Antwerp's Best Casual Restaurants

Experience dining in a relaxed atmosphere at Invincible, where you can watch chef Kenny Burssens transform seasonal products into delicious creations right from your bar chair. Known for his beautifully executed dishes, Kenny's menu varies but always includes a signature pasta cooked inside a Parmesan cheese. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or just looking for a well-curated beverage list, this restaurant won't disappoint with its fantastic wine menu.

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Nick Bril

Chef/ DJ – Antwerp, Belgium

Invincible, run by chef Kenny Burssens, is one of my favorite spots. Kenny’s a big wine lover and his wine menu is fantastic. His food is served at the counter table so you're dining in the kitchen and he is very much a chef. He has a pasta dish which he cooks inside a Parmesan cheese, which is a signature dish on his menu. But he is also a very good butchery driven chef and makes a great pâté en croûte and beautiful sausages. You can also get a whole grilled turbot or a chicken from the rotisserie. The menu varies a lot, but he's a true product driven chef, cooking beautifully executed dishes.

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With a focus on simplicity and quality, Album offers a humble yet well-executed menu. The dishes, which change frequently, are modern and made with top-notch ingredients, including their highly praised sourdough bread. The restaurant also features a natural wine list, adding to the overall dining experience.

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Nick Bril

Chef/ DJ – Antwerp, Belgium

Very modern, simple dishes made of great ingredients, and very well executed. It's a humble menu but well made. Album is one of my favorite places, located in the South of Antwerp. Lunch and dinner.

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Offering a classic cuisine with a focus on meat and fish dishes, Bistrot Du Nord is a one Michelin star restaurant where the chef strictly follows the seasons. The menu features a variety of dishes, including the recommended paté of chicken liver and blood sausage appetizer, mussels, shrimp croquette, eel in green sauce, grilled beef Txuleta, and roast duck. The restaurant's interior reflects a Parisian Bistro style with small tables, white linen, and a beautiful wooden interior, creating a cozy and traditional ambiance.

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Adam Talhimet

Front Of House/Foodie – Den Bosch, Netherlands

Favorite casual restaurant in the world. I love this type of cooking centered around classic meat and a few fish preparations with a lot of offal dishes. I would be here a lot if i lived a bit closer. This is one of the top restaurants in Europe.

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With a timeless, classic setting, Bar Bulot Antwerpen is a creation of Gert De Mangeleer and Joachim Boudens, the duo behind the renowned restaurant Hertog Jan. The atmosphere is inviting, featuring dark blue velvet benches and white napkins, perfect for those looking to relax for a few hours. The restaurant offers classic dishes and is managed by the cordial Elske Mostert, who welcomes guests with a warm smile.

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Frank Heylen

Food & Wine hunter – Leuven, Belgium

Gert De Mangeleer and Joachim Boudens of restaurant Hertog Jan*** have now also started their second Bar Bulot - in Antwerpen. Timeless, tradition, classic in a pleasant setting. Koen Gussenhoven and restaurant manager Elske Mostert will welcome you with flair and a warm smile.

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Camino is known for its simple, fun, Asian-inspired sharing dishes that are often packed with flavors. The menu includes unique options like hamachi or crudo, cockles with green chili and coconut, broccolini with kimchi mayo, and corn with spicy chili sauce and ricotta, all complemented by a selection of natural wines. The atmosphere is lively and relaxed, perfect for enjoying meals with friends while trying out a variety of dishes.

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Thea Cipido

Wine Journalist – Antwerp, Belgium

Comfort food at its best Camino has won over the hearts of locals with their fun, simple Asian-inspired sharing dishes which are often flavour bombs. A real hotspot.

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For over 40 years, Izumi has been a beacon of authentic Japanese cuisine, uncompromising in its quality standards, only using the freshest high-quality fish. The restaurant is known for its daily changing suggestions, unique sushi creations, a range of exciting sakes, and a challenging chef's menu. It's a family-run establishment where two generations bring their best, offering an intriguing blend of history and innovation.

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Nick Bril

Chef/ DJ – Antwerp, Belgium

The best place to eat authentic Japanese in Antwerp. From the fried oysters to aged dashi tofu, great sushi and unagi. Love the place and the family.

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Veranda is a no-nonsense neobistro that offers a short fixed menu with a focus on seasonal veggies and seafood. The restaurant's ambiance is characterized by rough walls, concrete and wooden tables, and a central open kitchen, all under a large window that floods the space with light. The dishes, created by Davy Schellemans, are honest and thoughtful, complemented by a wine list full of hidden gems.

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Thea Cipido

Wine Journalist – Antwerp, Belgium

Intellectual dishes and an incredible winelist with lots of hidden gems What you see is what you get. Rough walls, concrete and wooden tables create a signature Veranda vibe with a rock ‘n roll twist. A large window provides plenty of light and the central open kitchen divides the place in two. Davy Schellemans creates honest, thoughtful dishes with interesting combinations. Add polite, professional service and an incredible wine list and you got yourself a great evening

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Situated in the creative area known as Pakt, Caffènation Roastery and Bar PAKT offers a relaxing environment with an open terrace for sunny days. It is known for its specialty coffee and has a reputation for being an artisan coffee roastery that's focused on more than just coffee. The location is conveniently close to other popular spots such as The Jane restaurant.

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Frank Heylen

Food & Wine hunter – Leuven, Belgium

Very good Roastery with a nice open terrace when the sun is shining, nearby restaurant The Jane (Nick Bril) and untitled.

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With a focus on providing an inviting atmosphere, Cafe Kulminator is the kind of place where you can unwind with friends, enjoy a drink, and still feel energetic. The dim lighting, soft music, and friendly chatter contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Known for its fantastic selection of cocktails, craft beers, and wines, the bar staff at Cafe Kulminator are true mixologists who can prepare the perfect drink to suit your taste.

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Mehmet Gurs

Chef – Istanbul, Turkey

Anyone that’s serious about beer should make a pilgrimage to Cafe Kulminator. They have an amazing selection and a super cool atmosphere. Either sit down and really enjoy one of the outstanding beers or take it home with you.

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This unique spot offers a lively atmosphere and a menu abundant with seafood dishes, crafted with top-quality ingredients. The restaurant draws its inspiration from the CoBrA art movement and the symbolism of the snake, aiming to bring creativity and adventure to every aspect of the dining experience. In addition to the food, they also offer a variety of cocktails, champagne, and a carefully selected wine list.

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Frank Heylen

Food & Wine hunter – Leuven, Belgium

Living, vibrant place with nice terrace. Tasty dishes, lot of seafood with top ingredients to share. Cocktails, champagne and small wine list.

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Da Fellini is a cosy Italian restaurant, known for its authentic Italian specialities. The establishment is much loved for its neighbourhood vibe and the quality of its food, which is often described as very tasty. Run by the Di Rose brothers, Ivan and Emiliano, they bring a piece of culinary Calabria to their customers with passion and love.

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Nick Bril

Chef/ DJ – Antwerp, Belgium

1 of my favorite Italian places in Antwerp. For me, Italian cuisine never bores, if done well. This is one of my fav Italian spots and a bit off the radar and map. The place has a nice neighbourhood vibe, serving very tasty food.

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This restaurant, Dôme sur Mer, is a modern seafood establishment where fresh products are prepared and served on the spot. They focus on using the best extraordinary ingredients in the simplest and tastiest way, with a preference for local, seasonal, and as much as possible, sustainable ingredients. While you can't see the sea, you can certainly taste it in their variety of seafood dishes and weekly specials, which include freshly opened oysters at the time of ordering.

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Marcelo Ballardin

Chef Owner – Gent, Belgium

A real treat for sea food with a beautiful terrace, amazing staff and great spot shared with friends. Little brother from restaurant Dome. This place is a real treat for seafood with a beautiful terrace, amazing staff and a great spot shared with friends.

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Dogma is a cocktail bar known for its quality drinks served in a nostalgic setting reminiscent of the 1920s. The venue is led by Didier van den Boeck and his hospitable team, offering both classic and modern cocktails, with the Bloody Mary being a standout favorite. The menu is seasonally adjusted, offering a perfect blend of old and new flavors.

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Jean-Trésor Vets

Sommelier – Antwerp, Belgium

Quality cocktails in a fashionable, nostalgic setting Dogma is a bar located in the heart of the city centre of Antwerp. At the head we have Didier van den Boeck that leads a team with a super hospitable heart. The bar’s interior takes you back to the 1920's as do some of the classics on the cocktail list of the bar. A must do is the Bloody Mary! Although they have quite some classics they also have an extensive choice of cocktails that are seasonal and modernistic. The perfect combination of new and old. Photos: Marjorie Romeijn

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This spot offers a casual bistro setting, focusing on simplicity and quality, with dishes often containing just four harmonious ingredients. Nage is known for its creative, no-nonsense cuisine that bursts with bold flavors, including a signature steak dish of dry aged Holstein. The restaurant also boasts a small but well-curated wine list, primarily featuring natural wines.

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Adam Talhimet

Front Of House/Foodie – Den Bosch, Netherlands

Neo-bistro Antwerp style, right in the heart of the city. Nage seems to be the chefs' favorite in town, maybe because they are open on Monday. But the food is excellent, loved the signature steak dish of dry aged holstein. Seasonality is key here. Nage is here to stay, Antwerp gem.

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Specializing in à la carte fine dining with a focus on seafood, Misera offers an intimate setting with limited seating. The restaurant is helmed by Chef Nicolas Misera who impresses with his umami-flavored creations and a keen eye for quality ingredients. The ambiance is modern and warm, harmoniously blending with the culinary experience, and the wine list includes reasonably priced yet exquisite options.

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Flip Dejaeghere

Flip World Foodie – Duffel, Belgium

Culinary à la carte Delights Antwerp Gem. Located at Antwerp’s Nieuw Zuid, chef Nicolas Misera finally found his own place of Happiness. That happiness you taste in his à la carte creations focusing on the “better” products of the sea. The open kitchen reveals all the action by Nicolas & Leroy, creating umami flavoured dishes. The winelist has some very reasonable priced beauties. One of those young talented restaurants to watch and getting his first Michelin star very very soon, this spot you need to discover!!

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Blueness Antwerp, located in a historic building, offers a unique culinary experience with a blend of cosmopolitan and oriental vibes. The restaurant is known for its informal Izakaya-style eating and drinking, with an open kitchen that adds to the energetic atmosphere. Recommended dishes include the lobster salad, langoustine, and the matcha dame blanche, all prepared under the watchful eye of head chef Jaclyn Kong.

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Yves Creutz

Founder of Villa Louise – Luxembourg, Luxembourg

It’s a excellent place for lunch in Antwerpen's fashion district. Every aspect of Blueness, a magnificent restaurant, is meticulous and immaculate. Sergio Herman's cuisine has an asian twist. Jaclyn Kong, the headchef, used to work at Blueness Cadzand. The lobster salad and the langoustine were both excellent. The matcha dame blanche is an instant classic. It is a excellent place for lunch in Antwerpen's fashion district.

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This spot offers progressive Asian cuisine in an old-school style, with a focus on dishes that are meant to be shared. The menu includes items like veggie mochie buns, hoisin confit duck dumplings, scallion pancake with shiitake, and their legendary puffy cheesecake. Notably, they also have a remarkable selection of sake, providing a comprehensive dining experience.

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Thea Cipido

Wine Journalist – Antwerp, Belgium

No-nonsense progressive asian cuisine They have become a culture on their own in Antwerp. You’ll be lucky if you call and they have a table left because that’s the only way you can book a table. Old-school style. They have a small menu with dishes to share. So the best thing you do is just take everything. Replied with Mico’s mantra: “Perfect, you only live once!”. Veggie mochie buns, hoisin confit duck dumplings, scallion pancake with shiitake. Belgian chicory and amazing Singapore chili clams. Paired with an amazing selection of sake. Finishing with their legendary puffy cheesecake and a matcha cake. A must visit.

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This place, known as ARTE, is a modern Italian restaurant that's often bustling with activity. It offers a diverse menu, featuring reimagined classics of Mediterranean cuisine prepared with high-quality ingredients from top local producers. With a beautiful outdoor terrace and an interior that doubles as an open exhibition space for contemporary art, it provides a unique and enjoyable dining experience.

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Nick Bril

Chef/ DJ – Antwerp, Belgium

Among Italian restaurants, one of my favourite spots on a Monday is Arte. Great Italian food, a modern restaurant that's always always busy. I think they do over 200 covers, beautiful terrace outside. If you like accessible Italian food in a modern restaurant, Arte is the place to be.

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The restaurant "untitled." offers a unique dining experience with a menu that combines the signatures of chefs Joeri Timmermans and Nick Bril. The food, sourced locally but with global flavours, is bold and cosmopolitan, available at a democratic price. The restaurant also offers a range of surprising and delicious cocktails, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

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Flip Dejaeghere

Flip World Foodie – Duffel, Belgium

Started as a popup project, but nowadays a surplus value at The Jane Antwerp. Run by talented ex Kuala Lumpur chef @joeri_timmermans_ & supported by @nickbril Bringing bold & cosmopolitan flavours at a very democratic price, while one can enjoy the vibes of world’s most exquisite culinary church. For sure a visit to this young team will give you that smile of happiness when leaving. Oh yess… do try the surprising delicious cocktails as well alcoholic as non-alcoholic

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At Frites Atelier, the humble fry is elevated to a fine dining experience by acclaimed Belgian chef, Sergio Herman. After 18 months of meticulous research for the perfect potato, the result is fries that are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and lightly seasoned with a unique samphire salt. The menu keeps it simple, with a focus on fries paired with a choice of sauces, and beverages like white wine or Stella Artois to complement your meal.

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Malgosia Minta

Food journalist – Warsaw, Poland

The fries are crispy outside and soft inside, with a palatable (but not too harsh) touch of salt. When fine dining chefs take on the fast dining staples. Here comes Sergio Herman, one of the most acclaimed chefs in Belgium, who decided to make THE best fries possible. He said it took 18 months to find the right potatoes - and the work has paid off. The fries are crispy outside and soft inside, with a palatable (but not too harsh) touch of salt (and not just a Salt but a samphire salt - after all it’s Sergio Herman’s place :). Best to go for simply fries and sauce (you can have two of choice) - preferably classic as Mayo or Truffle Mayo, some white wine or Stella Artois. Less is more.

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