Visit the Euromast: the icon of Rotterdam
April 13, 2023
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The Scheepvaartkwartier, also known as Het Nieuw Werk, is one of Rotterdam's most charming neighborhoods. With its stately mansions, the atmospheric Veerhaven harbor, the impressive Wereldmuseum and the green Park at the foot of the Euromast, this neighborhood exudes history and elegance. The neighborhood is therefore a great place for a nice walk, but also to sit down at one of the cozy restaurants. From cozy coffee bars and delicatessens to gourmet restaurants and lively drinks spots, we share in this article the best hotspots in Rotterdam's Scheepvaartkwartier!
Brunch and coffee in the Shipping Quarter
Start your day off right in the Scheepvaartkwartier with a delicious brunch or a good cup of coffee. From trendy espresso bars to atmospheric breakfast spots, here you'll enjoy freshly baked croissants, specialty coffee and elaborate brunch dishes.
1. Parqiet
Housed in a charming, historic carriage house in the middle of The Park, Parqiet is an idyllic spot for a relaxing cup of coffee or tasty brunch. Order a richly filled sourdough toast or a fresh smoothie and enjoy the green view and the many dogs playing with each other. Especially in the summer months, this is a popular spot. The terrace is full, as are the lounge chairs set out on the lawn.
2. Dune
A stylish espresso bar with a minimalist, Scandinavian vibe. Here it's all about top quality coffee, carefully selected beans and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for a quiet morning with a creamy flat white and a freshly baked pastry.
3. Brunch Bar Rotterdam
It's the place for tasty brunch dishes that are as delicious as they are Instagrammable. Think fluffy pancakes, avocado toast and perfectly poached eggs. Everything is served with care and a creative twist. Reservations are a must, as this hot spot fills up fast!
4. Dudok in the Park
Surrounded by the greenery of Het Park and the beautiful historic setting, the iconic Dudok apple pie tastes even better here. This atmospheric location offers not only delicious cake and coffee, but also an extensive breakfast menu.
5. Guliano on the Meuse
Known for its delectable Italian sandwiches, Guliano is a favorite for a savory brunch or hearty lunch. Go for the scrumptious Gallo or a rich carpaccio with truffle and pair it with a fresh cappuccino or summer Aperol Spritz.
Delicatessen stores: here's where you do the best shopping
For foodies, the Scheepvaartkwartier has interesting delicatessens with artisanal products. From refined cheeses and exclusive wines to fresh patisserie and luxury chocolate. At these hotspots you score the tastiest flavors for your home.
1. Bussing Bakery
Bussing Bakery is a household name in Rotterdam and without a doubt one of the best bakers in town. For four generations, bread has been baked here with love and craftsmanship, and you can taste that. In the Scheepvaartkwartier the smell of freshly baked bread meets you as soon as you step inside. Besides artisan bread you can also find delicious, freshly made sandwiches here. Ideal for a tasty lunch!
2. Cheese on the Meuse
Cheese on the Meuse is the younger sister of De Kaashoeve on Oude Binnenweg and now a household name in the Scheepvaartkwartier. Here you will find a wide selection of cheeses, from creamy boerenbrie to surprising nettle cheese. But what makes this place really special is the hidden terrace at the back. A cozy, almost speakeasy-like place where you can settle down with a good glass of wine and a perfectly composed cheeseboard.
3. Warehouse Houtman & Menkveld
A beautiful historic warehouse on the Westerkade is home to Magazijn Houtman, a space full of artisanal delicacies. The store is known for its carefully selected cheeses, charcuterie, special wines and homemade treats. It's not inexpensive, but for a particularly enjoyable evening, it's worth the investment.
4. Wine merchant Jan van Breda
Wijnhandel Jan van Breda has been an established name in Rotterdam for decades and is known for its extensive selection of wines from all over the world. From accessible classics to exclusive top wines, each bottle is chosen with care. You can come here with all your questions, for example if you are looking for matching wines with a dinner.
Eating out in the Shipping Quarter
Dine in style in the Maritime Quarter, where historic charm and culinary innovation go hand in hand. There are restaurants for fine dining, as well as restaurants serving international cuisine. These are our favorite restaurants:
1. Louise Petit
In the picturesque Veerhaven, tucked between beautiful historic buildings, is Louise Petit Restaurant, a piece of Paris in Rotterdam. This versatile hot spot consists of a restaurant, a wine bar (Louise Bar à Vins), a mini-market (Le Petit Marché) and a cozy breakfast shop (Petit Déjeuner). Here you'll enjoy classic French dishes such as escargots, asparagus and refined pastries. It's the hot spot for a sumptuous dinner, a good glass of French wine or a sweet treat like an éclair or crepes.
2. Grand Café-Restaurant Loos
Grand Café-Restaurant Loos is a beautiful café and restaurant located in the monumental Atlantic House opposite the Veerhaven. Loos is a household name in the Scheepvaartkwartier. In fact, the restaurant has been located here since 1988. With the atmosphere of a Parisian bistro you will soon feel at home here. You can come to Loos for a nice cup of coffee and a tasty lunch, but also for an extensive French dinner. As soon as the sun shows itself, the terrace of Café Loos is a lovely and popular place to sit.
3. River Bar
At River Bar, dining feels like a culinary journey through Europe. The flavors and dishes are inspired by the rivers that flow through cities like London, Paris, Lyon, Rome, Bilbao and Porto. Traditional recipes, sometimes passed down through generations, are given a modern twist here. Housed in the Kooren Pavilion on Westerkade, River Bar offers an atmospheric setting for hot and cold dishes, surprising drinks snacks and an extensive beverage menu.
4. Bar Berta & Bistro Eddie
At Bar Berta, as well as Bistro Eddie, is all about Spanish drinks culture. The menu is full of sophisticated tapas, artisanal charcuterie and surprising natural wines. The cozy bar, with its warm interior and lively atmosphere, is the ideal place to enjoy good food and a good glass of wine in a casual setting.
5. La Pizza
At La Pizza you eat delicious Neapolitan pizzas. The pizzas are prepared according to a traditional recipe and baked in a wood-fired oven, creating that distinctive thin, airy base with crispy edges. With daily fresh ingredients and a selection of fine Italian wines, this is our favorite place to eat pizza in Rotterdam. Just remember that you can't make reservations here, so it's walking in on the spur of the moment. Fortunately, there is always room at the bar to have a wine, which makes waiting for a table not so tedious.
6. The Meatclub
Tucked behind the Salmon Harbor Tower, you'll find The Meatclub, in a beautiful 1930s building on Scheeptimmermanslaan. The name says it all: The Meatclub is a place for absolute meat lovers. Cozy drinks, lunch or dinner will be a great success at The Meatclub with meat from various South American countries. A nice glass of red wine with it and you can fully enjoy yourself at The Meatclub.
7. The Ball Tent
De Ballentent is Rotterdam's coziest harbor pub. The pub originated in the first years after World War II and therefore breathes Rotterdam. The building that houses the Ballentent is over 100 years old and was once a customs depot. As the name suggests, you can eat delicious 'balls': classic meatballs in a Rotterdam style. At De Ballentent you will find typical Dutch hospitality and it is also affordable.
Fun hot spots for drinks
From chic cocktail bars to cozy terraces overlooking the river Meuse, in the Scheepvaartkwartier you drink in style. Enjoy a good glass of wine, a refreshing gin tonic or a craft beer at one of the atmospheric hotspots in this neighborhood.
1. La Soirée
La Soirée is all about sophisticated drinks in an elegant setting. This chic cocktail bar, inspired by French cocktail culture, serves creative and classic cocktails with an eye for detail. Will you opt for a sparkling aperitif or a signature cocktail?
2. Nursia
At Nursia, you combine a love of fine wine with authentic Italian appetizers. Think homemade focaccia, fine cheeses and charcuterie, all matched with a carefully selected wine list. An ideal place to drink in Mediterranean atmospheres in the Scheepvaartkwartier.
3. Beautiful
At Prachtig you literally drink with a fantastic view. This is the place to settle down with a nice wine, a summer cocktail or a refreshing beer, while overlooking the river Maas and the iconic Erasmus Bridge. Add a tasty drink board and you have the perfect setting for a relaxing afternoon or evening.
4. Charlie's Wine Bar
For cozy drinks with a top selection of wines, Charlie's Wine Bar is the place to be. The extensive wine list offers something for everyone, from light white wines to full-bodied reds and surprising natural wines. Pair your glass with a well-stocked drinks board and enjoy the intimate atmosphere.
Discover more great spots in Rotterdam
With so many great spots in Rotterdam, from cozy cocktail bars to international supermarkets, you would almost forget that there are still new places to discover!
Start your weekend in Rotterdam with an active Stroll along North Island and past the iconic Entrepot Harbour. Go to vintage shopping and end the day at one of the nicest spots on the Witte de With.
Travander
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