New and Very Good: Restobar VISTA in Rotterdam

What does restobar mean?

They have only been open for ten weeks; Ingrid and Henrie opened Restobar VISTA in mid-July. They have not really been discovered yet, although they recently received an 8.2 in AD. We would like to add another point to that. We never give report-card grades, but this certainly deserves an 8.5. The term restobar refers to a hospitality venue with a bar vibe, but where the dishes go far beyond traditional bar bites. Here, you can order high-quality bites and à la carte dishes in a relaxed atmosphere, with a focus on good wines and (alcohol-free) cocktails.

Great location

Restobar VISTA is located on the ground floor of Gebouw Rotterdam. By the water, on the Wilhelminapier on the Kop van Zuid. For anyone who is not (very) familiar with Rotterdam, here are a few landmarks. It is around the corner from the food halls and Las Palmas (known for Herman den Blijker). VISTA refers to the expansive view you have here: over the Nieuwe Maas, the Erasmus Bridge and Rotterdam’s skyline. Inside, there are lots of light colours (light blue and light pink), an open kitchen where you can eat at the bar, and at the back an (open) private dining room for up to 15 people.

When we eat here on Sunday evening, that room is occupied, and some of the tables are occupied too. Lots of couples. Some, like us, at round tables in a moon-shaped sofa; others at tables by the window. The service is relaxed but impeccable, the pace perfect, and then there are the dishes…

Delicious bites

We start with a Sparkling Tea from Copenhagen Sparkling Tea (called Bla), made with black, white and green tea, among other ingredients, as well as spicy tea leaves. Sparkling Tea is the brainchild of an award-winning Danish sommelier who was looking for an alcohol-free drink to enjoy with good food—and that is exactly what this is. It has a lovely grown-up bite, is fresh and layered, and pairs perfectly with the Indian street-food snack ‘Pani Puri’ with tuna and mango (€7.50). The alcohol-free mojito is also very tasty, by the way. 

Ingrid brings a bowl of lightly spiced pecans and delicious warm white bread with a good crust, butter and tuna dip with crispy capers. And also a surprise from the kitchen, because Ingrid wants us to taste it: a beautiful egg filled with tomato, basil, Rotterdam aged cheese and a crisp made from puffed rice. An unbelievably delicious and light little dish. Definitely order it; it is on the menu for six euros. 

Pure, fresh and elegant

Next, a tiradito of sea bass with fennel is served (€18). Deliciously fresh, and once again the beautiful plates catch our eye (Inku by Serax, for enthusiasts). Also incredibly tasty is the dish of stracciatella with various preparations of beetroot on top of a mild olive pesto, with tomatoes, round flat croutons and a gazpacho vinaigrette (€16). Everything is incredibly delicious; with every dish, we literally scrape the plates clean. The ingredients are top quality, and the flavours are pure, fresh and elegant. We are told they do not want a star here, but with Henrie and his kitchen team, you eat exceptionally well.

Main courses 

The main courses are top-class too. We order half a lobster, gratinated with basil and spinach (€35), and turbot fillet with Jerusalem artichoke in a delicious beurre blanc sauce with samphire and crispy Jerusalem artichoke (€35). What flavours, and what perfect preparation!

We also order two side dishes: crispy fries with truffle and Parmesan (€8.50), and bimi with pumpkin seeds and a velvety sauce (€7.50). Here too, everything is beautifully balanced. There are no overpowering flavours anywhere; Henri operates on the cutting edge and knows exactly how to strike the right balance between ultimate comfort food and fine dining.

Opening hours and location of Restobar VISTA

You can probably tell: we will definitely be back! For the delicious food, the service and the terrace, where you can also sit wonderfully when the weather is good. Restobar VISTA is open from Tuesday through Saturday. Lunch from 12:00–14:30, dinner from 17:30–21:15. Go on, give it a try!