Belgian-French, beer-led€€historisch-centrum
Brewers' Kitchen on Oude Beurs is a small Belgian-French dining room where the chef pairs seasonal plates with craft beers from local breweries. Tartare, lamb and house dessert are the signature trio.
Signature: Hand-cut steak tartare, Filet américain, Dame blanche
Order: The hand-cut steak tartare to start and the dame blanche to finish, both house signatures.
Tip: Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. The chef works the room and the stove, so the pace is unhurried; book the early sitting on busy nights.
Japanese izakaya€€€eilandje
Hiro in Antwerp is an informal Japanese izakaya on Napoleonkaai overlooking the MAS. Chef Prakash Lamichhane runs the open sushi counter and a craft-sake list.
Signature: Sushi, Japanese-inspired small plates
Order: The omakase counter seat; the chef builds plates around the day's fish and a short list of Japanese-inspired hot dishes.
Tip: Sit at the counter to follow the knife work. The basement room is louder; reserve upstairs for a quieter dinner.
Mediterranean beachfront brasserie€€eilandje
Bocadero in Antwerp is a beach-bar brasserie at Rijnkaai 150 on the Eilandje waterfront. Outdoor seating, casual plates and a long summer aperitivo.
Signature: Fish and chips, Bowls, Burgers
Order: The fish and chips; the harbour terrace fills mid-afternoon on sunny days.
Tip: Open seasonally with shorter winter hours. Reservations only on the indoor side; the beach is first-come.
Belgian lunch€€historisch-centrum
Marolus in Antwerp is a lunch restaurant on Hendrik Conscienceplein, a tree-lined square between the cathedral and the Carolus Borromeus church.
Signature: Belgian lunch plates, Pasta, Salads
Order: The Belgian dish of the day; the kitchen rotates a stoofvlees, a fish plate and a vegetarian option.
Tip: Lunch only, no dinner. The square's terrace seating is the better seat in summer.
Korean€€historisch-centrum
Camino in Antwerp is a Korean kitchen on Muntstraat in the old centre. The room serves traditional Korean BBQ alongside sibling outlets Osaka and Tap Out.
Signature: Bibimbap, Korean BBQ, Bulgogi
Order: The bibimbap and a portion of bulgogi off the grill menu.
Tip: The Muntstraat room is the calmer of the two Antwerp Caminos. Reserve, especially Thursday to Sunday.
Wine bistro, modern Belgian€€€het-zuid
Patine in Antwerp is a wine bistro on Leopold de Waelstraat in Het Zuid. The kitchen pairs short, ingredient-led plates with a deep cellar list.
Signature: Charcuterie, Belgian wine-bar plates
Order: The charcuterie plate and a glass from the orange-wine page; both rotate daily.
Tip: Closed Sunday and Monday. The small kitchen runs four mains a night; arrive before 19:30 for full choice.
