Best Places for Lunch in Rotterdam

Ask a local where to get a seriously good sandwich and chances are they’ll say Giuliano. Located on the Meent, the restaurant describes its menu as “Italian, but with a New York edge.” And that in Rotterdam, we wouldn’t expect anything else.

The bistecca sandwich, thinly sliced ribeye with Parmesan and truffle mayonnaise, is a firm favourite. One thing’s certain: once you’ve lunched at Giuliano, you won’t need dinner any time soon.

Inside the iconic Groot Handelsgebouw, next to Rotterdam Central Station, you’ll find the effortlessly cool Multi Multi. The menu leans towards healthy and hearty dishes, including a weekly special, soup and savoury pies, alongside freshly made sandwiches and homemade sweets.

It’s more than just a café, though, Multi Multi regularly hosts art and live music, so you might stumble upon an exhibition or a performance while you’re there.

For Italian street food in the heart of Rotterdam, head to Panzeró on the Botersloot. The menu focuses on specialities from Puglia, including panzerotti, crescent-shaped, fried dough pockets filled with everything from tomato and mozzarella to slow-cooked octopus and potato.

Their stone-oven sandwiches are equally satisfying. You’ll find Panzeró tucked behind the Markthal and Cube Houses, in the lively MAHO quarter.

Velvet pink seating, bistro chairs and a statement bar set the scene at Savor&Nosh in the city centre. Located next to the Laurenskerk and just around the corner from the Koopgoot shopping area, it’s an easy lunch stop mid-shopping trip.

Pizzettas, small pizzas with a variety of toppings, are a highlight, alongside filling sandwiches that’ll keep you going for the rest of the day.

Lunch with a view of the North Sea? Hop on the metro from Rotterdam Central and half an hour later you’ll have sand beneath your feet. At Uluwatu Beach in Hoek van Holland, named after the Balinese surf hotspot, you can settle in for soups, flatbreads and fresh salads.

In winter, warm up inside by the wood stove. In summer, grab a seat on the terrace and let the sea breeze do the rest.

On the lively Lusthofstraat in Kralingen, Juffrouw van Zanten is an easy, welcoming lunch stop. Expect avocado toast, toasted ham-and-cheese sandwiches and generously filled salads. Families are well catered for too, thanks to a dedicated kids’ menu and a play corner.

There are two more locations in Rotterdam, in Hillegersberg and West.

Hummus, labneh, falafel and generously filled pitas, Oasis on the Noordsingel serves Mediterranean comfort with flair. Locals happily queue for the bold flavours, and the drinks menu is just as thoughtful. The Kashmiri chai arrives topped with rose petals, and the house-made passion pepper lemonade has a gentle kick.

Whatever you do, save room for something sweet from the glass display, the babka and brownies are hard to resist.

Big leafy plants, colourful murals and neon signs, By Ami’s lunch comes with a statement. This urban bistro has two locations in Rotterdam and serves everything from sandwiches and salads to soup and the ever-reliable Dutch croquettes on bread.

Dress well, this is the kind of place where you’ll probably want a photo. You’ll find By Ami on the Kop van Zuid and in the Wijnhaven.