8 of the Best Cafes in Rotterdam

In May this year, I had the pleasure of spending 5 days in Rotterdam in The Netherlands. The focus of my trip was the epic Traverse Conference, but I extended my stay either side of the event to really get a feel for the city and, of course, to get to know the best cafes in Rotterdam.

My initial impressions were not strong, and the heavy rain didn’t help. But slow exploring on foot and by bike over the course of the following few days and I really began to just get Rotterdam. It’s a bit quirky and odd, and some of the best gems are not in obvious view. Rotterdam seems like a particularly wonderful city to live in – it’s safe, friendly and surprisingly vibrant.

I’ve put together some of my favourite foodie and coffee spots I discovered around the city of Rotterdam. Take a lo0k below for the best cafes in Rotterdam and find all your foodie inspiration for a trip to this great destination!

8 of the Best Cafes in Rotterdam

Sajoer

Perfect for breakfast and healthy snacking throughout the day, Sajoer serves up freshly pressed juices and delightful acai and smoothie bowls.

I loved its outside eating area in the cool pedestrianised area outside and its choco smoothie bowl (below) was divine, blended with avocado and dates.

It’s also very Instagram friendly!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sajoer/

Address: Botersloot 46 3011 Rotterdam

Website: http://sajoer.nl/

Opening hours: 8am to 5pm on weekdays

Lot & Daan

Amazing interiors AND delicious food. Service was a little slow on the day I visited, but they had literally just opened and I was the first person in on a Saturday morning. I loved loved loved the quirky fun interiors and that it wasn’t so busy, so I could really appreciate them!

Lot & Daan is tucked away behind the Citizen M hotel opposite Markthal. Once you get to the cafe, you’ve got wonderful walks right ahead of you along the canals too!

Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/lotdaan/

Address: Gelderseplein, Rotterdam

Website: http://lotdaan.nl/

Opening hours: Various every day, but 8.30am – 9pm on Saturdays and 8.30am to 5pm on Sundays

Fenix Food Factory

This super hip hangout’s terrace areas are packed on sunny weekends, but the Fenix Food Factory is equally as busy on wetter days with its huge indoor seating area. Foodie entrepreneurs came together in 2014 to occupy this old port warehouse in Katendrecht with various stalls and stands. You’ll find excellent artisan coffee at Stielman Koffiebrander, a craft beer brewery and plenty of live music. The waterfront here offers beautiful sunset views over the Nieuwe Maas River.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fenixfood/

Address: Veerlaan 19D

3072 AN Rotterdam

Website: http://www.fenixfoodfactory.nl/en

Opening hours:

Tuesday – Thursday : 10 – 19
Friday : 10 – 20
Saturday : 10 – 18
Sunday: 12 – 18

Lilith

Another Rotterdam cafe in a different part of town, delivering amazing breakfasts that come highly recommended, and ALL DAY. I enjoyed another delicious smoothie bowl here at Lilith and loved its fun, eclectic interiors. The staff are also cute.. which really helps.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lilithcoffeerotterdam

Address: Gelderseplein, Rotterdam

Website: Apparently no website!

Opening hours: 8.30am-5pm

Markthal

One of the most iconic sites in Rotterdam, its famous Markthal foodie market is in the heart of the city and is the gourmet destination. No guide to eating in Rotterdam would be complete without including Markthal. This vast indoor market hall offers more than 100 fresh food stands and plenty more restaurants. You can really eat around the world here and hop from stand to stand.

The thing that surprised me most however, was that it closed so early at 8pm. So be aware to head over early and not for an evening dinner (!)

Markthal is an amazing place to try some typical Dutch foods too, such as the delicious poffertjes (like mini Dutch doughy pancakes!)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markthal/

Address: Ds. Jan Scharpstraat 298
3011 Rotterdam

Website: https://markthal-en.klepierre.nl/

Opening hours:

Monday – Thursday & Saturday 10.00 – 20.00

Friday 10.00 – 21.00

Sunday 12.00 -18.00

Dough Bakers

So I ended up going to Dough Bakers almost every day to enjoy my cookie dough fix. Housing all things unhealthy, this brilliant cafe offers a number of different cookie dough mixes and loads of different topping options. I honestly couldn’t get enough of this places’ gooey deliciousness!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bakersdough/

Address: Pannekoekstraat 82A
3011 LK Rotterdam

Website: https://www.bakersdough.nl/

Opening hours: 12pm – 6pm everyday

Cinta Coffee

In their own words, they’re a coffee bar with an Indonesian twist. Cinta means to love or adore in an Indonesian dialect, and that is easy to do here. Located in the upper floor of the very cool InConcept store, Cinta is cool, calm and collected. I loved my coffee and the staff were so pleasant, I could have lost plenty more hours with my laptop in here. The coffee beans are imported from Indonesia and brewed Kopi Tubruk, which is a centuries-old coffee brewing method. 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cintacoffeerotterdam/

Address: Coolsingel 83 1st floor

3011 AG Rotterdam

Website: http://cintacoffee.nl/

Opening hours: 10am – 5.30pm Mon to Sat (10.30am – 5pm on Sundays)

Brasserie Schielandshuis

Located conveniently next to the Rotterdam tourist office, I decided to pop into Brasserie Schielandshuis after collecting some info from the staff. Well, what a hidden gem! Great staff and really delicious food, maybe even one of the best toasties I’ve had – and I’m partial to a good toastie! I worked with my laptop here for a few hours and it was the ideal quiet daytime spot. I’ve heard it’s a great evening drinks spot too though!

Address: Coolsingel 114

3011 AG Rotterdam

Website: http://brasserieschielandshuis.nl/

Opening hours: 10am – 5.30pm Mon to Sat (10.30am – 5pm on Sundays)

If you’re heading to Rotterdam in The Netherlands soon, I do hope this post on the best cafes and restaurants in the city is helpful. Rotterdam is a wonderful and surprising destination, with a lot to offer!

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