Where do you live in the Netherlands? What is one of your favourite things about where you live?
My name is DomenicoMannino. I live in the vibrant and multi-ethnic Rotterdam neighbourhood of Katendrecht. What I love most about it is how dynamic and forward-looking it is. With recent openings like the Nederlands Fotomuseum and the Fenix Museum of Migration, and many cultural developments underway, it really feels like a neighbourhood that’s shaping the future of the city.
What’s your job or business?
By day, I work as a Senior Sales Representative at o9 Solutions, where I support CPG companies with innovative planning and decision-making solutions. By night and often on weekends I’m a food entrepreneur and the founder of Bottega da Dome, where I bring my Italian roots to life through authentic Roman tiramisù and community-driven food experiences.
When was your first time in the Netherlands? What were your first impressions or what was special about that first trip?
I first came to the Netherlands in August 2019, landing in Rotterdam to start my Bachelor in International Business Management at Hogeschool Rotterdam Business School. It marked the beginning of a new chapter: meeting international classmates and professionals who later became close friends and even one of them my girlfriend. That move was also the continuation of my international journey. I had just completed my final high school exchange year in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, surrounded by amazing people, professors who truly believed in my capabilities, despite my still very broken English. With the encouragement of my beloved grandmother, I decided to take this leap instead of continuing my education in Italy.
What is the nicest thing about the Netherlands? How does this compare to your country?
One of the nicest things about the Netherlands is the abundance of opportunities and the feeling of being at the cutting edge of technology and innovation. There’s a strong sense that if you have an idea and the drive, you’re encouraged to pursue it. From an education perspective, I appreciate the flexibility of the system. Switching studies or universities is not seen as failure, but as part of personal growth. Professionally, despite a competitive job market, there are incredible opportunities to work with global corporations as well as agile startups and scale-ups. Compared to Italy, the biggest difference is risk tolerance. Entrepreneurship in Italy is often perceived as high risk and low reward. In the Netherlands, taking initiative and calculated risks is more accepted, which allowed me to start my entrepreneurial journey earlier.
Besides the weather, what is your biggest pet peeve about the Netherlands?
The housing market is extremely competitive due to a strong shortage, which significantly inflates rental and purchase prices. Another challenge is the healthcare system, although I do appreciate the convenience of being able to directly message my GP through digital health apps.
Do you have Dutch friends? How do you meet Dutch people?
I do have some Dutch friends, but relatively few when compared to my mostly international group of friends. In my experience, Dutch people are very friendly in professional settings, but it takes time and effort to build deeper relationships beyond colleagues or neighbours. That said, it’s definitely not impossible. Patience, consistency and perseverance really make the difference.
What do you like about Dutch people? What don’t you like?
I really appreciate their objectivity and strong business mindset. There’s a pragmatic, entrepreneurial way of thinking, and a lot of respect for people who choose to start their own ventures. The only challenge can be their directness, which may feel blunt at first, especially coming from a more expressive culture; but once understood, it becomes something you can value.
What’s your best advice for new expats to make friends?
Be proactive. Join expat meetups, attend social events and participate in language cafés where people practice different languages together. Facebook groups and online communities are also great starting points when you’re new to the country.
Do you have a favourite restaurant in your city?
Yes, restaurant Munzur. It’s one of the most authentic Turkish restaurants in Rotterdam. The food is exceptional, the family-run service is incredibly warm, and the atmosphere with crystals and carefully curated décor makes you feel instantly at home.
What’s your favourite Dutch store?
My favourite Dutch store is Action. I love how pragmatic it is. Because they buy in bulk, prices are very accessible, the quality is surprisingly good, and the assortment ranges from stationery and home essentials to décor, snacks and branded products.
What do you like to do on the weekends?
My girlfriend and I have a routine that works well for us. We sleep in a bit, clean the house on Saturday mornings, and spend the rest of the day socializing. Sundays are for recovery, personal projects, self-reflection and resetting for the week ahead.
Who is your favourite Dutch historical, cultural or famous person?
My favourite Dutch historical figure is Desiderius Erasmus. I admire his legacy of tolerance, dialogue and pacifism. It’s especially meaningful that the Erasmus+ exchange program carries his name, as international education has shaped my own journey.
What would you recommend a visitor to do and see in your city and in general in the Netherlands?
I would focus on Rotterdam highlights as there would be too many recommendations about Dutch cities across the Netherlands. Rotterdam has many sights such as Markthal, Erasmusbrug, Rotterdam Centraal Station, Euromast, Witte de Withstraat, Oude Haven, SS Rotterdam, City Hall and Kralingse Bos.
What is your favourite Dutch food? And what Dutch food do you dislike?
Nothing beats a warm stroopwafel. But I’m not (yet) the biggest fan of haring.
Do you celebrate Dutch holidays? Which one is your favourite?
Yes, I do. I especially celebrate King’s Day and previously Carnival during my university years. My favourite remains King’s Day.
Best-kept secret in your city?
Katendrecht. It’s still underrated, but developing rapidly. With new museums, cultural spaces, a growing number of multi-ethnic restaurants, and upcoming projects like a floating park, it’s clearly becoming one of Rotterdam’s most exciting areas.
Looking back, what do you wish you knew before you moved to the Netherlands?
I wish I had read Living Rich as a Student or a Young Professional in the Netherlands by Franklin Seute earlier. It offers practical advice on education, finances, saving and investing, knowledge that would have made my early years much easier.
What are a few things you recommend to new expat here in the Netherlands?
Be patient with the integration process and don’t compare timelines. Also, educate yourself early on how the Dutch system works, especially finances, healthcare, housing and taxes to avoid unnecessary stress later on.
Written by Rossella Davì