Nestled in the Crooswijk of Rotterdam is Bar Alaska, sister of the infamous Café Marseille, sharing the same intimate, cosy and glaringly cool vibes. There's the usual cohort of sharing plates, snacks and bites to munch on aside a glass of chilled pinot noir, though it's the themed nights that set this neighbourhood hangout apart. We're here for the Sicilian Nights, the 1 euro oyster Sundays and the occasional "Rott. Rebel. Run" block party. If a steaming crater-shaped pan of paella is waiting on the terrace, we'll happily run for miles.  

In the sunniest corner spot on Noordplein by the Rotte, Wolly serves breakfast and brunch classics such as loaded pancakes and avocado toast alongside kimchi grilled cheese and soft brioche sandwiches filled with burrata and mortadella. The menu also features their rotating guilty croissants (think raspberry with rose or lemon meringue), plus a solid selection of specialty coffees. With a lively terrace overlooking the water, a laid-back interior and a running club setting off every Sunday at 8:30 am, it’s the ideal stop to start your day in Rotterdam. 

Hungry but also fancy something healthy, Mecca is a Middle Eastern breakfast and lunch spot that will satisfy your early morning cravings. 

If we could have a constant rotation of these bouquets in our house then we would. Open for nearly 30 years, 's Zomers know a thing or two about flowers! A romantic gift, or a treat for yourself; peruse for your bouquet before taking a look at the home decor, and grabbing a drinking at the botanical café.