These are the best restaurants in Antwerp, as told by a local

Discover everything the Antwerp food scene has to offer, from Asian fusion sharing restaurants to vegan lunch bars and authentic, dusty bars. These are the best places to eat in Antwerp, as told by a local.

With a history dating back to the Middle Ages, Antwerp is now the second-largest metropolitan area in Belgium. And yet, the city somehow still remains under the international traveller’s radar.

I moved to Antwerp in August 2021, and I quickly had an ever-expanding list of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops I wanted to try. Now, I have another list — one with restaurants that won’t break the bank and that I can personally recommend because I’ve been there.

Take a look at the embedded map below or click the link if the map isn’t loading for you.

This article will also contain information about the restaurant’s price range:

  • € — quick eats for budget travellers
  • €€ — great quality, still affordable
  • €€€ — on the more expensive side, but worth it

Disclaimer: I compiled this list of the best restaurants in Antwerp based on my personal experience and budget. I know there are plenty of haute cuisine restaurants in the city, but I didn’t add them to this article because Ars Currendi is a travel blog for budget-savvy solo travellers.

That being said, let’s take a look at the best restaurants in Antwerp. Enjoy!

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Best restaurants in Antwerp for Asian cuisine

Why travel all the way across the world when there’s so much contemporary Asian food to be found in Antwerp? Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese cuisine are all widely represented in the city.

Sum Sum

Sum Sum is anything but just another Asian restaurant. You’ll find a seasonal selection of tasty dim sum, as well as Japanese and Chinese dishes with a twist, and traditional bao buns.

If you’re eating here with friends or family, start off with a steamed dim sum mix. Are you travelling solo? Then I highly recommend the dan dan noodles.

Fugu

Aside from the fresh sushi I ate in Japan, Fugu serves the best sushi I’ve ever eaten, hands down. And I’ve eaten quite a bit of the stuff. Their sushi rolls are surprising, unique, and definitely worth the price.

BÚN

With just three words, you’ll want to book a table at BÚN the next time you’re in Antwerp — Vietnamese fine dining. The unique sharing plates and drinks to match are served in a pleasantly furnished interior.

Best restaurants in Antwerp for Italian cuisine

Similarly, there’s no need to travel to the other side of the continent to experience the best Italian cuisine has to offer. Although I must admit, I completely understand if you want to visit Italy — even if it’s just for the food.

Livelli

Livelli is a restaurant in the city centre that makes choosing your order easier than it’s ever been. The menu consists of just four dishes, and all of them are lasagna. Just so you know: reviews often mention ‘the best lasagna I’ve ever eaten’.

Pici

Simple, freshly made Italian food at honest prices — that’s what you’ll get at Pici. Located on the bustling Dageraadplaats, this restaurant will effortlessly transport you to Mediterranean spheres.

Orso

While travelling, it’s a good idea to follow the locals and venture away from the tourist hotspots. After all, that’s the only way you’ll find one of the best pizzerias in Antwerp — Orso. Beware: the restaurant is small, so making a reservation online is highly recommended.

Best restaurants in Antwerp for vegetarians and vegans

Antwerp is a trendy city. In other words: our vegetarian and vegan friends won’t go hungry. These are some of the best plant-based and veggie restaurants in Antwerp.

Humm

Whether you’re vegan or not, the food at Humm is to die for. When eating here, I guarantee you won’t miss meat or dairy. Oh, and the staff is super friendly, as well.

Native

Native is the place to be for a surprising lunch or drinks — whether that’s with your loved one, your friends, or just by yourself. The food is creative and delicious, and the interior design will make you feel right at home.

Camion

Camion’s tagline is ‘Only the good stuff’, and the staff goes the extra mile to make you believe it. The food is plant-based and elegant, and the restaurant itself is modern, yet welcoming.

Best restaurants in Antwerp for solo travellers

Antwerp is one of my favourite solo travel destinations in Europe. One of the reasons why is because Antwerp is home to plenty of restaurants that cater to solo travellers — here are some of the best.

Loa

Healthy West African-inspired street food, friendly staff, and great music — the perfect lunch break while strolling through the streets of Antwerp, if you ask me. Insider tip: Loa serves delicious African pepper soup every Saturday and Sunday.

Vreemdelingenmarkt

If you’re in town during the weekend, be sure to have a stroll around Theaterplein and sample delicious food and drinks of all cultures at the weekly farmer’s market. Saturday is the best day to visit for travellers, with an emphasis on fresh produce and food at reasonable prices. The closing time is 4 PM.

Mission Masala

Ask 100 locals what the best Indian restaurant in Antwerp is, and 99 of them will say Mission Masala. The restaurant is known for its Desi soul food, gorgeous location, and unmistakably Indian atmosphere.

Best places to get coffee in Antwerp

A coffee a day keeps the grumpy away. I don’t know about you, but there’s nothing I’d rather spend €5 on than a good cup of coffee when I’m travelling. These are my favourite coffee bars in Antwerp.

Butchers Coffee

Located in the lively South district (‘Het Zuid’), Butchers Coffee is a solid coffee bar with an eclectic interior that reminds visitors of the building’s past as a butcher’s shop. The coffee is exceptional and the baristas always greet you with a friendly smile.

Kolonel Coffee

Inspired by the bustling coffee culture of Australia, Kolonel Coffee found its origin in 2012 and moved to its current location, the vibrant Troonplaats, in 2014. Come here for excellent, home-ground coffee in a spacious and industrial interior. (By the way: you can also buy their coffee beans on their webshop.)

Nordica 31

As the name reveals, Nordica 31 gets its inspiration from Nordic culture, with excellent coffee and easy-going staff to match. Don’t miss out on the indulgent cinnamon bun, or any of its lesser known alternatives (cardamon, blueberry, or hazelnut).

Georges Espressobar

Take a breather and relax on the sunny outdoor terrace at Georges Espressobar, or get your coffee fix on the go if you’ve got places to be. The coffee is served with delicious homemade cookies, and you’ll get the owner-slash-barista’s smile for free.

Caffènation

This café is fully dedicated to the art of coffeemaking, and — unsurprisingly — serves the highest quality of joe. You will feel and taste the staff’s passion for coffee in every cup they serve.

Best restaurants in Antwerp for breakfast and brunch

Breakfast is the unsung champion of meals — at least when travelling. Many travellers quickly munch down a granola bar and a cup of coffee when they wake up, but it’s well worth it to take your time for the most important meal of the day — especially on the road. These are my favourite restaurants in Antwerp to get breakfast or brunch.

Stacks

Come to Stacks for the Instagram-worthy pancakes, stay for the surprising food pairings and beautiful interior. Additionally, the portion sizes are more than big enough to give you the energy you need for a morning of exploration around the city.

Maurice Brunch Bar

A brunch bar reminiscent of Grandma’s place (in the best way possible) with a wide range of tasty drinks and healthy food and an inner court to get away from the noise of the city? No wonder Maurice is one of the best places in Antwerp to get brunch.

Barchel

Are you coming to Barchel? Then get ready for the best breakfast or brunch you’ve eaten in recent history. The food is fresh and full of flavour, the coffee is strong, and the location is inspiring.

My favourite bars and cafés in Antwerp

No article about the best restaurants in Antwerp is complete without some recommendations for bars and cafés, right? These are some of the best places to get a drink in Antwerp.

Dansing Chocola

A local favourite in the trendy Sint-Andries neighbourhood, Dansing Chocola is one of the best bars to hang out with friends or people-watch in the evening. With a wide range of beers at affordable prices, you’ll be sure to enjoy your time here.

Bar Salon

Bar Salon is one of the many bars on the Dageraadplaats worth your time. The atmosphere at night is always lively and welcoming. This bar has a special place in my heart because it’s one of the first I went to after moving to Antwerp.

Chatleroi

Hidden away on a street corner just behind one of the city’s major museums is an eclectic bar with a great ambience, named Chatleroi. The place to be for the authentic Belgian bar experience.

  • Website: Chatleroi
  • Instagram: /
  • Price range: €€

Café Boekowski

What do you get when you mix a love for literature, a taste for fine drinks, and a passion for live music? That’s right — Café Boekowski. Browse through the bookshelves with used books, sit down at one of the tables and lose yourself in a good story for the next hour or so.

Bar Brul

On the outskirts of the city is another local favourite: Bar Brul. Located next to one of the biggest parks in Antwerp, this pub is a fantastic place to talk to locals over Belgian beer. Bonus: it’s easily accessible by public transport.

Honourable mentions

These honourable mentions are still among the best restaurants and bars in Antwerp, but they didn’t quite make the cut, for various reasons. However, I still wanted to share them with you, since they’re some of my favourite places to eat and drink around the city.

Umami is one of the best restaurants in Antwerp if you're looking for Asian food in a nice atmosphere

Takumi

Umami

  • What: Outstanding Asian fusian food
  • Website: Umami
  • Instagram: @umamiantwerp
  • Price range: €€€

Camino

  • What: One of my favourite restaurants in Antwerp; easy-going sharing concept
  • Website: Camino
  • Instagram: @caminoantwerp
  • Price range: €€

Cafe Mombasa

Black & Yellow

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1 Comment

  1. Patricia

    November 30, 2021 at 4:03 am

    Beste
    Ik vind het eigenlijk ontzettend jammer dat wij er niet visueel op staan..zelfs niet op de map…..
    Niet voor @barrio_damplein en niet met @littleitaly2060…
    …..😥😔

    Reply

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