Restaurants in Antwerp

RAS

This ship-shaped restaurant is something of a landmark in Antwerp and not just because of its gregarious design. Formerly known as Zuiderterras, the eatery was redesigned and renovated, emerging as RAS in early 2016. The menu boasts superb Belgian cuisine with contemporary twists that follow seasonal cues. Better still, the view across the water is as stunning as the food, particularly as the sun sets along the river’s edge.

Lux

Lux is one of the latest dockland conversions to turn cavernous industrial premises into a cutting-edge restaurant. Complete with wonderful views, sweeping staircases and a glass lift, Lux serves superb Belgian-Mediterranean dishes with an emphasis on fish and seafood. Try the monkfish with giant gnocchi for a main course or tuck into the chocolate banana mascarpone for a mouth-watering dessert.

‘t Fornuis

Right in the heart of the city, this elegant restaurant has maintained the highest standards, with admirable consistency, for around three decades. With a regularly changing menu, the French-influenced creations of Michelin-starred chef Johan Segers continue to win over customers, garnering accolades in abundance.

Grand Café Horta

This lovely art nouveau brasserie occupies a magnificent light-filled pavilion with huge glass walls and a ceiling held up by towering cast iron arches. There’s a more modern annex in the cellar if all the magnificence distracts you from enjoying the food, which is often a refined take on established European classics.

De Rooden Hoed

Fully renovated in 2013, this café-cum-restaurant claims to be the oldest in Antwerp, apparently existing in some form or another since 1750. All we know is that De Rooden Hoed features a gamut of traditional Belgian cuisine on its menu, including a great range of mussel dishes. The restaurant has a casual yet bustling ambiance and it can be hard to get a table during the summer crush.

Bacino

This intimate Flemish bistro is run by a couple that’s passionate about both the restaurant and hospitality industries. The chef, raised in a family of cooks, is revered for his hearty meat dishes, decadent soups and freshly prepared vegetables. The building is split up into two floors, offering ideal dining for big groups, as well as cozy salons for sipping coffee in the winter chill.

Het Gerecht

Established in September 1998, Het Gerecht is an expensive culinary experience with weekly-changing lunch menus and 5-6 course dinners. For those looking to indulge in a pleasant ambience, Chef Wim makes dining an unforgettable experience. He holds personal conversations with his diners, who eat in a room surrounded by beautiful photography – the chef’s second passion.

Kartini

This beautiful Indonesian restaurant offers a smorgasbord of authentic dishes at incredible prices. Cosy and casual, this is one of the best places to dine comfortably thanks to its warm ambiance and delicious cuisine. Fare includes Indonesian favourites like nasi kuning (rice with coconut milk and turmeric) and nasi goreng (stir-fried rice).

Sensunik

Quirky, fun and family-friendly, the menu at Sensunik has a different theme every day of the week. The incredible prices more than compensate for the short stroll required to get here, but it doesn’t cut corners where quality is concerned. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll struggle to get more for your money.

Bia Mara

An Irish phrase meaning seafood, Bia Mara is reinventing the traditional fish and chips combo. The restaurant sits in the historic Grote Markt of Antwerp and offers its speciality of Cajun spiced mackerel. With other options, including salmon, seabass and halibut, Bia Mara boasts a creative take on the classic dish at affordable prices.

Cypro

This restaurant is a hidden gem in Antwerp. The place is filled with locals, which is always a good sign, and offers great food at affordable prices. Known for its friendly service, Cypro prides itself on an original menu with entrees influenced by Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine. The mix of new and comfort food (expect pizza, kebabs and falafel) will satisfy the taste buds of everyone dining.