7 reasons to visit a paella restaurant in Zuid after the RAI

A conference or trade show at the RAI Convention Centre is an intense experience. After a long day of presentations, networking, and walking through busy halls, there is one thing you need: a place where you can truly unwind, enjoy a good meal, and relax in good company. A paella restaurant in Amsterdam Zuid offers exactly that. Below you will find seven concrete reasons why a visit after your RAI day is the perfect way to end it.

The perfect restaurant right next to the RAI

Amsterdam Zuid has more to offer than just conference spaces and business hotels. The neighbourhood is also home to vibrant squares, welcoming terraces, and restaurants with real character. For anyone looking for Mediterranean flavours and a relaxed atmosphere after a busy day, there is fortunately an excellent option just a few minutes’ walk from the RAI.

1: Within walking distance of the RAI Convention Centre

Location makes all the difference, especially when you have no desire for a long journey or a complicated route after a full day. Cantina L’Esquina is located at Scheldeplein 2, within walking distance of the RAI Convention Centre. Step outside, walk a few minutes, and you are there.

Those who prefer public transport will find it just as easy. The Noord/Zuidlijn (metro line 52) drops you off at Europaplein station, practically at the front door. No hassle, no long waits.

This proximity makes the restaurant ideal for conference-goers who want to switch quickly from work mode to relaxation, without losing valuable time to travel.

2: Fresh paella and Mediterranean flavours

A good paella restaurant sets itself apart through the quality of its dishes and the authenticity of its flavours. Mediterranean cuisine is built around fresh ingredients, rich herbs, and dishes prepared with care.

At Cantina L’Esquina, the sunny cuisine of the Mediterranean takes centre stage. Think colourful, flavour-packed dishes, fresh small plates, and a menu that caters to both light lunches and full dinners. The kitchen is open until 10:00 PM, so you can still enjoy a proper meal even after a late conference session.

Whether you want a hearty meal or prefer to share dishes with a group, the Mediterranean approach suits every dining occasion and every crowd.

3: An atmosphere that suits any group

Atmosphere is hard to describe, but you feel it the moment you walk in. A good atmosphere is the difference between a meal you quickly forget and an evening that stays with you.

The interior of Cantina L’Esquina combines warmth and personality: a playful mix of low dining tables and cosy bar stools, colourful details, and an inviting feel. Whether you come alone, meet up with colleagues, or bring a group of friends, the space adapts to the moment.

The relaxed yet lively atmosphere also makes it well suited for those who want to unwind after a business day without it feeling too formal or too noisy.

4: An extensive wine and beer selection

A Mediterranean dinner is only complete with the right drinks to go with it. A broad selection of wines and beers makes it easy to shape your evening as you like, whether you want a glass of wine with your meal or prefer a cold beer at the bar.

Cantina L’Esquina offers an extensive choice, including Estrella Galicia on tap. The combination of Mediterranean dishes and a thoughtfully curated drinks menu creates a complete experience that goes well beyond just the food.

For those who simply want a drink after a long day without committing to a full dinner, the bar is also a great spot to decompress.

5: Open until 1:00 AM — even after late events

Not every conference wraps up at five o’clock. Talks, networking sessions, and drinks often run well into the evening. In those moments, it is reassuring to know that a nearby restaurant will still be open.

Cantina L’Esquina is open daily from 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Even if you finish your RAI programme late, you can still stop by for a drink, a snack, or a full dinner if the kitchen is still open.

These generous opening hours make the restaurant a reliable option for conference-goers with a varied or unpredictable schedule.

6: A sunny terrace on Scheldeplein

A terrace on a lively square adds an extra dimension to your evening. You sit outside, watch the world go by, and the stress of the day slowly fades away. That feeling is hard to replicate indoors.

The terrace of Cantina L’Esquina opens directly onto Scheldeplein, one of the most enjoyable spots in Amsterdam Zuid. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the setting makes it perfect for a summer evening or a late-season drink after a conference day.

Even outside the peak season, the terrace offers a pleasant place to sit outside and experience the neighbourhood as it truly is: lively, diverse, and full of character.

7: Suitable for groups and business drinks

After a conference, you sometimes want to close out the day with a larger group. Colleagues, clients, or new contacts you met during the event — a shared drink or dinner is an excellent way to round off the day and strengthen connections.

Cantina L’Esquina is set up for groups, with ample space, a flexible layout, and a menu that lends itself well to shared dishes and small plates. The combination of food, drinks, and a great atmosphere makes it a natural choice for informal business gatherings.

Whether it is a small team of five or a larger group of twenty, the space and the service are geared towards a smooth experience for everyone.

End your RAI day in the best possible way

A day full of conference activities deserves a proper send-off. We offer exactly that: a warm, Mediterranean restaurant within walking distance of the RAI, with fresh dishes, an extensive drinks menu, and an atmosphere that suits any group. At Cantina L’Esquina, you end the day the way it deserves.

Fresh Mediterranean dishes, including paella, prepared with attention to flavour and quality
Open until 1:00 AM, so late visitors are always welcome
Ideal location at Scheldeplein 2, within walking distance of the RAI and easily accessible by metro line 52
Suitable for individuals, small groups, and larger business parties
Sunny terrace, colourful interior, and an extensive wine and beer selection

Browse our full menu and come by for an unforgettable Mediterranean experience after your next RAI event. We look forward to welcoming you.

Veelgestelde vragen

Do I need to make a reservation for a group visit after a RAI event?

For larger groups, it is strongly recommended to book in advance, especially on busy conference and trade show days. This ensures that enough space and tables are available for your group. Smaller groups can also walk in without a reservation, but booking always gives you the most certainty.

What are the best dishes to share with colleagues?

The Mediterranean kitchen at Cantina L’Esquina is perfectly suited for sharing. Think tapas-style small plates, colourful starters, and of course paella as a main dish for the table. Sharing several dishes is a convivial way to eat together and discover a variety of flavours.

Is Cantina L'Esquina suitable if I just want a drink after the conference?

Absolutely. The bar is a great spot to pull up a stool and enjoy a drink without any obligation to order a full dinner. With Estrella Galicia on tap and an extensive wine list, there is something for everyone. You are also welcome for an informal drink with a few colleagues, no full menu required.

What time does the kitchen close, and can I still get a hot meal late in the evening?

The kitchen at Cantina L’Esquina is open until 10:00 PM, so even after a late conference programme you can still enjoy a full meal. The restaurant itself is open until 1:00 AM, so you are welcome to stay on for drinks and company afterwards. If you are arriving late, it is worth checking the current kitchen hours in advance.

What is the easiest way to get to Cantina L'Esquina from the RAI Convention Centre?

The easiest way is simply to walk: the restaurant is located at Scheldeplein 2, just a few minutes on foot from the RAI. Those who prefer public transport can take metro line 52 (Noord/Zuidlijn) and get off at Europaplein station, practically at the front door. A taxi or bicycle are of course also options.

Can I use Cantina L'Esquina for a business dinner or informal networking drinks?

Yes, the restaurant is very well suited for this. The atmosphere is relaxed yet lively, making it ideal for informal business gatherings where you want to strengthen relationships. The flexible layout and menu of shared dishes make it easy to accommodate groups of various sizes, from a small team to a party of twenty.

Is the terrace available outside of summer?

The terrace on Scheldeplein is a pleasant spot outside of peak season as well, depending on the weather. In late summer and early autumn, the terrace can still be perfectly enjoyable for evening drinks. In cold or rainy weather, you are of course equally welcome inside the restaurant’s characterful interior.