The Barts Booklet list of new (and not to be missed) restaurants in Rotterdam
Yes, in Amsterdam things are moving very fast in the catering world. One restaurant after another is popping up, but in Rotterdam things might even go a bit faster. 'Don't talk, just clean', that's right, keep up the business and that's why one restaurant after another opens its doors. One even better than the other. This is the Barts Boekje list new (not to be missed) restaurants in Rotterdam.
Generate more Rotterdam tips can be found here. Would you also like to visit new restaurants in Amsterdam? Take this list then come along.
Every town has a different sweetheart, and that goes for Barts Boekje too. Because no one knows a city or region as well as a local. In Rotterdam, people live, eat, and drink 'our' Naomi and she shares her discoveries – hurray – via Barts Boekje (see also our Beyond.bybb Instagram account: Beyond Barts Boekje, because on this account we share more and go deeper, that's why!).
The list below is also maintained by Naomi (and team Barts Boekje), but what you really want to know, of course, is what her absolute Rotterdam favorites are. Get it. Bar Berta to start with, no nonsense Spanish and always excellent. Kula For during the day, because it invariably feels a bit like a holiday in Rotterdam. Lucia for a real night out. Café de Wilde Mossel for a good (Friday afternoon) drink and it is impossible not to cheer up from Restaurant Tiel. The Riverbar for the best terrace with a view (although Hotel New York also competes) and Bar La Soirée for cocktails. Finally, there is also Renilde Not to be missed in combination with the Depot of Boijmans van Beuningen.
What started as an oyster stall on the Rotterdam Harvest Market Growing into a permanent fixture in the city. Oesterbar Rotterdam recently opened its doors in the former Wolly ticket booth on Noordplein. First, take a stroll around the market, and then enjoy your well-deserved glass of bubbly with an oyster at the oyster bar. Now that is a Saturday.
Expect a no-nonsense oyster bistro with fresh oysters, good wines and bar bites to share. The sourdough brioche from The Baguetteria It is highly recommended. And in the summer? Then you sit on the cozy terrace. One to definitely remember.
De Machinist, located on the Coolhaven in Rotterdam, is housed in a former maritime academy. And you can feel it. The space is high, large, and still a touch industrial, yet at the same time warmer than you might expect from the outside. Inside, it’s not a chilly affair, but atmosphere. Long candles on the table, a stove crackling softly, and a '60s playlist playing at just the right volume. The French champagne flutes? They’re already there. A good start.
The place recently changed owners and received a minor refresh. Fortunately, without stripping away its character. The robust edge remained, but everything feels just a little softer, a little more polished.
And then the food. Accessible, classic with a modern twist here and there, without being complicated. Dishes you simply crave and that deliver exactly what you hope for. Seasoned well, well executed, and made to share or to keep all to yourself — both are fine.
Located on the Bergse Voorplas, among the boats and just a little further than you would normally go for dinner, sits Glasz. It is the kind of place you drive to for the view, but stay for what is served. Owned by the same people behind River Bar and Bar Bù, so you basically already know it’s going to be good. Here, however, they do things just a little differently: more fish, shellfish, lots of cooking over the fire, and everything with a French twist.
The menu doesn't lend itself to a single dish. This is the kind where you order, order something else, and then actually something yet another. Oysters, crostini, something raw, something warm, and on you go. Inside, you look straight into the open kitchen; outside, you sit by the water and watch the boats go by. Both work. For a long lunch, an evening by the water, or just when you want something different from the city.
Okay, okay, this one might not fall into the 'one restaurant' category, but it's just too fun not to include in this list. After all, Markthal Rotterdam is a collection of 100+. food spots in, you guessed it, a hall. And not just any hall; the architecture, a true work of art, is impressive as well. You're in the mood for a poké bowl, but your partner/child(ren)/parent(s)/friend(s) prefer pizza or something Indian? That's no problem at the Markthal. Haven't reserved yet because you have no idea what you're in the mood for? That's fine too. You'll find cuisines from all over the world under one roof. It's always pleasantly busy, so don't forget to look around. The ceiling and walls consist of one gigantic work of art. At Markthal, you come to look and taste at the same time.
De Otter Located behind Rotterdam Central, and yes, this is one you'll want to know. A French bistro with confidence. No fuss, no frills, just good food, fine wines, and an atmosphere that works immediately. Open from the morning, but especially dangerously good towards drinks and the evening.
What really makes De Otter strong is its location. The spacious terrace catches the sun just right and fills up at the very first ray. Inside, you sit quietly and with a clear view, while outside it is lively without becoming crowded. It feels like one of those places where you sit down intending to have just one drink, only to suddenly realize that staying a little longer is actually the best plan. Order something from the French menu, have a glass of wine poured, and enjoy the sun while it lasts.
Broil Tucked away in the Westerpaviljoen, it has just the right tension. A neo-bistro with high tables, a central bar, and an atmosphere that feels lively without being crowded. There is no classic table dining here, but rather a relaxed setup where you can just as easily linger at the bar as move up to a table. Everything here moves pleasantly with the time of the evening.
In the kitchen is a young chef with a distinct signature. The foundation is French, but influences from further afield subtly surface on the menu. The menu is compact and changes regularly, featuring snacks, bar bites, and dishes perfect for sharing. The standard is high, yet the approach remains relaxed. Broei feels authentic, a touch raw, and above all, like a place that is still very much in flux. That is exactly why you want to go there now.
Tiel is not a restaurant for the faint-hearted. This is a place with a distinctive menu that you won't find anywhere else, and that is precisely why it attracts foodies. The dishes are playful, technical, and pronounced. The kind of plates that leave you speechless for a moment and then talk about for the rest of the evening. The famous savory tompouce clearly demonstrates what Tiel excels at, but actually, every dish here works.
Just as important is the wine list. It is rock solid. Exciting, well-chosen, and perfectly matched to the food. Add to that music that slowly builds volume, lighting that changes with the evening, and a crowd that lingers, and you know this isn't a quick dinner but a real night out. In Kralingen, Tiel is the place to be for those who take food and wine seriously and value atmosphere just as much.
Colette is new to the Honingerdijk and an instant hit. A warm interior where your gaze automatically lingers and an open kitchen that brings the place to life. On the plate, Southern European with boldness: French precision, Italian generosity, and the occasional Spanish wink. No theatrics, just taste.
It is no coincidence that the hand of the Vicini family is behind this, known for Osteria Vicini en Bar di Vicini, and you notice it. Good energy, relaxed service, and a kitchen that knows exactly what it's doing. Colette feels like the kind of place that doesn't need to prove it's good. You notice that naturally.
Right in the heart of Blijdorp on Stadhoudersplein, you'll find one of the most talked about new spots for drinks and food: Bar stoolThe building had been vacant for ten months, but there's no sign of that now. Upon entering, the large, round bar is the first thing you'll notice, surrounded by a variety of bar stools, from classic wooden ones to velvet stools. The menu revolves around drinks – small dishes to accompany a good glass of wine or a delicious cocktail (from the extensive drinks menu with non-alcoholic options) such as: beef sausage tartare, pulled brisket and snails with truffle butter. But trust us, you won't need dinner after Bar Kruk. You can just relax on your stool all evening.
Eurobrouwers has only existed since 2023, but now also has Café De Wilde Mussel Great news, because we were already fans of Eurobrouwers. Here, it's all about home-brewed beers, a large tap, and a relaxed, cozy atmosphere. You'll also find delicious bar snacks, lunch dishes, and dinner favorites. Mussels are on the menu, of course, but there are also plenty of other dishes to share – for those who aren't a fan of seafood. Inside, it's cozy, with a spacious terrace outside. The vibe is playful, relaxed, and a touch chic. Perfect for drinks with friends.
Bar Bocht, located on the Goudsesingel canal, defies categorization, and its unique style defies categorization. Coffee bar? Yes. Wine bar? Yes. Lunch spot, cocktail bar, and snack bar? All of them. From early morning until midnight, you can relax here, whether you're here for a single espresso or an entire evening of sourdough bread and natural wine.
The people behind Bar Bocht are no strangers to the city: they are the team from the acclaimed Restaurant Rotonde (you know, those vegetable wizards with a sustainable mission). Bar Bocht is the more relaxed sister – accessible, cozy, but with the same love for good food and drinks.
Images: Ruth Nije Bijvank
Perhaps the oldest BartsBoekje address in Rotterdam: Man With Glasses CoffeeA favorite for years – and now more than just a coffee shop. Man Met Bril Koffie now also has a proper coffee hotel. "The first of its kind," they say. How does that work? It's just a hotel (so also great for non-coffee lovers), but with the opportunity to participate in all kinds of coffee experiences. If you're only interested in coffee, you've come to the right place. The café as we knew it still exists.
At Renilde's, Chef Jim de Jong cooks what the season brings: lots of vegetables, lots of flavor, and lots of love. The 5- or 6-course menu is a surprise, and everything is fresh from the land and absolutely delicious on your plate. Bring your binoculars, because the view from the rooftop terrace of the Depot (you know, that big, futuristic, reflective building) is just as spectacular as what's on your plate. Every dish surprises, but the dessert took the cake for us. Wow! What a combination: that clementine ice cream with meringue and a beautiful jelly detail whose name we can't quite remember. In short: a relaxed atmosphere, a natural wine, and Bob's your uncle.
So, if you are looking for a place where art and food go hand in hand, then Renilde je go-toFirst, wander among the beautiful works and then take the glass elevator up for one more work of art: your dinner.
Perhaps not the oldest address, but for years a regular stop when visiting Rotterdam: Wolly. Delicious brunch, good coffee and a roast that makes you happy.
And now they have a neighbor: Wolly's Counter. More focus on to go, quick coffee or a sandwich – but with the same familiar Wolly vibe.
Chef's Table is the newest addition to the Pannenkoekenstraat, don't expect stacks of pancakes here, but do expect the best sushi creations in town! Since October you can chef's table enjoy an intimate lunch or dinner with just eight lucky guests. So book early, because with only eight places this is a real first come, first served situation. The menu changes every month, but some signature dishes remain standing.
Located in a beautiful corner building on the Middellandplein in Rotterdam-West Bar Simon, an intimate French bistro with a touch of Rotterdam jeu. With brass, walnut, sky-blue velvet and art-deco details, the atmosphere is inviting. Here you can have a drink at the marble bar or dine French style, with vin rouge et blanc flowing freely, and enjoy the evening sun on the large terrace.
The focus is on French-Dutch cuisine, with classics such as oysters, escargots in herb butter, artichoke, and steak béarnaise. The wine list is extensive, with sparkling, white, red and of course orange. Try the Love in Fire, a cocktail of vermouth, gin and elderflower, or a good beer.
Every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday you can choose three courses for 45 euros without a fixed menu. In addition, Simon organizes a bottomless brunch on the first Sunday of the month, with brioche buns and an hour and a half of unlimited mimosas, Bloody Marys and crémant. Healthcare!
