutritional value, offering a vibrant, health-conscious alternative to traditional fast food.

Fresh ingredients and local focus

The company ensures quality by sourcing ingredients daily and preparing dishes to order. CEO Mattijs Hermans emphasises the importance of accessibility and taste in promoting healthier eating habits. “We are thrilled to bring Hawaiian Poké Bowl to Rotterdam and hope to inspire the community with our fresh and flavourful bowls,” Hermans stated.

Locations and operating hours

The Alexandrium Shopping Centre location is now open daily, while the Hoogstraat branch is set to open later this month. Both venues feature a casual Hawaiian-inspired atmosphere, providing an inviting space for a quick meal.

Directions to Alexandrium Shopping Centre

The Alexandrium Shopping Centre is easily accessible by public transport and car. Located in the Prins Alexander neighbourhood, the area offers a variety of retail and dining options.

ROTTERDAM, 13 December 2024 – Langoest restaurant in Rotterdam has announced its special Christmas opening with a multi-course festive menu for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The seafood-focused eatery offers an elegant riverside dining experience overlooking the Erasmus Bridge.

Langoest opens for Christmas with a festive menu

Langoest, a seafood restaurant located at Boompjes 677 in Rotterdam, will be open for Christmas Eve and, for the first time, on Christmas Day. Known for its focus on fresh fish and seafood dishes, the restaurant also features a stylish interior and scenic views of the Maas, making it an ideal spot for festive dining.

The festive Christmas menu is priced at €85 per person and consists of carefully curated dishes. Each course has been designed to highlight fresh ingredients and flavours:

Christmas menu:

Starter:

• Smoked salmon bonbon
  Served with crayfish salad, cucumber, and trout roe.

Intermediate course:

• Lobster bisque
  Accompanied by a grilled langoustine.

Optional extra intermediate course (€25 supplement):

• Baked half lobster
  Prepared with butter, garlic, and shallot.

Main course:

• Skate wing
  Presented with a butter, caper, and lemon sauce.

Optional cheese course (€12 supplement):

• Cheese platter
  Featuring a selection of cheeses.

Dessert:

• Moelleux au chocolat
  Paired with red fruit sorbet and hazelnut crumble.

This set menu offers a refined selection of seafood dishes, but optional additions, such as the half lobster or cheese platter, allow diners to personalise their meal.

Christmas opening hours

The restaurant will be open from 17:30 to 22:00 on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The last reservation can be made at 20:30, ensuring that guests have ample time to enjoy their meal.

Langoest seafood restaurant in Rotterdam

A unique setting in Rotterdam

Located along the Boompjes, Langoest’s riverside setting offers guests a picturesque dining experience with views of the Erasmus Bridge. The venue’s elegant and modern interior further enhances the festive atmosphere, providing a memorable location to celebrate Christmas. Langoest has been praised by its patrons for its fresh, carefully prepared seafood dishes and attentive service. The restaurant is noted for its welcoming atmosphere and its ability to provide diners with a personal and professional experience.

Reservations and details

Reservations for the Christmas menu are required and can be made through the restaurant’s website: https://www.langoest.nl.

Directions to Langoest

Langoest is situated at Boompjes 677 in the heart of Rotterdam, near the Erasmus Bridge. This central location is easily accessible by public transport, and there are convenient parking options nearby. The restaurant’s riverside position makes it a standout destination for those seeking fine dining with a view.

ROTTERDAM, 9 December 2024 – A new pop-up dining venue, Fundamental.eatery, is set to open its doors on 21 December in the Groot Handelsgebouw. The eatery blends gastronomy with art and design, offering visitors an innovative culinary experience rooted in local culture.

A reflection of Rotterdam's ever-evolving identity

Fundamental.eatery introduces a novel dining experience to Rotterdam, embracing the city's dynamic and ever-changing nature. Located in the iconic Groot Handelsgebouw near Rotterdam Centraal, the eatery offers a setting that merges culinary innovation with artistic and architectural exploration. The 120-square-metre venue accommodates 24 guests in a spacious and open environment, featuring an à la carte menu crafted to inspire curiosity and conversation.

Temporary yet impactful

The eatery's concept reflects the fleeting and evolving nature of the city itself. Its creators, chef Merel Charlotte Beelenkamp and host Bastiaan Kalmeyer, have designed a space that challenges conventional dining norms. By intertwining gastronomy with art and design, they aim to foster meaningful connections while addressing global challenges such as biodiversity loss and climate change. According to the duo, their work is inspired by the rhythms of nature, local culture, and their commitment to sustainability.

Fundamental.eatery opens in Rotterdam's Groot Handelsgebouw

Supporting local connections

Fundamental.eatery collaborates with local suppliers and artists to create a unique dining atmosphere. By utilising regional ingredients and creative partnerships, the venue seeks to reconnect visitors with the fundamental ties between gastronomy, art, and community. Beelenkamp and Kalmeyer emphasise that the eatery serves as a platform for conversation and cultural exchange, highlighting the interconnectedness of various disciplines.

Opening details

The pop-up officially launches on Saturday, 21 December, with regular hours from Thursday to Saturday, 18:00 to 01:00. Reservations can be made via the eatery's website, Instagram, or WhatsApp. Walk-ins are also welcome.

About Groot Handelsgebouw

Situated adjacent to Rotterdam Centraal, Groot Handelsgebouw is a hub for over 450 businesses and a symbol of the city’s post-war reconstruction. Built in 1953, the building spans 120,000 square metres and serves as a vibrant community space for multinational corporations, startups, and cultural organisations. Fundamental.eatery's location within this iconic structure underscores its alignment with Rotterdam's spirit of innovation and renewal.

Address and directions

Fundamental.eatery is located at Weena 107, 3013 CH Rotterdam, in the Groot Handelsgebouw. The venue is a short walk from Rotterdam Centraal Station and accessible via public transport, bike, and car. Parking options are available nearby.