In the Old Harbor-area of Rotterdam Matelief has opened its doors. The new restaurant has a sunny terrace, overviewing the classic ships, the White House and the Willemsbrug,
At the iconic location, famous sailors from history come back to life. The walls are adorned with striking works of art of sea heroes by artist Barre Verkerke. The name derives from the heroine Maria Matelief. She was born in Rotterdam in the late 1500s. The widow of a herring merchant and with seven children, she managed to hold her own in the male-dominated shipping world. Pablo Cortes Garcia says: “The character of Rotterdam shipping and that of Maria Matelief are reflected in the restaurant. The interior is bold thanks to the bright colours and bold art on the walls. The menu is tough, with lots of appetisers, fish dishes and strong, matching beers. At the same time, there is also a soft and feminine side; this is reflected in the warm lighting plan, the sophistication of the dishes and through the round shapes of the bar and benches.”
Thanks to the extensive drinks and dinner menu, there is something for everyone to choose from at Matelief. The menu includes quality fish dishes, such as roasted halibut with ratatouille and a whole dorado from the grill. For meat lovers, the menu includes a tender beef ribeye with chimichurri and a guinea fowl fillet with gnocchi. Prefer no fish or meat? Even then there is ample choice, such as grilled pumpkin with candied onion cream or jackfruit shoarma.
