One of the best things of living in Rotterdam, is the opening of new good restaurants every week. But this time LiveLikeTom went to an old time classic, the recently renovated Café Rotterdam. Step into the world of fine dining with a view that will make you fall in love with Rotterdam (again).
More and more people discover that Rotterdam is a great place for a weekend trip or even a longer holiday. New restaurants open every week and sometimes classics re-open with a revamped look and a brand new menu.
Café Rotterdam is one of those classics. Known for it’s outstanding view on the Erasmusbridge and the skyline of Rotterdam, this place was known by everyone in Rotterdam. But as the city developed, Café Rotterdam stayed the same for a long time. Until now.
An outstanding view on skyline of Rotterdam from a wind free terrace!
Café Rotterdam is situated in the building of the Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, next to design hotel Nhow in Rem Koolhaas’ building De Rotterdam. The classic arches of the cruise terminal are an eyecatcher when you arrive to the Wilhelminapier through the Erasmusbridge.
Go up to enter Café Rotterdam
To enter the restaurant you go upstairs. During the summer you will propbably prefer to stay outside on the (wind free!) terrace, but throughout the year you can always go inside to enter the restaurant itself.
The restaurant’s new chef Merijn Sips created a fantastic menu for an evening of fine dining with a view. At least, that is what I experienced last week, when I was invited to try out Sips’ newest creations.
Probably the best dessert in town!
Ok, before I start to drewl again about all the dishes I had, please keep in mind that you will have to try out this dessert at the end: the foamy yoghurt ice cream with fennel and coconut, and juice of lychee and yuzu. This is by far one of my favourite desserts I ever had in Rotterdam!
Chef Merijn Sips created a menu with subtle flavours to surprise your tastebuds. What would you say about gorgonzola-ice cream as a first course? I know, it sounds weird, but trust me, the combination with avocado, mozzarella and sweet-sout cumcumber is surprisingly good for a starter.
Also the mains are special. Sips knows how to create great combinations, like neck of lamb confit with Jerusalem artichoke, lamb sauce and lime. Or what about the surprising combo of codfish with cabbage, anchovies and a sauce of verjus.
If you like a good glass of wine with your dinner, be prepared for a good wine selection fitting your courses. So call Uber or stay in a nearby hotel if you are not one of those stubborn Dutch who will ride their bikes, even after a fancy dinner.
I’m glad that this old time favorite in Rotterdam is now officially one of the better places to go to at the Wilhelminapier.
