Falling in love in Rotterdam? Our favorite date spots: from casual to classy, from cozy to a bit spicy
Whether you're just starting to date and want to impress, or you're looking to surprise your long-term crush with something new, Rotterdam won't disappoint. Cozy wine bars, inviting brunch spots, and places where the wine literally comes out of the vending machine. Grab your date, your crush or just take your sweetheart on an adventure in the oh-so-beautiful Rotterdam. And that's a city that has it all: from casual to classy, from cozy to a bit spicy. There you have it, our favorite date spots to have a drink, a bite to eat, a laugh and maybe even fall in love a little.
Bar Thirteen There's a wine and beer bar on Linker Rottekade in Crooswijk. In the summer, you can relax on the terrace with a good glass of wine, overlooking the water. And when it's a bit colder, you can simply move inside, where it's just as cozy.
The owner, Daan, is the former brewmaster of De Gele Kanarie, so the drinks are good. Add to that some excellent dishes, and you have everything you need for a date that spontaneously lasts two hours longer than planned.
Confused is located on the east side of Rotterdam, in the Hoogstraat. Verward is really one of those spots where you have to have been once. No map, because bartender Ward (yes, the name is no coincidence) knows exactly what you need. Just tell him how you feel (“something light, fresh, but a bit sexy”) and he will arrange it for you.
With 350 wines (!) on offer, you're guaranteed to be in good hands. And if you're feeling peckish, grab the appetizer menu and prepare to be surprised. Everything is perfect here: the lighting, the music, and the (green!) bar itself. It's small, intimate, and you'll immediately feel like getting to know your date better.
Bar Simon It's always a good idea. Whether you're looking for an afternoon drink, a hearty dinner, or the ultimate Sunday brunch, the atmosphere is relaxed and the menu is French with a unique twist. Think steak tartare, artichoke, and the béarnaise sauce is truly delicious. nextlevel.
Pro tip: on the first Sunday of the month they do a bottomless brunch. Yes, which means unlimited mimosas, bloody marys and crémant, plus divine brioche buns with salmon or eggs benedictIf you don't walk out of here flirting, we don't know what will.
Photo credits: Hannah Rosalie Photography
Okay. Walsjerot is basically A playground for wine-loving adults. Upon arrival, you receive a pass that allows you to pour your own wine from vending machines. Yep, vending machines. They have 70 different wines from all over the world.
You can stop at a sip, or just pour a full glass right away. You'll discover things you've never heard of. It's a super fun, active date where you'll experience something together right away. It's also ideal if you're not sure if it'll click: at least you'll always have something to talk about.
Want to impress? Then Mare a real hit. They call themselves a 'marketplace bar', but that's just a fancy A way of saying they have excellent fish. It feels luxurious without being stuffy. Think: drinks with an oyster, good conversation, and a great atmosphere. Perfect for a second (or tenth) date where you really want to go all out.
A restaurant in a hotel? Sometimes it's disappointing, sometimes it's a hit. At Calan, it's undoubtedly the latter. Located in Rotterdam's Leuvehaven, you'll find this restaurant and bar where global flavors collide. And that's a perfect fit for the city itself: international, unique, and always exciting. on the move.So the match is going well.
Fancy a journey of discovery together? Calan is the place to be. Their cuisine combines European techniques with influences from a variety of global cuisines. The result? Dishes that are surprising yet balanced. Delicious flavors like slow-cooked potato with Surinamese masala and Indonesian seaweed. Or a dessert with cantaloupe and sakura, with hints of Japanese flavors.