Antwerp is not only known as a fashion capital with one of the biggest ports in the world or for its diamonds, it is also a place where new hotspots emerge every few meters. So when you are in Antwerp, you will have your work cut out for you! Here are the best places to eat in Antwerp!
Located in a former butcher shop, this coffee bar kept a great deal of the original interior and this makes it an authentic place to discover. The baristas serve their creations with a big smile, picked out & roasted freshly for you. When the sun is out, you can enjoy your black gold on the terrace outside and watch the hip crowd chat over their lattes & cappuccinos. The breakfast is a must here, you can choose between homemade granola or some seasonal oats and other options. If you are in the mood to treat yourself, order the buttermilk pancakes (with or without the crispy bacon). You will not be disappointed!
Kasteelstraat 57
2000 Antwerpen
A second breakfast spot that is in my top 3 is Mirlo’s. I very much enjoy the interior and they sell the cutest gadgets like candles, mugs, etc. You have to go and see for yourself. Mirlo’s has a number of great coffees: the lattes for example come with different toppings and, even better, are named after characters from Sex & the City. My all-time favourites here are without a doubt the French toast topped with fresh fruits and the banana pancakes with blueberries. There are a lot of other things on the menu you can choose from like yoghurt, pastries or an egg.
Verbondstraat 1
2000 Antwerpen
If you like to keep it healthy, there is only one place: Divers. When you enter, you feel like you are briefly stepping into a different place than Antwerp. I love how it is decorated, with a lot of tropical elements. There is not a lot of room to sit, so reservations do come in handy! Divers is widely known for their smoothie bowls with fresh fruits and their combinations are no less than delicious.
Volksstraat 9
2000 Antwerpen
When you feel like grabbing something quick at lunch time, a spot I just cannot leave out is Kaffeenini. They have a second shop as well: Barnini. These two are a big recommendation: thé bagel spot in Antwerp. They not only serve delicious and freshly prepared bagels but also coffees with a wide variety of toppings to choose from, fresh soups and freshly baked pies/pastries. Always packed, but Kaffeenini has a big terrace as well so this is a must do if the sun in out!
Nationalestraat 114A
2000 Antwerpen
When you have a sweet tooth and would love to try something different for lunch, put Texas Coffee on your list. They serve great coffees and follow the latest trends: coffee with glitter, a black or pink latte. If a new trend emerges, you can be sure to find it quickly at Texas Coffee. They also serve the well-known freakshakes, if you are up for something extra sweet. You can enjoy breakfast at this place (American pancakes, BLT, peanutbutter jelly sandwiches, etc.). Lunch is possible as well: try their toast with avocado, really nice and healthy. A last unique thing they serve is the Death Wish Coffee: one of the strongest coffees in the world. The interior of Texas Coffee is always on point and changes every few weeks. Thanks to their collaboration with interior shop Rodendijk 18, you can enjoy completely new furniture every time you go back.
Volksstraat 63
2000 Antwerpen
My undefeated number one when it comes to sushi has been Zao Wang for years. They have a restaurant near the Groenplaats and a second one in the trendy neighbourhood ‘Zuid’. I prefer the one close to the Groenplaats since they have a big terrace as well (and a very nice one I might add) from where you can watch people passing by. I think their sushi is delicious and price/quality is good. The interior is very nice as well and the service is always friendly. Try one of the various sushi combo’s, their Kanikamasalade or the Teriyaki.
Oude Koornmarkt 22
2000 Antwerpen
A second restaurant I frequently visit is Pho 61. Something I notice immediately when stepping into the restaurant are the decorations which are typical for Vietnam. You can try Pho here, a traditional noodle soup. Do not be fooled by the word ‘soup’, this dish does not let you leave this place feeling hungry. You can also try Banh Xeo (a type of pancake) or Nems (resembles an eggroll) and other dishes. If you are into Asian food, you will not be disappointed.
Grote Markt 42
2000 Antwerpen
A recent newcomer in the Antwerp food scene is Flâneur and this one quickly made it one my must-visit list. The restaurant is named after a person born in the mid-nineteenth century during the industrial revolution in the streets of Paris. The whole atmosphere created by this name and the attention they give to the concept in their establishment makes it a unique restaurant to visit. The spaghetti dishes that they offer here are prepared with the utmost care and with fresh ingredients. Tip: try the Vegie if you are not into meat. Furthermore, they serve some great wines, appetizers and desserts.
Leopold de Waelstraat 20
2000 Antwerpen
If you eat vegetarian, then Greenway is the place for you: they serve 100% veggie food. Delicious wraps, original salads, burgers or a Thai yellow curry bowl, they have it all. Best thing about Greenway: they work exclusively with eco-responsible ingredients, which makes you love them even more. They serve some delicious desserts as well! Go inside, enjoy the nice establishment and try their food, 100% made with love, for yourself!
Groenplaats 6
2000 Antwerpen
The last one of my go-to addresses in Antwerp in Shilling. I really like the atmosphere here and the service is always very on point. They have an extended menu of all sorts of dishes and always provide some suggestions to choose from. This is a great place to enjoy your dinner, have a drink and talk for hours with your friends.
Graaf Van Egmontstraat 60
2000 Antwerpen
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