Antwerp - great places to eat and drink

By Mark Sukhija

My recommendations

Please mention MarksTravelNotes.com when dining / drinking at these fine establishments. I have visited all these establishments.

  1. Quinten Matsijs (Moriaanstraat 17, 2000 Antwerpen) - Does an excellent line in Vlaams Carbonara and Steaks in a variety of Sauces in a traditional setting. Close to the Sint Carolus-Borromeuskerk, the Quinten Matsijs is in the heart of the Old Town town down a wee little alley-way. Soak up some of the old town in the outside seating in warmer weather or inside for a more traditional pub setting.

  2. Het elfde gebod (Torfburg 10, 2000 Antwerpen) - Somewhat touristic (i.e overpriced) pub close to the cathedral with an excellent range of Belgian beers. Worth visiting for the range of angels and saints which adorn the walls of what used to be a "a place for loose women."

  3. Oud Arsenaal (Maria Pijpelincxstraat 4, Antwerpen) - Proper Belgian pub with an excellent selection of Belgian beers - including Trappist beers (Westmalle) and the locally brewed De Koninck. Popular with the nearby market traders at the nearby Theaterplein and their patrons. Lively local place.

Local tips

On my last trip to Antwerp, I got chatting to a couple of locals in the Oud Arsenaal who had these recommendations.