Antwerp - Dining

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Dining

Antwerp

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Europe Belgium Antwerp Dining

Overview

Dining The guide was updated: 2024-09-17

Antwerp, a city of true food enthusiasts, boasts a rich culinary heritage dating back to the Golden Age. In the 16th century, a diverse array of food, drinks, herbs and spices from around the world passed through its port. This tradition continues today, with global flavours enriching the city's vibrant food scene.

In Antwerp, food transcends borders, with exotic and international cuisines held in high regard by the locals. Antwerp's menus reflect a fusion of European and exotic flavours, with classic French dishes receiving a unique Belgian twist.

The largest concentration of restaurants can be found in the historic city centre and Antwerpen-Zuid, offering a diverse culinary adventure that mirrors the city's rich cultural tapestry.

Brasserie Appelmans

Brasserie Appelmans

Brasserie Appelmans, located close to Antwerp’s Cathedral, offers a perfect mix of traditional and modern. Known for serving excellent food with Belgian highlights, like a stew made with local De Koninck beer, the restaurant reflects Antwerp's character in its fusion of the old and the new.

Maritime

Maritime

Restaurant Maritime, a longstanding fixture located between the main square and the Scheldt, is a prime destination for seafood enthusiasts. Celebrated for preserving its beloved recipes over decades, this restaurant is a must-visit for those seeking authentic local seafood.

RAS

RAS

In many ways RAS resembles a moored ship along the Scheldt quays. In the summer, you can dine outside on the large terrace. The menu features contemporary cuisine, a diverse range of salads and some surprising seasonal dishes.

Grand Café De Rooden Hoed

Grand Café De Rooden Hoed

Den Rooden Hoed is Antwerp’s oldest restaurant, located opposite the Cathedral. Besides serving Belgian traditional fare like mussels and eel in green sauce, the menu also includes several refined meat and fish dishes.

Horta Grand Café & Art Nouveau Zaal

Horta Grand Café & Art Nouveau Zaal

Grand Café Horta, named after Belgian art nouveau architect, is an icon in Antwerp’s theatre district. The restaurant is located within walking distance of De Meir, Antwerp's main shopping street. An excellent choice if you are looking for a light lunch or a meal with the famous Belgian beer, a glass of wine or a cocktail.

De Peerdestal

De Peerdestal

De Peerdestal is within walking distance of Antwerp’s main attractions. The restaurant has a distinct Paris feel to it, and the specialties include horse meat, beef and the fresh lobster from their own homarium.

De Reddende Engel

De Reddende Engel

If you like French cuisine, then De Reddende Engel is the place to go. Here, you can indulge in classic French fare, including bouillabaisse, cassoulet, and brandade de Nîmes, each dish a testament to authentic Gallic culinary traditions.

Invincible

Invincible

Discover Invincible in the heart of Antwerp, a culinary gem since 2004. Savour grilled specialties and seasonal dishes right from the counter, watching the chefs at work, complemented by a fine selection of wines in a relaxed atmosphere.

Elfde Gebod

Elfde Gebod

Elfde Gebod, a distinctive culinary pub steps away from the cathedral, is adorned with countless statues of angels and saints, offering a heavenly setting. Indulge in historic Flemish dishes and Belgium's finest beers, including the largest Trappist beer selection, complemented by live music from Wednesday to Sunday.

Graanmarkt 13

Graanmarkt 13

Graanmarkt 13, a gem in Antwerp's elegant square, houses a chic fashion store, gallery, and a Michelin-starred (2021 and 2023) restaurant. Led by Chef Chollada ‘Tan’ Phimharua, it offers a menu of modern classics infused with French-Belgian and Provençal flavours, focusing on simple, beloved dishes in a 'petit grand café' setting. Experience the essence of flavour in a cosy, no-fuss atmosphere.

Ristorante Arte

Ristorante Arte

Ristorante Arte offers a tribute to Sardinia's culinary heritage. Known for delectable pizzas and refined Italian cuisine, this modern eatery also delights with fresh starters, perfectly crafted mains and exquisite non-alcoholic cocktails. Enjoy a contemporary ambiance with a selection of fine Italian wines and tantalising desserts like their alcohol-free tiramisu.

Gran Duca

Gran Duca

If you don’t know it’s there, you’d walk right past it. Take the elevator to the top floor and enjoy the fantastic view on Central Station and surroundings. The Italian menu is consistently good, complete with a selection of wines.

Hoffy's

Hoffy's

At Hoffy’s, the Hoffman brothers serve traditional Ashkenazi dishes. The menu includes a wide selection of fish and meat dishes, soups and vegetarian food.

Fong Mei

Fong Mei

Fong Mei in Antwerp's China Town is a culinary gem, celebrated for its homemade, fresh dim sum, hailed by many as the city's best. Offering a taste of Southern China with Guangdong-inspired dishes, this restaurant is a haven for authentic Chinese cuisine, including tender barbeque pork and flavourful roasted duck. With friendly staff and a versatile seating arrangement, it's perfect for both intimate and group dining experiences.

Ellis Gourmet Burger

Ellis Gourmet Burger

Ellis’s Gourmet Burgers are such a success with meat lovers that they have opened numerous locations around the Benelux. The menu includes traditional burgers as well as vegetarian and kids’ burgers.

La Fontanella da Enzo

La Fontanella da Enzo

Near the Central Station, you can find a variety of restaurants, including La Fontanella Da Enzo. This modern and sleekly designed Italian restaurant offers a great selection of pasta, risotto, pizza, meat and fish dishes.

Bier Central

Bier Central

Bier Central offers more than 300 bottled beers and over 30 on tap. The menu features typical Belgian dishes like mussels, baked endive and stew cooked with local beer.

Aahaar Delux

Aahaar Delux

Aahaar is an authentic Indian restaurant which only serves vegetarian dishes. Go à la carte or choose the buffet formula and enjoy a nice selection of traditional Indian dishes. The restaurant is located in the diamond trading district and is a popular lunch spot for locals.

Bistrot du Nord

Bistrot du Nord

Just a stone's throw from Park Spoor Noord is Bistrot Du Nord: a relaxed, cosy restaurant with a straightforward brasserie fare. The menu primarily features meat dishes, but the fish options will also delight the no-nonsense gourmets. Deliciously affordable, and with a Michelin star!

De Burgerij Eilandje

De Burgerij Eilandje

Head to the Burgerij next to MAS for a delicious burger straight from the grill. The restaurant uses beef of Belgian and Luxembourgish origin, offering both classic and unique burger varieties.

Pazzo

Pazzo

Pazzo, housed in a revamped Oude Leeuwenrui warehouse, offers a fusion of French, Italian and Japanese dishes, with a special love for truffles. The owner, a multi-award-winning sommelier, offers an extensive wine list with many options available by the glass.

B23

B23

B23, near Antwerp's MAS, serves refined dishes like oysters, truffle-accented plates, and supreme steaks. Enjoy their extensive wine list and a cosy terrace. A top choice for fresh, quality dining with vegetarian options.

Marcel

Marcel

Dave and Lieze opened the trendy restaurant Marcel in a former seamen’s church just around the corner from MAS. They serve Franco-Belgian cuisine, and like to focus on fish and game dishes. The building itself is an architectural destination itself — a former seamen's church of the Dawson Memorial Church, known as 'The Missions to Seamen'.

Las Mañas

Las Mañas

Stepping into Las Mañas feels like entering a lively Spanish tavern. It's a melting pot for people from all walks of life, all drawn by the authentic Galician cuisine.

Felix Food Klub at Felix Pakhuis

Felix Food Klub at Felix Pakhuis

This beautifully restored warehouse is located by the Willemdok marina, near the MAS museum. Here, you can enjoy meals with a clear focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Au Vieux Port

Au Vieux Port

Au Vieux Port exudes a nostalgic bistro atmosphere. Belgian/French classics are expertly prepared here in accordance with proven traditional methods. Some dishes are even carved right before your eyes in the dining area. Truly a spectacular experience.

Balls & Glory

Balls & Glory

Predictably, the specialty of this casual eatery are their gloriously delicious handmade meatballs with a different filling each day, served with mashed potatoes or a salad. The meat is carefully sourced, ensuring it's organic and of top quality.

La Pipe d'Anvers

La Pipe d'Anvers

To experience the authentic atmosphere of Antwerp, take a stroll in the Cadixwijk, just behind the MAS. In the cosy eatery La Pipe d’Anvers, you can enjoy the tastiest Antwerp dishes in its original Art Deco interior.

L'Amitié

L'Amitié

You will find L’Amitié in one of the oldest buildings in het Zuid, an old coffee roastery. You can still see the rails for the carts that were filled with coffee. The chef serves delicious, refined fare in a relaxed atmosphere.

Kommilfoo

Kommilfoo

In the heart of het Zuid, you'll find Kommilfoo — a Michelin star restaurant. The restaurant offers a smart yet unpretentious dining experience, showcasing the chef's creative flair and commitment to culinary innovation. The house speciality, Pyrenean milk goat, is a constant, tantalising presence throughout the year.

Le John

Le John

The menu of this simple yet trendy restaurant in het Zuid features Flemish, Mediterranean, Italian and Eastern cuisine. After your meal, you can continue your pleasant evening in the lounge bar on the first floor.

Fiskebar

Fiskebar

This simple restaurant serves fresh tuna, king crab, prawns, scampi, lobster, mussels and more. Seafood lovers are crazy about Fiskebar. Their ceviche and octopus starters are highly recommended.

Umami

Umami

On the menu of this Asian-style brasserie, you'll find many innovative Asian dishes. The varied menu includes sushi, tempura, dim sum and wagyu. It is also the perfect place for a pre- or after-dinner drink!

Finjan

Finjan

In het Zuid, Finjan is the go-to place for pita dishes, falafel and everything grilled. This Middle Eastern specialty shop has been an institution in Antwerp for years. The newspaper De Morgen even recently awarded it the title of the best pita restaurant in Antwerp!

Brasserie Den Artist

Brasserie Den Artist

Den Artist in het Zuid attracts Antwerp locals and visitors alike. The brasserie serves Belgian dishes and is renowned as an excellent spot for breakfast and brunch.

Mampoko

Mampoko

Head over to this quintessential Antwerp brasserie for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The cuisine is Belgian/French with Eastern influences. The menu includes salads, steaks and pastas. Be sure to check the daily fresh suggestions on the chalkboard.

Civilta del Bere

Civilta del Bere

In this trendy eatery with a contemporary interior, you'll feel like you're in New York's Little Italy. The name means 'the civilization of drinking', with a focus on Italian wines. The pizzas here are extra fresh, and the price-quality ratio is optimal.

Het Gerecht

Het Gerecht

Het Gerecht is a contemporary restaurant located in a beautiful mansion near the old courthouse. They serve French, seasonal dishes. The restaurant also has a nice terrace, bar and lounge.

À L'infintiste

À L'infintiste

À L'infintiste is a tiny restaurant with a special concept. You bring your own aperitif, wine or soft drinks and coffee or tea. Every day, the chef creates refined 6-course menus a fixed price.

Ciro's

Ciro's

Everyone knows Ciro’s in het Zuid. For generations food connoisseurs have been coming here to enjoy a no-frills approach to good cuisine. The menu still features the best steaks, the most delicious fish dishes and excellent French-Belgian cuisine.

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