A well-filled sandwich is still a true classic in Dutch food culture, and rightfully so! Whether it’s a simple slice of cheese (which we honestly love too), or a generously topped sandwich you can really sit down and enjoy. Perfect for lunch, a quick bite in between, or a moment to catch up over a cup of coffee.
Looking for a new spot, or just need a reminder of that one amazing sandwich you can grab during your break or this weekend? Rotterdam is packed with great lunch places, that choosing can be tricky. That’s why we’ve listed some of our favourite sandwich spots for you.
Be sure to also check out these great lunch spots in Rotterdam!
1. Guliano
We – and basically everyone we know – love Guliano’s sandwiches. This lunch restaurant is a mix of Italian and New York flavors and on the menu you will find sandwiches such as Ed’s Pastrami, Bistecca, Vitello Tonnato, Gallo, the GULIANO’s Truffle burger and much more.
Although a lot of meat and cheese is used, there are also very tasty options for vegans and vegetarians.
The truffle mayonnaise is certainly something you don’t want to miss when visiting Guliano; it’s something many people come back for.
Address
Meent 31A, 3011 JC Rotterdam
Zalmstraat 9, 3016 DS Rotterdam
2. La Zia Maria
Looking for an Italian sandwich? Then La Zia Maria is the place for you! It is a shop with Italian specialties such as wine, cheese and olive oil, you can pick up delicious food and there are even a few tables available.
In addition to authentic lasagna, pasta and pizza, they also have freshly made paninis. Really worth it!
Address
Nieuwe Binnenweg 222A, 3021 GM Rotterdam
3. Daruma Matcha Cafe
You’ll need to be quick with this pop-up! For a limited time, you’ll find this lovely spot inside the Groothandelsgebouw. We’ve already been enjoying their matcha drinks at Nishi for a while, but this summer they’re running a pop-up serving delicious sandos.
A sando is a Japanese sandwich made with soft, fluffy white bread and a filling that can be either savoury or sweet. There are several options on the menu, including peanut miso tsukune, peach bbq tsukune, chicken curry and smoked ponzu mackerel.
They don’t yet know how long they’ll be staying, so don’t leave it too long.
Address
Stationsplein 45, 3013 AK Rotterdam
4. De Kade
If you’re after great food, West-Kruiskade is the place to be. And of course, De Kade is one of our favourite spots for a Surinamese sandwich. This Rotterdam classic is well known among locals. As well as delicious sandwiches, you’ll also find other Surinamese-Chinese dishes and a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options.
There are plenty of sandwiches to choose from, but our favourites are the salt cod, chicken curry and cha siu.
Address
West-Kruiskade 17B, 3014 AJ Rotterdam
5. Sandwich Cult
by Steven van Olphen
Stooges has expanded its concept, and you can now stop by from Wednesday to Friday for some seriously good sandwiches. The menu is inspired by an American diner, but with a Rotterdam twist, of course.
One of the highlights is the ‘Rotterdam Reuben’, a delicious pastrami sandwich with a special sauce. You can also choose from options such as a BLT, hot chicken or miso shiitake. Plenty to work your way through.
Sandwiches are available until 3 pm. After that, they make way for the smash burgers.
Address
Goudsesingel 204, 3011 KD Rotterdam
6. MONO coffeebar
You might already know MONO as a place to go out, but during the day it turns into a brilliant coffee bar where you can also settle in with your laptop. With changing artwork on the walls, there’s a creative atmosphere that makes it a great place to focus and find some new inspiration.
MONO Coffee is also a great shout for food and drinks. They serve proper coffee, unusual drinks and some seriously tasty sandwiches. Try the Forest Mushroom with mushrooms, garlic butter, truffle mayonnaise and Parmesan, or the Smoked Salmon with cream cheese. Complete the meal with regular or sweet potato fries.
Address
Vijverhofstraat 15, 3032 SB Rotterdam
7. Lemon’s Deli
Another great place for sandwiches. You can choose between focaccia and sourdough, and just like at a proper deli, you can either build your own sandwich with your favourite toppings or order something from the regular menu.
They serve proper Italian-style focaccia with fillings such as mortadella or Salemi aubergine, which is even better with soft, creamy burrata. If you’re in the mood for a good pastrami sandwich, their smoky pastrami is also well worth trying.
They regularly come up with new creations too. Previous specials have included a homemade kaassoufflé and a shrimp toast that even had Snackspert driving all the way from Amsterdam to try it. Plenty of reason to keep popping back.
Address
Pannekoekstraat 18, 3011 LG Rotterdam
8. Bagel Bagel
What started out as a pop-up now has a permanent home on Zwaanshals. Here you’ll find delicious New York-style bagels with as many homemade spreads as possible. Go for a tuna melt, a lox bagel or simply one with cream cheese. One thing’s for sure: they’re definitely not stingy with the ‘smear’.
Well worth a visit if you’re craving a proper New York-style bagel.
Address
Zwaanshals 430, 3035 KT Rotterdam
9. La Mozza
Cheese lovers, take note. Right in the centre of Rotterdam you’ll find La Mozza, where everything revolves around mozzarella-filled sandwiches. We went for their bestseller: the Mozza Cheesesteak, made with thinly sliced ribeye and plenty of melted mozzarella.
A great stop if you’re in the mood for a hearty, cheesy sandwich.
Address
Karel Doormanstraat 360, 3012 GR Rotterdam
10. Nice Neighborhood
A lovely neighbourhood café serving good coffee and tasty sandwiches. One of you recommended the chicken sandwich to us, so naturally we had to give it a try. And it definitely didn’t disappoint.
A great spot for coffee, lunch or simply a really good sandwich.
Address
Hoogstraat 42, 3011 PR Rotterdam
11. Il Capo
Another great place for authentic Italian sandwiches is Il Capo. This lunchroom is located on the Lusthofstraat in Kralingen.
The specialty of this Italian trattoria is the delicious Italian ciabatta. Every day the homemade breads are baked by themselves and topped with fresh Italian ingredients. Highly recommended!
Address
Lusthofstraat 45, 3061 WK Rotterdam
12. Bun
At BUN they prepare delicious fresh sandwiches. The dough of the sandwiches is made by hand and baked in their stone oven.
Order one of the richly filled sandwiches at the bar and then take a seat in the booth. Or find a spot on the sunny terrace!
The sandwiches look simple at first glance, but expect a real taste sensation. There is something for everyone, such as the delicious Vegan Chorizo with spiced tempeh from the oven, vegetable lemon mayonnaise, salsa verde, arugula and tomato. The menu changes regularly, so there is a good chance that you can taste something different during your visit.
Address
Nieuwe Binnenweg 256B, 3021 GP Rotterdam
13. Bento Café
Located on the Weena, Bentō Café serves sando’s, Japanese sandwiches made with milk bread and a variety of fillings. We tried the chicken karaage and it was absolutely delicious! Their bento boxes are also well worth trying.
Owner Chris has extensive culinary experience and previously worked in a fine dining restaurant. However, he missed the creative freedom and decided to start his own business.
Address
Weena-Zuid 146, 3012 NC Rotterdam
14. Sandies and Coffee
Right by Station Bergweg, you’ll find Sandies and Coffee, a cosy spot for tasty sandwiches and quality coffee. Rita and Sven, known from Mecca Oasis, are behind this new concept, inspired by classic New York delis.
Their menu includes flavour-packed options like egg chilli cheese and mortadella, all served on focaccia.
Address
Voorburgstraat 221, 3037 EN Rotterdam
15. Kiem Foei
A classic on the West Kruiskade when it comes to Surinamese sandwiches, for over 35 years! Their soft rolls with flavourful fillings are definitely worth trying. In the mood for something spicy? Go for the Broodje Dynamite. Prefer something more traditional? Try the Broodje Pom, a hearty Surinamese favourite.
Address
West Kruiskade 57A, 3014 AM Rotterdam
16. Jordy’s Bakery
Jordy’s Bakery is a great place for a nice lunch with two locations in Rotterdam. Many Rotterdammers are familiar with Jordy’s Bakery, especially with the delicious bread they sell here. You can really taste the quality and that they know their trade.
The artisan breads are made with pure, honest ingredients and made according to a traditional French recipe. The breads do not contain any e-numbers, preservatives, bread improvers or flavour enhancers. Because no dairy such as butter or milk is used in the bread, the bread is also a vegan product.
There are several locations of Jordy’s Bakery, namely in Kralingen, Fenix Food Factory and the Nieuwe Binnenweg. Jordy’s Bakery also recently opened a new location on Noordplein.
Address
Nieuwe Binnenweg 97A, 3014 GG Rotterdam
Vlietlaan 52, 3061 DZ Rotterdam
Nico Koomanskade, 3072 AN Rotterdam (Fenix Food Factory)
Noordplein 25, 3035 EC Rotterdam
17. Vlaamsch Broodhuys
Vlaamsch Broodhuys is a wonderful place to have breakfast, brunch or lunch with a nice sandwich. Here they serve super tasty bread, made in their own bakery.
Choose from their extensive menu and pick one of their freshly made Dimitri sandwiches, such as the Avocado sandwich, Bonito Tuna or delicious farmers’ cheese.
Also nice to try are the different toasted sandwiches, such as those with goat cheese or tuna melt.
Address
Meent 8a, 3011 JJ Rotterdam
Nieuwe Binnenweg 127B, 3014 GJ Rotterdam
18. A Coffee place called NEIGHBORHOOD
Here they sell delicious Italian sandwiches and great coffee. Take a seat in their stylish, minimalist restaurant and order one of the many freshly made sandwiches with a cup of coffee or tasty smoothie.
Don’t know which sandwich to choose? Our favorite (so far) is the delicious caprese with mozzarella, arugula, basil, tomato, fresh pesto and pine nuts. A classic!
Address
Herenplaats 1, 3011 LP Rotterdam
19. Chinny
Sometimes you’re just in the mood for a tasty Surinamese sandwich. At Chinny they have enough options, with for example Pom, cod or curry chicken. You can find Chinny on the Lijnbaan, Hoogstraat and at the Alexandrium shopping center.
Address
Lijnbaan 41, 3012 EK Rotterdam
Hoogstraat 160, 3011 PV Rotterdam
Woonmall Alexandrium, Watermanweg 3, 3067 GA Rotterdam
20. Boguette
If you have ever been to Vietnam, a bánh mì must sound familiar to you. These fresh French baguettes are topped with different meats or tofu, prepared in a Vietnamese way.
In combination with a delicious special mayonnaise, vegetables, coriander and chili, the bánh mì is an absolute favorite!
Address
Botersloot 60A, 3011 HJ Rotterdam
21. Kaaspaleis
This spot is a real favourite among locals in Blijdorp! Around lunchtime, you can expect a bit of a queue. Just walk in and pick a sandwich, freshly made to order.
Fish lovers can go for the homemade salmon salad or mackerel filet americain. Fancy something warm? Choose a sandwich with warm ham, piri piri or roast beef with onions!
Address
Statenweg 100, 3039 TJ Rotterdam
22. Wolly aan de Waterkant
You will find Wolly aan de Waterkant on the sunny corner of Noordplein. You are welcome here seven days a week from 08:00 to 16:00 for an all-day breakfast, good coffee and tasty pastries. And you’re also in the right place for a sandwich!
Here they serve different sandwiches, such as a crayfish sandwich. Well worth it!
Address
Noordplein 1, 3035 EA Rotterdam
23. La Cabane de Fabian
La Cabane de Fabian is a cosy eatery on the Bergweg in Rotterdam North, known for its generously filled sandwiches and tasty hot dishes. The menu offers a mix of French, Italian, Spanish and Dutch influences. A top pick? The Pig & Truffle sandwich with slow-cooked pork with truffle mayo, so good!
In the evening, you’ll find dishes like coq au vin, tagliatelle with truffle cream sauce, or a good old-fashioned stamppot. The vibe is relaxed and the staff super friendly, making it a great spot for lunch or dinner.
Address
Bergweg 152a, 3036 BK Rotterdam
24. Forza
In the heart of the city centre on Pannekoekstraat, you’ll find Forza. With a proper Italian sandwich and a good coffee, it’s a solid spot for lunch. Using fresh ingredients, quality Italian charcuterie and cheeses, it’s definitely a place worth trying for a sandwich.
Address
Pannekoekstraat 82A 3011 LM Rotterdam
Gotten hungry yet? Let us know what your go-to sandwich hotspot is in Rotterdam, that we should definitely include in our list!
