Black Smoke | 8

When you enter Black Smoke you are greeted with an aroma of slow-cooked meat from barbecue With its rustic ambiance and dedication to serving smoky delicacies, Black Smoke promises an unforgettable dining experience for barbecue lovers.

Recently, I had the pleasure of enjoying the experiential menu at Black Smoke. I was eager to feast on a variety of meats that had been prepared on the barbecue. From the moment we stepped inside, the ambiance exuded warmth and excitement, preparing us for a culinary journey.

The experiential menu began with one of the best steak tartares I’ve ever eaten, served in a bone – a true testament to the chef’s skill and creativity. As the meal unfolded, we enjoyed various cuts of meat – pork belly, sausages, chorizo, brisket, pulled pork and pulled chicken – each with its own unique blend of smokiness and succulence. The meats were perfectly cooked, tender, and infused with flavors that highlighted the quality of the barbecue.

I must confess, however, that I initially had reservations about choosing from the composite menu, as I usually prefer the freedom to choose dishes a la carte. Also considering my experiences where the quality of a composite menu is often lower than with free choice.
Unfortunately, my reservations were somewhat confirmed when I discovered that the offerings on the set menu were simpler than expected. It became clear that, driven by our hunger and excitement about the BBQ experience, we had overlooked the specials on the à la carte menu.

Despite, the slight disappointment, we certainly enjoyed it. We were also surprised with a fantastic dessert. A profiterole filled with a decadent Don Papa Baroko rum crème suisse, topped with dulce de leche espresso glaze, smoked pecans and bacon crumble, served with vanilla ice cream. We did find out later that this was supposed to include a shot of Don Papa, but unfortunately we missed it.
The dessert itself exceeded expectations, delivering a symphony of flavors that lingered in the mouth long after the last bite.

Looking back on my dining experience at Black Smoke, I may regret my choice of the set menu, but I’m left with a sense of anticipation for another visit. Armed with the knowledge I gained while carefully studying the menu and observing other guests’ delectable dishes, I am confident that my next visit will yield a culinary adventure worthy of the restaurant’s reputation. The array of meats, the creativity in presentation, and the warm ambiance make it clear that Black Smoke is not just about the food, but about the entire experience.

In conclusion, Restaurant Black Smoke offers a journey into the heart of barbecue craftsmanship, where smoky flavors and innovative dishes converge to delight the senses. Whether indulging in the experience menu or crafting a bespoke dining experience from the à la carte offerings, one thing is certain—each visit to Black Smoke promises to be a memorable gastronomic adventure. The anticipation of exploring the specials on the à la carte menu on my next visit only adds to the allure of this barbecue haven.

Read more about food and activity in Rotterdam by clicking here!

Review: 8/10 

Price / Quality: 7 | Service: 8 | Atmosphere: 9 | Originality: 8 | Freshness: 8.5 | Choice: 7.5