Taste of Antwerp: Where to Find the Best Local Food and Drinks

Antwerp is a city with a deep-rooted culinary culture, boasting a variety of delicious and unique dishes. From fine dining restaurants to local markets, Antwerp has something to offer for every foodie. Whether you’re looking for traditional Belgian fare or some of the best international cuisines, this beautiful city has it all. Here’s a guide to the best places to experience the Taste of Antwerp.

Traditional Belgian Eats

When visiting Antwerp, it’s impossible to not indulge in the city’s famous Belgian cuisine. From savory waffles to hearty stews, there are plenty of delicious dishes to choose from. Some of the most popular traditional Belgian dishes include:

• Flemish stews
• Belgian waffles
• Carbonade flamande
• Stoemp
• Moules frites

For a truly authentic experience, head to the heart of the city and visit one of Antwerp’s many traditional restaurants. Here, you’ll find an array of dishes made with local ingredients and prepared in the traditional Belgian style. For a truly unforgettable meal, try the famous ‘moules frites’, a dish of mussels and fries served with a special sauce.

International Cuisines

Antwerp is a vibrant and diverse city, and its restaurants reflect this. From Italian to Indian, the city has something to offer for every palate. Here are a few of Antwerp’s best international restaurants:

• El Sabor: Authentic Mexican cuisine
• La Petite Cuisine: French-style bistro
• La Riva: Italian seafood restaurant
• The Curry Pot: Indian restaurant specializing in curries
• Mikado: Japanese sushi bar

No matter what type of cuisine you’re craving, you’ll find a restaurant to suit in Antwerp. From classic Italian pizzerias to modern Indian eateries, the city has an array of options to tantalize your taste buds.

Gourmet Markets

For a truly unique and delicious experience, head to one of Antwerp’s many gourmet markets. Here, you’ll find an abundance of local produce and artisanal products. From fresh seafood to handmade cheeses, the markets are a great place to find the best of what the city has to offer. Some of the best markets include:

• Grote Markt
• De Groote Markt
• De Keyserlei
• De Meir
• De Veldstraat

At these markets, you can sample a variety of local flavors and find items to take home. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, handmade chocolates, or artisanal beer, the markets are a great place to find it. The markets are also a great place to find local specialties, such as the famous ‘cuberdon’ candy.

Local Cafes and Bars

When it comes to drinks, Antwerp has plenty of options. From traditional Belgian beers to modern craft cocktails, the city has something for every taste. Here are some of the best spots to grab a drink in Antwerp:

• De Molen: Traditional Belgian beer bar
• Ginger: Craft beer bar
• The Living Room: Cocktail bar
• Cafe Colombine: Local cafe
• Lola: Vintage cafe

No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it in one of Antwerp’s bars and cafes. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Belgian beer or a unique craft cocktail, there’s something for everyone. For a truly unique experience, head to one of the city’s vintage cafes, such as Lola, for a relaxing atmosphere and delicious drinks.

Street Food

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty snack, Antwerp has plenty of street food options. From traditional Belgian fries to hot dogs and falafel, the city’s street food is diverse and delicious. Here are some of the best places to find street food in Antwerp:

• Frituur De Leeuw: Belgian fries
• Frituur Marconi: Specialty fries
• Wafelhuis: Belgian waffles
• Frituur de Graaf: Hot dogs
• Falafel King: Falafel

For a truly unique experience, head to one of Antwerp’s many street food vendors. Here, you’ll find a variety of delicious and affordable options. Whether you’re in the mood for fries, waffles, hot dogs, or falafel, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings.

Fine Dining

If you’re looking for a truly special dining experience, Antwerp has plenty of fine dining restaurants to choose from. From classic French bistros to modern molecular gastronomy restaurants, the city has something to offer for every taste. Here are some of the city’s best fine dining restaurants:

• De Witte Tafel: Classic French bistro
• Pure C: Michelin-starred restaurant
• Niño: Molecular gastronomy restaurant
• Le Comptoir: Modern Belgian cuisine
• L’Estaminet: Traditional Belgian fare

Whether you’re looking for an intimate bistro or a luxurious dining experience, Antwerp has something for every taste. With its array of fine dining restaurants, the city is sure to delight even the most discerning foodie.

Farm-to-Table Dining

The city is also home to a variety of farm-to-table restaurants, offering seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. Here are some of the best farm-to-table restaurants in Antwerp:

• De Pastorij: Modern Belgian cuisine
• De Koning van Spanje: Local seafood
• De Tuin van Eden: Vegetarian dishes
• De Kippenboer: Farm-raised poultry
• De Boerderij: Seasonal dishes

At these restaurants, you’ll find dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. From farm-raised poultry to locally-caught seafood, these restaurants offer a truly unique and delicious experience.

Vegan and Vegetarian Options

Antwerp is also home to a variety of vegan and vegetarian restaurants, offering delicious and healthy dishes. Here are some of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Antwerp:

• Gezond: Vegan restaurant
• Het Groene Hart: Vegetarian restaurant
• Geen Vlees Maar Vis: Vegan seafood restaurant
• De Groene Wereld: Organic restaurant
• De Notenclub: Raw vegan restaurant

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking for a healthy meal, Antwerp has something to offer. With its variety of vegan and vegetarian restaurants, the city is sure to have something to satisfy your cravings.

Conclusion

Antwerp is a city with a rich culinary culture, offering something for every taste. From traditional Belgian fare to international cuisines, the city has something to offer for every foodie. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or street food, Antwerp has something to satisfy your cravings. With its variety of restaurants, bars, markets, and cafes, the city is sure to delight even the most discerning palate.