A culinary stroll through Antwerp
Antwerp has a versatile cultural identity. Home to the second-largest port in Europe, it has been a melting pot of cultures, ideas, traditions, and flavours from around the world since the sixteenth century. That’s what makes the city’s gastronomic DNA so unique. Every neighbourhood has its own distinct personality. All are full of life, but each has a different energy. Follow the city streets and you're sure to find a place at the table!
HET ZUID DISTRICT
At first glance, Het Zuid district is all wide avenues, stately townhouses, and inviting little squares lined with sun-soaked terraces. Stick around for a while to discover innovative artists, contemporary museums, and quirky design shops. Add to that the countless cafés, restaurants, and cocktail bars, and it’s no wonder the neighbourhood is always buzzing.
Het Zuid district is bursting with breakfast spots. Start your day at Charlie’s on Volkstraat: a street with an incredible mix of styles and flavours. For an Asian treat, try Bún, named by Gault&Millau as one of the best Asian restaurants. Tamo is another excellent choice for Asian cuisine. This modern Thai fusion restaurant brings together Thai heritage and global influences in inventive dishes.
Follow Volkstraat south to Leopold De Waelplaats. The magnificent Royal Museum of Fine Arts takes up almost a quarter of the square, giving the whole area a sense of grandeur. Yet many of its restaurants have a casual, laid-back feel. Take Madonna Antwerp, the museum restaurant where you can pop in for a quick bite to eat or linger over dinner. The pancakes are well worth a try! Prefer something savoury? Treat yourself to a smash burger at Le Boys or authentic sushi at Minato. Eldo is another hotspot worth discovering, where fire, food, and good company take centre stage. And it may not be fancy, but you’ll find the best kebab in the world right here in Antwerp! Finjan is an icon whose reputation reaches well beyond the city.
Need to rest your feet? There’s no shortage of cosy cafés to choose from. Try Hopper for some live jazz music. If you're in the mood for a good glass of wine, Tannin is the place to be.
Fancy something a little more indulgent? Just around the corner is Album, which serves up light, innovative, and creative dishes that change with the seasons. The sourdough alone is reason enough to visit! After your meal, take a stroll through the new Zuidpark. Once the site of the filled-in Zuiderdokken trade docks, this green oasis in the heart of the city now has lawns, pools, playgrounds, sports fields, and community gardens. Find a spot on one of the terraces overlooking the park. FOMU café and Bar Tabac are both worth a stop.
On a sunny afternoon, Marnixplaats is the place to be. Eight streets converge at this lively square, whose spacious terraces are a favourite with trendy locals. There’s plenty of terrace space, so find yourself a spot in the sun. Enjoy an aperitif at Vitrin, a beer at Baron, or a beautiful fish dish at Fiskebar. Room for dessert? Gelato Guiliano is a must-try!
A little further on, Kronenburgstraat is filled with trendy places to explore. Start your day with matcha and a plant-based pastry at Bakkerij FUNK or Café Canelé for coffee and artisanal cannelés. Fancy an aperitif? Head to Spiridon for a good wine and great food. For more casual fare, Plump serves the juiciest smash burgers and sharing plates. Add a craft beer or a glass of natural wine and you're in for an excellent evening!
More of a cocktail person? Then you're in the right neighbourhood. Het Zuid district has a golden stretch of cocktail bars, all less than a kilometre apart: Bar BurBure, BelRoy’s Bijou, and SIPS will put a smile on any cocktail-lover’s face. Pick your favourite one or try all three (at your own risk).
For those who prefer to stay a little longer, Hotel Pilar is a stylish boutique hotel with a breakfast and lunch bar and a gorgeous terrace.
Still got some walking in you? Venture beyond the Leien, the broad boulevards that trace Antwerp’s former city walls. At and/or, chef Karen Shu brings a laid-back New York spirit to her imaginative plant-based cooking, while her partner, sommelier Tatiana Gumuchdjian, takes care of the wine.
Near Brederodestraat, Nordica 31 makes a delicious lunch stop. Think Nordic street food, homemade sourdough bread, cardamom buns, and Icelandic skyr. If you're not ready to leave the neighbourhood, wander towards Troonplaats. Stop at Kolonel for coffee, breakfast, or lunch, or head to Pamela or Bar d’Henri for cocktails and wine with a jazzy vibe.
More places worth exploring:
The new residential neighbourhood of Nieuw Zuid is ahead of the curve in every way. Here, modern architectural gems sit alongside internationally renowned galleries such as Tim Van Laere and Sofie Van de Velde. A new park beside the Scheldt is set to bring amphitheatres, two pavilions for food and exhibitions, and even a patch of woodland to the area. Welcome to the future of Antwerp!
Although the neighbourhood is still taking shape, two young Michelin-starred chefs have already made their mark. Nicolas Misera is putting fish and seafood centre stage at his namesake restaurant Misera*. At Bar Misera, host and sommelier Trésor Vets serves excellent wines by the glass alongside a bistro menu built around seasonal ingredients. Fellow chef Dimitri De Koninck gives French classics a modern twist at Nebo*. And for your daily caffeine fix, head to Barchel Zuid. Find a sunny spot on the terrace and enjoy a (matcha) latte Nieuw Zuid style.
HET GROEN KWARTIER
Antwerp’s former military hospital has found a new lease of life as Het Groen Kwartier, a leafy, car-free neighbourhood. Its grand buildings are now home to PAKT and a whole host of creative culinary hotspots to eat and drink. Up on the rooftops, residents and restaurants grow vegetables, keep bees, and even cultivate their own ‘Coeur de PAKT’ tomato. There are even fish and chickens up there, too!
At the heart of PAKT, stop by Caffenation for an espresso. This Antwerp coffee favourite roasts its own beans on site. If you’re craving another cup later, you’ll also find Caffenation on Mechelsesteenweg and Volkstraat.
Stretch out on the grass or play a game of pétanque, then make your way to De Koninck city brewery. Its visitor centre takes you through the brewery’s history, how beer is made, and why Belgian beers come in so many different glasses. The brewery site is also home to The Butcher’s Son*, the Michelin-starred restaurant of chef Bert Jan Michielsen and sommelier Luc Dickens. At the Van Tricht cheese shop Only Cheese, you can stock up on fine cheeses and fresh treats such as yoghurt and burratina.
Craving some Belgian classics? Head to Repasse. And for a simple, high-quality menu built around seasonal products, try Eppo.
Berchem also has its own ‘funky’ bakery: Bakkerij FUNK recently opened its second location on Belpairestraat.
Starting to feel a little full? Well slow down, because PAKT and Groen Kwartier have a few more culinary surprises in store! Starting with Camion & Camionette for local, organic dishes and a laid-back atmosphere. Or a flavour-packed sourdough pizza at Standard Pizza, topped with fresh ingredients straight from their rooftop garden. Feel like a beer (or two)? Head down to Speciale Belge, an industrial-style taproom with a huge selection of lesser-known beers, including brews from its own microbrewery.
For a good night’s sleep, check into august, a design hotel in a former Augustinian monastery, complete with a spa, a cocktail bar, and a restaurant. YUST offers the perfect blend of comfort and creativity. Book one of its distinctive rooms, then stay for lunch, dinner, or a drink at the rooftop bar.
More places worth exploring:
Walk under the neo-Baroque railway bridge and you’ll find yourself in Zurenborg. This neighbourhood’s Belle Époque grandeur is on full display along Cogels-Osylei, an elegant nineteenth-century street lined with eclectic Art Nouveau villas. Head to the cosy Dageraadplaats square for a drink or make a night of it with dinner at Soixante.
Bakery DOMESTIC is the place to be for incredible pastries, and La Brasserie du Dôme puts French cooking centre stage. For more international flavours, head to De Aarde, where Michelin-starred chef Frédéric Chabbert takes you on a unique and personal culinary journey. In the mood for Italian food? At L’Enoteca (which started as a Neapolitan wine bar), you’ll find classics like carbonara, gricia, and ragù, alongside more surprising dishes. If you're craving a flat white or a slice of matcha cake, run, don’t walk to Rush Rush and find a place on the terrace. Sugar and laptops are off the menu at this coffee bar, leaving you free to savour your coffee and lunch.
HISTORIC CITY CENTRE
You can eat your way around the world in Antwerp’s historic centre, but there are a few local classics you really shouldn’t miss. Get lost among narrow streets and centuries-old houses, or admire the Grote Markt beneath the Cathedral of Our Lady. Stop at your favourite pub or restaurant, then walk off your meal along the banks of the Scheldt.
Start your day with a morning caffeine fix at Caffe Mundi, where the team selects, roasts, and grinds its own beans. Be sure to try their coffee of the month! Keep walking towards Hofstraat, where you’ll find Bracc and Bar Lucy. If you continue through the passageway, you’ll end up in a courtyard with Mediterranean vibes. At Bracc, Scandinavian and mid-century touches meet understated design, while Belgian dishes get a modern twist. Bar Lucy shares the space and picks up the pace in the evening with live music.
Fancy a snack? For the best shrimp croquettes, head to Fish A' Gogo opposite the cathedral. Then stop for a cold bolleke at Den Engel and take in the view of the gothic cathedral and the Renaissance town hall. A little further along on Melkmarkt, you’ll find Café De Pelikaan, a historic pub in the heart of Antwerp.
A small park on nearby Muntstraat is especially popular in the summer months. Take a seat on the sunny terrace of restaurant Camino and enjoy lunch with an Asian twist. Nearby Kloosterstraat is well worth exploring too, with its antique shops, local jewellery designers, and design stores.
Between Muntstraat and the historic centre lies Vrijdagmarkt, a charming and somewhat hidden square. Stop by MARIGOLD for an aperitif, Bistro Bar 2 for lunch or dinner, or In de Roscam for delicious Belgian fare.
Just a stone's throw away is wine restaurant InVINcible, where chef and sommelier Kenny Burssens serves an impressive three-course menu that’s excellent value. Tip: try the vol-au-vent or the sea bass baked in a salt crust.
One Belgian classic you can’t miss? Mussels and chips! Restaurant Maritime has been serving this national dish for more than 50 years. Fans of classic cooking will also enjoy Bistro De Balans.
For a glimpse of Antwerp’s Golden Age, walk from the Grote Markt towards Oude Koornmarkt. On your right, you’ll find the picturesque Vlaeykensgang. In 1591, this narrow alley was home to some of the city’s poorest residents. Today, it houses some of Antwerp’s best restaurants. One is Sir Anthony Van Dijck, a classic restaurant with a beautiful Renaissance interior and a fireplace.
Another Antwerp landmark worth visiting is the Handelsbeurs. Dating back to 1531, this magnificent neo-Gothic building housed the world’s first stock exchange. Nearby is the Schippersbeurs, where sailors from around the world once delivered goods for trade at the exchange. Today, Restaurant Fiera serves dishes inspired by flavours from across the globe.
Also in the Schipperskwartier is Borze, a cosy café where it’s easy to linger over a meal. Tango on Sint-Paulusplaats is also worth a visit. Stop by for a cocktail, a glass of wine, or a beer and creative bistro dishes. Nearby, Tinsel is a lovely breakfast spot, and Smudged is perfect for a fun night out.
From here, it’s a short walk to Lange Koepoortstraat, a lively street full of places to eat and drink. Treat yourself to an impressive culinary experience at Nathan*, tuck into tasty barbecue dishes at Orbit Bistro, or head to Tratt for Southern Italian cuisine.
Staying overnight? The luxurious Sapphire House Antwerp, Autograph Collection, is a Marriott hotel in the heart of the city.
The undisputed eye-catcher of the city centre is the Cathedral of Our Lady. At 123 metres tall, it’s the largest Gothic structure in the Benelux, and it took 169 years to build. Inside, you’ll find breathtaking architecture and an impressive collection of artworks, including several paintings by Rubens. Afterwards, stop at Witzli Poetzli for a nightcap. This Antwerp favourite is opposite the cathedral’s nave and is a wonderful spot to experience the city at night.
More places worth exploring:
Just south of the Meir, Antwerp’s busiest shopping street, lies the theatre district, also known as Quartier Latin. It’s home to four of the most important theatres, including the nineteenth-century Bourla, the last theatre in Europe with its original stage machinery still intact. Creatives, students, and food lovers all flock to this neighbourhood for its fashion and interior design shops, beautiful architecture, and, of course, its cafés and restaurants.
On Leopoldplaats, you’ll feel the buzz of the city centre. Pull up a chair at Cobra, a lively, laid-back restaurant with the feel of a Parisian bistro and inventive dishes made for sharing. If a stylish setting and a long, leisurely meal sound like your kind of thing, Nectar is the place to be. Come by morning or night for coffee, lunch, or dinner.
A few hundred metres away, beside the Botanic Garden, is the five-star Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp. This hotel is home to two restaurants owned by Gert De Mangeleer and Joachim Boudens: Bar Bulot and Hertog Jan at Botanic Antwerp**, which received two Michelin stars soon after opening. On the same site, Jacob Jan Boersma and Thomas Diepersloot’s Fine Fleur* offers fine dining in a relaxed setting. Chef Yves Mattagne takes you on a culinary journey at his new restaurant Hidden Garden and fine dining concept Sanctus.
On Saturdays, take your time browsing the market on the Theaterplein in front of the city theater (Stadsschouwburg). The stalls are piled high with ingredients from around the world. Try a spiced Moroccan snack or pair oysters with a glass of cava. You can’t miss the lighthouse-shaped stall, which serves some of the city’s best cheese and shrimp croquettes. Afterwards, order a Gueuze at Oud Arsenaal or join the locals at the traditional pub De Duifkens.
HET EILANDJE
Antwerp’s old port has been transformed into one of the city’s liveliest neighbourhoods. Along the former loading quays, you’ll find places to eat and drink among monumental warehouses and storehouses. Stroll along the docks with the sun on your face and take a moment to admire the striking architecture of the MAS museum.
Coming from the city centre? Walk through the Felixpakhuis, a historic warehouse dating from 1861 that now houses the city archives. On the ground floor, you’ll find WOLF, a buzzing food market with ten carefully chosen street food spots, three bars, and plenty of room to gather. In other words: come hungry! This must-see foodie hotspot brings together great food, great company, and a great atmosphere.
On a summer’s day, even the breeze off the water might not be enough to cool you down. Stop by Cremerie Germaine for a delicious gelato and a peek inside its ‘ice cream laboratory’. Still feeling the heat? Head to the lively neighbourhood café ‘t Licht der Dokken for a freshly poured Bolleke, Antwerp’s local beer.
Lunch, cocktails, or dinner with a view of the Scheldt? That’s an Antwerp experience worth making time for. On the Willemdok, Au Vieux Port has a Parisian feel and is known for its cheese croquettes and pressed duck, prepared at your table.
HIRO serves sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes in a laid-back setting. If you’re craving authentic Italian food, head towards Falconplein. The team behind Tratt opened two more hotspots close together: Cannolo and Arrikiiati. Between them, there’s plenty of delicious Sicilian cooking to discover.
As the sun begins to set, take a seat at Zilte *** for dinner with a spectacular view. Perched on the roof of the MAS, chef Viki Geunes’ restaurant earned its third Michelin star in 2021. Settle in and savour his inventive, beautifully crafted contemporary cooking.
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Continue past the MAS along the docks and you’ll spot the new Port House, designed by Zaha Hadid, glittering like a diamond in the distance. From here, you’ll reach the Cadix neighbourhood and edge closer to the port. In the mood for fresh fish? Fiskeskur, housed in a tiny former customs office, serves seafood and finger food throughout the day. Inside is snug, but there’s plenty of room to relax on the terrace. Across the Londonbrug bridge, you’ll find Michelin-starred Pont-Neuf*. Or how about dinner in a former warehouse? At Cella, near Kattendijkdok, refined international dishes come with an elegant industrial setting and views over the dock and Antwerp’s skyline.
For a terrace with a character all its own, make your way to Bar Paniek. Its repurposed hangars are home to a range of creative projects, while lush plants give the place an almost garden-like feel. Find a seat on the cobbled quay, look out across the water, and try a Seefbier. This distinctly Antwerp beer is said to date back to the sixteenth century. Hugely popular in the 1800s, it disappeared around 1930 before the Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie brought it back in 2012. It was an instant hit!
At the cosy Evidence, French chef Lionel Bethaz lets fresh, local ingredients shine as part of an incredible dining experience. On the other side of Kattendijkdok, Nick Bril has breathed new life into the iconic restaurant The Jane**.
CENTRAL STATION & NOORD
Ready to travel the world? More than 170 nationalities live side by side in Antwerp (of the 200 identified nationalities worldwide), making it a richly multicultural city. This mix of cultures is particularly noticeable in the northern part of the city and the area around the central station, where the food is as diverse as the people themselves.
Start at Central Station, long considered one of the world’s most beautiful railway stations. Antwerp locals call it the ‘railway cathedral’, and once you step inside, you’ll see why. Tucked into a corner of the vast Astridplein nearby is the entrance to Antwerp Zoo, founded in 1843. It’s one of the oldest zoos in the world, and many of its beautiful historic buildings have survived.
Directly opposite the station lies Antwerp’s very own Chinatown. In addition to colourful Chinese shops and restaurants, you’ll find Thai, Filipino, and Nepalese businesses. Try The Best for Cantonese dishes, Bai Wei for handmade noodles, and Pho Viet for Vietnamese food with a modern twist.
Also just a short walk from the station is Nage. Once a printing house, this elegant restaurant is now a place to enjoy natural wine and original dishes that let their ingredients shine.
Chocolade Del Rey has been one of Antwerp’s leading artisan chocolatiers for more than 35 years. Choose from 12 kinds of hot chocolate to take with you as you explore the city. When the chocolate craving takes hold, there's only one place to go: Chocolate Nation, the world’s largest chocolate museum, offering an interactive journey through all things cocoa.
Feeling thirsty? Beerlovers Bar has twelve beers on tap and another 150 craft beers that can be ordered by the bottle.
Antwerp’s famous diamond district is just around the corner. Beyond it lies the Jewish quarter, one of the largest in the world and home to many kosher restaurants. At Hoffy’s, one of Belgium’s best-known kosher restaurants, the Hoffman brothers run a restaurant and delicatessen serving traditional Jewish dishes.
On the other side of Sint-Jansplein, Bistrot du Nord* is an authentic bistro with one Michelin star and an eye for exceptional ingredients.
Keep walking north and you’ll reach Park Spoor Noord. Once an abandoned railway yard, this park now covers more than ten hectares, with water features, playgrounds, a skatepark and a summer bar with a big sunny terrace. It’s easy to see why locals love it!
On your way to the Dam neighbourhood, you’ll pass through the former slaughterhouse district, where meat remains a speciality on many menus. Order the steak tartare at Bart-à-vin, an Art Deco bistro in a former pork processing building that serves fresh French dishes. For generous portions in a rustic setting, try Pietrain.
At Veranda, chef Davy Schellemans serves a seasonal five-course menu with natural wines in a modern industrial space. A few hundred metres away, he recently opened Café Commercial in what was once a much-loved local pub. The old interior and atmosphere remain, but the menu is fresh, seasonal, and easy to enjoy. Exceptional food with a laid-back atmosphere? What’s not to love? For a truly local experience, stop by Café ’t Poppemieke on the corner of Korte and Lange Lobroekstraat. This traditional Flemish pub captures the friendly, cheerful spirit of the Dam.
HUNGRY FOR MORE?
Antwerp’s food scene doesn’t end with these neighbourhoods. Venture a little further into Berchem or Borgerhout and you’ll find plenty more places worth a visit. At Bloesem*, a fun, seasonal menu and just fourteen seats make for an intimate dining experience. Bistro Rocco serves local dishes in a cosy setting and is a great choice for wine lovers. For a Scandinavian brunch, try Oktober Café. Almost everything is made in-house, from the cinnamon buns to the smørrebrød, and a proper Danish breakfast.
Ticked into a charming building with a gorgeous garden in the young and bustling Markgrave neighbourhood is Cobra House. Stop by for a good glass of wine and a delicious dinner.
FOOD FESTIVALS IN ANTWERP
Antwerp is also the setting for several food festivals. From fine dining and street food to craft beer, these events offer another delicious way to get to know the city.
A firm favourite is Antwerpen Proeft, one of Belgium’s biggest food festivals. Over one flavour-packed weekend at Waagnatie, celebrated chefs, popular restaurants and rising talent serve their signature dishes. Expect everything from high-end cuisine to street food, alongside workshops and cooking demonstrations.
Smaakmeesters is another popular festival to look out for. Wander from place to place, sampling specialities from local cafés, (coffee) bars, and restaurants. Think of it as a walking tour of the city with plenty of delicious stops along the way!
If you love adventurous street food, head to Drip Fest. This newer festival in Antwerp’s Eilandje district is all about burgers, with restaurants from Belgium and beyond serving their juiciest creations. Add music, drinks, and a summery waterfront setting and you’ve got the makings of a great day out!
For something a little more offbeat, check out Billie’s Craft Beer Fest and summer hotspots like Zomerfabriek, where international flavours, music, and culture come together in a creative, laid-back setting.