The 11 Best Places to Eat in Antwerp, Belgium
If you’re looking for places to eat in Antwerp, you’re in for a treat: the city is known for its rich history and cultural diversity. The city has significantly impacted Belgian cuisine, with a wide range of dishes and ingredients originating from Antwerp. The city’s location on the Scheldt River has made it a popular trading center throughout history, allowing Antwerp to introduce various spices and ingredients to the Belgian cuisine.
One of Antwerp’s most famous dishes is the “stoofvlees” or beef stew. This stew is made with beer, onions, herbs, and spices. The beer used in the stew is usually local, giving the dish a unique flavor that can only be found in Antwerp. Another popular dish from the city is the “waterzooi,” a creamy soup made with chicken or fish, vegetables, and cream. The dish originated in the Middle Ages when it was typically made with freshwater fish from the Scheldt River.
Antwerp has also made a significant impact on Belgian sweets and desserts. The city is home to the famous “Antwerpse Handjes,” or Antwerp Hands, which are small, hand-shaped cookies made with butter, sugar, and almonds. These cookies have been a specialty of Antwerp since the 19th century and are often given as gifts or souvenirs. Another famous sweet from Antwerp is the “Lange Wapper,” a thin, crispy cookie that is often served with coffee or tea.
Overall, Antwerp’s history and location have significantly impacted Belgian cuisine. The city’s diverse population and trading center status have introduced a wide range of spices, ingredients, and dishes to Belgian cuisine, making Antwerp a must-visit destination for any foodie looking to explore the flavors of Belgium.
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The food scene in Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp has a lively and diverse food scene that is sure to please any foodie. The city is known for its traditional Belgian cuisine, but it also offers a variety of international dishes from around the world, including the Italian, French, and Asian cuisine. The city’s Italian restaurants offer delicious pizzas and pasta, while its French restaurants serve classic dishes like coq au vin and escargots. For those who enjoy Asian cuisine, there are plenty of Thai, Chinese, and Japanese restaurants to choose from.
Antwerp also has a growing vegetarian and vegan food scene, with many restaurants offering plant-based options. Some of the city’s most popular vegetarian and vegan restaurants include the Greenway and De Broers van Julienne.
No food tour of Antwerp is complete without sampling some of the city’s famous beer. Local breweries like De Koninck, known for its Antwerpse Bolleke beer, offer a wide variety of locally crafted beers. There are also numerous bars and cafes throughout the city where you can taste and savor different Belgian beers. So, if you’re looking for great places to eat in Antwerp, you won’t be disappointed with its diverse and lively food scene.
11 Places to eat in Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp, is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. It is also home to some of the best restaurants in the world. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best places to eat in Antwerp.
Fiskeskur
Fiskeskur is the first fish bar on Antwerp’s Eilandje, located in an old customs building by the water. The restaurant’s menu focuses on fresh and sustainable seafood, with both flavorful and beautifully presented dishes, and draws inspiration from organic fish and vegetable farmers’ daily catch and local harvest. They also experiment with fermentation and pickling techniques to minimize waste.
Fiskeskur’s cozy interior, with its whitewashed walls and nautical decor featuring a combination of gray tones, black steel, and wooden accents, creates a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere that is perfect for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. The former counters of the building were transformed into a long bar with a view of the open kitchen. You can still enjoy your meal in the heated tent if there’s no space inside.
One of the standout dishes at Fiskeskur is the “Fish Soup,” which is made with a variety of fresh seafood, vegetables, and a fragrant broth. The soup is served with crusty bread and is perfect comfort food on a chilly day. Another popular dish is the “Scallops,” cooked to perfection and served with a delicious sauce made with beurre noisette, capers, and parsley. The menu also offers a variety of other seafood dishes, including oysters, crab, and cod. Next to this, they have an excellent selection of natural wines to pair with its seafood dishes, making it a must-visit destination for seafood lovers in Antwerp.
For those seeking places to eat in Antwerp that prioritize sustainable and locally sourced seafood, Fiskeskur is a standout option. This fish bar’s dedication to high-quality ingredients sets it apart from other restaurants in the city. Fiskeskur is owned by the Danish restaurateur Nikolaj Kovdal, who also introduced the seafood restaurant Fiskebar on the Marnixplaats in the past.
Yalla Yalla Beirut Foodbar
Yalla Yalla Beirut Foodbar restaurant in Antwerp is a great place to visit for anyone looking for a unique and delicious dining experience. The restaurant offers a wide variety of traditional Lebanese dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a cozy, homey feel.
Yalla Yalla Beirut Foodbar is a great place to visit for anyone looking to try traditional Lebanese cuisine in Antwerp, as the menu features a variety of traditional Lebanese dishes, including kibbeh, falafel, hummus, and more. All the dishes are perfectly cooked, and the flavors are bold and flavorful. The restaurant also offers a selection of vegetarian and vegan options, so everyone can find something to enjoy.
LIMA Nikkei Izakaya
LIMA Nikkei Izakaya is a popular Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant located in the trendy South district of Antwerp. The restaurant’s menu combines traditional Japanese cooking techniques with Peru’s bold flavors and ingredients, resulting in a unique and delicious dining experience. LIMA’s interior is sleek and modern, with a lively atmosphere that is perfect for a night out with friends or a date night.
One of the standout dishes at LIMA is the “Nikkei Ceviche,” which features fresh and tangy seafood marinated in a zesty leche de tigre sauce. The dish perfectly represents the restaurant’s fusion cuisine, combining the traditional Peruvian ceviche dish with Japanese ingredients and flavors. Another popular dish is the “Tiradito,” which features thinly sliced raw fish served with various sauces and garnishes. The restaurant also offers a selection of sushi rolls, skewers, and small plates that are perfect for sharing.
LIMA’s unique fusion cuisine and creative dishes make it a must-visit restaurant for foodies in Antwerp. The restaurant is renowned for its commitment to high-quality ingredients and innovative flavor combinations, making it a must-visit place to eat in Antwerp.
Lewis
Lewis restaurant, located in Antwerp South next to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and delicious dining experience, as chef Thomas Snijders serves several recognizable yet refined dishes.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a cozy, intimate setting that makes it perfect for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. The interior’s red lighting and neon lamp nod to the building’s past, as it used to be a rendezvous hotel. Additionally, the restaurant’s interior continues the rock and roll theme with raw materials such as steel, concrete, and stone. This creates a relaxed and informal atmosphere that is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
What sets Lewis apart from other restaurants in the area is the chef’s attention to detail and his commitment to using only the best ingredients. The dishes are crafted using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and the chef experiments with innovative cooking techniques to ensure that every dish is both flavorful and unique.
The menu at Lewis is constantly evolving, and the chef’s travels to Barcelona and Copenhagen have undoubtedly influenced the flavors and styles of the dishes. Visitors can expect to find various options, from meat and fish dishes to vegetarian options, making it one of the best places to eat in Antwerp.
MOSSantwerp
If you’re a foodie looking for a delicious breakfast or lunch spot, MOSSantwerp is a must-visit. With its selection of Caffènation coffee, matcha lattes, and fresh juices paired with tasty dishes such as avocado toast, eggs benedict, and shakshuka, you won’t be disappointed. The menu also offers unique sandwiches and salads that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Additionally, the option of wines and artisanal treats from Antwerp makes for a unique dining experience.
The atmosphere at MOSS is as enjoyable as the food; it has a Scandinavian decor combined with a Bohemian vibe giving a warm and inviting feeling. The counter, with its homemade sweets, sandwiches, and salads, is particularly eye-catching. You’ll be tempted to linger longer and take in the good vibes.
Lastly, MOSS is a great place to find unique gifts for your friends and family. The option to purchase artisanal treats from Antwerp is an added bonus, making it a great spot to pick up a little something special. If you’re looking for a place with great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and unique gifts, MOSS is definitely worth a visit.
The Jane
Nestled in the heart of Antwerp’s former military hospital, The Jane is a gastronomic destination like no other, offering an immersive and unforgettable dining experience. Renowned chefs Sergio Herman and Nick Bril have crafted a restaurant that combines haute cuisine with design, music, and fashion, creating a unique and memorable atmosphere. The Jane is one of the most popular places to eat in Antwerp.
The Jane’s interior is a stunning work of art. Designed by Piet Boon, the restaurant features an 800-kilo chandelier with 150 light points. The modern stained-glass windows portray motifs from both kitchen and church history.
Of course, the real star of The Jane is the food. The menu is a culinary adventure with only the freshest and most seasonal ingredients. The open kitchen allows guests to watch the chefs as they prepare the dishes with great attention to detail. The combination of flavors and textures is simply exquisite, and each dish is a work of art, making it a must-visit on any list of places to eat in Antwerp.
It’s important to note that reservations for The Jane can be made up to three months in advance, while the Upper Room Bar allows reservations up to a month in advance.
L’épicerie du Cirque
L’Épicerie du Cirque offers a relatively small but diverse menu of simple, pure, and refined dishes prepared by Chef Dennis Broeckx. In addition to à la carte options, they also offer various affordable set menus.
The restaurant is located in the Volkstraat and has a modern look with a Scandinavian touch while still maintaining some of the building’s industrial character. The restaurant has also opened Comptoir by l’Épicerie du Cirque, a delicatessen store that offers a range of seasonal dishes, charcuterie, cheeses, sweets, drinks, and organic products sourced from small producers who respect the environment.
Maven
Maven, located in the South district of Antwerp, is a top-tier restaurant that specializes in meat and prides itself on being a ‘Noble Meat Craft’ establishment with the help of acclaimed butcher Luc De Laet.
Maven is one of the top places to eat in Antwerp, housed in an old warehouse and can seat up to 148 guests, featuring a warm and cozy decor. The restaurant’s menu focuses primarily on meat, which can either be dry-aged or fresh, and is the star attraction.
Meat lovers will be delighted with the variety of European cattle breeds, raised on a natural diet and grazing freely, featured on the menu. The restaurant also highlights premium and unique meat varieties like Japanese Wagyu and Kobe and Danish Sashi, which are a must-try and prominently displayed on the menu.
Dim Dining
Dim Dining is a modern and trendy restaurant situated in the heart of Antwerp’s fashion district. Their menu presents a fusion of Asian and European flavors, with creative and beautifully presented dishes that are sure to please. The restaurant’s stylish and sleek interior and a laid-back atmosphere make it the perfect spot for a casual dinner or a night out with friends.
Notable among Dim Dining’s dishes is the “Dim Sum Platter,” a combination of steamed dumplings and buns that come filled with different flavorful meats, vegetables, and sauces. This dish is perfect for sharing and presents an excellent way to experience the restaurant’s fusion cuisine. Another favorite is the “Peking Duck,” which combines the traditional Chinese Peking duck with European presentation and flavor elements. The duck is roasted to perfection and served with a selection of garnishes and sauces such as hoisin sauce and thin pancakes. Additionally, the sommelier allows the dish’s flavors to come alive in the glass, and you can also enjoy a vast selection of Japanese beer.
If you’re looking for places to eat in Antwerp, Dim Dining is a must-visit destination. Here, you can take your taste buds on a luxurious culinary journey to Asia. Young chef Simon van Dun and sake sommelier Jonas Kellens have taken Japanese-inspired omakase cuisine to new heights, garnering one Michelin star and a 15.5/20 rating from Gault Millau.
Unami
Umami restaurant in Antwerp is a hidden gem that promises an exceptional dining experience with its creative and innovative cuisine. The restaurant’s menu is constantly changing, featuring fresh and high-quality ingredients cooked with the utmost care. The dishes are a fusion of Asian and contemporary cuisine, offering a unique and savory taste that can only be described as “umami.” Alongside the delicious dishes, the restaurant has a great selection of wines, beers, cocktails, and desserts, making it a great spot for a complete dining experience.
The restaurant’s attention to detail extends to the atmosphere and interior design. The restaurant’s interior is a mix of Eastern chic and contemporary minimalism, creating a relaxed and inviting ambiance that is perfect for an intimate dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, ensuring every guest feels comfortable and well taken care of.
If you’re looking for places to eat in Antwerp, be sure to visit Umami, a unique restaurant that offers more than just great food. To complete the Umami experience, the restaurant also has a shop called Bizar Bizar. The shop offers a constantly changing collection of unique items such as jewelry, candles, Bonsai trees, sake, furniture, books, pottery, and handbags.
Fish a’gogo
Fish a’gogo is a seafood restaurant located in Antwerp’s Old Town, serving fresh and sustainably caught seafood dishes that are simple yet delicious. The cozy and intimate interior of the restaurant provides a relaxed atmosphere that is ideal for a romantic dinner or a casual meal with friends.
Customers can enjoy a variety of seafood dishes, including the standout “Mixed Seafood Platter” which is perfect for sharing and changes depending on the catch of the day. The platter includes shrimp, mussels, clams, and other delicacies that are sure to please any seafood lover.
In addition to the “Mixed Seafood Platter,” another popular dish at Fish a’gogo is the “Fish a’gogo Bouillabaisse.” This traditional French seafood stew is made with a variety of fish and shellfish and served with a side of rouille and crusty bread. The restaurant’s menu also features delicious cod bites, small squid, oysters, and grilled squid that evoke southern atmospheres in the city.
Customers can choose to dine at the small seating area upstairs, or enjoy the charming experience at the door with a view of the Cathedral, which is also the ideal spot for an aperitif.
