A table d’hôte with Rotterdam down to earth character and seasonal dishes.

De Matroos en het Meisje has been a well known spot on the corner of Deliplein for years. The name refers to the Kaap’s maritime past, but inside it is all about relaxed dining. Guests travel from across the Netherlands and beyond for the strong price quality ratio and laid back atmosphere. There is one menu. You do not choose what you eat, only how many courses. The chef cooks with the seasons and keeps surprising guests. Co owner Taco de Vos is the familiar face in the restaurant. Eva is the founder.

So you eat what is served?
Taco: “Yes, basically. Unless you are vegetarian or have allergies, of course we take that into account. We do not offer a vegan menu, we simply love butter, cheese and eggs too much. You decide how many courses you want. Our approach is simple. It just has to taste good. We want you to crave another bite with every dish.”

Can you only come for dinner?
“We are open seven days a week. On Fridays and during the weekend you can also join us for lunch. On Fridays we serve a three course menu at a friendly price. On Saturday or Sunday lunch you can go all in with six courses if you like. Booking is smart. We have space for 40 guests and work with one seating per shift. The idea is that you sit back, relax and let the evening unfold in a full restaurant with a good atmosphere.”

What about the wine list?
Eva:“Taco has taken the wine list to the next level. We now offer around 200 wines, mainly special European gems that are rare and still affordable. There is something for everyone, and we are proud of that. We consciously work without fixed wine pairings. We prefer to match the wine to the guest’s taste at that moment.”