Best Restaurants in Antwerp: 15 Places to Eat

Looking for the best restaurants in Antwerp?

Antwerp has one of the most varied food scenes in Belgium. You can find everything from traditional Belgian brasseries and cosy comfort food to Italian pizza, ramen, Sri Lankan dishes, tapas and modern European restaurants.

Whether you’re visiting Antwerp for a weekend, looking for somewhere nice for dinner or simply wondering where to eat in Antwerp, there are plenty of options to choose from.

If you’re planning your whole trip, check out my Complete Antwerp Travel Guide, where I cover the best things to do, where to stay, nightlife, coffee and brunch and other practical tips.

To make choosing easier, I’ve divided my recommendations into Belgian food and international restaurants, including Italian, Asian and Spanish options.

Best Restaurants in Antwerp at a Glance

Restaurant	Cuisine	Best for
Den Artist	Belgian	Traditional Belgian food
Walrus	Belgian	Comfort food
Baret Bar & Food	International	Sharing dishes
Cantine	European	Seasonal food
Madonna	Belgian/French	Modern dining
Circus	International	Creative dishes
Camino	International	Sharing plates
Wolf Food Market	International	Variety
Verona	Italian	Cosy Italian food
Gio Pizza Bar	Italian	Pizza
Non Solote	Italian	Classic Italian
Takumi	Japanese	Ramen
Banana Leaf	Sri Lankan	Sri Lankan food
Las Mañas	Spanish	Tapas

Still deciding whether Antwerp is the right city for your Belgium trip? Check out my Is Antwerp Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion About Belgium’s Biggest City for my honest take on what the city is like and who I think will enjoy it most.

Best Belgian Restaurants in Antwerp

If you’re visiting Antwerp from abroad, trying some Belgian food is definitely worth adding to your trip.

Belgian cuisine goes far beyond fries and waffles. Think hearty dishes, traditional sauces, Belgian beer and classic brasserie-style meals.

Want to try more Belgian food during your trip? My Belgian Food Guide: 15 Foods You Need to Try covers the classic dishes and specialities I’d recommend trying in Belgium.

1. Den Artist

Best for traditional Belgian food

If you want a traditional Belgian brasserie experience, Den Artist is one to consider.

This is the kind of restaurant to choose when you want something more classic rather than experimental.

It’s a good option if you’re looking for a proper Belgian meal during your Antwerp trip and want to experience the more traditional side of the city’s food scene.

I’d choose Den Artist if: you want traditional Belgian food in a classic brasserie setting.

2. Walrus

Best for Belgian comfort food

Walrus is another option if you’re craving Belgian comfort food.

Rather than focusing on fine dining, it offers the kind of food that works well after a long day exploring Antwerp.

If you’re looking for somewhere cosy where you can sit down for a relaxed meal, this is one to keep in mind.

I’d choose Walrus if: you want cosy surroundings and comforting Belgian food.

Want to know where to stay?

If you’re staying overnight, I also have a full guide to Where to Stay in Antwerp: Best Areas & Hotels, including the best neighbourhoods to stay in depending on your trip.

Short on time?

Here are my 3 favourite hotels in Antwerp:

Historic Centre: Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt
Zuid: Hotel Pilar
Eilandje: U Eat & Sleep Antwerp

Best International Restaurants in Antwerp

One of the best things about eating in Antwerp is that you’re not limited to Belgian cuisine.

The city has a diverse restaurant scene, so you can easily find something different if you’re craving international flavours.

3. Baret Bar & Food

Best for sharing dishes

Baret Bar & Food is a good choice if you’re eating with friends and would rather share several dishes than order one large main course each.

Sharing plates also make it easier to try several flavours during the same meal.

This makes it particularly suitable for groups or anyone who enjoys a more social dinner.

I’d choose Baret if: you like sharing food and trying several dishes at once.

4. Cantine

Best for seasonal European food

Cantine focuses on seasonal European-style food, making it a good option if you’re looking for something a little more contemporary.

Seasonal cooking means the menu can change, so it’s worth checking what is currently available when you visit.

The restaurant works well for a relaxed dinner when you want something beyond traditional Belgian cuisine.

I’d choose Cantine if: you enjoy seasonal ingredients and modern European cooking.

5. Madonna

Best for modern Belgian and French cuisine

Madonna combines Belgian and French influences with a more modern approach.

It’s a good choice if you want to experience Belgian-inspired food without necessarily going for a traditional brasserie.

The French influence also makes it an interesting option for travellers who enjoy classic European flavours with a contemporary twist.

I’d choose Madonna if: you want modern Belgian and French-inspired food.

6. Circus

Best for creative international cuisine

Circus is worth considering if you’re looking for something a little less predictable.

The menu takes inspiration from different international cuisines, creating a more creative dining experience.

This is a good option if you enjoy trying dishes you might not normally order and want your dinner to feel like part of the experience.

I’d choose Circus if: you want creative international food and something different from traditional Belgian cuisine.

7. Camino

Best for sharing plates

Camino is another restaurant that works particularly well if you enjoy sharing food.

Ordering several plates for the table means you can try different flavours rather than committing to just one dish.

It’s a good setup for dinner with friends or a casual evening where the food is meant to be enjoyed together.

I’d choose Camino if: you’re travelling with friends and enjoy sharing several dishes.

8. Wolf Food Market

Best for groups and lots of choice

If you’re travelling with a group and everyone wants something different, Wolf Food Market is an easy option.

Instead of everyone having to agree on one restaurant or cuisine, food halls allow different people to choose different dishes in the same place.

That makes it particularly useful for:

Groups
Families
Picky eaters
Travellers who want lots of choice
Casual dinners

It’s less of a traditional restaurant experience, but the variety is the main attraction.

I’d choose Wolf Food Market if: you want lots of cuisines and plenty of choice in one place.

Planning your Antwerp trip?

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Best Italian Restaurants in Antwerp

Craving pizza or pasta?

Antwerp has several Italian restaurants worth checking out, whether you want a cosy dinner or a quick pizza.

9. Verona

Best for cosy Italian food

Verona is a good option if you’re looking for a cosy Italian restaurant.

Italian food is always an easy choice during a city trip, especially when you want something familiar and comforting after a day of sightseeing.

I’d choose Verona if: you want a cosy Italian dinner.

10. Gio Pizza Bar

Best for pizza

If all you want is good pizza, Gio Pizza Bar is one to consider.

Pizza makes for an easy casual dinner and works particularly well if you’re travelling with friends.

I’d choose Gio Pizza Bar if: you’re specifically looking for pizza in Antwerp.

11. Non Solote

Best for classic Italian food

Non Solote is another option for classic Italian cuisine.

If you’re looking for familiar Italian flavours rather than something overly experimental, this is a good restaurant to keep on your list.

I’d choose Non Solote if: you want a classic Italian meal in Antwerp.

Best Asian Restaurants in Antwerp

Antwerp is also a great city for exploring Asian cuisines.

If you’re tired of European food, consider one of these options.

12. Takumi

Best for ramen

For a comforting bowl of ramen, Takumi is an easy choice.

Ramen is particularly good on a colder or rainy day when you want something warm and filling.

It’s also a good casual option if you don’t want a long sit-down dinner.

I’d choose Takumi if: you’re craving ramen or want a quick and casual Asian meal.

13. Banana Leaf

Best for Sri Lankan food

If you want to try something a little different, check out Banana Leaf for Sri Lankan cuisine.

Sri Lankan food combines plenty of spices and different influences, making it an interesting alternative to the more common Italian, Belgian or French restaurants you’ll find around European city centres.

I’d choose Banana Leaf if: you want to try Sri Lankan food in Antwerp.

Best Spanish Restaurant in Antwerp

14. Las Mañas

Best for tapas

If you’re in the mood for Spanish food, Las Mañas is worth considering.

Tapas are particularly good when you’re travelling with friends because you can order several small dishes and share them around the table.

It also makes for a more relaxed and social dinner.

I’d choose Las Mañas if: you want Spanish tapas and a social dinner.

Where to Eat in Antwerp Depending on What You Want

Still not sure where to go?

Here’s how I’d narrow it down.

Want traditional Belgian food?

Den Artist

Choose this if trying classic Belgian cuisine is one of your priorities.

Want Belgian comfort food?

Walrus

A good option for a cosy and relaxed meal.

Want pizza?

Gio Pizza Bar

Go here if you’re specifically craving Italian pizza.

Want ramen?

Takumi

Perfect for a casual bowl of ramen.

Want something different?

Banana Leaf

Try Sri Lankan food for something outside the usual European options.

Want sharing plates?

Baret Bar & Food or Camino

Both are good choices if you like ordering several dishes for the table.

Want seasonal European food?

Cantine

A good choice for a more contemporary European meal.

Travelling with a group?

Wolf Food Market

The variety makes it much easier when everyone wants something different.

Want tapas?

Las Mañas

A fun option for a social dinner with friends.

Tips for Eating in Antwerp

Check opening hours

Restaurant opening hours can change, and some places close on particular days of the week.

Always check the current opening hours before heading over.

Make a reservation when possible

For popular restaurants, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings, booking a table in advance can save you from having to look for another restaurant at the last minute.

Explore beyond the main tourist streets

Some of Antwerp’s best food experiences are away from the most obvious tourist spots.

Don’t be afraid to explore different neighbourhoods instead of eating directly beside the city’s main attractions.

Don’t forget Belgian specialities

Even if you’re normally more interested in international food, I’d recommend trying at least one Belgian dish while you’re in Antwerp.

And of course, leave some room for Belgian fries, chocolate and waffles during your trip.

Final Thoughts: Where to Eat in Antwerp

There are plenty of great restaurants in Antwerp, whether you’re looking for traditional Belgian food, Italian pizza, Asian cuisine, Spanish tapas or modern European dishes.

For Belgian food, I’d look at Den Artist or Walrus.

For a more international dinner, Baret Bar & Food, Cantine, Madonna, Circus and Camino all offer something different.

And if you’re craving a specific cuisine, you can easily find Italian, Japanese, Sri Lankan and Spanish food around the city.

One of the things I love about Antwerp is that you don’t have to choose between having a traditional Belgian meal and trying something completely different. The city’s restaurant scene gives you plenty of options.

If you’re planning a trip, don’t forget to check out my Complete Antwerp Travel Guide for more things to do, places to stay, nightlife, coffee and brunch spots and practical travel tips.

Planning a bigger trip around Belgium? My Belgium Complete Travel Guide: Cities, Food, Festivals & Local Tips has everything you need to plan your trip beyond Antwerp.

Planning Your Trip to Belgium?

Planning a trip to Belgium can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between historic cities, lively student towns, coastal destinations and smaller hidden gems.

That’s why I’ve created my Belgium Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Belgium.

→ START HERE: Belgium Travel Guides
→ GET MY GOOGLE MAP: Belgium Google Map

Antwerp Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Eat & Drink
Is Antwerp Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion About Belgium’s Biggest City
Where to Stay in Antwerp: Best Areas & Hotels
Things to do: 40+ Best Things to Do in Antwerp, Belgium
Best Coffee & Brunch Spots in Antwerp: 10 Local Favourites
Best Bars & Nightlife in Antwerp: Where to Go Out
Brussels vs Antwerp: Which Belgian City Is Better? My Honest Opinion

FAQ

What are the best restaurants in Antwerp?

Some of the best restaurants in Antwerp include Den Artist, Walrus, Baret Bar & Food, Cantine, Madonna, Camino and Las Mañas. Antwerp has a very diverse restaurant scene, so the best choice depends on what type of food you’re looking for.

Where should I eat in Antwerp for Belgian food?

For traditional Belgian food, consider Den Artist or Walrus. Both are good options if you want to experience Belgian cuisine during your visit to Antwerp.

What is the best restaurant in Antwerp for Italian food?

If you’re craving Italian food, Verona, Gio Pizza Bar and Non Solote are options to consider. Gio Pizza Bar is particularly suited to anyone specifically looking for pizza.

Where can I get ramen in Antwerp?

Takumi is a popular option if you’re looking for ramen in Antwerp. It’s a good choice for a casual and filling meal.

Where can I eat tapas in Antwerp?

For Spanish tapas, consider Las Mañas. Tapas are a great option if you’re travelling with friends and want to share several dishes.

Where can I eat Sri Lankan food in Antwerp?

Banana Leaf is an option if you’re looking for Sri Lankan cuisine in Antwerp and want to try something different from the city’s more common European restaurants.

What is a good restaurant in Antwerp for groups?

Wolf Food Market can be particularly convenient for groups because there are many different cuisines and dishes available in one location. This means everyone can choose something different.

Do I need to make a reservation at restaurants in Antwerp?

For popular restaurants, especially during Friday and Saturday evenings, making a reservation in advance is recommended. Smaller or more casual restaurants may accept walk-ins, but it’s always worth checking beforehand.

Is Antwerp good for food?

Yes. Antwerp has a diverse food scene ranging from traditional Belgian brasseries to Italian, Asian, Spanish and modern European restaurants. It’s a particularly good city if you enjoy trying different cuisines.