The advantage of being in a big, diverse, and fun-loving city like Rotterdam is that you have no shortage of choices when it comes to food or entertainment. The hard part is choosing out of so many. For my Rotterdam Restaurant Top 10 for 2010 I've mostly focused on restaurants that aren't excessively pricey or luxurious. My focus is food and atmosphere made with love and accessible to most anyone who can handle a main dish for 15 euro or lower.
Let's begin:
10. De Spiesenboot - Meat on a stick is made something of an art in this floating restaurant. But it only lands number 10 on my list because I am a vegetarian, though there are also a few non meat options. Caution, this one can jump higher than 15 euro depending on what you order.
9. Biblio - It is big and it is a jazzclub, those are the most obvious features. It also happens to be a really nice interior with a creative dinner menu.
8. Café Rotterdam at Cruise Terminal Rotterdam probably doesn't sound like good food. But in fact, for lunch or a snack with a fantastic view, this is a lesser known treasure. Although judging by the large amount of people sitting outside in warmer seasons, its no secret.
7. Kade 4 has a excellent location on the old harbor as well as a nice vibe for a meal with friends or if you're with someone special. Vegetarian options are few so I would call this one more good eating for meat and fish eaters.
6. Look Restaurant is a Garlic themed restaurant. Yes you heard right. Meat, fish, and vegetable dishes made using Garlic. What is really impressive is that the food here is unlike any other you'll find in town and the menu is quite extensive. There is one thing on the menu I'm not sure about - Garlic Ice Cream.
5. Restaurant Safir is a quality Moroccan Restaurant in a city that knows how to cook delicious Moroccan cuisine. The place is also set up in such a manner that you'll have one of those "Ive been transported to another country" experiences you always read about in restaurant reviews.
4. Bazar is know for being the champion of middle eastern cuisine in both Rotterdam and Amsterdam. They don't need my help in spreading the word but year after year, they keep earning the praise that they get. Love the decor, love the "world cuisine." A regular stop when I'm in town.
3. De Hofnar wins me over with its welcoming style and healthy dose of crazyness than many restaurants might deem unacceptable. Even their website has a cool vibe to it. But above all this what they really impress with is their long long menu with plentiful fish dishes. If you happen to not like fish don't worry, there are plenty of options for everyone.
2. Little V is one of those restaurants every city wishes it had but not all are fortunate to have. Yes it is Vietnamese food, but more importantly, it is Vietnamese food and ambiance made with careful attention to detail and enjoyment. Just writing about it is making me hungry, I'll stop now.
1. Watertoren gets the 2010 number 1 award for being the anti-hero; the restaurant with the most unexpected exterior and interior, without all the bells and whistles, and with straight up quality cuisine. I can't even say for sure what style food it is, as the Water Tower keeps you on your toes with the finest food you'll never expect from different corners of the globe. If you can get across the river, and if you remember to book in advance, maybe you will get to enjoy the most unique restaurant in Rotterdam for 2010! (note they can also break my 15 euro criteria, when all is said and done)