Apricity Found in Antwerp

A curated guide to breakfast bites & evening sips in Antwerp

At the beginning of June, I flew to Belgium with Antwerp Design Week in mind. What I didn’t expect was to fall so in love with this city. I was completely charmed by its architecture, design and overall atmosphere. Everywhere I went, I found myself amazed and wanting more.

Antwerp is one of those places that’s effortlessly cool. Art and design are everywhere, but they’re seamlessly woven into the fabric of the city. Never overwhelming or pretentious. The shops are beautifully curated, the restaurants unforgettable and the bakeries have thoughtful design touches.

On afternoon walks, I’d see people of all ages enjoying coffee or a glass of wine, reading newspapers or catching up with friends. The cafés and bars were always full of locals, offering an authentic glimpse into their daily life.

I’ve put together a list of my favorite food/drinks spots, but truthfully, Antwerp is full of hidden gems. This list is only a fraction of what the city has to offer. I already can’t wait to return and discover even more. Enjoy!

Morning Mood

Tinsel Antwerp
Tinsel takes pride in serving seasonal food, which is already reason on its own to visit. It might be my favorite breakfast and lunch spot ever. According to their website, anything they don’t make in-house is sourced from local suppliers. Something I really appreciate. They offer modern twists on classic dishes and their fluffy pancakes are iconic (and yes, I totally agree). The space is small but beautifully designed, with an open kitchen and a cozy outdoor terrace that’s always inviting.

Caffènation goes Koco
Caffènation is an artisan specialty coffee roastery with several locations in Antwerp. The one on Volkstraat 2 has a lovely interior and is paired with a concept store featuring well-curated selection of clothing and accessories. A great spot for coffee and a browse.

Cafématic
Tucked away in a quieter part of the city, Cafématic offers a great selection of breakfast and lunch options. It’s an authentic and relaxed place — I really enjoyed sitting outside in its peaceful surroundings.

Bakkerij FUNK
FUNK has all the right ingredients: good coffee, plant-based pastries, strong branding and a charming space to sit both inside and out. Honestly, what more could you want?

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An Afternoon Drink

Giraffe
Small but seriously stylish, Giraffe is drenched in deep burgundy hues and accented with metallic touches. It’s playful, welcoming and perfect for a bite or a drink. Their mocktail selection is especially delicious. You can sit outside, enjoy the open-plan indoors with street views or head upstairs to a beautiful space on the first floor. Ideal for a date, some work or getting lost in a book.

Hopper
Right by a lively but not too busy street, Café Hopper is made for people (and car) -watching. Open since 1991, it's known for its live jazz music and is named after American painter Edward Hopper, whose minimalist style inspired the interior. It’s a great spot to hang out in the afternoon — have a homemade croque madame, flip through a magazine or just relax. You’ll often see regulars with their dogs, olives on the table and a laid-back rhythm that’s hard to resist.

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The Dinner Hour

Pilar
What. A. Place. Pilar calls itself a space with many faces and influences, and I think they’ve absolutely nailed it. Whether you’re meeting up with a group to share plates, having a full meal or just dropping by for a drink on their plant-filled patio — it works. The interior is a stunning balance of: soft pink tones meet deep reds, dark woods and bold shapes. A must-visit, no question.

Let me know if you have any Antwerp recommendations!

XO, S.