Nieuwe Binnenweg area, Rotterdam

It was raining cats and dogs when I found this place. I was on my way back to the hostel - or to any place where it was dry. In a spontaneous way, I decided to go in and eat something.

Cappadocia is a typical, authentic turkish eetcafé. The food is simple but tasty and the choice is not really large. However, the price is fair. Not a fancy thing or a crowded place like "Bazaar", but a good place to get your stomach filled.

Favorite Dish: I don't remember the name of the dish, but it was something with fried vegetables and tomato sauce.

Great atmosphere for people who love peace and quiet, and "slow food" in a sort of mediterranean tapas style. Plus a remarkable selection of fine wines from local importer DolceVino (mainly Italian and... very surprising German ones!), almost all of which can be ordered by the glass.
At Extra Vierge guests are treated as if they were... GUESTS, not milch cows!
Nice music at a pleasant volume that doesn't disturb your conversation.
You can spend hours here, ordering a couple of the very fresh vegetable plates, the lamb chops or the gambas, and tasting several of those astonishing wines, like the red Regent fron Germany's Pfalz region. After that, well... you just order some other tapa, maybe the smoked trout or the (home made!) black olive tapenade, and of course... another glass of wine (or a fine grappa, e.g. the stunning riserva di brunello!).
The people there know how to give you the real holiday feeling! Delicious and... so inexpensive we couldn't believe the bill was correct.
Just one disadvantage: they only open fridays, saturdays and sundays. But this may change in the near future, we were told. Good idea, fellows!

Favorite Dish: Fried gambas with added marsala.

One of the more popular restaurants in Rotterdam is Westerpaviljoen, morning is the best time to come here. The staff can be a bit rushed off their feet but the breakfasts are filling, try the tea selection, its excellent.

I already put this tip on my Netherlands page, but since this place is located in Rotterdam I decided to tell about it again.
It is kinda difficult to find a cheese cake in the Netherlands. Unbelievable, isn't it? But it is true. You can find almost every kind of cheese you can think of and any kind of a cake as well, but not the perfect combination of cheese and cake :-)
Koekela is THE place!

De Pijp' (The Pipe), Rotterdam.
Opened in 1898, De Pijp has had a vital role in Rotterdam history. It was used as a meeting place by The Resistance during the war. There is an odd collection of ties on the wall which have been donated by regulars. Great atmosphere encouraged by the bench eating.

Favorite Dish: Good blackboard menu of traditional Dutch food (surprisingly good). Vegetarians catered for, no problems.

The atmosphere is cosy and relaxing, with some background jazzmusic, some latin....It isn't that cheap, but for about $70 (2 pers.) you can eat well ! Normal prices. Only traditional Sicilian cuisine...Delicious !

Favorite Dish: There is no favo menu-item, but Lux serves you the real Italian cuisine, and isn't an ordinary pizzarestaurant.

The best Italian restaurant in Rotterdam, virtually unknown (except to the regulars) to most because the owner doesn't advertise, is 'Restaurant Lux' on 's-Gravendijkwal near the centre of Rotterdam. It is quite busy most days of the week, reservations are strongly recommended on the weekends. Since I live in Rotterdam, I have tried many restaurants, but this is the one I go back to. EVERYTHING (from the gelato to the penne pasta) is made by hand right there in the restaurant, and you can really taste the difference. They also have a fantastic wine selection, and the prices for the food and wine are very reasonable. 2 people with a bottle of wine, starter, main course and dessert will put you back on average only 60.00 guilders per person.
This restaurant makes almost everything by hand, the produce is very fresh and the kitchen is squeaky-clean (I've had a tour). The owner, her name is Geertje, is super friendly and really knows how to make you feel welcome.

Favorite Dish: My favorite dish there (when it's on the menu - it changes every month) is the Penna with tomatoes, fresh basil and mozzarella. You also have to try the tiramisu if you're a dessert lover! And the grilled tuna with sea salt and lemon if perfect. They also have a humongous anti-pasta cart with on average 16 different items to choose from as a starter. Vegetarians also have a lot to choose from.

Rotown is a cafe/bar/restaurant with a strong Motown theme. It is a popular student spot at weekends, but also a good place to go and relax in the afternoon.

Westerpaviljoen is a nice restaurant to take breakfast or lunch. There is a relaxed atmosphere. You can also just take a drink here and watch the busy crossing.