Pleasantly surprised by the food. Though not the highest quality the taste is great! Especially with the price. You get great portions for the price. Servers were great, kind and very attentive. Food came really quickly as well. The paloma was a bit sweet though and the gin and tonic didnβt have any garnish, but really enjoyed my time here.
Overview
Bar Picar located at Schiedamse Vest 154, 3011 BH Rotterdam, Netherlands, is the kind of spot that feels both inviting and energetic. The atmosphere here is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a casual meal or drinks with friends, without the pretense of a formal dining experience. Whether you're a local or just visiting Rotterdam, itβs a place that blends simplicity with great taste.
As soon as you step inside, you're greeted by a warm, laid-back vibe. The interior is modern yet cozy, with simple decor that doesnβt try too hard but still manages to make you feel comfortable. Thereβs something about the space that makes it perfect for a relaxed evening-whether you're popping in for a quick bite or planning to linger over drinks.
One of the first things that stand out at Bar Picar is its diverse menu. The restaurant offers a mix of Mediterranean-inspired dishes that cater to various tastes. Youβll find everything from hearty tapas to lighter, refreshing salads. Whatβs particularly great is the ability to try a bit of everything, making it ideal for group dining. Each dish is packed with flavors, but it never feels overwhelming-just the right balance.
If you're a fan of seafood, their grilled octopus is a must-try. Itβs perfectly cooked, tender with a nice char on the edges, and served with a zesty sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the seafood. Another popular dish is their Patatas Bravas, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, topped with a spicy aioli that gives it a nice kick. They also have a fantastic selection of meats, including a tender slow-roasted lamb that practically melts in your mouth.
But the menu doesnβt stop there. For those looking for something lighter or vegetarian, Bar Picar has a range of salads and small bites. The Mediterranean mezze platter, with its array of olives, hummus, and warm pita bread, is always a crowd-pleaser. Itβs the perfect dish to share as you sip on a glass of wine or one of their expertly mixed cocktails.
Speaking of drinks, Bar Picar has a well-curated wine list, featuring both local and international selections that pair perfectly with their menu. The bartenders here really know their craft. Whether you're in the mood for a classic gin and tonic or something a bit more adventurous, the drink menu has you covered. Their house cocktails are a hit, especially the Picar Mojito, which is refreshing and balanced.
Another thing to appreciate about Bar Picar is its attentive yet unobtrusive service. The staff is always friendly and willing to offer recommendations, whether itβs suggesting the best wine to pair with your dish or just making sure youβre having a good time. They strike the right balance between being helpful and giving you the space to enjoy your meal.
As for location, the restaurantβs spot on Schiedamse Vest is another perk. Itβs centrally located in Rotterdam, making it easy to find whether you're in the area for shopping or sightseeing. The relaxed vibe of the restaurant fits well with the bustling street, offering a nice retreat for anyone looking to step off the busy streets and unwind.
Over the years, Bar Picar has earned its reputation for good food and great atmosphere, with many locals and visitors leaving positive reviews. The ambiance, food, and drinks are consistently praised, and itβs clear why this spot has garnered a loyal following. While thereβs no shortage of dining options in Rotterdam, Bar Picar stands out as a reliable choice for a night out or a casual meal. The food is always fresh, and the service is friendly, which makes it a perfect spot for any occasion.
Whether youβre stopping by for a quick snack, a leisurely dinner, or drinks with friends, Bar Picar makes it easy to enjoy a great experience. Youβll feel like part of the neighborhood the moment you walk in, and itβs this welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back for more.
Good to know
Service options
β Outdoor seating β Delivery β Takeaway β Dine-inHighlights
β Great beer selection β Great cocktails β Great coffee β Great dessert β Great tea selection β Great wine listPopular for
β Dinner β Solo diningAccessibility
β Wheelchair-accessible entrance β Wheelchair-accessible seating β Wheelchair-accessible toilet β Assistive hearing loopOfferings
β Alcohol β Beer β Cocktails β Coffee β Halal food β Healthy options β Late-night food β Small plates β Spirits β Vegan options β Vegetarian options β WineDining options
β Dinner β Dessert β Seating β Table serviceAmenities
β Bar on site β Gender-neutral toilets β Toilet β Wi-Fi β Wi-FiAtmosphere
β Casual β Cosy β Romantic β TrendyCrowd
β Family friendly β Groups β LGBTQ+ friendly β Tourists β Transgender safe space β University studentsPlanning
β Dinner reservations recommended β Accepts reservationsPayments
β Credit cards β Debit cards β NFC mobile paymentsChildren
β Good for kids β High chairs β Kids' menuParking
β Paid multi-storey car park β Paid parking lot β Paid street parkingPets
β Dogs allowed β Dogs allowed inside β Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
Location
Reviews
the ambiance in this restaurant is unreal! we spent a wonderful evening at bar picar, enjoying the delicious food and drinks. the service was very fast and friendly, and the menu very original. i was especially impressed by the miso aubergine and the steak tartar, the flavour combinations of both were perfectly balanced and surprising :) only 1 small thing is that sometimes the dishes were not very warm, but that of course can happen, especially with such a busy restaurant. we will definitely be back soon!
Atmosphere is great, and food was good. Perfect to share the dishes with each other. Service was rather slow and not attentive, multiple waiters just walked passed without even looking. So this could be improved.
Bar picar is a rising star from the city! -Excellent location -Easy to make a reservation -Kind and friendly staff -Beautiful decoration -Cool and cozy ambiance -Great menu (different options for tapas and great selection of drinks) - Tasty and well presented dishes -Prices can be slightly higher but for the reasons above might be justified. Definitely recommend this place for any occasion. Wishing the best to Bar Picar!
This restaurant was absolutely the best we visited in Rotterdam. The staff were friendly and willing to change the food to suit my allergies. The food was delicious. I also recommend the vegan pistachio dessert tramisu, it was delicious. Our dog was allowed inside which was fine with us. We will definitely visit this restaurant again. I think other cities in the Netherlands have it too.
I was a big fan of Vegitalian before and was happy to know they were opening in Rotterdam, finally! I got the invite for the opening night and got a nice deal for the food. While our entree and dessert were delicious and well seasoned the main pasta dishes were missing a bit of flavor but the ingredients were all very good quality. The service was also very receptive but when we arrived they didnβt have a table for our reservation ready. But that didnβt detract much from the experience. I am definitely coming back to try the other dishes and I hope they will have a bit more salt ;)