Antwerp, a dazzling city in northern Belgium, coexists with history and modernity, and blends art and business. In this port city where fashion and culture are intertwined, there are many amazing open-air restaurants hidden. In the afternoon when the sun is shining, or in the orange-gold dusk, sitting at the outdoor table, feeling the breeze and the fragrance of flowers, with a glass of authentic Belgian beer or Flemish red wine, is the favorite lifestyle of many locals and travelers.
1. Het Gerecht: Elegant terrace next to the Palace of Law
Restaurant history and atmosphere
Het Gerecht (meaning “justice”) is located near the old court of Antwerp. It was formerly an old law firm and was later transformed into a modern restaurant. Some of the classical columns and court wood carvings are retained, making the open-air seating area full of cultural charm. Since its opening in 2010, the restaurant has quickly become a representative of local high-end dining.
Food Features and Taste
Het Gerecht’s dishes are based on modern Flemish cuisine, using local seasonal ingredients to create a multi-layered taste experience. The outdoor seating is best paired with the restaurant’s three-course lunch set. Appetizers such as asparagus foam soup and goat cheese salad are amazing, and the main course can be selected from duck breast confit with chicory and honey balsamic vinegar, which is crispy and tender in the mouth and has a long aftertaste. For dessert, we recommend caramel sea salt pudding, which is sweet but not greasy and has a lot of layers.
Location and Booking Platform
Located in the Leopoldstraat district, it is only a 5-minute walk from Meir shopping street. It is recommended to make reservations through TheFork or OpenTable platforms, especially on weekends in spring and summer.
Cost and Recommended Group
The average consumption per person is about 60 euros, including drinks. Suitable for couples, business meals or small groups of food lovers.
2. De Serre: Garden Table in the Greenhouse
Restaurant History and Atmosphere
De Serre was founded by the famous local chef Hans Michiels. It was formerly a glass greenhouse in the late 19th century, which was used to grow urban plants. After the renovation, it has become a restaurant that combines nature, art and food. The open-air seating area is surrounded by green plants and vines, as if you are in an urban oasis.
Food Features and Taste
The restaurant focuses on plant-based menus and sustainable seafood. The recommended appetizers are seaweed sashimi and smoked eggplant puree, which have a unique and fresh taste; the main course is lemongrass pan-fried sea bass with pea puree and orange peel cream, which is rich in fragrance and distinct in layers. The summer-only raspberry foam dessert is also not to be missed.
Location and Booking Platform
Located in the center of Zurenborg district, close to the Cogels-Osylei building complex. It is recommended to make a reservation through Resengo or the local platform Resto.be.
Cost and Recommended Group
The average consumption per person is about 45 euros, suitable for travelers who love nature, light foodism and strong environmental awareness.
3. Bistrot du Nord: Classic taste next to the retro railway
Restaurant history and atmosphere
Located near Antwerp North Station, Bistrot du Nord was once a canteen for railway workers in the early 20th century. The restaurant retains a lot of railroad elements and old photos. The terrace is designed with a mix of wood and iron, creating a nostalgic and rustic atmosphere.
Food Features and Taste
Mainly features traditional Belgian dishes. The signature dish “Boiled Beef Tongue with Mustard Cream” has a warm taste, rich flavor, and a very local flavor. Rabbit meat stewed with plums is also a local classic, with tender meat and a balance of sweet and sour. Paired with Trappist beer brewed by the local monastery, it adds flavor.
Location and Booking Platform
Located in the Dam district, it is recommended to take tram No. 1. You can book through the Tripadvisor partner platform or directly use Resengo.
Cost and Recommended Group
The average per capita consumption is about 38 euros, suitable for middle-aged and young travelers who love retro culture and local traditional food.
4. Zilte Garden: An outdoor extension of the Michelin taste
Restaurant history and atmosphere
Zilte was originally a high-end French restaurant in the city hall. Its outdoor garden area “Zilte Garden” was opened in 2018. It is a garden-style open-air dining area built on the top balcony. The restaurant has long been awarded two Michelin stars, and the garden dining area offers a slightly simplified but equally exquisite menu.
Food characteristics and taste
It is mainly based on modern European molecular cuisine. The appetizer recommends oyster seaweed smoothie, which has a fresh and elegant seafood flavor and a long aftertaste; the main course is low-temperature slow-cooked lamb chops with red wine dew and beet puree, which has a rich taste and attractive color. The dessert “Rose Lychee Mousse” is a work of art.
Location and booking platform
Located on the roof of Antwerp City Hall, overlooking the panoramic view of the city. It is recommended to make a reservation through TheFork at least two weeks in advance.
Cost and recommended groups
It is about 90 euros per person, suitable for high-end food lovers, couples celebrating anniversaries or documentary photography enthusiasts.
5. Bourla Brasserie: The atmosphere of life in front of the theater
Restaurant history and atmosphere
Located in front of the Royal Theater of Antwerp (Bourla Theater), it is a French brasserie with a century-old history. The open-air area faces the theater square, often visited by actors and drama critics, and is the most frequent gathering place for local cultural people.
Food characteristics and taste
Mainly French home-cooked dishes. Onion soup and French stewed chicken are recommended, with a warm taste and moderate portion; the dessert “Caramel Brûlée” has clear layers, crispy on the outside and smooth on the inside. With a glass of white wine, it is suitable for sitting lazily for an entire afternoon.
Location and booking platform
Located in Graanmarkt Square, within walking distance of the city center. You can also book through TheFork or Hotels.com catering services.
Expenses and recommended groups
About 35 euros per person, suitable for literary youth, theatergoers and cultural travelers.
6. Tinsel: A plant-lined terrace on a quiet street corner
Restaurant history and atmosphere
Tinsel is a small family restaurant advocating “slow food life” and was founded in 2015 by two women with artistic backgrounds. The terrace seats are located on a street corner surrounded by flowers, with a simple style and a strong sense of life.
Food features and taste
Mainly vegetarian and handmade desserts. Homemade pumpkin lasagna and gluten-free carrot cake are recommended, with fresh ingredients and simple taste. The coffee comes from a well-known local baking brand, with a balanced taste and full aroma.
Location and booking platform
Located on Amerikalei Street, close to the botanical garden. It is more common to make reservations through the local platform Resto.be or by phone.
Expenses and recommended groups
About 30 euros per person, suitable for vegetarians, families with children and tourists who want to experience a corner of city life.
7. Dining tips under the summer sun
When enjoying alfresco dining in Antwerp, there are a few practical tips worth noting:
It is crucial to avoid the strong sunlight at noon.
The summer in Belgium is sunny, and the sun is strongest from 12 noon to 14 o’clock. If you choose an open-air seat at this time, you are likely to feel hot or even sunburned. It is recommended to choose a seat with a parasol or pergola, or postpone the dining time to after 2 pm, when the sun will be much softer, which is more suitable for leisurely savoring food.
Carrying a light jacket is also a very practical habit.
Even in summer, the temperature in Antwerp may drop sharply in the evening, especially in outdoor areas near the port or along the boulevard. A light jacket can not only resist the cool breeze, but also allow you to enjoy the open-air dining time for a longer time.
Booking online in advance is a key step to avoid regrets.
On sunny evenings, popular restaurants such as Zilte Garden and De Serre are often full, especially on weekends or holidays. Many restaurants support online reservations through platforms such as TheFork, Resengo, OpenTable, etc. It is recommended to complete the reservation at least one day in advance, especially for diners who want outdoor seats.
It is also important to understand the local dining time rules.
Many restaurants in Belgium have conservative dinner service times and generally do not accept new guests after 20:00. Therefore, it is recommended to arrange dinner time as early as possible to avoid missing the opportunity to eat due to misunderstandings.
Antwerp’s alfresco restaurants are not only a place for a meal, but also a portrayal of life. At the moment when the glass reflects the blue sky and the sunset glows on the wooden table, these restaurants give food soul and also give the city emotion. Whether it’s your first time visiting Antwerp or you’re already familiar with the pace of this city, why not slow down in the sunshine and let an open-air meal tell your Belgian story.
