During my visit to the Netherlands, I took a day trip to Rotterdam, the country’s second-largest city. This modern Dutch city had only been a pass-through for me while driving to The Hague, so I was eager to explore it further. Much of Rotterdam was bombed during World War II, resulting in a contemporary urban landscape following its reconstruction.

Knowing about the non-profit organization Big Apple Greeters, which offers free private walking tours of New York City, I contacted the international greeters’ Netherlands chapter and arranged a tour in Rotterdam with David Young from Rotterdam Greeters.

After an enjoyable morning walking the streets and taking a boat taxi along the Nieuwe Maas River, we arrived at Restaurant Putaine. This restaurant is situated on a pontoon in Rotterdam, offering stunning views of the river and the city skyline. Recommended by Michelin, Putaine specializes in modern French cuisine, featuring an à la carte menu with creative dishes crafted from fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced Dutch ingredients.

We started with their fabulous breads, accompanied by addictive caramelized butter infused with sourdough miso and a hint of balsamic vinegar, paired with their delicious bread. It was so good that we both almost filled up on it.

I started with the raw pickled langoustine with a cream made from BBQ yuzu sosho and tonka bean (£23), my dining partner had their beets with black currant and horseradish creme.

We both had their tender poached cod (£23 small portion; £34 large) served with a foam sauce made from dashi.

With no time for dessert, we hightailed it to the train station so I could grab my train back to Den Haag for dinner with my family.

I highly recommend a visit to Rotterdam,  The Greeters and Poutaine.

Restaurant Putaine,
Antoine Platekade 996
3072 ME Rotterdam, Netherlands
+31 6 28510545
restaurantputaine.nl