Markthal — Restaurant in Rotterdam

Markthal – Food, Art & Architecture in One Unmissable Stop Review by TourGuys

As local guides with TourGuys, we stop at the Markthal on nearly every tour — and honestly, it never gets old. Whether it's someone’s first time in Rotterdam or their fifth, this place always impresses.

The Markthal is much more than a food market — it’s one of the most iconic and multi-layered experiences in the city. Opened in 2014, it blends architecture, gastronomy, art, and city life into one giant horseshoe-shaped masterpiece.

What makes it truly unique?

A massive arch-shaped residential building with over 200 apartments A lively indoor food market with local, Dutch, and international stalls (perfect for tasting stroopwafels or Surinamese roti!) A transparent glass façade on both sides — the largest of its kind in Europe And of course: the ceiling artwork, known as The Horn of Plenty, a 11,000 m² digital mural of oversized fruits, flowers, and market scenes — Rotterdam’s very own Sistine Chapel of food. What many tourists don’t realize is that archaeological ruins were found here during construction, and you can actually spot them inside the floor windows. Another sign of how Rotterdam always builds forward, but never forgets the past.

From a tour guide’s perspective, the Markthal is the perfect place to talk about post-war innovation, urban renewal, and Rotterdam’s multicultural energy. We often end or pause tours here so guests can grab a snack, explore, and soak in the buzz.

🟡 Want the story behind the architecture, the artists, and the local snacks worth trying? Join a walking or bike tour at tourguys.nl — we’ll guide you through it all with a fresh...

Market Hall was a fun day out. I have honestly never been a fun of Rotterdam cause for me it lacks the charm and homely feeling of the medieval city Haarlem that I love but I have to I am starting to not compare it but enjoy Rotterdam in its own right.

its lovely to be able to park take the lift upstairs and have all these exciting choices of sweets, different kitchens and people impress upon you. From Spices to cheese to exclusive hams, rich wines and just every dag food u can find it all here.

I got some real old Rotterdam cheeses one aged for 24 months and the other from a year and a nice port to go with it from the same Store. Lovely old man took the time to explain to use the difference of the cheeses and what goes along with them and why Rotterdam Cheese is the real old cheese not the Old amsterdam. Ang you where right😉 I love it.

Oooh i have to tell u about this Greek resturant we ended up eating at.. i cant remember its name but i think is the only one there there is an option to sit on the market level but opt to go upstairs. the view is great. staff is so sweet and welcoming and patient and man oooh man the food is amazing we took a mixed fish and meet platter to share and there was more that enough for each person. Meat was tender, shrimps and octopus where deliciously crispy. served with fries and pitta bread. Food was great and extremely affordable.

And dessert!!! If u like coconuts you have got to stop by madame Coco they have coconut shavings filled with just about anything ginger and pepper, white chocolate, red velvet. it is simply sticky...

Markthal Rotterdam is an architectural and culinary wonder that seamlessly merges vibrant community life with cutting‑edge design. Conceived by MVRDV and opened in October 2014, the landmark horseshoe‑shaped building stretches 120 m long, soars 40 m high, and houses 228 apartments atop an expansive indoor market beneath twin glass façades spanning 4,000 cable‑hung panels .

Stepping inside, you’re enveloped by the “Horn of Plenty” — an 11,000 m² digital mural by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam, affectionately dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam.” This kaleidoscopic display of oversized fruits, veggies, fish, insects, and flowers dominates the vaulted ceiling and transforms a routine visit into a mesmerizing visual experience . The artwork isn’t merely decorative—it also softens sound, making the hall acoustically pleasant .

Beneath the art, over 100 market stalls offer an enticing array of fresh produce, cheeses, international cuisine, and street food. Add restaurants, retail shops, an Albert Heijn supermarket, and an underground parking garage housing 1,200 cars, and you have a one‑stop city hub .

The Markthal’s genius lies not only in its aesthetics but in its vision—revitalizing Rotterdam’s Laurenskwartier by blending food, housing, art, and commerce under one grand arch. With over 8 million annual visitors and glowing TripAdvisor ratings, it has become emblematic of the city’s renaissance and resilience . In essence, the Markthal is more than a market—it’s a spectacular celebration of life, community, and...