Insider Restaurants & Bars | Rotterdam
Restaurants & Bars Selected by Tastemakers | The Bearleaders (updated 2026)
Recommended by Erik van Loo | Two Michelin Star Chef | Restaurant Parkheuvel
Judith van Mourik | Interior Architect
& Jorane Cuppen | Gastronomist | Guts to Glory
Restaurant Parkheuvel | Check out the Bearleaders Hosted Stay: a stay at Suite Hotel Pincoffs in combination with a private wine tasting and a dinner at Michelin Star Restaurant Parkheuvel.
Let Bearleaders Erik van Loo, the two Michelin Star chef of Restaurant Parkheuvel, and Rotterdam-based interior architect Judith van Mourik introduce you to their favourite restaurants in the city. Together with gastronome Jorane Cuppen, they share their go-to addresses for breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, and everything in between. From timeless classics to exciting new openings, discover Rotterdam through the eyes of three local tastemakers in food, design, and hospitality.
What to do in Rotterdam
Book this Bearleaders Hosted Stay enriched by Parkheuvel
Two renowned Rotterdam companies with great love for their profession will provide you with an unforgettable Rotterdam experience. Stay one night at Rotterdam’s Finest Boutique Hotel Pincoffs, and receive an exclusive private wine tasting at the hotel by the sommelier of Two Michelin-starred Restaurant Parkheuvel. Be pampered by Two Michelin Star Chef Erik van Loo with a 5-course meal with wine pairings, and enjoy seamless transport by boat over the River Maas. This intimate stay lets you savour world-class wines in a cosy setting, blending comfort with culinary brilliance. An ideal romantic treat for food and wine aficionados! For the full details, and to book, you will have to fill out this form. Exclusively available via Bearleaders.
Where to eat in Rotterdam
RIVER BAR
The food is delicious, and the kitch brigade in the open kitchen steals the show. This restaurant and bar on the Westerkade is the perfect place for a (romantic) in- and outdoor dining experience.
instagram | maps | favourite of Judith van Mourik, Interior Architect
PARKHEUVEL
Two Michelin Star chef’s Erik van Loo’s legendary restaurant, which he runs together with his charming wife and son, is a modernist pavilion in green park surroundings. Awarded with two Michelin stars, the cooking is precise and refined. A true culinary adventure. We recommend dining on the terrace in the summertime.
instagram | maps | favourite of Erik van Loo, Two Michelin Star Chef, and many of the Bearleaders
FG RESTAURANT
A two Michelin-starred establishment renowned for its innovative cuisine, led by chef François Geurds. The restaurant features a unique flavour laboratory, an extensive wine list with over 170 types of champagne, and a private dining room filled with plants.
instagram | maps | favourite of Judith van Mourik, Interior Architect
CAFÉ STOBBE
A local favourite in district Kralingen. They have been serving classics such as shrimp cocktail and a perfect steak with pepper sauce for decades and will probably do so for many more.
instagram | maps | favourite of Erik van Loo, Two Michelin Star Chef
DE ROODE LEEUW
Just outside of Rotterdam in the village of Capelle aan de IJssel, you’ll find this charming and easy-going restaurant. Amazing cooking and one of my favourite wines Chassagne Montrachet at a very good value.
instagram | maps | favourite of Erik van Loo, Two Michelin Star Chef
ASIAN GLORIES
A modern reinterpretation of classic Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine. House-made dim sum, chicken tempura, and innovative takes on traditional favorites. Located beneath the iconic Laurenskerk tower with scenic canal views.
instagram | maps | favourite of Judith van Mourik, Interior Architect
BROEI
Led by young chef Jagger Westmaas, Broei infuses classic French neo-bistro foundations with the bold, fiery flavors of Asia and South America. Jagger and his team serve up a constantly evolving menu that transforms casual dining into a vibrant culinary adventure.
instagram | maps | favourite of Judith van Mourik, Interior Architect
RESTAURANT BIERHANDEL DE PIJP
Old school ‘eetcafé’ as we say in Dutch, or pub with good food and a long history. Expect dishes like tournedos, fried mussels, fried liver with bacon and onions, braised beef, Dutch shrimp, capuchin peas with bacon etc. Served with excellent wines by managers in white lab coats.
maps | favourite of Erik van Loo, Two Michelin Star Chef
FRED
Fred Mustert’s culinary delights and relaxed gastronomical atmosphere have netted him two Michelin stars. A must-visit.
instagram | maps | favourite of Judith van Mourik, Interior Architect
BAR BERTA
From a la carte dishes to delectable pintxos, this tapas bar brings the taste of Spain to the lovely scheepvaartkwartier neighbourhood. A cute terrace and cozy interior make this a great place for long afternoons and evenings with friends.
instagram | maps | favourite of Judith van Mourik, Interior Architect
RESTAURANT ROTONDE
A progressive all-vegan restaurant that cooks with an open fire. Amazing for those who want all the flavour without any of the guilt.
instagram | maps | favourite of Judith van Mourik, Interior Architect
The best bars in Rotterdam
NOTK
A wine bar that landed immediately in the top 3 of The Netherlands. Sommeliers Lukas and Thomas offer an extensive wine collection complemented by a four-course sommelier's menu where wines are selected first, and dishes are crafted to match.
instagram | maps | favourite of Erik van Loo, Two Michelin Star Chef
HET EIGENDOM
In the bustling Witte de With street you’ll find a great selection of bites and wine, with glasses and bottles for every price range.
instagram | maps | favourite of Erik van Loo, Two Michelin Star Chef
CELEST COCKTAIL BAR & RESTAURANT
This exclusive cocktail bar is located on the 57th floor of De Zalmhaven tower in Rotterdam. It offers panoramic views of the city. Enjoy an all-day menu in an atmosphere inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's tale, creating a unique experience.
instagram | maps | favourite of Judith van Mourik, Interior Architect
HARRIES WINE DELI
Great wines by the glass, along with the highest quality of snacks such as Iberico ham and Foie Gras. A real Rotterdam classic with an always lively terrace.
instagram | maps | favourite of Erik van Loo, Two Michelin Star Chef
