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Lake House Rotterdam Review: Wagyu A5 in the Bergse Bos

MissWidjaja — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 05:00:21 +0000

The first thing that struck me about Lake House Rotterdam was the location. Although its name says Rotterdam, the restaurant is technically in Bergschenhoek, in the Lage Bergse Bos. Sitting by the water made it feel much further away from the city.. I visited on a weekday, when it was pleasantly calm, and spent a long dinner overlooking the lake while enjoying one of the best steaks I have ever eaten. Considering I have travelled through Japan and eaten some incredible food there, that is not something I say lightly.

Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions and recommendations remain my own.

If location matters as much as food to you, this is the kind of restaurant that immediately slows your pace down.

A Restaurant Hidden Among the Trees

Lake House sits within the Lage Bergse Bos, one of Rotterdam's greenest areas. The drive there already feels different from being in the city centre.

As we approached the restaurant, I noticed how quiet everything became.

No trams passing by.

No busy shopping streets.

Just trees, water and a surprisingly elegant restaurant overlooking the lake.

On sunny days, I can imagine the terrace being one of the most beautiful places to have lunch in Rotterdam.

I also learned they regularly host live music events, although during our weekday visit the atmosphere was more relaxed and understated.

Personally, I enjoyed the quieter setting.

It allowed the food to take centre stage.

Starting with Serrano Ham and Ceviche

We began by sharing some Serrano ham.

Simple, but good quality.

It paired beautifully with a glass of wine and gave us time to study the menu, which is filled with premium cuts of meat, seafood and seasonal dishes.

For my starter, I chose the sea bass ceviche.

This was probably the only dish that disappointed me slightly.

The presentation was beautiful, and the fish itself tasted fresh, but I found the dish much more acidic than expected.

There was simply too much lemon juice for my personal taste.

I still finished it, but it lacked the balance I usually look for in a ceviche.

I noticed the beef carpaccio and beet carpaccio being served at a nearby table. Both looked excellent, and afterwards I wondered whether I should have chosen one of those instead.

The Miyazaki A5 Wagyu That Completely Won Me Over

The reason many people visit Lake House is for the meat selection, and after my meal I completely understand why.

For my main course, I ordered the Miyazaki A5 Wagyu. When I visited, the menu listed an approximately 180-gram portion. Current cuts, weights and prices may vary, as the Wagyu is offered as a premium speciality.

It is expensive, so this is very much a special-occasion order rather than an everyday steak.

And normally I think carefully before ordering the most premium item on a menu, as it was a family dinner.

But this time I am glad I did,

The 180-gram portion turned out to be exactly right.

Rich enough to feel indulgent, but not so large that it became overwhelming.

I shared a few pieces, and even then there was more than enough to properly appreciate it.

What surprised me most was the texture.

It genuinely melted in my mouth.

The marbling created an almost buttery sensation that I rarely experience with steak.

The closest comparison would be some of the exceptional meals I had in Japan, yet somehow this particular steak managed to leave an even stronger impression.

That is a bold statement, but it is true.

Other Steak Options Worth Considering

Lake House offers a range of premium cuts beyond the Wagyu.

The tournedos looked particularly popular.

I have enjoyed excellent tournedos elsewhere and have no doubt theirs would be good too.

However, once you have tasted genuine A5 Miyazaki Wagyu, you immediately understand why it sits in a category of its own.

The difference is noticeable.

A Glass of Douro That Took Me Back to Porto

One unexpected highlight was the wine.

I ordered a red Douro wine, and with the first sip I was instantly reminded of a previous trip to Porto.

It is funny how certain flavours can transport you somewhere else for a moment.

The wine paired beautifully with the richness of the Wagyu.

Sometimes a wine simply complements a meal.

This one elevated it.

Mango Crème Brûlée for Dessert

To finish, I chose the mango crème brûlée.

After such a rich main course, it was exactly what I wanted.

What I appreciated most was that it was not overly sweet.

Many restaurants make desserts so sugary that they become difficult to finish.

This one felt lighter and more balanced.

The mango added freshness while still delivering the creamy texture you expect from a good crème brûlée.

A lovely ending to the meal.

What I Loved

The Miyazaki A5 Wagyu was one of the best steaks I have eaten.
The lakeside setting and surrounding forest felt removed from city life.
The Douro wine paired beautifully with the richness of the Wagyu.
The restaurant felt elegant without being pretentious.
The mango crème brûlée was balanced, fresh and not overly sweet.

Things to Know Before You Go

The restaurant is in Bergschenhoek, outside Rotterdam Centrum.
Travelling by car or taxi is more convenient than relying on city-centre public transport.
Reserve ahead, particularly for weekends and summer evenings.
Check the current menu before visiting, as dishes and prices may change.
The Miyazaki A5 Wagyu is a premium, special-occasion choice.
Request a terrace or lakeside table when booking if the view matters to you.
Allow time for a relaxed meal rather than a quick dinner.

Is Lake House Rotterdam Worth It?

Absolutely.

Not every dish was perfect for me personally, but the overall experience was excellent.

The ceviche was too sour for my taste, yet that small disappointment was completely overshadowed by the incredible Wagyu A5 Miyazaki, beautiful location and thoughtful wine selection.

If you are looking for an everyday dinner, there are plenty of more affordable restaurants in Rotterdam.

But if you want a special lunch, a celebration meal or simply want to treat yourself to exceptional steak in a beautiful setting, Lake House Rotterdam is well worth considering.

I already know I want to return.

Next time, I may skip the ceviche and go straight for the Wagyu.

Explore More of Rotterdam’s Food Scene

Lake House is a destination meal outside the city centre. If you would also like to discover Rotterdam’s broader food culture, this four-hour Rotterdam walking food tour combines local tastings with stories and sightseeing around the city.

For a livelier dinner experience in the city, read my Drag Dinner Show Rotterdam review.

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Drag Dinner Show Rotterdam Review: The Show, Food and Atmosphere

MissWidjaja — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:14 +0000

The Drag Dinner Show Rotterdam was one of the most unexpectedly fun evenings I had during my time in Rotterdam. I went with my mum, not entirely sure what to expect, and by the end of the night we were laughing, singing along and completely caught up in the energy of the room. The performances were fantastic, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and although one part of the evening did not go entirely to plan, it is still an experience I genuinely look back on with a smile.

Rotterdam has no shortage of cultural events, but this felt very different from a theatre performance or a typical dinner outing. It felt like stepping into a completely different world for a few hours.

A Warm Welcome in Rotterdam Centrum

The show takes place at House of Regalo on Karel Doormanstraat, close to Rotterdam Centraal and easy to reach by public transport. After spending the day exploring the city, it was a fun way to spend the evening.

One thing that immediately stood out was how friendly everyone was.

We were welcomed by Ynel Regalo and the team, who instantly made the room feel relaxed and inclusive. My mum had accidentally forgotten to send our dinner preferences beforehand, which could easily have caused complications on a busy evening.

Instead, Ynel handled it with so much kindness and professionalism that we barely noticed there had been an issue at all.

To our surprise, we still received exactly what we had wanted to order.

That level of hospitality genuinely impressed me.

The Atmosphere Felt Like Escaping Reality

One thing I kept thinking throughout the evening was how separate the venue felt from the outside world.

Rotterdam is a busy city, especially around the centre, but once inside it almost felt like entering a secret little bubble.

The lighting, music and energy completely changed the mood.

For a few hours, nobody seemed worried about work, deadlines or whatever was happening outside.

People were there to have fun.

And they really did.

The Show Was the Star of the Evening

The drag queens absolutely carried the room.

Every performer brought a different (Rotterdam) personality and style to the stage.

Some numbers were glamorous, some were hilarious, and others had the audience cheering loudly from their tables.

One thing I particularly noticed was how engaged the crowd was.

This was not one of those shows where people politely clap and move on.

People were singing along, laughing, waving fans and fully participating.

The performers clearly knew how to work a room.

Even my mum, who had never attended a drag dinner show before, was completely entertained.

Small Details I Noticed

The performers interacted naturally with guests.
The venue felt intimate enough that every table could see the stage.
The costumes sparkled beautifully under the lighting.
The energy never dipped between performances.
Staff remained attentive throughout the evening despite a busy room.
Guests seemed genuinely relaxed and comfortable.

These little things often make the difference between a good night and a memorable one.

The Food: The One Drawback

The food itself seemed fairly standard during dinner. I ordered the salmon, while my mum chose a pork dish, and everything arrived correctly despite the earlier mix-up with our preferences.

Unfortunately, we both felt unwell later that evening. We cannot know what caused it; it may have been something we ate or drank at another point during the day, so I do not want to attribute it directly to the venue. However, it was part of our experience and affected how we remembered the meal.

The entertainment, atmosphere and hospitality were still genuinely enjoyable, and those are the reasons I would consider returning.

What I Loved

The performers

Each performer brought confidence, humour and a distinct stage presence.

The hospitality

Ynel Regalo and the team handled our booking mix-up with kindness and professionalism.

The atmosphere

The intimate setting and enthusiastic audience made the evening feel like a joyful escape from everyday life.

The location

Being in Rotterdam Centrum makes the show easy to combine with sightseeing, drinks or another evening activity.

Things to Know Before You Go

Submit your menu choice and any dietary requirements before your visit.
The ticket includes a three-course menu; drinks are purchased separately.
Expect audience interaction; the show is lively rather than a quiet dinner experience.
The venue is close to Rotterdam Centraal.
Shows have limited capacity, so booking ahead is sensible.
Check the official website for the current menu, performers, dates and accessibility information.

Is the Drag Dinner Show Rotterdam Worth It?

Yes. The performances were excellent, the atmosphere was "gezellig" in the best Dutch sense of the word, and the hospitality made a strong impression.

The meal was not the strongest part of our experience, but the show itself delivered exactly what we had hoped for: an entertaining, welcoming and memorable evening. If I found myself back in Rotterdam when another show was running, I would happily return.

A Magic Mike-Style Night Out in Rotterdam

If you enjoy the energy and performance style associated with Magic Mike, the BonTon Rotterdam male dance show offers a similar kind of playful adult night out. It is a separate, independently produced experience featuring live male dancers, reserved seating and an intimate, stylish setting.

For another memorable cultural evening in the city, read my Hairspray The Musical Rotterdam review.

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Mama’ku Documentary Review: Watching It With My Mum in Rotterdam

MissWidjaja — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 05:00:04 +0000

In June 2026, I watched the Mama’ku documentary at LantarenVenster in Rotterdam with my mum, and it ended up being one of those films that stayed with me long after we left the cinema. Directed by Sven Peetoom, the documentary follows dancer and choreographer Cheroney Pelupessy as she travels through Indonesia with her mother, from Jakarta to Saparua in the Moluccas, to confront a family history that had largely remained unspoken. As someone with Javanese roots from Suriname, I recognised so much of what was discussed that it almost felt uncomfortable at times, in a good way.

Watching Mama’ku at LantarenVenster Rotterdam

The screening took place at LantarenVenster, one of the cultural venues in Rotterdam. The atmosphere before the film felt noticeably different from a typical cinema screening. People seemed genuinely interested in the subject matter, and I overheard a few conversations about family histories and connections to Indonesia before the lights dimmed.

One thing I immediately appreciated was that the documentary does not try to provide easy answers. Instead, it allows difficult conversations to unfold naturally.

The film is only 57 minutes long, but it felt much more substantial than many feature-length documentaries I have seen.

What the Documentary Is About

Director Sven Peetoom has spent years exploring the lasting consequences of the Dutch colonial past in Indonesia and the culture of silence that often surrounds it.

In Mama’ku, he follows Cheroney Pelupessy as she travels through Indonesia with her mother, beginning in Jakarta, where her mother grew up but rarely spoke about, and continuing to Saparua in the Moluccas.

As the journey unfolds, layers of family history emerge. What starts as a search for forgotten relatives gradually reveals stories of domestic violence, trauma and emotional wounds that have been carried across generations.

The documentary focuses heavily on the relationship between mother and daughter, and that is exactly what made it resonate with me.

In June 2026, Mama’ku received the Kristallen Film award after reaching 10,000 cinema admissions in the Netherlands.

The Parts I Found Most Recognisable

What struck me most was how clearly Cheroney explained feelings that many children of immigrant and colonial families often struggle to put into words.

Throughout the documentary, there were moments where I found myself quietly nodding.

Not because my story is identical, but because the emotions felt familiar.

The frustration of wanting answers.

The sadness of realising your parents experienced things they never fully processed.

The confusion of loving someone while also carrying pain from the way they raised you.

For years, I have struggled with some of those same feelings. At the same time, I also understand that my mum, her mum and many mothers from colonial backgrounds often did the best they could with the tools they had.

That does not erase the impact of trauma, but it does add context.

Mama’ku does not ask viewers to choose sides. Instead, it encourages understanding.

I left feeling a little lighter than when I entered, not because the issues had disappeared, but because the film reminded me that these experiences are shared by many families. I have a good relationship with my mother, and watching it together added another layer of understanding.

Watching It Together With My Mum

Perhaps the most meaningful part of the evening was watching it with my mum.

Every now and then, I glanced sideways to see her reaction.

There were moments when I could tell certain scenes resonated with her too.

We did not immediately start discussing everything afterwards. In fact, we were relatively quiet walking out of the cinema.

But sometimes that says enough.

The documentary created space for reflection rather than forcing a conversation.

Looking back, I think we both recognised parts of ourselves in it.

What I Loved

The honest portrayal of intergenerational trauma.
The nuanced mother-daughter relationship.
The connection between personal stories and colonial history.
The documentary's emotional depth despite its short runtime.
The fact that it encouraged empathy rather than blame.
Seeing experiences reflected that I rarely see discussed openly.
The thoughtful pacing and intimate storytelling.

Is Mama’ku Worth Watching?

Yes.

Not because it is an easy watch, but because it is an honest one.

Mama’ku succeeds because it focuses on real people rather than abstract historical discussions. It shows how events from decades ago can still shape relationships today.

Personally, I found it both confronting and comforting.

Confronting because I recognised some of the struggles being discussed.

Comforting because it reminded me that many families carry similar stories.

If you get the opportunity to see Mama’ku at a film festival, a cultural venue, or a future screening, I would absolutely recommend it.

For anyone navigating complicated family histories, it offers something valuable: understanding.

For another cultural evening in Rotterdam, read my Hairspray The Musical Rotterdam review.

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Hairspray The Musical Rotterdam Review: My Night at Oude Luxor Theatre

MissWidjaja — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 05:00:27 +0000

Editor’s note: Hairspray played at the Oude Luxor Theatre in Rotterdam from 21 to 25 May 2026.

The Dutch production has now finished its run, but this article shares my personal experience of seeing the show.

Having grown up in Rotterdam and now living abroad, I always enjoy rediscovering my home city. One of my favourite ways to spend an evening there is going to the theatre with my mum. We have seen quite a few productions together over the years, so when Hairspray arrived at the Oude Luxor Theatre, it immediately went onto our list.

The Oude Luxor is one of Rotterdam’s most iconic theatres, located in the city centre. I particularly appreciate the auditorium: wherever you are seated, you seem to have a clear view of the stage, which makes a significant difference when watching a musical.

There was a lovely atmosphere before the show began. The audience ranged from dedicated theatre lovers to families enjoying a night out, and there was a real sense of excitement in the air.

The Cast Brought the Theatre to Life

The Dutch production featured an impressive cast, led by Richard Groenendijk as Edna Turnblad.

I have seen quite a few West End and UK productions over the years, and the energy of this performance felt noticeably different. The British productions I have attended were often highly polished and precisely choreographed. This Dutch version felt a little more spontaneous, which suited a show like Hairspray beautifully.

My Honest Review of Hairspray in Rotterdam

I genuinely had such a good time watching this production.

The music was fantastic, the choreography was energetic, and the audience was engaged from the opening number right through to the final curtain call. Hairspray is one of those musicals that leaves people smiling, and this production certainly achieved that.

What stood out most was the connection between the performers and the audience. There was laughter throughout the evening, especially during Richard Groenendijk's scenes, and you could feel how much everyone was enjoying themselves.

While I still appreciate the precision and polish of London's West End productions, there was something refreshingly relaxed about this Dutch interpretation. It felt less formal and more personal, which made it incredibly enjoyable to watch.

A Practical Tip for Visiting the Theatre

One thing worth mentioning if you're planning to visit a theatre during the summer months: it can get surprisingly warm inside.

The day we attended was particularly hot, and although the theatre has air conditioning, it wasn't especially powerful. To be fair, I've experienced exactly the same thing in many London theatres during summer, so it's certainly not unique to Rotterdam.

The complimentary drink during the interval was therefore very welcome and much appreciated. On a warm evening, that small extra touch felt almost luxurious.

My advice? If you're attending a summer performance, dress in light layers and bring a bottle of water for before the show.

Why I Always Keep an Eye on the Luxor Programme

Although Hairspray has now finished its run, it reminded me why I love Rotterdam's theatre scene so much.

Both the Oude Luxor and Nieuwe Luxor regularly host musicals, plays, concerts and comedy shows throughout the year. As someone who grew up in Rotterdam, I sometimes forget how lucky we are to have such a strong cultural offering right on our doorstep.

Whether you're visiting Rotterdam for a weekend or you're a local looking for a great night out, I would absolutely recommend checking what's currently playing at both theatres.

You never know when the next unforgettable production will arrive.

Another Creative Night Out in Rotterdam

Looking for another creative evening in Rotterdam? This paint and sip in the dark experience combines neon painting, music and drinks in a relaxed two-hour workshop. No painting experience is required, making it a fun alternative for anyone searching for a different cultural night out in the city.

For more of my theatre experiences, browse my London theatre reviews, musicals and cultural nights guide.

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