Our local favorites Guide
Nearby food, simply good!
Authentic, charming pub(food)
For cheap, daily changing proper ‘regular’ meal dishes in an authentic atmosphere (or just a drink) visit Café Stanny in the Stanleystr. 1
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Stanny
1 StanleystraatAuthentic, charming pub(food)
For cheap, daily changing proper ‘regular’ meal dishes in an authentic atmosphere (or just a drink) visit Café Stanny in the Stanleystr. 1
Authentic, charming pub. The nearby Dageraadplaats features the classic Zeezicht pub. You’ll find an eclectic bunch amongst its regulars. Just a great no nonsense pub with plenty of character. Enjoy the music, the chatter, the beer selection whether in or outdoors.
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Zeezicht
7-8 DageraadplaatsAuthentic, charming pub. The nearby Dageraadplaats features the classic Zeezicht pub. You’ll find an eclectic bunch amongst its regulars. Just a great no nonsense pub with plenty of character. Enjoy the music, the chatter, the beer selection whether in or outdoors.
A cozy little corner café/bar just a side street away from the Dageraad sq., perfect for an afternoon tea, or something stronger (I'll assume you're on holiday anyway).
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Walvis
1 WalvisstraatA cozy little corner café/bar just a side street away from the Dageraad sq., perfect for an afternoon tea, or something stronger (I'll assume you're on holiday anyway).
If you like to experience an oriental/Moroccan breakfast without traveling to the Middle East/N-Africa (they also do Lebanese, Turkish,... incl. lunch, but really breakfast is where it's at) this is where you should go. There aren't too many places like this, and while it might be a bit of an acquired taste best suited to a sweet tooth, the place and its dishes breathe oriental flavor. Better make a reservation beforehand, especially in the weekend!
Salt & Mint
21 DraakstraatIf you like to experience an oriental/Moroccan breakfast without traveling to the Middle East/N-Africa (they also do Lebanese, Turkish,... incl. lunch, but really breakfast is where it's at) this is where you should go. There aren't too many places like this, and while it might be a bit of an acquired taste best suited to a sweet tooth, the place and its dishes breathe oriental flavor. Better make a reservation beforehand, especially in the weekend!
So you like spicy? You'll get a heads up but he won't hold back and give you "European spicy (i.e. mild)" if you do want authentic. Granted the interior isn't all that (but if that bothers you they do take-away and it's only mins away, or take some utensils with you and have your food outdoor at the Dageraad picnic tables nearby) but we have it on good authority from Indian friends this really is the best Indian cuisine around. I'll have to agree.
Nora Indian
35 WolfstraatSo you like spicy? You'll get a heads up but he won't hold back and give you "European spicy (i.e. mild)" if you do want authentic. Granted the interior isn't all that (but if that bothers you they do take-away and it's only mins away, or take some utensils with you and have your food outdoor at the Dageraad picnic tables nearby) but we have it on good authority from Indian friends this really is the best Indian cuisine around. I'll have to agree.
Fine Italian made (from the people of the Enoteca Savini restaurant/wine bar, another nearby place that comes recommended!) ice cream right at the Dageraadplaats, hop in and out and take a cone (why would you ever go for a cup?) with you on a stroll, or to a nearby bench.
Ijssalon Gelateria Savini
29a DageraadplaatsFine Italian made (from the people of the Enoteca Savini restaurant/wine bar, another nearby place that comes recommended!) ice cream right at the Dageraadplaats, hop in and out and take a cone (why would you ever go for a cup?) with you on a stroll, or to a nearby bench.
Bakker Aldo
388 Lange LeemstraatJust the best artisanal bread & ‘Viennoiseries’
I don't like to (ab)use the word 'best', but let's just say if you've anything with food in general, and meat in particular, a stop by this fancy, yet proper butcher won't be in vain! Whether you walk away with an aged Rubia Gallega entrecote steak of Galician provenance, or just some tasting charcuterie like their Secreto 07 or the Brazilian coffee rubbed Dolce Zero carpaccio, you won't be disappointed.
It's located on the grounds of the Antwerp De Koninck city brewery, also home to a well regarded cheese shop, Van Tricht, so if you fancy a stop there as well you're all set for tapas dinner!
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Butcher's Store Antwerpen
1 BoomgaardstraatI don't like to (ab)use the word 'best', but let's just say if you've anything with food in general, and meat in particular, a stop by this fancy, yet proper butcher won't be in vain! Whether you walk away with an aged Rubia Gallega entrecote steak of Galician provenance, or just some tasting charcuterie like their Secreto 07 or the Brazilian coffee rubbed Dolce Zero carpaccio, you won't be disappointed.
It's located on the grounds of the Antwerp De Koninck city brewery, also home to a well regarded cheese shop, Van Tricht, so if you fancy a stop there as well you're all set for tapas dinner!
Thai/Belgian cuisine, a mix that might send shivers up your spine, but it works because it's not fusion, they just offer both, hey it's their thing. Dishes are good, owners/staff friendly and relaxed, and just a good nearby place whether you fancy a drink/lunch/dinner or brunch.
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May's
11 DageraadplaatsThai/Belgian cuisine, a mix that might send shivers up your spine, but it works because it's not fusion, they just offer both, hey it's their thing. Dishes are good, owners/staff friendly and relaxed, and just a good nearby place whether you fancy a drink/lunch/dinner or brunch.
An every-time-of-the-day kinda place. They offer all things vegetarian and self proclaimed 'restyled Middle Eastern food'. Sounds (too) hip? That's because it is, but not in a bad way, their hummus and baba ganoush are really good. The atmosphere is pleasant and light, just don't go in for a Philly cheese steak.
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HUMM
31 DageraadplaatsAn every-time-of-the-day kinda place. They offer all things vegetarian and self proclaimed 'restyled Middle Eastern food'. Sounds (too) hip? That's because it is, but not in a bad way, their hummus and baba ganoush are really good. The atmosphere is pleasant and light, just don't go in for a Philly cheese steak.
Cantonese kitchen chef's level. Not cheap (not overly expensive either) but it's no 'regular take out' with extra number 4 on the side either.
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Cuichine
3 DraakplaatsCantonese kitchen chef's level. Not cheap (not overly expensive either) but it's no 'regular take out' with extra number 4 on the side either.
Authentic Napoli style wood fired oven pizzas. Yes it's pizza, but when you've got a hunkering there's nothing wrong with that... Buon appetito!
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Pizzeria Bellini
75 TransvaalstraatAuthentic Napoli style wood fired oven pizzas. Yes it's pizza, but when you've got a hunkering there's nothing wrong with that... Buon appetito!
Another pizzeria? Yes, fair enough and while we love good Italian food it's not like it's our favorite cuisine, but Orso and nearby Bellini are just great places, and often fully booked, so when you're out of luck at one, there's a chance you might be lucky with the other, and neither will disappoint!
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Orso Pizzeria
46 Grote BeerstraatAnother pizzeria? Yes, fair enough and while we love good Italian food it's not like it's our favorite cuisine, but Orso and nearby Bellini are just great places, and often fully booked, so when you're out of luck at one, there's a chance you might be lucky with the other, and neither will disappoint!
Breakfast. Nearby, nice outdoor seating, and yes they also do lunch/dinner pretty well, but if you don't want to go far before you've had your breakfast granola, sausage, bacon or sunny side up (or everything at once) to start the day, this place is probably best.
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Aan het strand van Oostende
19 DageraadplaatsBreakfast. Nearby, nice outdoor seating, and yes they also do lunch/dinner pretty well, but if you don't want to go far before you've had your breakfast granola, sausage, bacon or sunny side up (or everything at once) to start the day, this place is probably best.
Local sightseeing
One of the most beautiful streets in Antwerp which houses many castle-like town houses and splendid palatial mansions built in eclectic architectural styles. Also warrant a stroll; the nearby Transvaal st., Waterloo st., Draakplaats.
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Cogels Osylei
Cogels-OsyleiOne of the most beautiful streets in Antwerp which houses many castle-like town houses and splendid palatial mansions built in eclectic architectural styles. Also warrant a stroll; the nearby Transvaal st., Waterloo st., Draakplaats.
Situated next to a former military hospital site transformed into modern urban living quarters, these warehouses are now home to baristas, coffee roasters and craftbeer lovers. There's an impressive agriculture garden roof that's unfortunately only accessible at certain public events (usually requires reservation as well) but even without climbing all those stairs the area is great for a walk (and a drink).
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PAKT
1 Regine BeerpleinSituated next to a former military hospital site transformed into modern urban living quarters, these warehouses are now home to baristas, coffee roasters and craftbeer lovers. There's an impressive agriculture garden roof that's unfortunately only accessible at certain public events (usually requires reservation as well) but even without climbing all those stairs the area is great for a walk (and a drink).
Greater Food Scene
Latin food & vibes in the South? (the Antwerp South/Zuid Neighbourhood that is) I'll answer that with some selected copy/paste from their website because I couldn't say it any better and my attempt at Spanish would surely butcher any message;
"BIENVENIDO in The Dirty Rabbit - Cantina y Coctelería, we would like to take you all on a trip to Latin America. A lot of inspiration was found in countries such as Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Argentina and Chili. So, con mucho gusto, we’d love to present you our extensive menu, which will hopefully please meat lovers, fish lovers ánd vegetarianos. In our Coctelería we offer a nice selection of Latin inspired drinks. Please don’t be misguided by the name because, although cocktails will flow in abundance, we do like to serve you beautiful wines, beers and spirits as well. Our Coctelería is the perfect place for every occasion: to sit back, relax and enjoy a lovely aperitif, to finish your meal with a kick-ass after-dinner cocktail or to simply enjoy a drink with your sweetheart, friends or colleagues.
On Friday and Saturday nights our Cantina will be converted into a Club as of 23.00h, just like the good old days. The tables will be set aside, the DJs will be behind the decks … so get ready for some serious bailar!"
And they do all of it well! (I love my non-vegetable protein, but they made me order their slow charred cauliflower many times, a feat!)
Also here, best to reserve a table, especially in the weekends.
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The Dirty Rabbit
1 GentplaatsLatin food & vibes in the South? (the Antwerp South/Zuid Neighbourhood that is) I'll answer that with some selected copy/paste from their website because I couldn't say it any better and my attempt at Spanish would surely butcher any message;
"BIENVENIDO in The Dirty Rabbit - Cantina y Coctelería, we would like to take you all on a trip to Latin America. A lot of inspiration was found in countries such as Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Argentina and Chili. So, con mucho gusto, we’d love to present you our extensive menu, which will hopefully please meat lovers, fish lovers ánd vegetarianos. In our Coctelería we offer a nice selection of Latin inspired drinks. Please don’t be misguided by the name because, although cocktails will flow in abundance, we do like to serve you beautiful wines, beers and spirits as well. Our Coctelería is the perfect place for every occasion: to sit back, relax and enjoy a lovely aperitif, to finish your meal with a kick-ass after-dinner cocktail or to simply enjoy a drink with your sweetheart, friends or colleagues.
On Friday and Saturday nights our Cantina will be converted into a Club as of 23.00h, just like the good old days. The tables will be set aside, the DJs will be behind the decks … so get ready for some serious bailar!"
And they do all of it well! (I love my non-vegetable protein, but they made me order their slow charred cauliflower many times, a feat!)
Also here, best to reserve a table, especially in the weekends.
Yes it's Belgian fries, not French. Those American soldiers in Brussels in World war II just didn't realize they were in Belgium when they fell for this most archetypical of Belgian foods. A snack elevated to national symbol. So why do we recommend a Dutch Michelin chef's 'frituur'?! Because, again, he does it well. From the mind of Sergio Herman, he brings something new to a classic, something even a Belgian might appreciate just as well as a tourist from a faraway place. Truth is that the very best blind tasted fries are likely not found in a big city where property prices are high, or where they're being (ab)used as a touristic novelty, but somewhere in a hospital style lit shanty in some town, twice baked in ox fat of course, possibly fill-in-your-home town.
So, try these while you're here and you won't be disappointed, even though they might not topple your 'best'.
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Frites Atelier | Antwerpen
32 Korte GasthuisstraatYes it's Belgian fries, not French. Those American soldiers in Brussels in World war II just didn't realize they were in Belgium when they fell for this most archetypical of Belgian foods. A snack elevated to national symbol. So why do we recommend a Dutch Michelin chef's 'frituur'?! Because, again, he does it well. From the mind of Sergio Herman, he brings something new to a classic, something even a Belgian might appreciate just as well as a tourist from a faraway place. Truth is that the very best blind tasted fries are likely not found in a big city where property prices are high, or where they're being (ab)used as a touristic novelty, but somewhere in a hospital style lit shanty in some town, twice baked in ox fat of course, possibly fill-in-your-home town.
So, try these while you're here and you won't be disappointed, even though they might not topple your 'best'.
Drinks & more
A pop-up summer bar/urban hub on the site of a former gas plant. Think graffiti containers, decorative lights, oil drum tables, converted warehouses. You'll find a terrace, lounge where they do jam sessions, urban art expos and even creative workshops there. Entrance is free and it's just a fun nearby spot to drop by for a drink and see what's 'going on'.
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Zomerfabriek
2 MinkelersstraatA pop-up summer bar/urban hub on the site of a former gas plant. Think graffiti containers, decorative lights, oil drum tables, converted warehouses. You'll find a terrace, lounge where they do jam sessions, urban art expos and even creative workshops there. Entrance is free and it's just a fun nearby spot to drop by for a drink and see what's 'going on'.
Borgartillaga
Sparnaðarleiðir
Museums for free every last Wed of the month
Middelheim
Mayer van den Bergh
Rubenshuis
Plantin - Moretus
Red Star Line
MAS
Letterenhuis
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Park off the beaten track
Yes, the Middelheim park is great (don’t forget to venture out into the nearby Nightingale park though if you’re looking for a charming watering hole with a nice playground), but not to be outdone by a visit to the Rivierenhof park just outside of the city. It has plenty of parking space, and you can enjoy a stroll among the connecting ponds, the commanding manor house, or –our favourite– go for a drink at Bar Stark next to the impressive Sterckshof castle!
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Shopping Sundays (first Sun of the month)
Most shops are usually closed on Sundays unfortunately (it's even mandatory to have a weekly closing day), but on the first Sunday of the month many shops in the inner city get to open their doors.
Sparnaðarleiðir
Antwerp city card
Like any city that takes its tourism ambitions serious Antwerp apparently also offers a 'city card' that includes free pubic transport and lots of free (well more accurately included-in-the-price) entrance tickets and/or discounts to a seemingly extensive list of museums and attractions. At the time of writing these can be bought for a period of 1 to 3 days, and depending on how serious you take your city tripping as in relentlessly crossing off 'must sees' this might actually be worth it! Check it out.