Restobar Vista opened its doors in Rotterdam on July 15. It is the second restaurant of Ingrid and Henrie van der Heijden, who also own the star restaurant Vista in Willemstad. In this new restaurant you can enjoy culinary delights and a unique view.
Hostess Ingrid and chef Henrie van der Heijden previously worked together in top businesses before running their own top restaurant 't Raadhuis in Heinenoord from 2011 to 2016. They outgrew their space and opened restaurant Vista in Willemstad in 2016, which was awarded a Michelin star in December 2017. In 2020, Henrie obtained the title of SVH Master Chef. That sounds promising!
The new restaurant is run by chef Kimmo Geus and hostess Nikki Bijtenhoorn. Henrie van der Heijden: “Kimmo has been my sous chef in Willemstad for a long time and previously worked as a sous chef at top establishments such as Meliefste in Wolphaartsdijk, Parceel in Capelle aan den IJssel and Parkheuvel in Rotterdam. Our daughter Nikki also has her traces in Vista Willemstad and she and Kimmo will run our Rotterdam business according to our philosophy. Maître-sommelier is Pieter van Hoof, he has a lot of experience at top restaurants in the Eindhoven and Rotterdam region. Our base remains in Willemstad, but in the first few months we will be in Rotterdam almost every day to help build up the restaurant.”
Vista stands for a wide view over the water, for hospitality and culinary enjoyment at a high level, and for freedom. And that panoramic view over the water is definitely a fact. Restobar Vista is located on the ground floor of the De Rotterdam building, on the Wilhelminapier in Rotterdam's Kop van Zuid. So here you look over the water of the Nieuwe Maas, the Erasmus Bridge and the skyline of Rotterdam.
Vista's concept is that of a restobar: expect an à la carte menu with high-quality snacks and dishes in a casual atmosphere, with a focus on good wines. The menu is also proof that Vista stands for freedom. Instead of a fixed multi-course menu, the focus is on the à la carte menu. It includes dishes such as carpaccio, vongole with green curry, langoustines à la plancha, North Sea sole fried on the bone, ribeye with béarnaise sauce, tournedos and Vista classics such as linguine with farm egg and truffle and the Vista oyster. The prices of the starters vary from €15 to €26 and the main courses from €22.50 to €55 for the North Sea sole. There is also a menu with distinctive bites and a three-course lunch menu for €49.50.
Jeroen Smeele from SMEELE Design was chosen for the interior design. He designed a soft, light and stylish interior with the shades of blue and pink in the leading role and in which the blue refers to the water. Ingrid van der Heijden: “The water is reflected in the blue tones of the wall coverings and the upholstery of the chairs. The semi-circular sofas are covered with soft pink upholstery and both shades are subtly reflected on the table in water glasses and side plates and more prominently in various accessories. Eye-catchers are the special elongated white hanging lamps in the shape of spindles, the flower bouquets and the furniture on which we present the cheeses.
Sitting at the dining bar you look directly into the open kitchen, making the bar also a chef's table. The rear part of the restaurant is suitable for private dining, with room for up to 20 people. We are also very happy with the terrace. Here you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the water and Rotterdam while dining.”
Vista's wine list offers more than 300 wines, mainly from Europe, but also from South Africa and North America. Ingrid van der Heijden: “The wine list reflects our own taste and includes older vintages of Burgundy wines. We also pay a lot of attention to cocktails, both with and without alcohol.”
Restobar Vista is open from Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. When are you visiting?