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The 16 must-visit Italian Restaurants in Rotterdam. Buon Appetito!
by Marcel, 2024-03-27
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Rotterdam, a vibrant city known for its cultural diversity and vibrant culinary scene, is home to a wealth of exquisite dining options. Among these culinary treasures, the Italian restaurants shine, delighting the taste buds of gourmets with their authentic dishes and warm hospitality.
From atmospheric trattorias to chic ristorantes, Rotterdam offers a range of Italian dining experiences that bring Italy's rich and varied gastronomy to life. Whether you are looking for a classic pasta al dente, a delicious pizza from the wood-fired oven, or a refined dish prepared with the best ingredients, the Italian cuisine in Rotterdam does not disappoint.
In this article we dive into the world of the best Italian restaurants that Rotterdam has to offer. From the traditional favorites to the hidden gems, let's immerse ourselves in the flavors, ambiance and heart-warming hospitality that make these eateries unmissable destinations for lovers of Italian cuisine and gastronomy in general. Prepare for a culinary journey through the streets of Rotterdam, where the aromas of fresh basil, creamy mozzarella and fragrant olive oil enchant your senses and invite you to discover the flavors of Italy, right in the heart of our city.
Mangiare
Discover the Italian culinary paradise at Restaurant Mangiare in Rotterdam, with three irresistible locations - Mangiare Oldenbarneveltstraat, Mangiare Pannekoekstraat and Mangiare Zaagmolenkade - that take you on a tasteful journey through Mediterranean cuisine. From enchanting antipasti to homemade pastas and delectable desserts, Mangiare pampers your senses with authentic flavors and warm hospitality. At Mangiare, we are told at the table in the evening what the menu offers, as they do not work with a fixed menu. Whether you enjoy an extensive lunch, a relaxing dinner or a nice drink, Mangiare offers an unforgettable experience where food takes center stage.
Trattoria A Proposito
Discover the taste of authentic Italian dishes at Trattoria A Proposito in Rotterdam. Located in the impressive building of the Nationale Nederlanden, A Proposito offers a cozy ambiance and a warm welcome, typical of an Italian family-run brasserie, just a few steps from the entrance to Rotterdam Central Station. The menu at Trattoria A Proposito changes regularly, but is always filled with delicious vegetarian, meat, fish and pasta dishes. Each dish is presented on a chalkboard, just like in Italy - little frills, but pure and refined in taste.
La Pizza Rotterdam
Discover the art of traditional wood-fired pizzas at La Pizza in Rotterdam. This pizzeria is known for its masterful creations, thanks to carefully composed and balanced toppings, ranging from taleggio to sausage with fennel seeds. But La Pizza doesn't just shine in the pizza craft; Their antipasti and dolci are also not to be missed. With branches in the bustling center of Rotterdam and the characterful Rotterdam North, La Pizza is a popular destination for lovers of fresh, tasty pizzas and other Italian specialties, all served with perfect service and in a modern, trendy setting.
The Buffalo
Discover the culinary pearl of Rotterdam-West at De Buffel, where the wood-fired pizzas and antipasti make the difference. Located on the lively Middellandplein, De Buffel has firmly established itself as a beloved restaurant thanks to their top-class pizzas and extensive shelves full of antipasti, all served in a stylish ambiance. Ask ten Rotterdammers about their favorite low-key eatery and you will certainly hear the name 'De Buffel'. With an intimate atmosphere and a menu full of delicious pizzas, De Buffel is the ideal place to relax after a long working day or to start the weekend with a good glass of wine. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and extend your evening effortlessly while enjoying the flavors of De Buffel, located near Rotterdam central station.
Casereccio
Be enchanted by the irresistible flavors of Italian cuisine at Casereccio, where every bite is a journey to Italy! Step into our cozy restaurant in Overschie and be pampered by authentic dishes, prepared with love and passion. From excellent pizza bases with high-quality ingredients to delicious salads and pastas with a modern twist - at Casereccio you will find the perfect balance between classic and contemporary. Not to mention, everything looks extremely colorful. Discover a culinary experience full of tradition and delight at Casereccio.
Il Gattopardo
Be enchanted by the delicious flavors of Mediterranean cuisine at Il Gattopardo on Katendrecht in South Rotterdam. With a focus on Italian and Sicilian cuisine, owners Vincent Muller and Salvatore Randazzo serve dishes straight from Italy, with pure flavors and attention to detail. This small-scale and atmospheric restaurant offers a culinary experience full of passion and finesse, where you enjoy amazing dishes and friendly service. Discover Italian-style high cuisine at Il Gattopardo on Delistraat in Rotterdam.
Angelo Betti
Angelo Betti, the centuries-old pizzeria and ice cream parlor, is synonymous with real Italian food and ice cream in Rotterdam. Some even consider it the best Italian restaurant in town. Anyway, it is without a doubt the oldest Italian business in Rotterdam, with a history dating back to 1922! At Angelo Betti you come for the real deal, where tradition and authenticity come together in delicious dishes and delicious ice cream.
Ristorante Napoli
Located in the heart of Rotterdam Center, on the bustling Meent, you will find Ristorante Napoli, a wonderfully laid-back Italian restaurant. Here you can enjoy a range of dishes, including the classic Spaghetti alle Vongole and the tasty Pizza Caprese, but also 'Il Menu Speciale' with seasonal creations put together by the chef. As a perfect place for an Italian meal in Rotterdam, Ristorante Napoli is run by owner Fabrizio Pigliapochi, who continues the family tradition started by his father several years ago. Enjoy different types of antipasti, from sardines to Tuscan tomato soup, and delicious pastas or pizzas, all served in a relaxed atmosphere where you will immediately feel at home.
Due Tonino
Due Tonino, located on the lively Goudsesingel, is a real Italian family restaurant in Rotterdam. Run by two Italians, Cosimo Walter Spalluto and Tonino Arsieni, Due Tonino is known for its authentic Italian dishes. Since 1991, these two men, together with their team, have offered a traditional concept where there is room for a quick pasta or pizza, but also for primi, secondi and dolci. At Due Tonino, the two Italian men hold sway, and that trickles down into the dishes they serve. In addition to the regular menu, there are always seasonal specials to enjoy. In short, Due Tonino is one of the better Italian restaurants in Rotterdam where you can enjoy the real flavors of Italy.
GULIANO
Enjoy an unforgettable lunch experience at GULIANO, one of our favorite restaurants in the bustling center of Rotterdam. Here you have come to the right place for delicious Italian sandwiches, salads and meatballs that will make your mouth water and that you can enjoy for hours. GULIANO brings a delicious Italian flavor, but with a New York twist. The flavors of rural Italy and culinary Brooklyn merge seamlessly here, making every bite a culinary adventure. Experience the unique atmosphere en experience the tranquility of fast service while enjoying lunch in the heart of Rotterdam. Taste legendary sandwich specialties such as Ed's Pastrami, Bistecca, Vitello Tonnato, Gallo, Rachel's, Carne Cruda and of course the irresistible GULIANO's Truffle Burger.
Nerello
Discover the newest Italian gem in Kralingen: Nerello. Here you will not find pizzas, but a refined selection of real Italian antipasti, primo, secondo and dessert. At Nerello, food is served as they do in Italy, and this restaurant along the Oostzeedijk has become an unmissable hotspot in Rotterdam. Don't expect pizza, but enjoy authentic Italian dishes, prepared with love and passion by owner Roberto, who takes his inspiration from his Sicilian background. The love for good, honest products is central to Nerello, where you can enjoy a modern, creative twist on traditional Italian dishes.
Osteria Sala Federico
Discover the charming atmosphere of a traditional Italian osteria at Osteria Sala Federico, located on the picturesque Oostzeedijk in Rotterdam. Here the authentic Italian living room atmosphere is brought to life, complete with an open kitchen where delicious dishes are prepared. As a true master in the kitchen, Peppe uses his personality to pamper his guests with tasty dishes. Osteria Sala Federico offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy a delicious Italian dinner, where quality and passion come first. Come by and experience an unforgettable evening full of Italian hospitality and culinary indulgence.
Spaghettata
Welcome to Spaghettata on the Nieuwe Binnenweg, where you can enjoy pizza, pasta and/or antipasti in a cozy and accessible atmosphere. Here the art of pasta making is taken seriously, just like in the traditional spaghettirias in Italy. In our own artisan workshop, the laboratorio artigianale, we prepare different types of pasta according to traditional methods. In the evening, these fresh pastas are prepared by our Italian chefs in seven different dishes on the daily changing menu. The dishes are straightforward and based on traditional recipes, with fresh ingredients and full of flavour. The uninhibited way of cooking is also reflected in the service and atmosphere of Spaghettata, where young people serve the dishes in a lively environment with enthusiasm, hospitality and a bit of Italian swagger. Whether you want to take the time to enjoy an extensive meal or fancy a quick and tasty meal, there is something for everyone at Spaghettata. End your meal with a delicious tiramisù, an espresso, or a home-made sgroppino or limoncello. Benvenuto a Spaghettata!
Oliva
Discover the Italian culinary pearl of Witte De Withstraat: Oliva. Since 2001, Oliva has been a well-known household name in Rotterdam, where love for Italian cuisine and hospitality come together. Chef Rogier and his team prepare beautiful dishes that match the season, while host Sven provides a varied range of drinks. The daily changing menus and specialties are a reason to come back regularly. In addition to Oliva, Gusto, another creation of owner Alex Verburg, is also a fixture in the neighborhood. With two decades of experience, Verburg guarantees quality, with Oliva and Gusto both excelling in offering an unforgettable culinary experience. Come and taste and enjoy a culinary evening at Oliva.
Osteria Liz
Discover the hidden treasure of Rotterdam North: Osteria Liz, located on a cozy square in the Liskwartier. This quest is absolutely worth it. In a chaotic-cozy setting you can treat yourself to small, classic dishes with a twist and deliciouse 'pizzettes', such as the Mortadellaza with mortadella, cream and pistachio pesto. Osteria Liz is the typical Italian osteria in the neighborhood, serving authentic Italian dishes with their own twist. The restaurant is a pleasant meeting place for young and old, friends and family. Named after both the district (Liskwartier) and the legendary actress and style icon Elizabeth (Liz) Taylor, Osteria Liz is run by father and daughter Aryan and Rose Tieleman, who previously achieved success with Asian bistro Noni. Osteria Liz is all about sharing dishes, Italian style. From antipasti to various piatti and pizette, there is something for everyone. The menu features authentic Italian dishes, often with their own twist. Enjoy a typical Italian aperitif or a nice glass of wine and imagine yourself in Italy.
Osteria Vicini
Discover the charming meeting place in the heart of Kralingen: Osteria Vicini. This restaurant welcomes you all day long, where people from near and far come together to enjoy a glass of wine, panini, pizza or pasta. The atmosphere is cozy and the service always attentive. At Vicini you taste real Italy with simple, honest dishes. In the morning you can walk in here for a newspaper with an espresso, in the afternoon you can enjoy the tastiest focaccia in Rotterdam and in the evening you can sit down with the whole family for a delicious dinner. Osteria Vicini, located on the corner of Kortekade in lively Kralingen, has been a household name in the neighborhood since 2011. As a real meeting place for people from the neighborhood, it functions as Kralingen's second living room. Here you can taste authentic Italy with simple and honest dishes, such as pizza, pasta and various antipasti, prepared with quality products. The restaurant opens its doors early in the morning, so you can also enjoy a cup of coffee with a newspaper, or a delicious lunch with panini. Whether you come for just a glass of wine with a drinks platter or for an extensive meal, you are always very welcome at Osteria Vicini!
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