Grand Locale is the new Italian hotspot in Nieuw Kralingen

17-03-2025

Grand Locale is the new restaurant from the entrepreneurs behind Old Scuola. The new culinary hotspot In Nieuw Kralingen combines the unmistakable allure of a grand café with the sophistication of a stylish restaurant. Grand Locale is open seven days a week for deli, lunch, drinks and dinner.

"Grand Locale is the evolution of Old Scuola," explains owner Daniel van der Stel: "In 2012, Marco (originally an archaeologist) and I (an engineer) started with a pizza oven on a trailer to have a fun summer. Over the following years, this resulted in the largest pizza caterer with 8 outlets in the Benelux with the mission of getting as many people as possible to eat Old Scuola pizza. Our motto 'I've never done it before, so I think I can do it' got us off to a pretty good start. We have learned a lot in the past 13 years with our two Old Scuola branches in Rotterdam and catering at the biggest festivals in the Benelux. We are in it for the long haul and far from finished.''

Culinary experience and ambience

The menu is distinguished by authentic Italian classics with a modern twist. The wood-fired oven plays a central role in almost every dish. From crispy Neapolitan pizzas and premium pastas to homemade Gelato. Daniel explains: "Our wood oven is the beating heart of the business. We turn the dough for the pizza and pasta during the day, so you can see how everything is freshly prepared. Even in our ice cream, the influence of the wood-fired oven comes out."

Co-owner Marco adds, "We respect traditional Italian cuisine, but also dare to explore new paths." The gourmet experience is enriched by the store, a six-metre wall in the bar area, where guests can take home Grand Locale's signature flavours. The selection ranges from premium frozen pizzas, dough balls and fresh pastas, to a craft beer collaboration with Big Belly Brewing and merchandise.

Sustainability and local partnerships

Grand Locale profiles itself through a pronounced focus on quality, sustainability and local sourcing. The dishes are prepared exclusively with seasonal ingredients, working closely with local partners such as Rotterzwam for mushrooms, Harvest for croissants and patisserie, and Heinde & Verre for artisan chocolate. The drinks menu consists of a carefully selected range of wines supplied directly on cask by dedicated winemakers.

Marco emphasises the sustainable approach: "We want to inspire the right winemakers to provide more wine on tap to increase this sustainable form of wine production. By offering wine on tap, we contribute to less transport, water and energy."

Besides wines, Grand Locale offers an extensive beer selection including its own branded beer and exclusive Italian speciality beers. Barrelproof completes the drinks menu with three cocktails on tap, including an espresso martini, pink martini and basil smash. In addition to the extensive wine list, Grand Locale also offers a sophisticated selection of three different Negroni cocktails.

Grand Locale lends itself to 180 guests inside and offers 150 seats on the terrace, adjacent to the water. The term 'Grand', derived from 'Grandissimo', reflects the premium signature that shines through in both the culinary creations and the sophisticated interior. 'Locale' refers to Italian café culture. A social meeting place where conviviality is central. The interior features luxurious sofas in burgundy with chrome accents, authentic tavern tables, classic lampshades and minimalist panelling. Bastiaan Kalmeyer of Rotterdam-based architecture firm In Stability We Trust is responsible for the design of the establishment.