Each year, the Michelin Guide awards coveted stars to the best restaurants in the world. Did you know that Antwerp has no less than 11 Michelin-starred restaurants? In this article, you will find a handy overview of where to enjoy extraordinary food with great service in Antwerp. Early bookings are recommended!
Zilte (***)
A pure gastronomic experience at an unprecedented height, with the skyline of Antwerp as culinary decor. That's what Zilte has to offer on the top floor of the MAS | Museum aan de Stroom. It is the only three-star restaurant in Antwerp, so according to Michelin, it is exceptional cuisine that is well worth your trip. Chef Viki Geunes is a self-taught chef who serves up creative, generous, contemporary and sophisticated cuisine to your plate. An experience to remember for a long time to come!
Michelin: "Here, cooking is elevated to an art."
Hertog Jan at Botanic (**)
Antwerp's first five-star hotel, Botanic Sanctuary, boasts over one hundred intimate rooms and suites, a state-of-the-art spa and also the restaurant Hertog Jan at Botanic. At this two-star restaurant, you can enjoy lunch and dine in an intimate setting, with its own conservatory, beehives and herb garden. Chef Gert De Mangeleer selects the very best products and ingredients according to supply and season, creating a harmonious and balanced culinary experience.
Michelin: "Intimate restaurant which boasts a stunning architectural backdrop. The chef’s talent shines through in his flair for culinary sophistication and unorthodox ideas that enhance the taste and flavour of each ingredient, as he reinvents textbook techniques and jazzes up pedigree recipes. You are in for a truly unforgettable experience."
The Jane (**)
Formerly housed in an imposing chapel in the Groen Kwartier, today its home is a warehouse on Eilandje, near the Red Star Line Museum. In the new The Jane, chef Nick Bril opts for a minimalist and sleek restaurant concept with seating for up to 28 guests. What is striking is the carefully selected works of art that add character to the interior. The centrepiece is the open kitchen, where the chef even has his own DJ booth. Creativity inspired by the world and luxury come together on the plate here: langoustines, truffles, scallops and intensely flavourful sauces. Nick Bril focuses on preparations à la minute, likes to work with the grill and drives the explosiveness of flavours even further.
Michelin: "Products of the very best quality, no fuss and depth that will leave you speechless. This experience revolves around serenity in all its intensity."
Bloesem (*)
Near Te Boelaar Park in Borgerhout, Bloesem serves up a playful dining experience to the rhythm of the seasons, in an intimate living room setting. A bar, a table, a kitchen and fourteen chairs overlooking the garden: it doesn't get much more intimate. You pull up a chair for a set tasting menu of about fifteen dishes, accompanied by an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage package.
Michelin: "These chefs cook with an open mind and play with textures. Their cuisine has individuality and is complemented by interesting pairings from the charming hostess."
The Butcher's Son (*)
In City Brewery De Koninck, where the famous Bolleke is brewed, you will also find a chic and urban star restaurant: The Butcher’s Son. Chef Bert Jan worked for butcher De Laet & Van Haver (under the same roof) for many years during his youth, so it's no surprise that the restaurant focuses on meat. Thanks to a quirky interpretation, the chef elevates familiar dishes to a higher level.
Michelin: "The velvety velouté cream of his vol-au-vent? The rich palette of flavours is an affirmation of this chef's talent every time."
Nathan (*)
An inviting and comfortable restaurant with a Scandinavian-style interior awaits you on Lange Koepoortstraat. Chef Nathan likes to work with recognisable flavours in modern French-Belgian cuisine, with Asian influences. A nice balance between classic and contemporary. Here, you will enjoy original presentations and bold combinations.
Michelin: "Technical precision and a sense of balance make Nathan a top performer."
Bistrot du Nord (*)
In Antwerp-North, near the chic Park Spoor Noord, is where you will find this authentic bistro. Colourful tiles, mirrors on the walls, wood panelling... not only the interior, but the kitchen reflects the times of yore too. Craftsman Michael is a magnanimous preparer of old recipes. For lovers of meat and offal.
Michelin: "This is where to come for the pure and genuine taste. Tradition as it should be, with chef Michael's fine touch."
Restaurant Nebo (*)
Between Het Zuid and the Scheldt, a new green neighbourhood has emerged in a short space of time: Nieuw Zuid. On Panamarenkoplein, restaurant Nebo offers a complete culinary experience with a focus on feeling free to eat whatever you feel like. Here you eat entirely à la carte. Chef Dimitri De Koninck gets to work with home-made stock, fumets and modern techniques to serve an unadulterated taste. Nebo means "sky" in Croatian, making it a reference to La Luna, the restaurant where Dimitri's father was awarded a star.
Michelin: "Lovers of fine products like Eastern Scheldt eel and sea bass are served all they could want here. Dimitri De Koninck works à la minute and you can taste it. At Nebo, the gourmet is king."
Fine Fleur (*)
Fine Fleur is one of the top restaurants housed at the five-star Botanic Sanctuary hotel. The stylish and intimate interior was designed with respect for the historic surroundings by architect Dennis T'Jampens. Chefs Jacob Jan Boerma and Thomas Diepersloot conjure finesse on your plate. Expect luxury products accompanied by intense sauces, exotic flavourings and the refreshing excitement that typifies these chefs.
Michelin: "You see the kitchen team at work behind the slightly tinted glass and you are served by a young and enthusiastic service team. Sincere fine casual dining!"
Lange Gasthuisstraat 41B
Misera (*)
Nieuw Zuid is rapidly evolving into both an architectural and culinary hotspot. Proof of that is the awarding of a Michelin star for Misera, located in the heart of the new neighbourhood on the Scheldt. Here you eat à la carte in an artistic setting with an open kitchen and a dining bar. The focus is on an original approach to classic dishes as well as fish and seafood. Chef Nicolas opened the business as a tribute to his father, who was a top chef on the Belgian coast in his younger years and died unexpectedly eight years ago.
Michelin: "The chef tells a personal story and takes you into his world. This cuisine is a fantastic blend of the North Sea and the city."
Pont Neuf (*)
Pont Neuf's understated style is chic and cosy. When the weather is nice, the terrace is a great place to soak up the atmosphere of Eilandje. The charming Dominique Leroy gives all her attention to guests and is pleased to share her love of Italian wines, while chef Tommy Bocklandt gives the starring role on the plate to fish, preferably from the North Sea.
Michelin: "This cuisine is all about the purity of the product; the sauces and garnishes are exciting. Rather classic, but with personality."
Let us help you: which starred restaurant in Antwerp will you choose?
- Zilte (***): pure gastronomic experience with the skyline of Antwerp as culinary decor
- Hertog Jan at Botanic (**): refined fine gastronomy in a luxurious oasis
- The Jane (**): creative fine dining with art, fire and international flair
- Blossom (*): intimate living room gastronomy with playful seasonal menu
- The Butcher's Son (*): urban starred restaurant for premium meat aficionados
- Nathan (*): modern French-Belgian cuisine with Asian accents
- Bistrot du Nord (*): authentic bistro cuisine with rich flavours and pure tradition
- Restaurant Nebo (*): à la carte cuisine with pure flavours and modern techniques
- Fine Fleur (*): stylish fine dining with luxury products and intense flavours
- Misera (*): arty hotspot where North Sea products take centre stage
- Pont Neuf (*): elegant seafood cuisine with classic finesse at Eilandje