Top 15 Seafood Restaurants in Rotterdam. Taste the Sea on the Maas

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Rotterdam, the bustling port city on the Maas, is known for its diverse culinary scene and vibrant food culture. For fresh fish and seafood lovers, this city is a true paradise, with an abundance of seafood restaurants that bring the flavors of the sea to the table. From traditional seafood dishes to modern interpretations, Rotterdam offers a range of dining options that embrace the fresh catch of the day.

In this article we take a look at some of the best seafood restaurants Rotterdam has to offer. Whether you're looking for an intimate dining experience, a casual waterfront dining experience or a gastronomic journey through the sea, this selection of restaurants promises an unforgettable culinary experience for all seafood lovers. Dive into the world of delicious seafood as we explore Rotterdam's top seafood restaurants.

Pesca

Welcome to Pesca, the 'Theatre of Fish' where culinary experience merges with fresh fish straight from the market. Located in the historic building of a former savings bank on the Botersloot, Pesca offers a unique concept where guests select their own fish at the fish market and can enjoy dynamic prices throughout the day. Don't expect traditional menus; Pesca is all about the theater of the fish market, where guests are part of the experience and create their own dishes. Come along and be carried away by the magic of Pesca's 'Theatre of Fish'!

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Sea Salt

Located on the picturesque Westerkade in the Scheepvaartkwartier of Rotterdam, fish restaurant Zeezout is a true gem in the city's culinary scene. Under the leadership of Patron Cuisinier Patrick 't Hart, who made his mark as sous chef at De Engel, Zeezout has been offering unparalleled experience in fish gastronomy for more than two decades. Since its founding in 1998, Zeezout has built a reputation for its consistent quality and attention to detail, resulting in a well-deserved Michelin star. Patrick's dedication to using high-quality ingredients and his own style of cooking ensure dishes that linger not only on the plate, but also in the memory of the guest. From freshly dipped scallops to perfectly cooked sea bream in a salt crust, every dish on the menu promises a culinary adventure. For Patrick, cooking is not just a profession, but a lifelong passion that started at the age of twelve. Now, thirty years later, he remains driven to deliver the best every day, together with his dedicated team. As a testament to its dedication and craftsmanship, Zeezout has built up a loyal clientele over its two decades of operation, which is the essence of the restaurant's continuity. Zeezout is not just about what's on the plate, but also the experience surrounding it, and it is this all-encompassing commitment to excellence that makes Zeezout an unmissable destination for lovers of fine seafood.

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The Harbor Club

Located in the former Parkzicht, a historic villa in Het Park next to the Euromast, The Harbor Club Rotterdam offers a unique and refined experience for seafood lovers. With a cool and contemporary ambiance and a focus on detail and quality, The Harbor Club guarantees an unforgettable culinary experience. Guests can enjoy a wide range of dishes, from sushi and sashimi to fruits de mer and classic fish dishes, amid an oasis of peace and greenery.

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The Oyster Club

The Oyster Club, located in the heart of Rotterdam, is a vibrant fish restaurant where cuisine, entertainment, vibe and ambiance come together. Here you can enjoy classic fish and meat dishes, oysters, sushi, sashimi, and nigiris, prepared in a classic way in the kitchen. The extensive wine list offers beautiful wines and the elegant bartenders make great cocktails. With a hip interior and a menu that pampers the eyes and taste buds, The Oyster Club is the place for lunch, drinks and dinner. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday evenings the restaurant transforms into a dance floor where you can enjoy the tunes of a DJ to end your evening in style.

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Wow Crab

At Wow Crab it's all about seafood. Located in the Oude Haven and Hoogstraat in Rotterdam, the restaurant offers a menu full of delicious seafood starters and snacks, but the specialty is the seafood boil. Various seafood, potatoes, corn and sausage are cooked together with herbs in a bag and then spread over the table. With gloves on and a lobster cracker in hand, it's time to attack this American delicacy.

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Fjord

For a unique culinary experience, go to Restaurant Fjord! This seafood restaurant offers a beautiful restaurant and a Norwegian-French-Mediterranean menu, inspired by the purity of the Norwegian fjords and with influences from French and Mediterranean cuisine. With high-quality products of clear origin and simple preparation where taste is central, Fjord guarantees an excellent culinary experience in a sturdy but attractive environment. The interior reflects this sturdy aesthetic, with a striking Apollo lamp by Rotterdam designer Romy Kühne and a mix of different chairs and materials, including Dutch Spoinq Casco. With room for 75 guests and a terrace, Fjord is also ideal for drinks, meetings or a delicious dinner.

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Fishroom Cape

Vislokaal Kaap, located on the bustling Deliplein in Katendrecht, Rotterdam, is a haven for lovers of fish and vegetarian dishes. With a focus on honest, healthy and, above all, tasty meals, Vislokaal Kaap offers a warm and accessible environment where local residents and guests from all over Rotterdam come together to enjoy rustic Normandy cuisine. The menu, put together by Emmy Walburg and Rob Baris, two prominent figures in the Rotterdam catering industry and natural food area, includes a rich range of seafood, fresh fish and surprising vegetarian options, all prepared with fresh and, where possible, organic ingredients. The selection of special wines, beers and ciders, often from local producers, complement the culinary experience. In an interior reminiscent of a lively fish market, complete with colorful fish crates, Vislokaal Kaap provides an authentic and cozy atmosphere where guests can enjoy delicious dishes inspired by both Norman traditions and the diverse culinary landscapes of Rotterdam.

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Fish on the dike

At Vis op de Dijk, the passion for fresh fish is central, and this is reflected in every dish served from the open kitchen. Located on the lively Oudedijk, this intimate fish restaurant in Kralingen embodies the essence of good atmosphere, simplicity and hospitality. With a changing menu that offers seasonal dishes at fair prices, there is something for everyone to enjoy fish as it should be, accompanied by delicious matching wines. Whether you choose classic favorites such as fish and chips or more refined options such as sashimi and stuffed tomatoes with Dutch shrimps, Vis op de Dijk welcomes guests with ultimate hospitality. Whether you take a seat on the spacious, sunny terrace or at a table near one of the beautiful high windows, the relaxed Rotterdam atmosphere and enthusiastic staff ensure a wonderful evening full of culinary indulgence.

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Kaat Mossel

At Kaat Mossel it's all about culinary nostalgia and delicious fish dishes. Since 1990, this cozy restaurant on the Admiraliteitskade in Kralingen has been a true living room of Rotterdam, with an interior that has recently been renovated but still exudes the familiar atmosphere. Owner Ron and partner Marie Claire run this very pleasant establishment with passion and dedication. Kaat Mossel is known for its unchanging menu full of classic fish dishes, such as mussels in various sauces, oysters and other crustaceans and shellfish, but also offers other fish dishes.and meat dishes. After a thorough makeover after a fire in 2020, Kaat Mossel has been given a beautiful new face, while the warm and familiar atmosphere is retained. With a gas-free kitchen where guests can watch the preparation of the dishes, Kaat Mossel is ready for the future. The restaurant exudes a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere, complete with a beautiful mural of the legendary Kaat Mossel himself. Here you can enjoy honest and tasty meals, prepared with fresh ingredients such as fresh fish, lobster and Black Angus steak. Whether you come for the famous mussels, a tasty fish dish or a pleasant evening in Rotterdam style, at Kaat Mossel hospitality and quality come first.

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Schmidt Sea Fish

Schmidt Zeevis, once located on the Mainland and now located in the Spanish Polder, offers a unique experience for lovers of fresh fish and seafood. Although not technically a restaurant, but rather a fish market, the lunch corner is a much-loved spot where you can find an international mix of people enjoying a range of seafood dishes and delicacies every day. Schmidt Zeevis supplies fish to the catering industry throughout the Netherlands and is known for its extensive range, from traditional shrimp croquettes to exclusive fish varieties. Housed in an impressive 100 meter long and 17 meter high shop in the shape of a ship, Schmidt Zeevis is worth a visit for a unique culinary experience. Whether you choose oysters, half a lobster or a portion of kibbeling, accompanied by a good glass of wine, at Schmidt Zeevis you can taste the highest quality seafood in a lively and international atmosphere.

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Ruud den Haan

At Vishandel Ruud den Haan on the Oudedijk in Rotterdam, the fourth Den Haan generation is now at the helm, led by twin brothers Robert and Christian, assisted by their best friend Seth, who is actually considered a third brother. This friendly fish shop in Kralingen has been a household name in the neighborhood for four generations. Here you will find an extensive range of fresh fish, with a special emphasis on the fantastic herrings, fried fish and home-smoked salmon that Vishandel Ruud den Haan is known for. The salmon is of such high quality and freshness that even pregnant women can enjoy it. When the weather is nice it is wonderful to eat your fish on the terrace, but there are also two cozy tables inside the restaurant where you can enjoy your fresh catch. Whether you choose to enjoy it on the spot or take your fish home to prepare yourself, at Ruud den Haan you are always assured of a tasty experience. And of course the Dutch Nieuwe should not be missing, because it is simply anchored in their DNA. In addition to herring, they also offer delicious salmon rolls and smelt, an old Dutch favorite.

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Fish canteen

De Viskantine, located on the Coolhaven, has found a permanent home at De Machinist aan de Cool after a successful pop-up period. Although they are still known for their delicious fish dishes, they now also serve varying meat dishes. This restaurant is located along the banks of the Coolhaven, and Rotterdam residents regularly speak highly of it. De Viskantine, a branch of the nearby restaurant De Machinist, focuses - surprisingly enough - on fish. What makes it extra fun is that the Viskantine is set up as a kind of beach tent. Here you can enjoy fresh fish while tossing in the sand with your bare feet. But the Viskantine's menu is much broader than just oysters, razor clams and cod. In addition to a wide choice of fish dishes, they also offer a range of meat dishes, vegetarian options, wheat beer and of course an extensive selection of wines. In short, the Viskantine is the place to enjoy delicious food and a relaxed atmosphere along the Coolhaven.

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A la Plancha

A la Plancha offers a unique experience on the Rotterdam Maas: in the summer as a pop-up fish restaurant in the open air and all year round as aIs a regular neighborhood restaurant on the North Island. On the pop-up terrace above the water, built on the abutment of the old Willemsbrug, fresh sustainably caught fish are fried on the plancha, accompanied by side dishes and a good glass of wine, while you enjoy a beautiful view of the skyline of the city. The permanent location on shore, directly opposite the pop-up, welcomes guests all year round with surprising dishes from the plancha. Inspired by Mediterranean restaurants where fish is prepared in the open air, A La Plancha also offers tapas and cocktails to complete the summer vibe. In short, a unique culinary experience that gives you the feeling of being on holiday in your own city, with a tasteful nod to Spanish and South American cuisine.

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Crawfish

Langoest, located on the Boompjes, is a fish restaurant that serves super fresh everything from the sea every day, from fruit de mer and lobster to oysters and octopus. With its perfect location and beautiful interior, including a bar with scale pattern and a neon silhouette of lobster claws, Langoest provides the ideal setting for any occasion. Whether you come for the seasonal fish, fruits de mer, lobster, oysters or octopus, Langoest welcomes guests from Monday to Saturday to enjoy a culinary experience with a beautiful view of the Erasmus Bridge.

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Salmon House

Located on the Maas, just outside the center, the historic Zalmhuis is an iconic fish restaurant that underwent a complete renovation in 2020 to breathe new life into this beautiful place in Rotterdam. With an imposing entrance and a beautiful interior, led by chef Lars Litz and catering man Herman Hell, the Zalmhuis is known for serving the most exclusive salmon in the world: the Keta salmon from Alaska, in addition to house-smoked Scottish organic salmon, dry aged meat, vegan dishes, oysters and more. Awarded the Entree Award for 'Best new Restaurant & Bar' in 2022, the Zalmhuis is not only a destination for sushi and special salmon varieties, but also for delicious cocktails, making it the perfect place to create unforgettable memories under the shadow of the Van Brienenoord Bridge.

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