40 cheap eats places in Antwerp, editor-picked. the best low-budget spots in Antwerp: the places editors actually return to. All Antwerp food.
DelRey ★ 4.6
diamantwijk · Appelmansstraat 5, 2018 Antwerp
DelRey in Antwerp on Appelmansstraat is a family-owned chocolatier and patisserie since before World War II. The case runs across handmade pralines.
Tip: The chocolate-shell Antwerpse handjes box is the canonical Antwerp souvenir.
Bakkerij Goossens ★ 4.6
theaterbuurt · Korte Gasthuisstraat 31, 2000 Antwerp
Bakkerij Goossens in Antwerp has worked the same Renaissance house with stepped gable since 1884. The roggeverdommeke rye-raisin loaf is the canonical bake.
Tip: Lines start before 09:00 on Saturday. Arrive early for first pick of the brioches.
Normo ★ 4.6
universiteitsbuurt · Minderbroedersrui 30, 2000 Antwerp
Normo in Antwerp on Minderbroedersrui is the in-house cafe at Jens Oris's specialty roastery. Brick walls, vintage furniture, single-origin filter coffee.
Tip: Closed Sunday. Saturday morning fills with the student crowd; mid-morning weekday is quieter.
Philip's Biscuits ★ 4.5
theaterbuurt · Korte Gasthuisstraat 39, 2000 Antwerp
Philip's Biscuits in Antwerp bakes the city's official biscuit on Korte Gasthuisstraat. The recipe traces to Jos Hakker's 1934 tribute to the Brabo legend.
Tip: The chocolate-coated version is the better gift for travel; the plain butter cookies are best eaten the day of purchase.
Caffènation ★ 4.5
historisch-centrum · Mechelsesteenweg 16, 2000 Antwerp
Caffènation in Antwerp is the original specialty-coffee bar in Belgium, founded 2003. The Mechelsesteenweg HQ pulls espresso to a relaxed seating area.
Tip: Urban-nomad regulars work from the back tables. The retail bar sells whole-bean takeaway.
Philip's Biscuits ★ 4.5
theaterbuurt · Korte Gasthuisstraat 39, 2000 Antwerp
Philip's Biscuits on Korte Gasthuisstraat bakes Antwerpse handjes, the city's hand-shaped butter cookie. Located in Theaterbuurt. At Korte Gasthuisstraat 39.
Tip: Take the chocolate-coated tin for travel; the plain butter version is best eaten same-day.
DelRey ★ 4.5
diamantwijk · Appelmansstraat 5, 2018 Antwerp
DelRey in Antwerp on Appelmansstraat sells chocolate-shell Antwerpse handjes from the family-run chocolatier counter. The recipe predates World War II.
Tip: The chocolate-shell tin is the canonical Antwerp souvenir; small and packs flat for travel.
The Bakery ★ 4.4
het-zuid · Boomgaardstraat 1, 2018 Antwerp
The Bakery in Antwerp sits inside the De Koninck brewery complex on Boomgaardstraat. Located in Het Zuid. Open tue-sun 08:00-17:00, closed monday.
Tip: Bread sells out by midday on weekends. Pair a coffee with a fresh croissant in the brewery courtyard.
Bürr Bakehouse ★ 4.4
het-zuid · Brederodestraat 33, 2018 Antwerp
Bürr Bakehouse in Antwerp on Brederodestraat ferments sourdough for 72 hours and runs a small cafe counter. Located in Het Zuid. Open wed-sun 08:00-17:00.
Tip: Bread goes by midday on weekends. The pastries fill in second.
Domestic Bakkerij ★ 4.4
zurenborg · Steenbokstraat 37, 2018 Antwerp
Domestic Bakkerij in Antwerp on Steenbokstraat is the bakery sibling to restaurants Dôme and Dôme sur Mer. Located in Zurenborg. Open tue-sun 08:00-17:30.
Tip: Three locations across Antwerp; the Steenbokstraat original is the largest. Closed Monday.
Bakker Aldo ★ 4.4
berchem · Lange Leemstraat 388, 2018 Antwerp
Bakker Aldo in Antwerp bakes slow-fermented sourdough on Lange Leemstraat near Berchem station. Aldo Neri learned the craft at Domestic, sister to Dôme.
Tip: Closed Monday and Tuesday. The Geefstraat city-centre branch keeps the same recipes.
Cuperus Koffie ★ 4.4
historisch-centrum · Paardenmarkt 28, 2000 Antwerp
Cuperus Koffie on Paardenmarkt is the city-centre Horsey bar of the Antwerp specialty roastery. Sleek 2017 fit-out, in-house roasting. At Paardenmarkt 28.
Tip: Closed Sunday and Monday. The Deurne garden branch keeps weekend hours.
Fritkot Max ★ 4.4
historisch-centrum · Groenplaats 12, 2000 Antwerp
Fritkot Max in Antwerp on Groenplaats has cooked Belgian frites in beef fat since 1842. Located in Historisch Centrum. Open daily 11:00-22:00.
Tip: Order with stoofvleessaus on top for the canonical combination. The fryer museum is on the first floor.
Fritkot Max ★ 4.4
historisch-centrum · Groenplaats 12, 2000 Antwerp
Fritkot Max in Antwerp has fried frites on Groenplaats since 1842. The beef-fat cone with stoofvleessaus is a 5-euro Antwerp lunch. At Groenplaats 12.
Tip: The cone with stoofvleessaus is the canonical order; the fryer museum sits on the first floor.
Kleinblatt ★ 4.3
diamantwijk · Provinciestraat 206, 2018 Antwerp
Kleinblatt in Antwerp is the city's largest kosher bakery, in the diamond district on Provinciestraat. Open sun-thu 06:00-19:00, closed saturday.
Tip: Closed Saturday for Shabbat. Friday afternoon is the busiest sitting for pre-Shabbat challah pickup.
Kolonel Koffie ★ 4.3
het-zuid · Montignystraat 51, 2018 Antwerp
Kolonel Koffie in Antwerp on Montignystraat is an Australian-style cafe in Het Zuid. Industrial fit-out, in-house roastery, brunch counter. Family-friendly.
Tip: Saturday-morning queue can run 20 minutes deep. Mid-week is calmer for laptop work.
Butchers Coffee ★ 4.3
het-zuid · Kasteelstraat 57, 2018 Antwerp
Butchers Coffee in Antwerp on Kasteelstraat sits in a former butcher's shop with the original tiles still in place. Dave Haesen opened it in 2017.
Tip: Closed Monday. The brunch counter runs cinnamon buns and sourdough toasts through the morning.
The Bakery ★ 4.3
het-zuid · Boomgaardstraat 1, 2018 Antwerp
The Bakery cafe sits inside the De Koninck brewery complex on Boomgaardstraat. Located in Het Zuid. Order the filter coffee, fresh viennoiserie.
Tip: Bread sells out by midday on weekends. The courtyard seating is the better seat in summer.
Philip's Biscuits ★ 4.3
theaterbuurt · Korte Gasthuisstraat 39, 2000 Antwerp
Philip's Biscuits in Antwerp bakes hand-shaped butter cookies on Korte Gasthuisstraat. A tin runs eight euros and lasts most of a week. Booking recommended.
Tip: The tin doubles as the canonical Antwerp souvenir; the chocolate-coated version packs flatter for travel.
Bakker Aldo ★ 4.3
berchem · Lange Leemstraat 388, 2018 Antwerp
Bakker Aldo in Antwerp bakes slow-fermented sourdough on Lange Leemstraat. The lunch counter sandwich is under 10 euro and built on the day's bake.
Tip: Closed Monday and Tuesday. The Geefstraat city-centre branch keeps the same lunch lineup.
Frites Atelier ★ 4.2
theaterbuurt · Korte Gasthuisstraat 32, 2000 Antwerp
Frites Atelier in Antwerp is the premium Belgian frites concept on Korte Gasthuisstraat. Skin-on frites cooked in beef fat with a long list of sauces.
Tip: Counter service. Take the cone for a five-minute walk to the cathedral steps and eat with the spires above.
Bakkerij FUNK ★ 4.2
het-zuid · Kronenburgstraat 41A, 2000 Antwerp
Bakkerij FUNK in Antwerp on Kronenburgstraat is a vegan bakery and natural-wine shop in Het Zuid. Sourdough loaves, vegan croissants and cinnamon buns.
Tip: The natural-wine counter at the back rotates Belgian and Loire growers.
Black & Yellow Coffee Bar ★ 4.2
eilandje · Nassaustraat 7, 2000 Antwerp
Black & Yellow Coffee Bar near the MAS pulls Mok beans roasted in Brussels. The compact Nassaustraat counter opened in 2017 and seats six. At Nassaustraat 7.
Tip: Take coffee to-go for the MAS rooftop. The bar runs out of seats by 11:00 on weekends.
Bakkerij FUNK ★ 4.2
het-zuid · Kronenburgstraat 41A, 2000 Antwerp
Bakkerij FUNK in Antwerp on Kronenburgstraat is a vegan bakery and cafe in Het Zuid. The coffee bar pulls specialty espresso to pair with vegan pastries.
Tip: Closed Monday and Tuesday. The natural-wine counter at the back opens evenings.
Frites Atelier ★ 4.2
theaterbuurt · Korte Gasthuisstraat 32, 2000 Antwerp
Frites Atelier in Antwerp on Korte Gasthuisstraat is the premium Belgian frites concept. Skin-on potatoes, beef fat, long list of sauces and toppings.
Tip: Try the truffle frites for a step above the standard order; cathedral steps are five minutes away.
Barnini Bagel Shop ★ 4.1
theaterbuurt · Oudevaartplaats 10, 2000 Antwerp
Barnini in Antwerp on Oudevaartplaats bakes New York-style bagels through the morning. The smoked-salmon and cream-cheese bagel is the signature build.
Tip: Closed Sunday. The bagels finish around 14:00; arrive before lunch for full lineup.
Berlin ★ 4.1
historisch-centrum · Kleine Markt 1, 2000 Antwerp
Berlin in Antwerp on Kleine Markt is an all-day brasserie that doubles as a work-friendly cafe through the morning. Pull a window seat for the square view.
Tip: Walk-in only on weekends. Mid-week mornings are calmest; afternoons fill quickly.
Barnini Bagel Shop ★ 4.1
theaterbuurt · Oudevaartplaats 10, 2000 Antwerp
Barnini in Antwerp on Oudevaartplaats serves New York-style bagels through the morning. The smoked-salmon and cream-cheese bagel is the signature build.
Tip: Closed Sunday. The bagels finish around 14:00; arrive before lunch for full lineup.
Frituur No. 1 ★ 4.1
historisch-centrum · Hoogstraat 1, 2000 Antwerp
Frituur No. 1 in Antwerp on Hoogstraat is a classic frite counter near the cathedral. Hand-cut potatoes, double-fried in beef fat, paired with Belgian sauces.
Tip: Andalouse and samurai are the local sauce signatures. Cash works, card accepted.
Exotische Markt Stalls ★ 4.1
theaterbuurt · Theaterplein, 2000 Antwerp
The Exotische Markt on Theaterplein every Saturday runs a row of street-food stalls: Moroccan tagines, Turkish lahmacun, Lebanese sfiha and Greek souvlaki.
Tip: Bring cash. Stalls clear early; the freshest plates come off the grill before 12:00.
Barnini Bagel Shop ★ 4.1
theaterbuurt · Oudevaartplaats 10, 2000 Antwerp
Barnini in Antwerp on Oudevaartplaats serves NYC-style bagels under 14 euro. The smoked-salmon and cream-cheese build is the budget weekend lunch.
Tip: Closed Sunday. Bagels run out by 14:00; arrive before lunch.
Buchbar ★ 4.0
het-zuid · Scheldestraat 79, 2000 Antwerp
Buchbar in Antwerp on Scheldestraat in Het Zuid is a coffee bar set inside a bookstore. Filter coffee, brunch plates and a quiet back-corner work table.
Tip: Closed Monday. The patio is the better seat in summer; the back room is quieter year-round.
Frituur 't Stad ★ 4.0
historisch-centrum · Melkmarkt 1, 2000 Antwerp
Frituur 't Stad in Antwerp on Melkmarkt serves frites, frikandel and bitterballen from a corner counter a block from the Cathedral. Open daily 11:00-22:00.
Tip: Order the mitraillette for a frites-loaded sandwich with stewed beef and mayo.
Bocadero Beach Bar ★ 4.0
eilandje · Rijnkaai 150, 2000 Antwerp
Bocadero in Antwerp on Rijnkaai sets out a summer beach bar with picnic tables, fish and chips and a long aperitivo on the Eilandje waterfront.
Tip: Indoor reservations only. The beach is first-come; arrive before 16:00 for a deck chair.
Frituur 't Stad ★ 4.0
historisch-centrum · Melkmarkt 1, 2000 Antwerp
Frituur 't Stad in Antwerp on Melkmarkt serves frites, frikandel and bitterballen from a corner counter. The mitraillette is a full meal under 10 euro.
Tip: Order the mitraillette for a baguette-loaded frites sandwich; takeaway only.
Frituur No. 1 ★ 4.0
historisch-centrum · Hoogstraat 1, 2000 Antwerp
Frituur No. 1 in Antwerp on Hoogstraat near the cathedral fries hand-cut potatoes in beef fat. Andalouse and samurai are the canonical sauce orders.
Tip: Cash works fastest. The cone holds heat for the 10-minute walk to the Cathedral steps.
Exotische Markt ★ 4.0
theaterbuurt · Theaterplein, 2000 Antwerp
The Exotische Markt on Theaterplein every Saturday serves Mediterranean and North African plates from a row of stalls. Lamb tagine, lahmacun, falafel.
Tip: Bring cash. The food stalls clear by 14:00; arrive before noon for the freshest plates.
Berlin ★ 4.0
historisch-centrum · Kleine Markt 1, 2000 Antwerp
Berlin in Antwerp runs lunch from 12:00 with brasserie plates from 12 euros. The Kleine Markt corner is the budget weekend brunch entry. At Kleine Markt 1.
Tip: Walk-in only on weekends. Lunch is calmer mid-week before the post-work crowd.
Otomat ★ 4.0
het-zuid · Van Schoonbekeplein 11, 2018 Antwerp
Otomat in Antwerp on Van Schoonbekeplein serves beer-dough pizzas under 18 euro. Each pie pairs with a specific Belgian brew named on the menu.
Tip: The Lupulus pairing is the canonical first order. Walk-in works mid-week.
Mampoko ★ 3.9
het-zuid · Amerikalei 8, 2000 Antwerp
Mampoko in Antwerp on Amerikalei is an all-day brasserie that doubles as a corner cafe through the morning. The terrace catches morning light.
Tip: Closed for full brasserie service late afternoon; coffee through to 17:00 most days.