The Best Coffee in Rotterdam

A chilly winter evening and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Sounds like the perfect combination, right? Winters in the Netherlands can be dull, windy, and unforgiving, especially for expats who are used to the warm tropical weather all year round. During these days, surviving on hot drinks can be the only comfort your soul needs.

The inviting smell of coffee beans is the best remedy for stressful days, or simply if you need to slow down for a bit. Be it a hot espresso in the winter or an iced cappuccino in the summer, the caffeine does wonders for your mood. Renowned as an energy booster, coffee not only improves your mood but also gives you a feeling of happiness. It is also known to increase productivity and reduce lethargy.

The city of Rotterdam is known for its vast expat-friendly culture, which includes diverse communities, tourist spots, and corporate organisations. Needless to say, there are hundreds of amazing cafes and restaurants in and around the city that cater to the tastes of expats, tourists, and professionals. Many of them also serve your favorite seasonal spices such as cinnamon and pumpkin spice.

This winter season, explore some beautiful hidden gems in Rotterdam and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee. While there are hundreds of good cafes across the city, we have shortlisted some of the best and top-rated ones for you.

Brunch and Brew

Markthal Rotterdam, Dominee Jan Scharpstraat 298

Located in the famous Market Hall of Rotterdam, Brunch and Brew offers delicious coffee and a variety of fresh juices and smoothies. Their sandwiches, cakes, croissants, and matcha iced tea are also worth trying. Looking to escape the biting cold and strong winds? Head on to this cozy spot in the vibrant atmosphere of the Markthal and enjoy a nice, hot cup of coffee.

Bonza Koffie

Zomerhofstraat 71

Founded with the idea of making people happy with good coffee and food, Bonza promises a cozy ambience for everyone looking to work remotely or catch up with a friend or an acquaintance. While their freshly brewed coffee invites customers in, their toasted sandwiches are also quite popular. An ideal place for people who want to work in a quiet atmosphere, Bonza provides multiple power outlets and free Wi-Fi.

Served

Coolsingel 8

Opened in 2018, Served offers a delicious range of coffee, juices, cocktails, and food. Along with a nice cup of coffee, you can enjoy a scrumptious breakfast or brunch meal at their location. Served also offers a pack of compostable Nespresso pads, which you can use at home as your preference. You can also register with the Served Loyalty app, which offers many benefits, such as free coffee, cheap drinks, and redeemable points. In 2023, Served started their green mobile coffee truck, offering coffee, shakes, and cake on the go.

Lilith

Nieuwe Binnenweg 125H

Since 2016, Lilith has been dedicated to satisfying customers with their unique coffee and meal options. Open seven days a week, Lilith offers not only a range of amazing coffee but also a variety of mouthwatering meals, including breakfast bowls, soups, and pancakes. They also have a lot of vegan options to choose from. Do check out this cozy place for a warm coffee and meal on a chilly afternoon.

ROAST

Middellandplein 21B

ROAST is the ideal spot to visit for a quick meetup with your friend or colleague. A perfect place for creative enthusiasts, ROAST offers delicious juices, sandwiches, and speciality coffee options. If you’re lucky, you can also meet the owner, Bas, who will tell you all about this unique café.

Espressobar Kopi Soesoe

Sumatraweg 15 (Deliplein, Katendrecht)

At Kopi Soesoe, you can enjoy a warm cup of coffee along with some relaxing live music. Located just outside the bustling city center, this café offers a delicious variety of espresso and filter coffee, home-baked cakes, beers, and breakfast and lunch options. Their coffee is roasted by Manhattan Coffee Roasters and Schot Koffie, two of the most famous coffee roasters in Rotterdam. A must-try is the Kopi Soesoe, an Indonesian coffee with condensed milk and cardamom. They are open from Wednesdays to Sundays.

Giraffe Coffee Bar and Academy

Hoogstraat 46A

Serving a variety of espressos, cappuccinos, and filter coffees, Giraffee Coffee Bar and Academy is a paradise for coffee lovers. Located in Rotterdam’s city center, you can visit their store to shop for different coffees for home use, barista items, coffee grinders, brewing methods, and several gift packages. They also offer an assortment of coffee blends from select parts of the world. If you’re a coffee-making enthusiast, you can check out their coffee workshops.

Harvest

Glashaven 105–107

Satisfy your unique coffee taste buds at this Melbourne-inspired café in Rotterdam. Serving coffee that is brewed to perfection, Harvest also offers a selection of mouthwatering breakfast and lunch items. You can also enjoy their freshly baked breads, pastries, and other exquisite items at their in-house bakery. Their sourdough breads are also sold to restaurants and hotels across Rotterdam. They have a waterfront terrace where you can enjoy a meal with a view of the water on a sunny day.

Lot and Daan

Gelderseplein 24

Focused on healthy eating, Lot&Daan is a cozy and friendly café and restaurant offering lots of delectable breakfast and lunch options, which you can enjoy with a soothing cup of coffee. Their sandwiches are a must-try, and their three-course high tea is an absolute favorite. Also, if you’re looking to host a birthday party, corporate meeting, or baby shower, Lot&Daan has got you covered. You can also get a meal delivered to your home, office, or a nearby park with their delivery service.

Booon

Proveniersstraat 31

Located in one of Rotterdam’s most historic areas, Booon serves a good range of coffees, delicious sandwiches, and breakfast options. Their Burrata pesto toast is a favorite among customers. They also offer a nice selection of juices and lemonades to accompany your scrumptious brunch meal. Booon is also a great place to read a book, work with your laptop, or catch up with friends.

Read Also: Hip Coffee World of Amsterdam

The next time you’re in or around Rotterdam and fancy a relaxing cup of coffee with your friends or colleagues, you know where to head to! We hope you enjoy your visit to these places and leave with satiated taste buds and warmth in your soul.