A restaurant has opened at the always lively Veerhaven in Rotterdam. And not just any restaurant: this one is on a whole other level (literally). Celest means 'heavenly' in Latin – and that's exactly where you are here: heavenly high.

The entire concept of the restaurant is inspired by the adventure of Hans Pfaall, a character from a story who travels from Rotterdam to the moon in a self-built hot air balloon. That story is subtly reflected everywhere - from an immersive short film in the elevator to a dessert plate in the shape of a balloon.

The restaurant works with a seasonal menu, in which Dutch products play the leading role. For example, you will not find tuna as a starter, but King Fish from Zeeland. To be completely honest? We would go here mainly for the cocktails and the view. The food is not exactly something to rave about and the value for money is… well, a bit skewed.

So: go with that banana for a cocktail in the Moonlight Cocktail Bar, which seems to come straight out of a movie.

Celest is open Wednesday through Sunday – reservations are a good idea.

Celest Rotterdam