Lunchroom De Koffiebar

Lunchroom De Koffiebar is located at Karel Doormanstraat 352 in the center of Rotterdam. The establishment had been known as De Koffiebar at this address for quite some time. At the end of 2023, the business was acquired by Amar Tember, Shailin Mewalal, Sandra Ramdien, and Sabrina Ramdien. Following the takeover, the business continued under the name Lunchroom De Koffiebar.

The current form of the lunchroom gained more profile in 2024. After a minor renovation, the business reopened a few weeks before March 2024. During that period, Sabrina Ramdien was mentioned as the owner. Her Surinamese background plays a role in the direction of the menu. As a result, the lunchroom combines coffee, lunch dishes, and influences from various culinary cultures.

The business is described as a family-run company. Amar Tember was previously a co-owner of Steak & Bier on the same street. At Lunchroom De Koffiebar, he works together with his wife, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law. This composition helps define the character of the establishment, although there is no detailed public information regarding the internal division of roles.

The concept focuses on coffee, pastries, and lunch. Its own description speaks of a meeting place in the center of Rotterdam where local flavors and international influences converge. An exact original opening date for the first De Koffiebar at this address has not been publicly recorded.

The coffee side of the business is connected to Buscaglione Espresso. This supplier was already mentioned in previous public descriptions of De Koffiebar. In later mentions, Buscaglione reappears as the coffee brand used by the lunchroom. It is an Italian coffee with a brand history dating back to 1899.

Available information primarily mentions espresso-based drinks. Previous descriptions included caffè crema, cappuccino, and ristretto. Coffee with cinnamon and sweet syrups was also mentioned. A specific drink called “Koffie de Koffiebar” was described as coffee with whipped cream, cinnamon, and white chocolate.

The current accessible menu text mentions espresso, baked sweets, and sandwiches. A full public drinks menu is not available in the provided text. Consequently, it is impossible to determine which brewing methods, besides espresso, are currently offered. Details regarding filter coffee, manual brew methods, or rotating beans are also not publicly documented.

Alongside coffee, lunch plays a significant role in the business operations. The menu focuses on sandwiches, pastries, and other lunch items. Thanks to Sabrina Ramdien’s Surinamese background, the offerings take on a unique culinary direction, although available information doesn’t fully clarify which dishes are permanent fixtures on the menu.

In 2024, coffee paired with cake was highlighted as a key part of the business. This keeps the lunchroom close to its original coffee bar profile, while placing more emphasis on the lunch side of things. The combination of coffee, sweets, and lunch forms the core of the current offering.

Buscaglione roasts its coffee in a modern roastery just outside Rome. Available information about the brand mentions beans from multiple continents. It is also noted that single origins are roasted separately before being blended. These details describe the supplier’s process, rather than an in-house roasting process at Lunchroom De Koffiebar.

No concrete public information is available regarding the specific sustainability policy of Lunchroom De Koffiebar. The website does not mention specific measures concerning sourcing, waste, energy, packaging, or social supply chain agreements. Therefore, based on available data, only the coffee supplier can be identified, rather than a broader sustainability profile for the lunchroom itself.

The establishment is described as a spot for a diverse range of visitors, including those looking to work or meet up. The space was also described as laptop-friendly, though it was noted that the number of power outlets was limited and that improvements were being made.

There is no documented public program of workshops, tastings, exhibitions, or recurring neighborhood activities. However, it was reported in 2024 that the owners intended to offer private drinks evenings for nearby offices upon request. Later that year, it was mentioned that companies could book for corporate outings. These are reservation options rather than a public program with fixed dates.

De Koffiebar previously gained attention in Rotterdam-based and hospitality-focused media. In 2016, the business was mentioned alongside Buscaglione beans, the founders at the time, Martin Grotendorst and Erik van de Haterd, and a spot in the Misset Horeca Coffee Top 100. A public title lists De Koffiebar as number 12 on that list in 2016.

In 2024, the focus shifted to its new phase as Lunchroom De Koffiebar, centering on the takeover, the Surinamese influences, and the reopening. Directory listings and route guides also mention the address, social channels, and the relationship with Buscaglione. Restaurant Guru mentions 141 votes and photo material, though this is a platform listing rather than an award.

This creates the image of a Rotterdam lunchroom with an established coffee history and a newer, family-driven phase. Publicly available information primarily shows how the business has positioned itself since the takeover: as a lunchroom offering espresso, pastries, sandwiches, and influences from both Italian coffee and Surinamese food culture.