Roline's de Waag: Waterfront Dining in a Paramaribo Landmark
Historic riverside kitchen where Surinamese soul meets sizzling steaks and standout cocktails.
Why Go
Set inside the centuries-old De Waag (Weigh House) on the Suriname River, Roline's is that rare Paramaribo spot where colonial architecture, live music nights and a Waag Margarita in hand somehow all belong on the same table.
The Experience
You walk in past the whitewashed walls of one of Paramaribo's most recognizable Waterkant buildings and immediately understand why locals treat this place as a benchmark. The dining room has a polished, slightly grown-up feel ΓÇö dark wood, warm lighting, river breeze drifting in ΓÇö but the vibe stays relaxed thanks to an easy bar scene up front. Service is unusually attentive by Paramaribo standards: staff know the menu, steer you toward the right cocktail, and check in without hovering. Lunch skews lighter (sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, quick Surinamese plates), while dinner leans into steakhouse territory and slow-cooked dishes in sauce. On live music nights the energy tips from restaurant to social hub, and the terrace becomes prime real estate at sunset when the Jules Wijdenbosch Bridge lights up across the water.
What to Try
Order a proper Surinamese classic like pom or masala chicken alongside one of the steaks the kitchen is known for ΓÇö that combo captures the restaurant's split personality best. Start with a Suriname pastry to snack on while you decide. And don't skip the Waag Margarita; it's the drink regulars order without looking at the menu.
Insider Tip
Ask for a table on the waterfront side and time your reservation for around 6pm ΓÇö you'll catch golden hour over the Suriname River before the dinner crowd fills in. If live music is on the calendar that night, come earlier for dinner and stay on for drinks rather than trying to arrive mid-set.
The Practical Stuff
Waterkant 5, right on the Paramaribo riverfront in the historic inner city (a UNESCO-listed area), walkable from most downtown hotels. Reservations recommended for dinner and essential on weekends or live-music nights ΓÇö call +597 520333 or +597 7474707. Mid-to-upper price range by Suriname standards; cards generally accepted but carry some SRD as backup. Dress is smart-casual.
Pair It With
- 101 Suites Guide — Comfortable downtown stay within easy walking distance, so you can wander back after cocktails without needing a taxi.
- 597SpeedUp Watertubing Guide — Spend the day on the water upriver, then reward yourself with a riverside steak and a Waag Margarita at sunset.
- Aanansi ATV Tours Guide — An adventurous inland day trip pairs perfectly with a polished sit-down dinner back in Paramaribo's historic center.
- 88 Car Rental Suriname Guide — Handy for guests coming in from Commewijne or the airport who want a relaxed dinner in town before heading on.