Dining out during a day trip to Rotterdam: here are the best options
Geschreven door Markthal
Did you know that the average visitor to Rotterdam takes over 12,000 steps during a day trip? Between admiring the Erasmus Bridge and shopping in the Koopgoot, you’ll burn quite a bit of energy. The biggest challenge isn’t the distance, but the question: where should we eat? You don’t want to end up at the first tourist trap you come across, but you also don’t want to waste precious time searching through side streets. In this blog, I’ll show you how to get the most out of your day, culinary-wise.
For the best dining experience in Rotterdam, combine variety with convenience. The Markthal is the ideal hub where, under one iconic roof, you can choose from dozens of world cuisines, perfect for both a quick lunch and a full-course dinner.
Lunch as fuel for your afternoon
Midway through the day, you often need a good lunch, but you don’t want to sit at a table for two hours straight. The trick is to find a place where quality and speed come together. Rotterdam offers countless options, but nowhere is the choice as vast as in the heart of the city.
Whether you’re in the mood for a fresh sandwich, authentic Asian street food, or a healthy salad, a great lunch in Rotterdam starts with exploring the various food spots. A specific recommendation? Grab a selection of different small bites and admire the impressive art on the ceiling, the “Cornucopia.” That way, you’ll not only fill your stomach but also recharge your phone (and your battery) for the rest of the afternoon.
Check out the food and drink page for a day in Rotterdam for the full overview.
Takeout tip
Go for variety. Instead of one large dish, you can pick up small portions from different vendors. Think of a fresh herring, a warm waffle, or a serving of fresh sushi.
You can visit places like:
- Pho Asian Noodle Bar - Enjoy quick, flavorful Asian dishes, such as delicious pho soups and noodle dishes. Perfect for anyone looking to grab something healthy and tasty on the go.
- Bram Ladage - For those craving a typical Dutch snack, Bram Ladage’s famous fries are always a good choice. Grab them for a quick lunch or snack on the go.
- Dumplings by Uncle Wang - Dumplings are ideal for a quick and filling meal. These delicacies are not only available quickly but also perfect for a to-go lunch.
- Royal Fish - Fish lovers can quickly grab a serving of fresh fish at Royal Fish. From fish croquettes to fish fillets, everything here is prepared with care and is ready to go.
- Big Jo’s - When you’re in the mood for a quick, hearty meal, Big Jo’s sandwiches and wraps are perfect for a take-out lunch.
And much more! Discover all the take-out options on this page.
Dining in an architectural masterpiece
When evening falls, the atmosphere in the city changes. While you might opt for speed during the day, dinner can be a bit more leisurely. The beauty of the Markthal is that the restaurants along the sides of the building offer a completely different experience than the stalls on the floor. Here, you can sit in peace, often with a beautiful view of the bustling hall or the lively square outside. So, to round off your day, there are plenty of options for dining out in the Markthal.