The 16 must-visit Italian Restaurants in Rotterdam. Buon Appetito!

Disclaimer: We receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

Rotterdam, a vibrant city known for its cultural diversity and lively culinary scene, is home to a treasure trove of exquisite dining spots. Among these culinary gems, Italian restaurants stand out, delighting the taste buds of food lovers with their authentic dishes and warm hospitality.

From cozy trattorias to chic ristorantes, Rotterdam offers a variety of Italian dining experiences that bring the rich and diverse gastronomy of Italy to life. Whether you're looking for classic al dente pasta, a delicious wood-fired pizza, or a refined dish made with the finest 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 traditional favorites to hidden gems, let's immerse ourselves in the flavors, ambiance, and heartwarming hospitality that make these eateries must-visit destinations for lovers of Italian cuisine and gastronomy in general. Get ready 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 - taking you on a flavorful journey through Mediterranean cuisine. From enchanting antipasti to homemade pastas and delightful desserts, Mangiare pampers your senses with authentic flavors and warm hospitality. In the evening, the menu is presented at the table, as they do not work with a fixed menu. Whether you’re enjoying an extensive lunch, a relaxed dinner, or a cozy drink, Mangiare offers an unforgettable experience centered around food.

Visit the Website

Trattoria A Proposito

Experience the taste of authentic Italian dishes at Trattoria A Proposito in Rotterdam. Located in the impressive Nationale Nederlanden building, A Proposito offers a cozy ambiance and a warm welcome, typical of a family-run Italian brasserie, just a stone's throw from 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 - simple yet refined in taste.

Visit the Website

La Pizza Rotterdam

Discover the art of artisanal wood-fired pizzas at La Pizza in Rotterdam. This pizzeria is known for its masterful creations, featuring carefully balanced toppings, ranging from taleggio to fennel sausage. But La Pizza shines not only in pizza craftsmanship; their antipasti and dolci are also not to be missed. With locations in the bustling city center of Rotterdam and the characterful Rotterdam-Noord, La Pizza is a beloved destination for fans of fresh, flavorful pizzas and other Italian specialties, all served with perfect service in a modern, trendy setting.

Visit the Website

De Buffel

Discover the culinary gem of Rotterdam-West at De Buffel, where the wood-fired pizzas and antipasti make all the difference. Located at the lively Middellandplein, De Buffel has firmly established itself as a beloved restaurant thanks to its top-class pizzas and extensive antipasti boards, all served in a stylish ambiance. Ask ten Rotterdammers about their favorite low-key dining spot, and you’ll certainly hear the name 'De Buffel'. With an intimate atmosphere and a menu full of delicious pizzas, De Buffel is the perfect place to unwind after a long workday or start the weekend with a good glass of wine. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and extend your evening effortlessly while savoring the flavors of De Buffel, located near Rotterdam Central Station.

Visit the Website

Casereccio

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Italian cuisine at Casereccio, where every bite is a journey to Italy! Step inside our cozy restaurant in Overschie and be pampered with authentic dishes, prepared with love and passion. From stone-baked pizza bases with high-quality ingredients to delightful salads and pastas with a modern twist – at Casereccio, you’ll find the perfect balance between classic and contemporary. And not to forget, everything looks delightfully colorful. Experience a culinary adventure full of tradition and enjoyment at Casereccio.

Visit the Website

Il Gattopardo

Be enchanted by the delightful flavors of Mediterranean cuisine at Il Gattopardo in Katendrecht, Rotterdam-South. With a focus on Italian and Sicilian cuisine, owners Vincent Muller and Salvatore Randazzo serve dishes that come straight from Italy, featuring pure flavors and attention to detail. This small and charming restaurant offers a culinary experience full of passion and finesse, where you can enjoy amazing dishes and warm service. Discover Italian high-cuisine at Il Gattopardo on Delistraat in Rotterdam.

Visit the Website

Angelo Betti

Angelo Betti, the century-old pizzeria and ice cream parlor, is synonymous with authentic Italian food and ice cream in Rotterdam. Some even consider it the best Italian restaurant in the city. Either way, it is undoubtedly the oldest Italian establishment 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 irresistible ice cream.

Visit the Website

Ristorante Napoli

Located in the heart of Rotterdam's city center on the bustling Meent, you’ll find Ristorante Napoli, a wonderfully laid-back Italian restaurant. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of dishes, including the classic Spaghetti alle Vongole and the flavorful Pizza Caprese, as well as ‘Il Menu Speciale’ featuring seasonal creations by the chef. As the perfect spot for an Italian meal in Rotterdam, Ristorante Napoli is run by owner Fabrizio Pigliapochi, who continues the family tradition started by his father years ago. Enjoy a variety of antipasti, from sardines to Tuscan tomato soup, as well as delightful pastas or pizzas, all served in a relaxed atmosphere where you’ll feel right at home.

Visit the Website

Due Tonino

Due Tonino, located on the lively Goudsesingel, is a truly authentic Italian family restaurant in Rotterdam. Run by two Italians, Cosimo Walter Spalluto and Tonino Arsieni, Due Tonino is known for its traditional Italian dishes. Since 1991, these two men, along with their team, have been offering a traditional concept where you can enjoy a quick pasta or pizza, but also primi, secondi, and dolci. At Due Tonino, the two Italian men rule the kitchen, and that Italian touch is evident in every dish they serve. In addition to the fixed menu, there are always seasonal specials to enjoy. In short, Due Tonino is one of the best Italian restaurants in Rotterdam where you can savor the true flavors of Italy.

Visit the Website

GULIANO

Enjoy an unforgettable lunch experience at GULIANO, one of our favorite restaurants in the bustling center of Rotterdam. This is the perfect place for delicious Italian sandwiches, salads, and meatballs that will make your mouth water and leave you satisfied for hours. GULIANO brings a delightful Italian flavor with a New York twist. The tastes of the Italian countryside and culinary Brooklyn blend seamlessly here, making each bite a culinary adventure. Experience the unique atmosphere and the efficiency of fast service while enjoying lunch in the heart of Rotterdam. Taste legendary sandwich specialties like Ed’s Pastrami, Bistecca, Vitello Tonnato, Gallo, Rachel’s, Carne Cruda, and of course, the irresistible GULIANO’s Truffle Burger.

Visit the Website

Nerello

Discover the newest Italian gem in Kralingen: Nerello. Here, you won’t find pizzas, but instead a refined selection of authentic Italian antipasti, primo, secondo, and desserts. At Nerello, food is served just like in Italy, and this restaurant on the Oostzeedijk has quickly become a must-visit hotspot in Rotterdam. Expect no pizzas but enjoy authentic Italian dishes, prepared with love and passion by owner Roberto, who draws inspiration from his Sicilian background. The love for good, honest products is central at Nerello, where you can savor a modern, creative twist on traditional Italian dishes.

Visit the Website

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 home-style atmosphere comes to life, complete with an open kitchen where the delicious dishes are prepared. As a true master in the kitchen, Peppe uses his personality to treat his guests to flavorful dishes. Osteria Sala Federico offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy a wonderful Italian dinner, where quality and passion come first. Stop by and experience an unforgettable evening filled with Italian hospitality and culinary indulgence.

Visit the Website

Spaghettata

Welcome to Spaghettata on the Nieuwe Binnenweg, where you can enjoy pizza, pasta, and antipasti in a cozy and laid-back atmosphere. Here, the art of pasta making is taken seriously, just like in traditional spaghetterias in Italy. In our very own artisan workshop, the laboratorio artigianale, we prepare various types of pasta according to traditional methods. In the evening, these fresh pastas are cooked by our Italian chefs into seven different dishes on the daily changing menu. The dishes are straightforward and based on traditional recipes, packed with fresh ingredients and full of flavor. The relaxed and honest way of cooking is reflected in the service and atmosphere of Spaghettata, where young people with enthusiasm, hospitality, and a touch of Italian flair serve the dishes in a lively environment. Whether you want to take your time for an extensive dinner or fancy a quick and tasty meal, Spaghettata offers something for everyone. End your meal with a delicious tiramisu, espresso, or a homemade sgroppino or limoncello. Benvenuto a Spaghettata!

Visit the Website

Oliva

Discover the Italian culinary gem on Witte de Withstraat: Oliva. Since 2001, Oliva has been a well-known name in Rotterdam, where love for Italian cuisine and hospitality come together. Chef Rogier and his team prepare beautiful dishes that fit the season, while host Sven ensures a varied selection of drinks. The daily changing menus and specialties are a reason to return regularly. Next to Oliva is Gusto, another creation by owner Alex Verburg, which is also a popular choice in the area. With two decades of experience, Verburg guarantees quality, and both Oliva and Gusto excel in offering an unforgettable culinary experience. Come and taste the flavors and enjoy a culinary evening at Oliva.

Visit the Website

Osteria Liz

Discover the hidden gem of Rotterdam-Noord: Osteria Liz, located on a cozy square in the Liskwartier. This search is absolutely worth it. In a chaotic yet cozy setting, you can treat yourself to small, classic dishes with a twist and delicious 'pizzettes', such as the Mortadellaza with mortadella, cream, and pistachio pesto. Osteria Liz is the typical Italian neighborhood osteria, where authentic Italian dishes are served with a unique spin. The restaurant is a friendly meeting place for young and old, friends and family. Named after both the neighborhood (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 had success with the Asian bistro Noni. At Osteria Liz, it's all about sharing small plates, Italian style. From antipasti to various piatti and pizzettes, there's something for everyone. Enjoy a typical Italian aperitif or a fine glass of wine and imagine yourself in Italy for a while.

Visit the Website

Osteria Vicini

Discover the charming meeting place in the heart of Kralingen: Osteria Vicini. This restaurant welcomes you all day long, where people from far and wide come together to enjoy a glass of wine, panini, pizza, or pasta. The atmosphere is cozy, and the service is always attentive. At Vicini, you can taste the true essence of Italy with simple, honest dishes. In the morning, you can drop in for a coffee and a newspaper, in the afternoon, enjoy the best focaccia in Rotterdam, and in the evening, gather with your family for a delightful dinner. Osteria Vicini, located on the corner of the Kortekade in lively Kralingen, has been a neighborhood staple since 2011. As a true gathering spot for locals, it serves as the second living room of Kralingen. Here, you can enjoy authentic Italian dishes like pizza, pasta, and various antipasti, all made with quality ingredients. The restaurant opens its doors early in the morning, so you can also enjoy a coffee and a light breakfast or a satisfying lunch with panini. Whether you're just coming for a glass of wine with a snack platter or for a full meal, you are always welcome at Osteria Vicini!

Visit the Website