Culinary Delights & Hip Bars | Antwerp
Antwerp’s top culinary hotspots according to insiders
By the Bearleaders
Fine Fleur | Antwerp | tip by Judith van Mourik
“Antwerp is one of my favourite cities in Europe. Not only because you can get there very quickly from Amsterdam, but also because it is a vibrant city with beautiful, cool food concepts, architecture and the feeling of really being abroad.”
On a hospitality and culinary level, Antwerp has so many things to offer, from high-end restaurants to cool bars and excellent lunch spots. Just don’t forget to reserve the restaurants in advance!
Where to eat & go for a drink
FINE FLEUR
Situated in the stylish and serene Botanic Sanctuary, this Michelin-starred restaurant was born out of a collaboration between Thomas Diepersloot and Jacob Jan Boerma. Deeply luxurious ingredients find their way into elegant dishes that are skillfully given surprising twists with bold sauces and contrasts.
instagram | maps | favourite of Judith van Mourik, Interior Architect
HENRY’S BAR
A great cocktail bar in the Botanic Sanctuary. A warm yet delicate space, with a strong cosmopolitan vibe. Sit down at the marble bar and watch the bartenders perfect your cocktail, or slip into the Burgundy room for a private event in style, surrounded by soft red velvet.
instagram | maps | favourite of Judith van Mourik, Interior Architect
THE JANE
This two Michelin star Restaurant was originally set up by Sergio Herman and Nick Bril, who is now running the restaurant solo.
Nick recently made the decision to reduce the amount of tables to allow for a more relaxed eating experience and more complex dishes.It serves a beautiful seafood tasting menu and is remarkably accessible both in terms of price and atmosphere. Definitely ask their new sommelier, Trésor Jean Vets, for some recommended wine pairings. Their selection varies from traditional vintages to funky organic wines.
instagram | maps | favourite of Koen van der Plas, Sommelier
ROJI
A wonderful hidden gem. You have the option to order sushi or a 7-course set menu.
The furnishing has been done by Axel Vervoort, who created an underground place for you to sip cocktails all night long.instagram | maps | favourite of Egon van Hoof, Michelin Star Chef
DIM DINING
A very inspiring restaurant. It is Japan oriented, which I’m a big fan of.
instagram | maps | favourite of Egon van Hoof, Michelin Star Chef
RESTAURANT MON
There’s a really cozy atmosphere in this corner building from the 17th century.
instagram | maps | favourite of Egon van Hoof, Michelin Star Chef
COBRA
Esfan Eghtessadi of Essentiel Antwerp founded Cobra, an exciting shared dining concept. The eclectic atmosphere and tasteful interiors are the perfect backdrop for masterful cooking by Orlando Schuitema, who formerly worked at The Jane and brings real star power to all the dishes.
instagram | maps | favourite of Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist
BISTRO DU NORD
Chef Michaël Rewers’ Michelin-starred restaurant is equally cosy, comforting and surprising. Every dish is familiar and heartwarming, but excites through the superior techniques, perfect balance and limitless generosity.
instagram | maps | favourite of Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist
MADONNA
Located in the Royal Fine Arts Museum of Antwerp, this restaurant and bar combines cuisine and culture in an intoxicating and inspiring way.
instagram | maps | favourite of Judith van Mourik, Interior Architect
CAMINO
Asian inspired soul food and a great selection of funky organic wines make this hip bar an absolutely lovely surprise.
instagram | maps | favourite of Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist
LE PRISTINE
Founded by legendary chef Sergio Herman, this one Michelin starred restaurant calls itself a ‘festive ode to Italian cuisine’. Expect beautifully dressed, colourful plates that combine ideas from the Italian kitchen with Sergio’s famous love for local fish.
OSAKA
A Japanese inspired wine bar with minimalist interior, fantastic drinks and great snacks.
