Who doesn't like a good cup of coffee. But finding a really good coffee is not always easy. Honeyguide Amanda tips us her favourite places for coffee and lunch in Rotterdam. With tasty coffee guarantee.
1. Bertmans - Still highly recommended
One of my absolute favourites in Rotterdam is Bertmans, or maybe I should say was? When this very nice restaurant started, it was in a prime spot by the water in the nice neighbourhood of Rotterdam-Noord. The restaurant was small and therefore usually full. So a second, much larger, location was opened: right in the centre, opposite the square with the Pathé cinema and the Doelen.
I didn't expect it, but even at this (not nearly as nice) location, Bertmans once again became a success. As a result, the nice location in North closed. But is this now a reason not to go to Bertmans anymore? No, because the food is still very tasty!
For vegans and meat-eaters
You can come here if you are vegan, but also if you just want to eat less meat or fish. The chefs prefer to use pure and seasonal products, focusing on their passion for healthy cuisine and the environment. Who wouldn't want that? Bertmans is open all day for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Each dish is listed whether it is gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian.
My favourite is the roasted vegetables with avocado and homemade hummus, which I would love to have every time... But eating healthy is also about variety, so the chickpea pancakes with chard and smoked carrot come in handy. The cold-pressed juices or smoothies should really be tried too!
The advantage of the new location is that you can walk from Central Station and are immediately in the middle of the city. And if you want to catch a movie, of course you can. Although I would rather go to the arthouses Kino or Lantaren Venster.
2. SUE - Tasty treats, but responsible
A household name in Rotterdam are SUE's cakes. They are sweet without sugar and also look like true pieces of art. So you won't find refined sugar in Kim Sue's bakery. The cakes are sweetened with natural ingredients such as dates, nuts, coconut products and rice syrup and are all sugar-, gluten- and lactose-free as well as vegan.
A hobby that got out of hand
The story behind the cakes? A hobby that got out of hand. Kim tried making sugar-free treats just at home in her own kitchen. The response from friends was so good that she started offering the cakes to the catering industry in Rotterdam. It became a success. She has since quit her full-time job to open her own shop and bakery.
The cakes are sold throughout the Netherlands, but of course the best thing is to try them in the shop in Rotterdam. Here you can also enjoy breakfast, lunch or drinks. Of course, you can also take a box home with you. And oh yes, the banana bread is also worth trying.
SUE is located in the Karel Doormanstraat, a long shopping street that was recently renovated. Don't forget the side streets Van Oldenbarneveldstraat and Oude Binnenweg or cross over to the hip Witte de Withstraat at the very end. Success guaranteed!
3. Bas Bakt - Baking art without unnecessary additions
If you walk from SUE towards the Witte de Withstraat, you first enter the Hartmanstraat. And that's where Bas Bakt is located, another of Rotterdam's nicest bakeries(Jordy's Bakery and the tiny Das Brot should not be forgotten, of course).
Fresh disembossed bread is baked here every day, without yeast or unnecessary additives. You can buy the bread fresh and take it with you. But I prefer to sit at the long table in the shop for a sandwich, the delicious spelt cakes and tarts and the best coffee. Even the newspaper is waiting for us. Meanwhile, enjoying the delicious smell of bread, because right behind the counter you are in the middle of the bakery. Where, of course, Bas is baking himself.
4. Jarmusch - Local coffee meets American pancakes
If you say coffee in Rotterdam, you say Man with glasses. This coffee roastery in the Hofbogen has been making the tastiest coffee in town since 2015. Real fresh coffee, but local, personal and no bullshit. That's how it's done in Rotterdam. Meanwhile, the roastery delivers coffee throughout the city, recognisable by the sugar sachet, indeed with glasses!
Man with glasses
One of the tents serving Man with Glasses is Jarmusch. An American-style diner named after director Jim Jarmusch of the films Coffee and Cigarettes. An apt name for these lovers of freshly roasted filter coffee who also serve breakfast and lunch. Now don't immediately think of all kinds of greasy American food. OK, you can go here for scrambles and pancakes, but they also have healthy bowls, sandwiches & salads. Something for everyone.
Jarmusch is located in the Industriegebouw. This is a hip office building in Rotterdam where many creative companies are located and many a one-person business owns a flex spot. Around the corner you will find Old Scula, a pizzeria, which is anything but oldschool. Also worth a try!
I can recommend all these places with a clear conscience. They take people and nature into account, and also serve incredibly good coffee.
Love,
Amanda