Food Scene
for coffee, brakfast and lunch, just arount the corner of A 64 en Eikenstraat 2. Dynamic shared workoffice space, several floors, nice atmosphere if you want to work and feel the vibes of the city, many people with laptops, etc, only open during daytime!
29 locals recommend
Coffeelabs
19 Lange Klarenstraatfor coffee, brakfast and lunch, just arount the corner of A 64 en Eikenstraat 2. Dynamic shared workoffice space, several floors, nice atmosphere if you want to work and feel the vibes of the city, many people with laptops, etc, only open during daytime!
This is the perfect restaurant/café/coffeebar for everyday, every day in style. Beautiful and unique terrace. Inside the front and the back have a different style, in the back it's more formal - linen table clothes f ex - but still very relaxed.
Food for everyone. Snacks, appetizers, pasta's, fine dishes, meat, fish, veggie. Consequent mix. So not the kind of restaurant that offers everything without having a clue of what they are doing. Bourla knows very well what they are doing and they do it very well.
grandeur in a relaxed way.
belgian kitchen, and besides that: mediterranean.
Artists, fashionistas, businesspeople, ... all kind come here.
Good address all day and evening long.
Love it.
52 locals recommend
Bourla
7 GraanmarktThis is the perfect restaurant/café/coffeebar for everyday, every day in style. Beautiful and unique terrace. Inside the front and the back have a different style, in the back it's more formal - linen table clothes f ex - but still very relaxed.
Food for everyone. Snacks, appetizers, pasta's, fine dishes, meat, fish, veggie. Consequent mix. So not the kind of restaurant that offers everything without having a clue of what they are doing. Bourla knows very well what they are doing and they do it very well.
grandeur in a relaxed way.
belgian kitchen, and besides that: mediterranean.
Artists, fashionistas, businesspeople, ... all kind come here.
Good address all day and evening long.
Love it.
Take away very close to Eikenstraat and A 64. Good thai dishes, nice red curries for example. You can also eat in the restaurant, but that is a very basic place without any attention to interior and people who get their take away orders do come in and out all the time. But still: even inside the food tastes nice! No alcohol in the restaruant, but the owners allow you to get your alcohol drinks in the café next door :-) (the café is called tante Lies, aunt Lies, it's also a typical Antwerp café) For quick and healthy food this Tasty Thai is a great address 200 m from the appt.
Tasty Thai Express
2 KipdorpbrugTake away very close to Eikenstraat and A 64. Good thai dishes, nice red curries for example. You can also eat in the restaurant, but that is a very basic place without any attention to interior and people who get their take away orders do come in and out all the time. But still: even inside the food tastes nice! No alcohol in the restaruant, but the owners allow you to get your alcohol drinks in the café next door :-) (the café is called tante Lies, aunt Lies, it's also a typical Antwerp café) For quick and healthy food this Tasty Thai is a great address 200 m from the appt.
Ed Balke, a dutchman who loves Belgium and Japan and who knows both countries intensely well, rules this restaurant already sinde the 7O's!! Balke stayed in Japan for a long time. After this search for his soul he needed the Japanese kitchen nearby. He rules the restaurant. Japanese chefs do work there. His sushichef is a real one, not a copy cat trained in a few weeks. His sushi chefs is still training, after 30 years and more, like it should be.
Cosy place. Interior is charming, intimite but maybe a bit too old/used, everything could use new painting and so on, but it's not so improtant when the food is delicious, the atmosphere friendly, the service personal. Ask for Ed. He likes it when you say hello and he will recommend you what to chose from the menu.
The degustation menu is really nice, but of course the single dishes as well. Very nice sashimi too. Ask for advice if you do not know what to chose.
The restaurant is next to the Museum of Schone Kunsten (south) and close to the most beautiful synagogue of Antwerp. After dinner have a drink in bar Hopper, 100 meters further.
We are thankfull Izumi, named after a city near Osaka, exits, and Ed too.
10 locals recommend
Izumi
44 BeeldhouwersstraatEd Balke, a dutchman who loves Belgium and Japan and who knows both countries intensely well, rules this restaurant already sinde the 7O's!! Balke stayed in Japan for a long time. After this search for his soul he needed the Japanese kitchen nearby. He rules the restaurant. Japanese chefs do work there. His sushichef is a real one, not a copy cat trained in a few weeks. His sushi chefs is still training, after 30 years and more, like it should be.
Cosy place. Interior is charming, intimite but maybe a bit too old/used, everything could use new painting and so on, but it's not so improtant when the food is delicious, the atmosphere friendly, the service personal. Ask for Ed. He likes it when you say hello and he will recommend you what to chose from the menu.
The degustation menu is really nice, but of course the single dishes as well. Very nice sashimi too. Ask for advice if you do not know what to chose.
The restaurant is next to the Museum of Schone Kunsten (south) and close to the most beautiful synagogue of Antwerp. After dinner have a drink in bar Hopper, 100 meters further.
We are thankfull Izumi, named after a city near Osaka, exits, and Ed too.
Hidden culinary temple with cosmopolitan touch, Asia nor the Mediterranean are far away. Asian ànd French inspired menu (a bit in the style of Nobu), very creative and refined, very interesting for those who are curious to discover the richness of their tasting pallet.
Roji is hidden in a basement dating from the Middle Ages. In winter a great fire place makes the place even warmer and more charming. Roji is located in a touristy street (Oude Koornmarkt) polluted by restaurants more famous for their commercial instinct than for their kitchen quality. (only de Rooden hoed, opposite Roji is fine in this street, and Xaverius, next to cathedral is also a good house you can trust).
Roji offers à la carte and menu forms. Not cheap. But unforgettable, every time.
15 locals recommend
Restaurant ROJI
26 Oude KoornmarktHidden culinary temple with cosmopolitan touch, Asia nor the Mediterranean are far away. Asian ànd French inspired menu (a bit in the style of Nobu), very creative and refined, very interesting for those who are curious to discover the richness of their tasting pallet.
Roji is hidden in a basement dating from the Middle Ages. In winter a great fire place makes the place even warmer and more charming. Roji is located in a touristy street (Oude Koornmarkt) polluted by restaurants more famous for their commercial instinct than for their kitchen quality. (only de Rooden hoed, opposite Roji is fine in this street, and Xaverius, next to cathedral is also a good house you can trust).
Roji offers à la carte and menu forms. Not cheap. But unforgettable, every time.
If you did not book three months in advance, it will be difficult to get in, but please try to get a late minute seat in the upper bar room, or try to have lunch instead of dinner, you might be lucky. The Jane is the two star restaurant, the Upper Bar room is in the same former chapel and offers smaller dishes, very nice though and same spirit and same quality level!
Nick Bril is the chef of The Jane, this impressive restaurant from Sergio Herman (thee stars, Old Sluis, Holland, closed it three years ago). Nick used to be Sergio's sous-chef.
Interior, service, cuisine: all excellent.
Take a cab. if you park in the unit where the Jane is located, pay attention to the parking rules, as fines are easily given.
63 locals recommend
The Jane
1 ParadepleinIf you did not book three months in advance, it will be difficult to get in, but please try to get a late minute seat in the upper bar room, or try to have lunch instead of dinner, you might be lucky. The Jane is the two star restaurant, the Upper Bar room is in the same former chapel and offers smaller dishes, very nice though and same spirit and same quality level!
Nick Bril is the chef of The Jane, this impressive restaurant from Sergio Herman (thee stars, Old Sluis, Holland, closed it three years ago). Nick used to be Sergio's sous-chef.
Interior, service, cuisine: all excellent.
Take a cab. if you park in the unit where the Jane is located, pay attention to the parking rules, as fines are easily given.
This was among the first scandinavian restaruants in antwerp. Nice no nonsens y fish restaurant, not refined but good. Around this square you find several bars and restaurants, if you walk direction Volksstraat, Volksstraat itself has also a few interesting places (like fish & eat from the Mo-brothers who also have Meat & eat in de Vrijheidsstraat, even closer to Fiskebar, Meat & Eat is thé meatrestaurant in town, the Mo's also heve Mo's bistrot in Kasteelpleinstraat, they understand what a bistrot is. But this feed is about Fiskebar: try it, it's good.
72 locals recommend
Fiskebar
12 MarnixplaatsThis was among the first scandinavian restaruants in antwerp. Nice no nonsens y fish restaurant, not refined but good. Around this square you find several bars and restaurants, if you walk direction Volksstraat, Volksstraat itself has also a few interesting places (like fish & eat from the Mo-brothers who also have Meat & eat in de Vrijheidsstraat, even closer to Fiskebar, Meat & Eat is thé meatrestaurant in town, the Mo's also heve Mo's bistrot in Kasteelpleinstraat, they understand what a bistrot is. But this feed is about Fiskebar: try it, it's good.
probably the best Italian in Antwerp, definitely the best in the historical center of the town. Arte is next to the Town Hall. They serve pizza too, but you do not go here to eat pizza. Listen to the advice of the waiters. This family also owns Ferrier 30 in Leopold Dewaelstraat, Antwerp South. Ferrier is more trendy, more 'did you see me I was at Ferriers'. Prices are so too.
Minimalistic interior, good taste.
24 locals recommend
Arte
24 Suikerruiprobably the best Italian in Antwerp, definitely the best in the historical center of the town. Arte is next to the Town Hall. They serve pizza too, but you do not go here to eat pizza. Listen to the advice of the waiters. This family also owns Ferrier 30 in Leopold Dewaelstraat, Antwerp South. Ferrier is more trendy, more 'did you see me I was at Ferriers'. Prices are so too.
Minimalistic interior, good taste.
good and trendy, stylish bar, lounge, restaurant in an impressive building and with terrace near the water so one can enjoy the harbor feeling! A bit touristy sometimes, and pay attention to the evt. presence of groups, .
refined cuisine, starters around 20 euro, main around 30 euro, three courses menu 49 euro. Special place. Worth a visit. Grandeur in an industrial building near the old harbor, antwerp. (parking place available)
www.hetpomphuis.be/
17 locals recommend
Het Pomphuis
Siberiastraatgood and trendy, stylish bar, lounge, restaurant in an impressive building and with terrace near the water so one can enjoy the harbor feeling! A bit touristy sometimes, and pay attention to the evt. presence of groups, .
refined cuisine, starters around 20 euro, main around 30 euro, three courses menu 49 euro. Special place. Worth a visit. Grandeur in an industrial building near the old harbor, antwerp. (parking place available)
www.hetpomphuis.be/
restaurant but also café, the place is in the basement, it is a touristy spot, but very belgian and very unique place, really necessary to experience, best for a drink (or more) instead of diner, everything happens in the old cellars of a monastery, pelgroms are the ones who march to Compostela. Story goes that, the owner owned this tiny bar and wanted some more space to stock his beer.. when he tried to dig a space for a cellar he stumbled on to the remains of an old celaar complex of this forgotten monastery. he cleaned the all out but then the neighbours found out and wanted a piece of the part that ran under their buildings. The owner struck a deal and this large cellars now belong to the Pelgrom.
extra: In this street, at the corner, is a Jenever café and a jenevershop, very belgian too . Jenever is Dutch/Belgian gin, you have old and young jenever, and all kind of flavors, ...
extra 2: The Tapabar is this street is a good address for simple tapafood, not very elaborated or special, but fine for pollo con ajo, jamon, calamares, etc. Cava is way too expensive, same for some wines, pay attention to these as the bill can raise, food prices are fine! Tapasbar exists for more then 30 years already, clientele is local and touristy, good mix of families and couples
13 locals recommend
Pelgrom
15 Pelgrimstraatrestaurant but also café, the place is in the basement, it is a touristy spot, but very belgian and very unique place, really necessary to experience, best for a drink (or more) instead of diner, everything happens in the old cellars of a monastery, pelgroms are the ones who march to Compostela. Story goes that, the owner owned this tiny bar and wanted some more space to stock his beer.. when he tried to dig a space for a cellar he stumbled on to the remains of an old celaar complex of this forgotten monastery. he cleaned the all out but then the neighbours found out and wanted a piece of the part that ran under their buildings. The owner struck a deal and this large cellars now belong to the Pelgrom.
extra: In this street, at the corner, is a Jenever café and a jenevershop, very belgian too . Jenever is Dutch/Belgian gin, you have old and young jenever, and all kind of flavors, ...
extra 2: The Tapabar is this street is a good address for simple tapafood, not very elaborated or special, but fine for pollo con ajo, jamon, calamares, etc. Cava is way too expensive, same for some wines, pay attention to these as the bill can raise, food prices are fine! Tapasbar exists for more then 30 years already, clientele is local and touristy, good mix of families and couples
Very special and dynamic concept in a beautiful old warehouse where now the city archives are held, in the neighbourhood of MAS, museum aan de Stroom, de neighbourhood is called 'eilandje', little island, it's near the city docks.
Pakhuis includes different restaurants/foodshops, all owned by the same two persons. You should have a look at their website to have a clear idea about this building/place. Attention: the website is not pakhuis.be, which is a brewery in antwerp South. Website is www.felixpakhuis.nu
Many familiebrunches on sunday. Book in advance on sundays and busy museumdays. Ideal for breakfast too. You can climb to the top of the museum first and then have a chocolate cake in Felixpakhuis.
Nice and huge terrace in the summer.
Since the Red Star Line Museum and MAS and some art galleries are close, you will find many visitors of the musea Felix Pakhuis too.
54 locals recommend
Felix Pakhuis
30 GodefriduskaaiVery special and dynamic concept in a beautiful old warehouse where now the city archives are held, in the neighbourhood of MAS, museum aan de Stroom, de neighbourhood is called 'eilandje', little island, it's near the city docks.
Pakhuis includes different restaurants/foodshops, all owned by the same two persons. You should have a look at their website to have a clear idea about this building/place. Attention: the website is not pakhuis.be, which is a brewery in antwerp South. Website is www.felixpakhuis.nu
Many familiebrunches on sunday. Book in advance on sundays and busy museumdays. Ideal for breakfast too. You can climb to the top of the museum first and then have a chocolate cake in Felixpakhuis.
Nice and huge terrace in the summer.
Since the Red Star Line Museum and MAS and some art galleries are close, you will find many visitors of the musea Felix Pakhuis too.
Gustav is the bar - restaurant that belongs to the Opera. The place has everything to be unique. Unfortunately the food is average and the service below average. Still: the place is beautiful and it is an interesting meeting point, as it is close to central station and many people just meet here. it's a place where writers meet their editors (who come by train from Amsterdam). And a place where journalists interview people. That presence gives the place an extra. And the interior as well. Benches in the back of the café-restaurant with nice overview of the whole place.
Don't spend too much money here. Go for a drink or a bite, and enjoy the surrounding. have a look at the Opera next door.
Brasserie Gustav
2 Van ErtbornstraatGustav is the bar - restaurant that belongs to the Opera. The place has everything to be unique. Unfortunately the food is average and the service below average. Still: the place is beautiful and it is an interesting meeting point, as it is close to central station and many people just meet here. it's a place where writers meet their editors (who come by train from Amsterdam). And a place where journalists interview people. That presence gives the place an extra. And the interior as well. Benches in the back of the café-restaurant with nice overview of the whole place.
Don't spend too much money here. Go for a drink or a bite, and enjoy the surrounding. have a look at the Opera next door.
The Bourla Schouwburg is the main theater in Antwerp. Bruno Bourla was the architect of this neoclassical landmark that was almost demolished by politicians who preferred modern buildings and wanted to destroy this beauty.
(same goes for Central Station, 50 years ago is was almost demolished by a liberal politician of transport who luckely did not have enough votes to persist his crazy ideas of urban modernization)
If your go to this "schouwburg", try to see the theaterbar- the foyer - on the first floor, it is very beautiful. This foyer is open for brunch on sunday and bank holiday, other days it is closed (but even then, try to ask someone if you can just have a quick look). Brunching here is like in the Café Impérial, surrounded by grandeur and history. The Bourla Schouwburg was built around 1830, the year of Belgiums independence from Holland/low Countries.
Groundfloor of the Bourla Schouwburg is a bar-restaurant during the day. It is called PIERRE, like the owner. Nice and cosy. And with a fantastic terrace in the summer. Ideal for coffee, glass of wine, lunch. Only open from 12 till 18 o clock.
http://bourlaschouwburg.nu/foyer/
Or Pierre on the ground floor
http://bourlaschouwburg.nu/pierre/
29 locals recommend
Bourla Theatre
18 KomedieplaatsThe Bourla Schouwburg is the main theater in Antwerp. Bruno Bourla was the architect of this neoclassical landmark that was almost demolished by politicians who preferred modern buildings and wanted to destroy this beauty.
(same goes for Central Station, 50 years ago is was almost demolished by a liberal politician of transport who luckely did not have enough votes to persist his crazy ideas of urban modernization)
If your go to this "schouwburg", try to see the theaterbar- the foyer - on the first floor, it is very beautiful. This foyer is open for brunch on sunday and bank holiday, other days it is closed (but even then, try to ask someone if you can just have a quick look). Brunching here is like in the Café Impérial, surrounded by grandeur and history. The Bourla Schouwburg was built around 1830, the year of Belgiums independence from Holland/low Countries.
Groundfloor of the Bourla Schouwburg is a bar-restaurant during the day. It is called PIERRE, like the owner. Nice and cosy. And with a fantastic terrace in the summer. Ideal for coffee, glass of wine, lunch. Only open from 12 till 18 o clock.
http://bourlaschouwburg.nu/foyer/
Or Pierre on the ground floor
http://bourlaschouwburg.nu/pierre/
Café Impérial - Paleis op de Meir, Palace on de Meir
De Meir is the biggest shopping street from Antwerp. One small advice: do not only look at the shopwindows but aim higher: several buildings on the Meir are architectural jewels, dating from times where this street was where the richest and most powerful lived or had their palace built. Like Napoleon, who lived in Paleis op de Meir, where Café Imperial, the emperors café, is situated.
Have a look at the restored salons.
Walk into the patio.
Look at the ceilings from the restaurant: almost as beautiful as the ceiling from A 64, for those who stay in appartement 64 :-) Nice and historical place for breakfast, lunch or even dinner. Also good spot for coffee and nice desserts.
The chef from Het Gebaar ( Michelin Star restaurant in de Herb Garden, de Kruidentuin, Antwerp center) is responsible for the desserts. And chocolate is coming from Dominique Persoone, who has it's chocolate factory in this palace, you can see him and his chocolatiers making the 'pralines'.
grandeur around the corner
http://www.cafe-imperial.be/fotos/fotos/
Café Impérial & Spiegelzaal
50 MeirCafé Impérial - Paleis op de Meir, Palace on de Meir
De Meir is the biggest shopping street from Antwerp. One small advice: do not only look at the shopwindows but aim higher: several buildings on the Meir are architectural jewels, dating from times where this street was where the richest and most powerful lived or had their palace built. Like Napoleon, who lived in Paleis op de Meir, where Café Imperial, the emperors café, is situated.
Have a look at the restored salons.
Walk into the patio.
Look at the ceilings from the restaurant: almost as beautiful as the ceiling from A 64, for those who stay in appartement 64 :-) Nice and historical place for breakfast, lunch or even dinner. Also good spot for coffee and nice desserts.
The chef from Het Gebaar ( Michelin Star restaurant in de Herb Garden, de Kruidentuin, Antwerp center) is responsible for the desserts. And chocolate is coming from Dominique Persoone, who has it's chocolate factory in this palace, you can see him and his chocolatiers making the 'pralines'.
grandeur around the corner
http://www.cafe-imperial.be/fotos/fotos/
Very nice modern restaurant , bookings required but not necessarily too long in advance, and during weekdays there's a good chance to get a table.
If you go to Dome or Dome sur Mer on friday or saturday, try to do a short walk in the jewish neighbourhood, as it is sabbat, all the Chassidim are in the streets, in their traditional clothes. Dome is top. Dome sur mer is the cheaper more bistrot version.
Dome sur Mer is a stylish, very nice restaurant, not only fish is served, also very nice meat .Everything is made à la plancha while you enjoy your drink. high quality ingredients, as they are the same ingredients as used in Dome. Light cuisine. Nice wines. Interesting combinations.
You will have to take the tram or the taxi to go there. not far but too far to walk.
http://www.domeweb.be/site/index.php
31 locals recommend
Dôme sur Mer
1 ArendstraatVery nice modern restaurant , bookings required but not necessarily too long in advance, and during weekdays there's a good chance to get a table.
If you go to Dome or Dome sur Mer on friday or saturday, try to do a short walk in the jewish neighbourhood, as it is sabbat, all the Chassidim are in the streets, in their traditional clothes. Dome is top. Dome sur mer is the cheaper more bistrot version.
Dome sur Mer is a stylish, very nice restaurant, not only fish is served, also very nice meat .Everything is made à la plancha while you enjoy your drink. high quality ingredients, as they are the same ingredients as used in Dome. Light cuisine. Nice wines. Interesting combinations.
You will have to take the tram or the taxi to go there. not far but too far to walk.
http://www.domeweb.be/site/index.php
It will be hard to get a table when not booked early in advance, but you never know, sometimes people have to cancel last minute... Dome is a typical French restarurant (the chef is French) situated in an hisorical building dominated by a beautiful Dome. If you go to Dome on friday or saturday, try to do a short walk in the jewish neighbourhood, as it is sabbat, all the Chassidim are in the streets, in their traditional clothes. Dome is top. Other comments are not necessary. And luckely, next to Dome, you have the sister restaurant, Dome sur Mer. Most of the time you will find a seat here, at the counter or on the tables. Dome sur Mer is a stylisch, very nice restaruants, not only fish is served, also very nice meat .Everything is made à la plancha while you enjoy your drink. high quality ingredients, as they are the same ingredients as used in Dome. you will have to take the tram or the taxi to go there. not far but too far to walk. (see dome sur mer) http://www.domeweb.be/site/index.php
10 locals recommend
DÔME
2 GrotehondstraatIt will be hard to get a table when not booked early in advance, but you never know, sometimes people have to cancel last minute... Dome is a typical French restarurant (the chef is French) situated in an hisorical building dominated by a beautiful Dome. If you go to Dome on friday or saturday, try to do a short walk in the jewish neighbourhood, as it is sabbat, all the Chassidim are in the streets, in their traditional clothes. Dome is top. Other comments are not necessary. And luckely, next to Dome, you have the sister restaurant, Dome sur Mer. Most of the time you will find a seat here, at the counter or on the tables. Dome sur Mer is a stylisch, very nice restaruants, not only fish is served, also very nice meat .Everything is made à la plancha while you enjoy your drink. high quality ingredients, as they are the same ingredients as used in Dome. you will have to take the tram or the taxi to go there. not far but too far to walk. (see dome sur mer) http://www.domeweb.be/site/index.php
japanese restaurant in the student area but no students come here because it will be too expensive for their budget, probably. Yamahu already exists more than 30 years. Like most Japanese restaurants the interior has not been developed with any talent or good taste. The opposite goes for the food. Never come in too late (best is between 7 and 8:30) as the chef likes to clean his kitchen early, and that can be a pity and give you a non welcoming feeling. you can eat at the counter unless you chose to eat a dinner menu; these are only served at tables.
Yamayu Santatsu is a good japanese restaurant, with many Japanese clients. The general atmosphere in this place is very cosmopolitan. You will see wellknown artists here who search for discretion. It is a bit a secret address, as the other good Japanese in town, Izumi (next to the Museum of Schone Kunsten, Bouwmeesterstraat), attracts trendy people and is a place where some people go to 'because they want to be seen'. Besides that, Izumi is a very nice place too!
Yamayu Santatsu: chef and waiter (always the same two men) are not friendly but not really unfriendly neither. Unless you are Japanese, then you will have the privilege of a conversation.
Strange, because the restaurant claims that it does not only serve excellent meals (which it does!) but also makes the constant effort to welcome and please guests by paying attention to every single detail. The detail is, as far as i am concerned, especially in the food. And I go here at least three times a month :-)
This is also a great place for a lunch.
Try the grilled mackerel.
The sushi are excellent. So is the main dish sukiyaki, a Japanese dish in the nabemono (one-pot-dish) style – thinly sliced beef, tofu, vegetables and starch noodles stewed in sweetened soy and eaten with a raw egg dip!
Yamayu Santatsu
19 Ossenmarktjapanese restaurant in the student area but no students come here because it will be too expensive for their budget, probably. Yamahu already exists more than 30 years. Like most Japanese restaurants the interior has not been developed with any talent or good taste. The opposite goes for the food. Never come in too late (best is between 7 and 8:30) as the chef likes to clean his kitchen early, and that can be a pity and give you a non welcoming feeling. you can eat at the counter unless you chose to eat a dinner menu; these are only served at tables.
Yamayu Santatsu is a good japanese restaurant, with many Japanese clients. The general atmosphere in this place is very cosmopolitan. You will see wellknown artists here who search for discretion. It is a bit a secret address, as the other good Japanese in town, Izumi (next to the Museum of Schone Kunsten, Bouwmeesterstraat), attracts trendy people and is a place where some people go to 'because they want to be seen'. Besides that, Izumi is a very nice place too!
Yamayu Santatsu: chef and waiter (always the same two men) are not friendly but not really unfriendly neither. Unless you are Japanese, then you will have the privilege of a conversation.
Strange, because the restaurant claims that it does not only serve excellent meals (which it does!) but also makes the constant effort to welcome and please guests by paying attention to every single detail. The detail is, as far as i am concerned, especially in the food. And I go here at least three times a month :-)
This is also a great place for a lunch.
Try the grilled mackerel.
The sushi are excellent. So is the main dish sukiyaki, a Japanese dish in the nabemono (one-pot-dish) style – thinly sliced beef, tofu, vegetables and starch noodles stewed in sweetened soy and eaten with a raw egg dip!
Plateau Royal Noorderterras
next to de Schelde this fish restaurant is recentely new (2014?), but the owners have enough experience, they have a fish stand on the Saturday market where they also have an oysterbar where you can, in the midst of buying your vegetables, drink a glass of cava and eat the freshest oysters you want. They also have another fish restaurant, Vrijdag Visdag, in Antwerp South, far away from crowd, tourists, even far away from other restaurants.
Plateau Royal Noorderterras is fish in the the old fashioned way, no nonsens, good and very fresh, big portions, plateaus de fruits de mer, etc.
Next to de Schelde.
In a no nonsense sailing inspired interior and with an efficient and no nonsens service. Waiters are dressed in sailor uniforms. Some look good, some funny in this disguise :-)
6 locals recommend
Noorderterras
27 JordaenskaaiPlateau Royal Noorderterras
next to de Schelde this fish restaurant is recentely new (2014?), but the owners have enough experience, they have a fish stand on the Saturday market where they also have an oysterbar where you can, in the midst of buying your vegetables, drink a glass of cava and eat the freshest oysters you want. They also have another fish restaurant, Vrijdag Visdag, in Antwerp South, far away from crowd, tourists, even far away from other restaurants.
Plateau Royal Noorderterras is fish in the the old fashioned way, no nonsens, good and very fresh, big portions, plateaus de fruits de mer, etc.
Next to de Schelde.
In a no nonsense sailing inspired interior and with an efficient and no nonsens service. Waiters are dressed in sailor uniforms. Some look good, some funny in this disguise :-)
Restaurant Lux and Bar Festiv (from morning till night, closes with dj) are in fact one. Both situated near het MAS, the Museum aan de Stroom (museum at the stream) in an historcial building that has been completely renovated and restyled. When sunny, nice restaurant near the water.
This is a modern and chic place with a gastronomical cuisine that seduces all senses. Great place for great lunch. Same for dinner, of course for diner you spend more, but it is a good address for both, and also for the bar (offers food too all day long). Diner menu, 6 courses, 75 euro, to give you an idea. The quarter of the Museum has several restaurants and bars. This is a high end. Only 't Zilte, on the xth floor of the museum itself, is, in this neighbourhood, extra high end, 't Zilte is a Michelin star rated restaurant.
ground floor of the museum also has a restaruant/bar. It'is a nice place for a glass of wine and a tapa, but do not expect more than a regular museum bar.
Lux
13 Adriaan BrouwerstraatRestaurant Lux and Bar Festiv (from morning till night, closes with dj) are in fact one. Both situated near het MAS, the Museum aan de Stroom (museum at the stream) in an historcial building that has been completely renovated and restyled. When sunny, nice restaurant near the water.
This is a modern and chic place with a gastronomical cuisine that seduces all senses. Great place for great lunch. Same for dinner, of course for diner you spend more, but it is a good address for both, and also for the bar (offers food too all day long). Diner menu, 6 courses, 75 euro, to give you an idea. The quarter of the Museum has several restaurants and bars. This is a high end. Only 't Zilte, on the xth floor of the museum itself, is, in this neighbourhood, extra high end, 't Zilte is a Michelin star rated restaurant.
ground floor of the museum also has a restaruant/bar. It'is a nice place for a glass of wine and a tapa, but do not expect more than a regular museum bar.
Benni is the falafelking of the city.
fastfoodrestaurant in the jewish quarter. Full of locals. Great falalfel, tchatchuka, latkes, ... All very fresh. Bread from Kleinblatt, the best jewish bakery in town, in Europe!
Do not expect space for romance.
Service is efficient and you order at the counter.
Ladies from Eastern Europe run the place. And they do it their adorbale no nonsense way :-)
You can order half a falafel, and that's what many kids do after school.
Lange Leemstraat 188
188 Lange LeemstraatBenni is the falafelking of the city.
fastfoodrestaurant in the jewish quarter. Full of locals. Great falalfel, tchatchuka, latkes, ... All very fresh. Bread from Kleinblatt, the best jewish bakery in town, in Europe!
Do not expect space for romance.
Service is efficient and you order at the counter.
Ladies from Eastern Europe run the place. And they do it their adorbale no nonsense way :-)
You can order half a falafel, and that's what many kids do after school.
This is the nicest and most sympathetic falafelbar in the old town and if Benny Falafel did not exist (Benny falalel is in the jewish quarter, Lange Leemstraat), this would be the best falafelbar in the whole town!
Falafeltof is situated in the same straat as Friture Number 1. All shops in this streets are open on sunday. At the end of the street is de Voetgangerstunnel, on sunday you will find a brocante market here.
Try the french fries from Falafeltof. And eat the humus.
Very busy place. Nice terrace. Owner works fast, efficient and with the right sense of humor. open till midnight in weekend.
this is a fastfood restaurant, also take away, but all food is very fresh
27 locals recommend
Falafel Tof
32 HoogstraatThis is the nicest and most sympathetic falafelbar in the old town and if Benny Falafel did not exist (Benny falalel is in the jewish quarter, Lange Leemstraat), this would be the best falafelbar in the whole town!
Falafeltof is situated in the same straat as Friture Number 1. All shops in this streets are open on sunday. At the end of the street is de Voetgangerstunnel, on sunday you will find a brocante market here.
Try the french fries from Falafeltof. And eat the humus.
Very busy place. Nice terrace. Owner works fast, efficient and with the right sense of humor. open till midnight in weekend.
this is a fastfood restaurant, also take away, but all food is very fresh
The best place for ribs in an original setting, see the other Amadeus
see above, the Amadeus
22 locals recommend
Amadeus Antwerpen 1
20 Sint-PaulusplaatsThe best place for ribs in an original setting, see the other Amadeus
see above, the Amadeus
Amadeus is a small restaurant chain from two brothers who also run Amadeus in Gent and in Brussels. Antwerp has two Amadeus. One nearby de Schelde and the red light district, in Sint-Paulusplaats (de Sint Pauluschurch is worth a visit too) And one in the center of the old town, behind the town hall.
The formula is the same in all restaurants, the no-nonsense atmosphere as well. "All youcan eat ribs" are the most wanted dish. The ribs are served with oven bakes patatoes and butter. You'll find a huge bottle of wine on the table. When you leave, waiters mesure how much you did drink from the bottle. Besides ribs the gamba's are popular, as well as the mixed grill. Vegetarians are not forgotten, there is also one veggie dish. This is not a refined kitchen. It's good mass production food served in a nice and antic-inspired interior that 'imitates' a certain authenticity. red and white jacquared plalstic table clothes included. These restaruants are loved by groups, but usually this does not disturb the more romantic diners, as the restaurants have separate rooms/spaces.
The best place for ribs in an original setting
22 locals recommend
Amadeus Antwerpen 1
20 Sint-PaulusplaatsAmadeus is a small restaurant chain from two brothers who also run Amadeus in Gent and in Brussels. Antwerp has two Amadeus. One nearby de Schelde and the red light district, in Sint-Paulusplaats (de Sint Pauluschurch is worth a visit too) And one in the center of the old town, behind the town hall.
The formula is the same in all restaurants, the no-nonsense atmosphere as well. "All youcan eat ribs" are the most wanted dish. The ribs are served with oven bakes patatoes and butter. You'll find a huge bottle of wine on the table. When you leave, waiters mesure how much you did drink from the bottle. Besides ribs the gamba's are popular, as well as the mixed grill. Vegetarians are not forgotten, there is also one veggie dish. This is not a refined kitchen. It's good mass production food served in a nice and antic-inspired interior that 'imitates' a certain authenticity. red and white jacquared plalstic table clothes included. These restaruants are loved by groups, but usually this does not disturb the more romantic diners, as the restaurants have separate rooms/spaces.
The best place for ribs in an original setting
Travel cafe and restaurant...so so for food, but nice atmosphere in a nice street, full of galeries and bookshops and cafés, de Wolstraat still belongs to Antwerp citizens, not to huge capital/multinationals/real estate developers, have a look at Conscienceplein while you are here!
24 locals recommend
Via Via reiscafé
43 WolstraatTravel cafe and restaurant...so so for food, but nice atmosphere in a nice street, full of galeries and bookshops and cafés, de Wolstraat still belongs to Antwerp citizens, not to huge capital/multinationals/real estate developers, have a look at Conscienceplein while you are here!
Only open during the day.
Always busy (locals and people who work in the city) so get a table when you can.
Tartine means boterham and boterham means sandwich. this is the perfect place for breakfast or lunch, very nearby, in summer a terrace on the pavement, sunnyside up in this place. Open on sunday, so ideal place for a sunday brunch.
lovely place, good food. Strangly enough - and explaining enough - the two lunch bars next to Tartine are always empty.
Conscienceplein (Hendrik Conscience was a famous Belgian writer) is around the corner. Never leave Antwerp without admiring this beautiful square with only one tree and one church and one statue and one library but all sooo beautiful and romantic too. On Conscienceplein you'll find Chez Claude,for sugar and champain (a bit posh, but nice) Next to Claude you'll find Het Brantijzer, do not go into this unfriendly tourist trap)
28 locals recommend
Tartine
35A MinderbroedersruiOnly open during the day.
Always busy (locals and people who work in the city) so get a table when you can.
Tartine means boterham and boterham means sandwich. this is the perfect place for breakfast or lunch, very nearby, in summer a terrace on the pavement, sunnyside up in this place. Open on sunday, so ideal place for a sunday brunch.
lovely place, good food. Strangly enough - and explaining enough - the two lunch bars next to Tartine are always empty.
Conscienceplein (Hendrik Conscience was a famous Belgian writer) is around the corner. Never leave Antwerp without admiring this beautiful square with only one tree and one church and one statue and one library but all sooo beautiful and romantic too. On Conscienceplein you'll find Chez Claude,for sugar and champain (a bit posh, but nice) Next to Claude you'll find Het Brantijzer, do not go into this unfriendly tourist trap)
Claude was a tv-actor before he started a B & B and then his Salon du Thé. He's till famous for the older generatien (40 + we mean, so older generations can be young, there is no paradox in here :-)
This is a perfect place for a breakfast, a high tea lunch, glass of champagne or coffee in style. Customers are mostly coming from the richer class :-), Claude attracts them.
Very friendly atmosphere. Attentive service. Pies, quiches and cakes are made in the house, by a woman who has an amazing talent for these preparations.
This salon is in the middle of the most beautiful and relaxed square of Antwerp. One three, One church, one Claude, one Library, One Statue. All amazing. Do not go into Het Brantyzer, next door, food nor staff are worth it. Unfriendly to rude service, restaurant that does not understands the basics of hospitality. Only open during daytime.
Salon de Thé Claude
18 Hendrik ConsciencepleinClaude was a tv-actor before he started a B & B and then his Salon du Thé. He's till famous for the older generatien (40 + we mean, so older generations can be young, there is no paradox in here :-)
This is a perfect place for a breakfast, a high tea lunch, glass of champagne or coffee in style. Customers are mostly coming from the richer class :-), Claude attracts them.
Very friendly atmosphere. Attentive service. Pies, quiches and cakes are made in the house, by a woman who has an amazing talent for these preparations.
This salon is in the middle of the most beautiful and relaxed square of Antwerp. One three, One church, one Claude, one Library, One Statue. All amazing. Do not go into Het Brantyzer, next door, food nor staff are worth it. Unfriendly to rude service, restaurant that does not understands the basics of hospitality. Only open during daytime.
Dave, the chef of the Godevaart, was strongly influenced by the molecular cuisine from Ferran Adria. He did find his own way in this new philosophy about food, techniques and combinations/pairing, and what he's doing in de Godevaart (center of the town, just between the historical center and the commercial street De Meir) is very interesting/ He offers an exclusive haute cuisine you will not find elsewhere. Small choice in dishes, otherwise it is impossible to run a restaurant like this. Beautiful stylish interior and service. Higher scale. Dinner will be around 100 euro pp. Does deserve a Michelinstar, and will hopefully get one soon
7 locals recommend
De Godevaart
23 Sint-KatelijnevestDave, the chef of the Godevaart, was strongly influenced by the molecular cuisine from Ferran Adria. He did find his own way in this new philosophy about food, techniques and combinations/pairing, and what he's doing in de Godevaart (center of the town, just between the historical center and the commercial street De Meir) is very interesting/ He offers an exclusive haute cuisine you will not find elsewhere. Small choice in dishes, otherwise it is impossible to run a restaurant like this. Beautiful stylish interior and service. Higher scale. Dinner will be around 100 euro pp. Does deserve a Michelinstar, and will hopefully get one soon
This is a well appreciated and well known bistro with a little bit a posh decor that reminds you - thx to the chandeleers -of a castle, but no red lights in this place that is situated in the middel of the former red light district. Never disappointing for those you love classic dishes with a light mediterranean touch. Dave is the chef. He prefers to work - like all good chefs do - with local products. Impressive winelist. Very good service. Located a few streets behind the town hall.
Le Zoute Zoen
23 ZirkstraatThis is a well appreciated and well known bistro with a little bit a posh decor that reminds you - thx to the chandeleers -of a castle, but no red lights in this place that is situated in the middel of the former red light district. Never disappointing for those you love classic dishes with a light mediterranean touch. Dave is the chef. He prefers to work - like all good chefs do - with local products. Impressive winelist. Very good service. Located a few streets behind the town hall.
Lange Koepoortstraat 11
11 Lange Koepoortstraathttp://marchecouverts.be
Nice small french eatery
this is a nice, contemporary restaurant run by a couple that was brought up in the restaurantbusiness. The chef has been influence by Sergio Herman, the three star chef who also has a two star restaurant in Antwerp, the Jane. Restaurant Marcel offers a light and refined cuisine, always following the season and using local products when possible, so in spring this is a place for perfect white asparagus (belgian speciality) and in winter for Belgian endives. Nice terrace in summer! Beautiful interior, linen table clothes and napkins, great service, preference for bio-wines, etc impossible to be disappointed, 4 courses menu around 50 euro, à la carte also very interesting, http://www.restaurantmarcel.be
8 locals recommend
Marcel
13 Van Schoonbekepleinthis is a nice, contemporary restaurant run by a couple that was brought up in the restaurantbusiness. The chef has been influence by Sergio Herman, the three star chef who also has a two star restaurant in Antwerp, the Jane. Restaurant Marcel offers a light and refined cuisine, always following the season and using local products when possible, so in spring this is a place for perfect white asparagus (belgian speciality) and in winter for Belgian endives. Nice terrace in summer! Beautiful interior, linen table clothes and napkins, great service, preference for bio-wines, etc impossible to be disappointed, 4 courses menu around 50 euro, à la carte also very interesting, http://www.restaurantmarcel.be
This Peruvian restaurant is really worth a visit, and not only because of the big selection of pisco. This restaurant was not born in the Peruvian cuisine hype. It already exists many years. The street is ugly. The interior of the restaurant is fine, but not contemporary, it is more etnic. But the kitchen is very nice and the atmosphere is kind and personal.Chef Bart (belgian, married to a Peruvian) explains everything himself when he somes at you table. He will also try to convince you to eat the dish with beef hart. If you book here, we would advise you to take the degustation menu; as that is far the most interesting choice here. You receive several small dishes instead of one dish that can be too much of the same. Traditional peruvian kitchen is served in El sabor andino, we love the food, but as mentioned, the degustation menu (around 50 euro) is the best and the most suprising. You won't find tourists here, in this neighourhood where the sailers used to come when the port was more in the center of Antwerp. In the same street you will find Las Manas, a well known Spanish restaurant, where truckers and sailers still use to come. Although Las Manas has become too trendy (see Las manas) http://www.elsaborandino.be/menukaart.html
El Sabor Andino
This Peruvian restaurant is really worth a visit, and not only because of the big selection of pisco. This restaurant was not born in the Peruvian cuisine hype. It already exists many years. The street is ugly. The interior of the restaurant is fine, but not contemporary, it is more etnic. But the kitchen is very nice and the atmosphere is kind and personal.Chef Bart (belgian, married to a Peruvian) explains everything himself when he somes at you table. He will also try to convince you to eat the dish with beef hart. If you book here, we would advise you to take the degustation menu; as that is far the most interesting choice here. You receive several small dishes instead of one dish that can be too much of the same. Traditional peruvian kitchen is served in El sabor andino, we love the food, but as mentioned, the degustation menu (around 50 euro) is the best and the most suprising. You won't find tourists here, in this neighourhood where the sailers used to come when the port was more in the center of Antwerp. In the same street you will find Las Manas, a well known Spanish restaurant, where truckers and sailers still use to come. Although Las Manas has become too trendy (see Las manas) http://www.elsaborandino.be/menukaart.html
This restaurant was great, but since the two businesspartners split up. it has changed. So we are carefull to advise, and will give the place that we used to love, another try soon.
Please check yourself as we might be wrong..; http://www.brouwersvliet23.be
Brouwersvliet 23
23 BrouwersvlietThis restaurant was great, but since the two businesspartners split up. it has changed. So we are carefull to advise, and will give the place that we used to love, another try soon.
Please check yourself as we might be wrong..; http://www.brouwersvliet23.be
One of Antwerps classics, you will find other chefs having diner here on their days off, In Het Nieuwe Palinghuis (paling means eel, and paling in het groen is a typical Belgian speciality, eal with a sauce of green herbs) a dish or a fish will not be on the menu if the chef was not able to find the best and freshest ingredients. This is an old style fish restaurant. Not cheap but worth the money and the experience. next to the Pedestrianstunnel, de Voetgangerstunnel. This tunnel permits you to walk under the river De Schelde, to the other side. Not necessary to do the whole walk, but you should go down with the antic wooden escalator (not with the elevator/lift) so you can taste a little bit of the atmosphere from antwerp in the 1930's.
Het Nieuwe Palinghuis
14 Sint-JansvlietOne of Antwerps classics, you will find other chefs having diner here on their days off, In Het Nieuwe Palinghuis (paling means eel, and paling in het groen is a typical Belgian speciality, eal with a sauce of green herbs) a dish or a fish will not be on the menu if the chef was not able to find the best and freshest ingredients. This is an old style fish restaurant. Not cheap but worth the money and the experience. next to the Pedestrianstunnel, de Voetgangerstunnel. This tunnel permits you to walk under the river De Schelde, to the other side. Not necessary to do the whole walk, but you should go down with the antic wooden escalator (not with the elevator/lift) so you can taste a little bit of the atmosphere from antwerp in the 1930's.
Strange address we guide you to :-) Al Wali is in the middle of an old fashioned shppingcenter in the diamant district. many jews, Indians, Libanese. Go inside the Empire Shopping Centre and you are in another world. Al Wali had the best Libanese food - tabouleh is great f ex! - in Antwerp and further. Take away can be more interesting than eating on the spot, unless you like to eat in shopping centers.
Appelmansstraat 25
25 AppelmansstraatStrange address we guide you to :-) Al Wali is in the middle of an old fashioned shppingcenter in the diamant district. many jews, Indians, Libanese. Go inside the Empire Shopping Centre and you are in another world. Al Wali had the best Libanese food - tabouleh is great f ex! - in Antwerp and further. Take away can be more interesting than eating on the spot, unless you like to eat in shopping centers.
Café Hessenhuis
79 FalconruiPopular fun-minded café-bar in a former warehouse
gay friendly
The most famous 'friture' from Antwerp. French fries should be called Belgian fries, as fries with mayonaise or with stoofvlees (meat stew prepared with beer) are the Belgian fastfoodspecialty. Friture number one is a take away friture, that's how you should eat frieten, fries, frites anyway. There are some tables but these are more for tourists :-) The friture is near to the beautiful town hall, which you can see while eating. De Grote markt (big marketplace) is in front of you. Open 7/7 and they say 24/24 but that's exaggerated but open til the early hours.
15 locals recommend
Frituur n°1
1 HoogstraatThe most famous 'friture' from Antwerp. French fries should be called Belgian fries, as fries with mayonaise or with stoofvlees (meat stew prepared with beer) are the Belgian fastfoodspecialty. Friture number one is a take away friture, that's how you should eat frieten, fries, frites anyway. There are some tables but these are more for tourists :-) The friture is near to the beautiful town hall, which you can see while eating. De Grote markt (big marketplace) is in front of you. Open 7/7 and they say 24/24 but that's exaggerated but open til the early hours.
the royal Café is also restaurant. It is situated on the first floor of the iconic Central Station and it's nice! Espesially for late breakfast, lunch and brunch. They work with good products (they buy all bread from Delafaille, which is one of the best bakers in Antwerp, the province of Antwerpen even) and that's a good thing. Starbucks, on groundfloor, does not :-)
busy va et vient
but the place deserves a visit
Le Royal café
3 Pelikaanstraat the royal Café is also restaurant. It is situated on the first floor of the iconic Central Station and it's nice! Espesially for late breakfast, lunch and brunch. They work with good products (they buy all bread from Delafaille, which is one of the best bakers in Antwerp, the province of Antwerpen even) and that's a good thing. Starbucks, on groundfloor, does not :-)
busy va et vient
but the place deserves a visit
Minimalistic, stylish, timeless interior, a bit industrial even, maybe. Renaissance is next to the fashion Museum, in the same historical building.
In the square (Vrijdagmarkt) you will find the unique and worldwide very appreciated Plantijn Moretusmuseum: dedicated to the history of editing.
Renaissance offers a good Italian kitchen. No pasta's. But good vitello tonato, ravioli with pumpkin and sage, etc. A place to recommend for lunch and dinner. They have a nice terrace, if you book on a sunny day, try to get a table outside.
8 locals recommend
Renaissance
16 Lange Gasthuisstraat Minimalistic, stylish, timeless interior, a bit industrial even, maybe. Renaissance is next to the fashion Museum, in the same historical building.
In the square (Vrijdagmarkt) you will find the unique and worldwide very appreciated Plantijn Moretusmuseum: dedicated to the history of editing.
Renaissance offers a good Italian kitchen. No pasta's. But good vitello tonato, ravioli with pumpkin and sage, etc. A place to recommend for lunch and dinner. They have a nice terrace, if you book on a sunny day, try to get a table outside.
Mo's father had a butchery in this place. Mo and his father wanted more. And they saw how the neighbourhoud was changing. And they have the blood of people who are goodfood-addicted. Meat and eat is what the names says it is.
Mo rules Fish & Eat, meat & Eat and Mo's in Kasteelpleinstraat, three restaurants are on walking distance, and all are fine!
15 locals recommend
Bistro Meat & Eat
1 Marnixplaats Mo's father had a butchery in this place. Mo and his father wanted more. And they saw how the neighbourhoud was changing. And they have the blood of people who are goodfood-addicted. Meat and eat is what the names says it is.
Mo rules Fish & Eat, meat & Eat and Mo's in Kasteelpleinstraat, three restaurants are on walking distance, and all are fine!
Fish and Eat is one of Mo's restaurant. Mo is the son of a butcher. Meat and eat was his first restaurant. It is still a huge succes or meat eaters. (see below). Fish and eat is what meat and eat is for fish lovers. Very good products. No fancy fancy. What the menu says is what you get. Influence from French city live; mostly Marseille. it's a small restaurant. Everything offered is fine here. Meals are served on a paper napkin. No money is lost in all extra services. Bistrot like bistrot is meant to be.
Fish&Eat
65 VolkstraatFish and Eat is one of Mo's restaurant. Mo is the son of a butcher. Meat and eat was his first restaurant. It is still a huge succes or meat eaters. (see below). Fish and eat is what meat and eat is for fish lovers. Very good products. No fancy fancy. What the menu says is what you get. Influence from French city live; mostly Marseille. it's a small restaurant. Everything offered is fine here. Meals are served on a paper napkin. No money is lost in all extra services. Bistrot like bistrot is meant to be.
Michelin Starred restaurant, only open for lunch, but what a lunch, situated in the small but beautiful Historical Herb Garden (next to a hospital, herbs and medicins...) from Antwerp.
Het Gebaar is fantastic. But if you eat inside you must know the atmosphere is very formal (too formal we think, but that does not keep us from going there, not at all!). It can be stiff inside, depending on the other guests.
But van Damme, the chef, is really a talent. He cooks fantastic. When the weather is nice, you can eat outside, even under umbrellas. Eating outside, almost in the garden, adds a taste to your lunch.
Dishes are miraculous.
16 locals recommend
Het Gebaar
24 LeopoldstraatMichelin Starred restaurant, only open for lunch, but what a lunch, situated in the small but beautiful Historical Herb Garden (next to a hospital, herbs and medicins...) from Antwerp.
Het Gebaar is fantastic. But if you eat inside you must know the atmosphere is very formal (too formal we think, but that does not keep us from going there, not at all!). It can be stiff inside, depending on the other guests.
But van Damme, the chef, is really a talent. He cooks fantastic. When the weather is nice, you can eat outside, even under umbrellas. Eating outside, almost in the garden, adds a taste to your lunch.
Dishes are miraculous.
in Chinatown, no discussion, this is the one and only dim sum specialist in town, the very best, more then 50 dim sums made à la minute, walking distance from your residence, unique and very Hong Kong Chinese.
8 locals recommend
Fong Mei
65 Van Arteveldestraat in Chinatown, no discussion, this is the one and only dim sum specialist in town, the very best, more then 50 dim sums made à la minute, walking distance from your residence, unique and very Hong Kong Chinese.
Falafel, shoarma? this is the place to go.. , big busy and hip, although Falafeltof is even better with its falafels
30 locals recommend
Finjan
1 Graaf van Hoornestraat Falafel, shoarma? this is the place to go.. , big busy and hip, although Falafeltof is even better with its falafels
Bij Lam & Yin
16 Anton van de Veldelaan The only chinese with a michelin * in town, reservations are needed
't Zilte
5 HanzestedenplaatsHungry Henrietta
19 LombardenvestA "new" thai in town.. on one of the nicest squares of antwerp tucked away from the crowds run by a BV ( know flemish actrice)
Nimman
9 Stadswaag A "new" thai in town.. on one of the nicest squares of antwerp tucked away from the crowds run by a BV ( know flemish actrice)
A very typical old style Belgian restaurant, away from the crowds, a place where local love to eat.
37 locals recommend
Ciro's
6 Amerikalei A very typical old style Belgian restaurant, away from the crowds, a place where local love to eat.
Zuiderterras / RAS
37 Ernest Van DijckkaaiInvincible
7 Haarstraat Take a seat at the bar and let the cooks do there magic.
't Fornuis
24 Reyndersstraat A classic 2* michelin restaurant in town.
Chez Raoul
21 VlasmarktJust around the corner a classic belgian restaurant.. take you last chance they are closing by the end of 2016
Bernardin Restaurant
17 Sint-Jacobstraat Just around the corner a classic belgian restaurant.. take you last chance they are closing by the end of 2016
Used to be an insiders place frequently visited by local truckers, now a bit to pricy and touristy but still fun.
12 locals recommend
Las Mañas
42 Ankerrui Used to be an insiders place frequently visited by local truckers, now a bit to pricy and touristy but still fun.
Close to your apartment, good place to have coffee, with a croissant and filled with students..
vandoag is' t
2 Prinsesstraat Close to your apartment, good place to have coffee, with a croissant and filled with students..
A pricy but very nice Belgian restaurant in the new place to be " het Eilandje", Like a an old french bistrot but with Belgian classics well prepared
9 locals recommend
Bistrot Du Nord
36 Lange Dijkstraat A pricy but very nice Belgian restaurant in the new place to be " het Eilandje", Like a an old french bistrot but with Belgian classics well prepared
Bart-À-Vin
3 Lange Slachterijstraat Wine and mainly meat..
An insiders wine bar, interesting wines never too busy..Also on a nice street with several breakfast places and small restaurants
6 locals recommend
BARAVIN
31 Minderbroedersrui An insiders wine bar, interesting wines never too busy..Also on a nice street with several breakfast places and small restaurants
Lucy Chang Antwerp
16 Marnixplaats An asian (street) food restaurant chain, hip and nice
El Warda
4 Draakstraat One of the better Marrocan restaurants in town
O'Tagine
13 Ernest Van DijckkaaiGraanmarkt 13
13 Graanmarkt Interesting high level cuisine
hard to find a local that loves healthy food and does not know Sjalot & Schanul, run by a lesbian couple that understands hospitality, good food and an informal atmosphere, interesting for families too, belgian food the way we love it, it's behind the townhouse, go for a drink in de Bengel or the Engel, next to townhouse, and greet the politicians
Sjalot en Schanul
12 Oude Beurshard to find a local that loves healthy food and does not know Sjalot & Schanul, run by a lesbian couple that understands hospitality, good food and an informal atmosphere, interesting for families too, belgian food the way we love it, it's behind the townhouse, go for a drink in de Bengel or the Engel, next to townhouse, and greet the politicians
next to our beautiful townhouse is this typical no nonsense restaurant, belgian food, mussels, stoofvlees, garnaalkroketten, beuling ( blood sausage the way Belgians like it :-) chickenfricassée, good french fries,... the athmosphere is cosy and busy at the same time, public is a mix between tourists and locals, politicians too.
11 locals recommend
De Zeven Schaken
24 Braderijstraatnext to our beautiful townhouse is this typical no nonsense restaurant, belgian food, mussels, stoofvlees, garnaalkroketten, beuling ( blood sausage the way Belgians like it :-) chickenfricassée, good french fries,... the athmosphere is cosy and busy at the same time, public is a mix between tourists and locals, politicians too.
this is the newest (october 2016) food court from Antwerp, only restaurants and take away, the building used to be our post office, it's really worth a visit when you are tired of shopping. Many stalls serve quality food. t's a busy place, shared tables, well, it's a food court
18 locals recommend
Mercado
43 Groenplaatsthis is the newest (october 2016) food court from Antwerp, only restaurants and take away, the building used to be our post office, it's really worth a visit when you are tired of shopping. Many stalls serve quality food. t's a busy place, shared tables, well, it's a food court
Best chocolatier in town
high end, in the diamond area, close to Central Station, close to where you stay :-) Interesting chocolat tastings, a bitt stiff inside, many afternoon women :-), international clientele, as the diamond district is international (libanese, indian, russian, jews from antwerp, ...)
8 locals recommend
Chocolatier Del Rey (Chocolate)
5 AppelmansstraatBest chocolatier in town
high end, in the diamond area, close to Central Station, close to where you stay :-) Interesting chocolat tastings, a bitt stiff inside, many afternoon women :-), international clientele, as the diamond district is international (libanese, indian, russian, jews from antwerp, ...)
new restaurant from young chef who used to work in two and three star restaurants in belgium
surprising diners, wow-effect, great service, well, we've been there twice and we had a great service and a diner that surprised us (taste, texture, combination, beauty on plate, ...) Welcome Jerom, Antwerp might need you (as a good restaurant can stimulate others to improve) -
Cypro Restaurant
60 Volkstraatnew restaurant from young chef who used to work in two and three star restaurants in belgium
surprising diners, wow-effect, great service, well, we've been there twice and we had a great service and a diner that surprised us (taste, texture, combination, beauty on plate, ...) Welcome Jerom, Antwerp might need you (as a good restaurant can stimulate others to improve) -
Vietnamese restaurant near the Grote Markt
good, tastefull and honest food, not easy to find in the middle of the tourist center, in the summer it's nice to sit outside
PHO 61
42 Grote MarktVietnamese restaurant near the Grote Markt
good, tastefull and honest food, not easy to find in the middle of the tourist center, in the summer it's nice to sit outside
the number 1 in classic French-belgian high end restaurants in Antwerp, appreciated by all.
End of this year, 2016, the chef, Marc Paesbrugghe, will leave his kitchen after 40 years. His sous-chef will run the place. Sir Anthony Van Dijck is hidden in a small medeaval allee. beautiful.
7 locals recommend
Sir Anthony Van Dijck
16 Oude Koornmarktthe number 1 in classic French-belgian high end restaurants in Antwerp, appreciated by all.
End of this year, 2016, the chef, Marc Paesbrugghe, will leave his kitchen after 40 years. His sous-chef will run the place. Sir Anthony Van Dijck is hidden in a small medeaval allee. beautiful.
simple but good italian restaurant, walking distance, in a street that is slowly changing into a culinary street. Not touristy. Also a foodshop next door.
Gusto Italiano Trattoria
18 Lange Koepoortstraatsimple but good italian restaurant, walking distance, in a street that is slowly changing into a culinary street. Not touristy. Also a foodshop next door.
for those who look for an original fastfoodrestaurant: this place serves 'handcrafted' meatballs filled with special tastes. The whole place and view is worth a visit, and the meatball is a nice extra, beautiful terrace in summer, next to docks.
18 locals recommend
Balls & Glory
for those who look for an original fastfoodrestaurant: this place serves 'handcrafted' meatballs filled with special tastes. The whole place and view is worth a visit, and the meatball is a nice extra, beautiful terrace in summer, next to docks.
very special, creative sushi, Europe and Japan in one bite
more take out than eat in, at the counter there is place for 6 persons, that's all
do not expect industrial sushi or sushi made by people who do not understand the tradition of the food
also do not expect Japanese sushi
the ladychef (Japanese) f ex makes sushi from couscous, the flavors can be amazing,
14 locals recommend
Ko'uzi - Sushi and Fine Food
12 Leopoldplaats very special, creative sushi, Europe and Japan in one bite
more take out than eat in, at the counter there is place for 6 persons, that's all
do not expect industrial sushi or sushi made by people who do not understand the tradition of the food
also do not expect Japanese sushi
the ladychef (Japanese) f ex makes sushi from couscous, the flavors can be amazing,
café and restaurant
fingerfood, salads, traditional belgian meat and chicken dishes
nice place, cosy, informal, also nice for a westmalle triple and a boterham with kop (check it out)
8 locals recommend
La Pipe d'Anvers
3 Cadixstraatcafé and restaurant
fingerfood, salads, traditional belgian meat and chicken dishes
nice place, cosy, informal, also nice for a westmalle triple and a boterham with kop (check it out)
new (around october 2016) restaurant next to Marché et Couvert. Nathan is more sophisticated place, young chef - Nathan) with impressive curriculum. is wife is the kind lady taking care of you. really worth a visit. The couple took a risk. They desserve it to be honored by people who love refined food. Lunch and diner. More restaurants in the street that is betwee de Grote Markt and where you stay.
8 locals recommend
NATHAN
13 Lange Koepoortstraatnew (around october 2016) restaurant next to Marché et Couvert. Nathan is more sophisticated place, young chef - Nathan) with impressive curriculum. is wife is the kind lady taking care of you. really worth a visit. The couple took a risk. They desserve it to be honored by people who love refined food. Lunch and diner. More restaurants in the street that is betwee de Grote Markt and where you stay.
for shopaholics who need some alcoholics
budy and special place
a lot of 'm'as tu vus' which means: 'have you seen me'.
Place where people go to be seen and to see/watch :-)
next to the Verso shop, high brand clothes.
nice club sandwiches and good champagne
almost absolutely fabulous!
10 locals recommend
Verso nv
9 Lange Gasthuisstraatfor shopaholics who need some alcoholics
budy and special place
a lot of 'm'as tu vus' which means: 'have you seen me'.
Place where people go to be seen and to see/watch :-)
next to the Verso shop, high brand clothes.
nice club sandwiches and good champagne
almost absolutely fabulous!
fantastic restaurant
one michelin star
great bar tender too
some professionals are a gift to the city
12 locals recommend
The Glorious Inn
4A De Burburestraatfantastic restaurant
one michelin star
great bar tender too
some professionals are a gift to the city
time we go there, we haven't been yet, but some foodlovers we trust do recommend this japanese noodle place, they have more restaurants in other city's.
9 locals recommend
Umamido
57 Graaf van Egmontstraattime we go there, we haven't been yet, but some foodlovers we trust do recommend this japanese noodle place, they have more restaurants in other city's.
one of our favorites
they closed for a while, moved to this place near the old abattoirs
always a pleasure to sit and eat and enjoy here
experimental fresh :-)
winebar has a lovely atmosphere too
need to book in advance (not for the bar)
34 locals recommend
restaurant Veranda
34 Lange Lobroekstraatone of our favorites
they closed for a while, moved to this place near the old abattoirs
always a pleasure to sit and eat and enjoy here
experimental fresh :-)
winebar has a lovely atmosphere too
need to book in advance (not for the bar)
in the city brewery De Koninck
trendy fancy meat restaurant with great beers
8 locals recommend
The Butcher's son
1 Boomgaardstraatin the city brewery De Koninck
trendy fancy meat restaurant with great beers
Kasper Stuarts newest one, this BBQ restaurant where the best smoked food is served in an old garage, the earlier stockroom from the citybrewery next door. Thanks Kasper, for all your creative ideas and your entrepreneurship, never scared to take a risk, always consequent in quality
8 locals recommend
Smokey Jo's Cantina
17 BoomgaardstraatKasper Stuarts newest one, this BBQ restaurant where the best smoked food is served in an old garage, the earlier stockroom from the citybrewery next door. Thanks Kasper, for all your creative ideas and your entrepreneurship, never scared to take a risk, always consequent in quality
experimental fish and chips shop, near the Cathedral
nice place
no pretention
8 locals recommend
Fish a'gogo
1 Handschoenmarktexperimental fish and chips shop, near the Cathedral
nice place
no pretention
best jewish bakery in the world
nowhere you will find a cheesecake like this one :-)
8 locals recommend
Bread and Confectionery Kleinblatt
206 Provinciestraatbest jewish bakery in the world
nowhere you will find a cheesecake like this one :-)
small cosy bakery shop behind het Stadhuis, cityhall.
A few tables inside, ideal for breakfast.
Baker had a big bakery before, he sold it and restarted this small one
7 locals recommend
Brood en Spelen
23 Oude Beurssmall cosy bakery shop behind het Stadhuis, cityhall.
A few tables inside, ideal for breakfast.
Baker had a big bakery before, he sold it and restarted this small one
good and gracious japanes restaurant, dishes are beautifully presented and only quality ingredients are used, the offer a veggie menu as well. small and simple restaurant, as many japanese restaruants are
Les Saveurs de Yamada
31 Kronenburgstraatgood and gracious japanes restaurant, dishes are beautifully presented and only quality ingredients are used, the offer a veggie menu as well. small and simple restaurant, as many japanese restaruants are
On the topfloor of the Antwerp Tower (A-Tower) is this new (eind 2016) pop up restaurant (till end of january 2017) Fantastic view. Fine dining. Belgian-French. Great bartenders too. http://www.a-tower.be/noorderlicht/index.html
32 locals recommend
Opera Antwerpen
1 FrankrijkleiOn the topfloor of the Antwerp Tower (A-Tower) is this new (eind 2016) pop up restaurant (till end of january 2017) Fantastic view. Fine dining. Belgian-French. Great bartenders too. http://www.a-tower.be/noorderlicht/index.html
Snackbar Koffie
51 Hoplandbasic and nice place for coffee and croissant and newspaper or magazine
This is a nice, long existing restaurant that offers high money/value. Cosmopolitan cuisine with classical and modern dishes, gillardeau oysters and like tartare of king crab, Wolffish with butternut and hand-peeled shrimps or Eggplant ravioli or Beef fillet with Belgian endives. Contemporary design. Hippodrome is opposite the Museum of Schone Kunsten. Tram stops in front. Neighbourhood is trendy, several restaurants and bars around, go and have a cocktail in Bijou (please check openingdays and hours form this bar) in de Graaf van Egmontstraat, nearby. Lucnhmenu in Hippodrome is around 25 euro, nice terrace outside when sun is awake
Hippodroom
10 Leopold de Waelplaats This is a nice, long existing restaurant that offers high money/value. Cosmopolitan cuisine with classical and modern dishes, gillardeau oysters and like tartare of king crab, Wolffish with butternut and hand-peeled shrimps or Eggplant ravioli or Beef fillet with Belgian endives. Contemporary design. Hippodrome is opposite the Museum of Schone Kunsten. Tram stops in front. Neighbourhood is trendy, several restaurants and bars around, go and have a cocktail in Bijou (please check openingdays and hours form this bar) in de Graaf van Egmontstraat, nearby. Lucnhmenu in Hippodrome is around 25 euro, nice terrace outside when sun is awake
Essentials
Delhaize Hopland
78 MeirNearest supermarket in the basement
Apotheek Van Briel
73 KeizerstraatNearest pharmacy
ZNA St. Elisabeth
26 LeopoldstraatNearest hospital
Praktijkhuis Korte Klaren
9A Korte KlarenstraatNearest Doctor
Drinks & Nightlife
This is a typical old style café, mostly visited by locals and by theatre people as the theatre is nearby and all actors do know this De Duifkens in which walls are covered by portraits of the most famous actors from Flanders.
Language in here is the Antwerp dialect.
Friendly atmosphere. Very cosy when it is cold outside. When the weather allows it, there is a small but comfy and nice terrace outside. Nice place for a coffee while reading the newspaper too. Do not interfere in political discussions at the counter.
14 locals recommend
De Duifkens
5 GraanmarktThis is a typical old style café, mostly visited by locals and by theatre people as the theatre is nearby and all actors do know this De Duifkens in which walls are covered by portraits of the most famous actors from Flanders.
Language in here is the Antwerp dialect.
Friendly atmosphere. Very cosy when it is cold outside. When the weather allows it, there is a small but comfy and nice terrace outside. Nice place for a coffee while reading the newspaper too. Do not interfere in political discussions at the counter.
If you are a beer lover (that means if you like to taste different beers, if you are interested in the diversity and beauty of the product) you can not leave Antwerp without having visited this Café from Dirk en Leentje, the two retired owners who continue to serve beers in this small and old style beercafe that was voted several times the best beer café in the world. It is more a living room than a café. People sit on eachother table. Beerlist is so long you can read all evening. Ask advise from Leen or Dirk. Read the suggestions that change weekly. Ask questions, the owners know everything. Dry sausage and cheese is the only food served. We love this place and the owners. Closes at midnight.
30 locals recommend
Cafe Kulminator
32 VleminckveldIf you are a beer lover (that means if you like to taste different beers, if you are interested in the diversity and beauty of the product) you can not leave Antwerp without having visited this Café from Dirk en Leentje, the two retired owners who continue to serve beers in this small and old style beercafe that was voted several times the best beer café in the world. It is more a living room than a café. People sit on eachother table. Beerlist is so long you can read all evening. Ask advise from Leen or Dirk. Read the suggestions that change weekly. Ask questions, the owners know everything. Dry sausage and cheese is the only food served. We love this place and the owners. Closes at midnight.
Nice old style Belgian pub
This is where de Vogeltjesmarkt is, the biggest market in Antwerp, on sunday. On saturdays you will find a big foodmarket in these streets.Worh a visit, even if you do not buy anything, there are many foodtrucks, oysters, garnaalkroketten (shrimp croquets, belgian speciality) ...
het Oud Arsenaal closes early in the evening, you can't stay the night over there. Bar tender rings the bell and sings when he is planning to close and when you are asked to order your last drinks.
Beautiful ritual.
Maria Pijpelincxstraat 4
4 Maria PijpelincxstraatNice old style Belgian pub
This is where de Vogeltjesmarkt is, the biggest market in Antwerp, on sunday. On saturdays you will find a big foodmarket in these streets.Worh a visit, even if you do not buy anything, there are many foodtrucks, oysters, garnaalkroketten (shrimp croquets, belgian speciality) ...
het Oud Arsenaal closes early in the evening, you can't stay the night over there. Bar tender rings the bell and sings when he is planning to close and when you are asked to order your last drinks.
Beautiful ritual.
We love the old style cafés, and this is one. Closeby. Not our favorite, but still a nice place worth a visit if you like to drink a beer or a coffee. It's next to Tasty Thai.
Café Tante Lies
4 KipdorpbrugWe love the old style cafés, and this is one. Closeby. Not our favorite, but still a nice place worth a visit if you like to drink a beer or a coffee. It's next to Tasty Thai.
No tourists here.
Beautiful hidden square with trees that are very beautiful in spring (fluo green) and fall (yellow). Koln is a nice old café where only locals come. Some of these locals get too drunk, but they behave fine =-)
beautiful terrace, no crowds pass, but enough people to spy on when you drink your Westmalle Triple or your duvel. They sell Maatjes (haring speciality of Holland) in the season (june and july). Can't get them better.
Lovely place when the weather is nice and you can sit outside.
Friendly people too.
Stadswaag 4
4 StadswaagNo tourists here.
Beautiful hidden square with trees that are very beautiful in spring (fluo green) and fall (yellow). Koln is a nice old café where only locals come. Some of these locals get too drunk, but they behave fine =-)
beautiful terrace, no crowds pass, but enough people to spy on when you drink your Westmalle Triple or your duvel. They sell Maatjes (haring speciality of Holland) in the season (june and july). Can't get them better.
Lovely place when the weather is nice and you can sit outside.
Friendly people too.
Nice and cosy/small cocktailbar in the south of town, next to the Waterpoort.
Mixology at its best.
One of the staff members started his own cocktailbar after working years in Sips. That is BIJOU, situated nearby, check opening hours from Bijou, not open every day, if closed, go to Sips.
38 locals recommend
Sips Cocktailbar
8 GillisplaatsNice and cosy/small cocktailbar in the south of town, next to the Waterpoort.
Mixology at its best.
One of the staff members started his own cocktailbar after working years in Sips. That is BIJOU, situated nearby, check opening hours from Bijou, not open every day, if closed, go to Sips.
This s one of the typical old bars in Antwerp.
Good music. Good people. Good beer. Good newspapers.
Also nice place for a coffee.
Local Antwerpiens come here.
Some of them drink too much :-)
In this street you should visit the bookstores. They are in the beginning of the street, direction Melkmarkt en Lange Koepoortstraat.
De groene Waterman, het profijtelijk boekske and opposite de Groene Waterman you have a bookstore that is only open when the owners feels like it, and when he is not in Bar De Kat. But his shop is the best, nicest and most sympathetic bookstore of town. The shop has no name. But is situated at the same side of the street as De Kat, opposite Groene waterman, just behind the town bicycles standard.
10 locals recommend
Café De Kat
22 WolstraatThis s one of the typical old bars in Antwerp.
Good music. Good people. Good beer. Good newspapers.
Also nice place for a coffee.
Local Antwerpiens come here.
Some of them drink too much :-)
In this street you should visit the bookstores. They are in the beginning of the street, direction Melkmarkt en Lange Koepoortstraat.
De groene Waterman, het profijtelijk boekske and opposite de Groene Waterman you have a bookstore that is only open when the owners feels like it, and when he is not in Bar De Kat. But his shop is the best, nicest and most sympathetic bookstore of town. The shop has no name. But is situated at the same side of the street as De Kat, opposite Groene waterman, just behind the town bicycles standard.
BELROY's Bijou
20 Graaf van Egmontstraat A nie and trendy Coctailbar is a trendy part of town.
Tendy Jazzbar with many live performances situated on a beautiful square overlooking the "Museum voor schone kunsten"
Cafe HOPPER
Tendy Jazzbar with many live performances situated on a beautiful square overlooking the "Museum voor schone kunsten"
A typical Antwerp bar/resto in a former shipping warehouse, High ceilings no nonsense
11 locals recommend
L'Entrepot du Congo
42 Vlaamsekaai A typical Antwerp bar/resto in a former shipping warehouse, High ceilings no nonsense
Small arty bar, in the summer they have a nice terrace against the cathedral
28 locals recommend
Witzli-Poetzli
8 BlauwmoezelstraatSmall arty bar, in the summer they have a nice terrace against the cathedral
Arts & Culture
Antwerps newest museum with spectacular views from the roof
475 locals recommend
MAS - Museum by the River
1 HanzestedenplaatsAntwerps newest museum with spectacular views from the roof
Leopoldstraat 24
24 LeopoldstraatNice small herb garden in centre of antwerp
Plantin-Moretus Museum
22 VrijdagmarktLargest print museum
Photo Museum of Antwerp
47 WaalsekaaiPhoto museum
ModeMuseum
28 NationalestraatFashion Museum
http://www.museummayervandenbergh.be/Museum_MayerVanDenBergh_EN
20 locals recommend
Museum Mayer van den Bergh
19 Lange Gasthuisstraathttp://www.museummayervandenbergh.be/Museum_MayerVanDenBergh_EN
The Rubens House
13 WapperAlmost Next door!
great small and interesting museum
forgotten by many tourists and that is good, sometimes :-)
this is what Nobelprize winner Omar Pamuk (literature) wrote about Rockox when he was here.
We can not do better than him
Nicolaas Rockox (1560-1640) came from a wealthy Flemish family, and was a patron of the arts and a collector of artworks and coins. He was mayor of Antwerp for a time, as well as a humanist and a friend of Peter Paul Rubens, who painted portraits of him as he was posing in his house among his collections of objects, paintings and furniture.
When I entered this house museum for the first time, what affected me most was the strange sense of another time. I could hear the noises of the city, the sound of a tram turning a corner and children in a nearby primary school, but at the same time, as my gaze would travel over the objects, the paintings, the furniture, the rooms, I would also feel as if I were in a completely different time. His tiny, wonderful museum, situated on a side street a stone’s throw from Antwerp’s main square, was not, of course, conceived as such during Rockox’s lifetime.
But today, this well-curated space, displaying a passionate art lover’s collection in his own home, among the objects of his day-to-day life, his ornaments and his furniture, provides visitors with a deep insight into a particular culture and era, and into the private world of a man who happened to live during that period.
8 locals recommend
Snijders&Rockoxhuis
10 Keizerstraat Almost Next door!
great small and interesting museum
forgotten by many tourists and that is good, sometimes :-)
this is what Nobelprize winner Omar Pamuk (literature) wrote about Rockox when he was here.
We can not do better than him
Nicolaas Rockox (1560-1640) came from a wealthy Flemish family, and was a patron of the arts and a collector of artworks and coins. He was mayor of Antwerp for a time, as well as a humanist and a friend of Peter Paul Rubens, who painted portraits of him as he was posing in his house among his collections of objects, paintings and furniture.
When I entered this house museum for the first time, what affected me most was the strange sense of another time. I could hear the noises of the city, the sound of a tram turning a corner and children in a nearby primary school, but at the same time, as my gaze would travel over the objects, the paintings, the furniture, the rooms, I would also feel as if I were in a completely different time. His tiny, wonderful museum, situated on a side street a stone’s throw from Antwerp’s main square, was not, of course, conceived as such during Rockox’s lifetime.
But today, this well-curated space, displaying a passionate art lover’s collection in his own home, among the objects of his day-to-day life, his ornaments and his furniture, provides visitors with a deep insight into a particular culture and era, and into the private world of a man who happened to live during that period.
Letterenhuis
22 MinderbroedersstraatSightseeing
béguinage of Antwerp
39 RodestraatA quite place and nice garden in old monastery
Eilandje
The newest hotspot in Antwerpen, bars restaurants and some galleries
Sint-Annatunnel
Sint-AnnatunnelA must see, interesting pedestrian tunnel under the river
http://www.dekoninck.be/en, Visit our own city brewery, tours and some small local producers in sight
Mechelsesteenweg 291
291 Mechelsesteenweghttp://www.dekoninck.be/en, Visit our own city brewery, tours and some small local producers in sight
Cogels Osylei
Cogels-OsyleiAway from the crowds, a young family hipster area, if you don't have a "bakfiets" you look apart..
136 locals recommend
Dageraadplaats
Dageraadplaats Away from the crowds, a young family hipster area, if you don't have a "bakfiets" you look apart..
St. James' Church, Antwerp
9 Lange NieuwstraatCathedral of Our Lady
21 GroenplaatsCarolus Borromeus Church
Hendrik ConsciencepleinHet Zuid Neighbourhood
Trendy neighbourhood
Nice square with local bars/restaurants in the trendy part of town call "het zuid"
23 locals recommend
Marnixplaats
Marnixplaats Nice square with local bars/restaurants in the trendy part of town call "het zuid"
Parks & Nature
Nice park, visit on friday and see how the Jewish Orthodox community celebrates shabbat
83 locals recommend
City Park
RubensleiNice park, visit on friday and see how the Jewish Orthodox community celebrates shabbat
An exotic crowd is to be found in Antwerp newest park, easy to cycle to
183 locals recommend
Park Spoor Noord
Ellermanstraat An exotic crowd is to be found in Antwerp newest park, easy to cycle to
Middelheim
Beautiful park with lots of sculptures
Everything Else
Antwerpen Centraal station
27 Koningin AstridpleinBeautiful station in the diamond district
Kloosterstraat
KloosterstraatAntiques street most shops are open in from we-sunday from 14:00