Here are our picks for great dining in Antwerp:
Sir Anthony Van Dijck Restaurant: The restaurant is located in Vlaeykensgang which is in a building and old alley from the 16th century. You reach it through Oude Koornmarky 16 so leave a little extra time to find it. Having been recommended by friends and two locals, I was excited to try it. The dining room, overlooking a small garden, is absolutely stunning and one of the prettiest decors I have seen in all of my travels. I had a great server and enjoyed a four course prix fixe meal. I highly recommend it!!
InVINcible Resturant: At Haarstraat 9, this is located next to my hotel. I had a wonderful experience as I was seated in the kitchen watching as they prepared all of the food. Loved visiting with the chef/owner and with a local art dealer and his wife. It is rated by Michelin as a Bib Gourmand 2012 and brasserie of the year 2012 in Gault Milau.
Café Zurich: Located on Verlastraat 2-4, I enjoyed a great salad Nicoise for lunch in this café frequented by locals.
Hungry Henrietta: I saw that this restaurant had a great contemporary décor so I had my last dinner there. The atmosphere was great and the food okay but not memorable. It is at Lombardenvest 19 in the center.
Gunther Watte: Gunther is a local candy artisan who makes his own chocolates and has a tea room with chocolates, teas, coffees and pastries. It is a lovely spot on Steenhouwersvest 30 near the Museum Plantin Moretus/Prentenkabinet. The chocolate was great and the tea perfect.
Sint Felix Pakhuis: Located along the port at Oudeleeuwenrui 29. I had lunch at the MARKT which is a great restaurant where you can grab a quick salad or sandwich while vising the port and MAS. The décor is really eclectic and interesting. They have a more formal restaurant, with outdoor terrace seating, on the other side of the building.
There are many fun and picturesque cafes throughout the city. For coffee, I also enjoyed Restaurant Lait Russe at Falconplein 16.
One of the top places for fine dining is the gourmet restaurant, Restaurant ‘t Zilte on the top floor of the MAS Museum with spectacular views of the port and city. I have added it to my list for my next trip.
Locals recommend ‘t Fornuis, at Reyndersstraat 24, and Restaurant Het Nieuwe Palinghuis, at Sint Jansvliet 14, for great local seafood.
Wallpaper* Magazine also recommends The Jane by Michelin-starred chef Sergio Herman that is located in a former military hospital chapel.