The 5 most relaxed places to eat in Antwerp

The young owners of this corner restaurant in Borgerhout have created a relaxed spot with affordable dishes and good wines. The compact menu lists dishes based on fresh ingredients sourced from local farms. Located next to a park, it’s the ideal spot for summer dining with lots of folding tables spread out under the trees.

Davy Schellemans has turned an authentic Antwerp cafe into a local foodie destination. He has kept the handsome cafe interior with its polished wood panelling, long mirrors and neon lighting. But he offers adventurous cooking, a relaxed setting and cool soul music playing in the background.

The young chef Victor Avonds worked in various Antwerp restaurants before opening her own place on a quiet square overlooked by a beautiful Gothic church. Here she has created an intimate, welcoming bistro where she offers her version of authentic comfort food, along with interesting ciders and Belgian wines.

Charlotte and Ellen have transformed a 19th-century town house near the Stadspark (city park) into a beautiful food bar with a sunny back garden. The interior has parquet floors, a white tiled counter and touches of Scandinavian style. Locals love the healthy dishes like avocado on toast, creative fruit juices and excellent coffee. They opened a second food bar in Jos Smolderenstraat 15 in the Nieuw Zuid district.

A young couple have lovingly restored a traditional Antwerp cafe to create a relaxed neighbourhood bistro. They have kept the original neon sign, tiled floor, and curved bar, while introducing innovative ideas in the kitchen. The list of drinks includes organic wines, local beers on tap and coffee made with beans from Rush Rush Roastery.