When you’re traveling outside Brussels, you might think all the good restaurants are behind you. But just north of the Belgian capital you can find delicious local and international food. The best cheap restaurants in Antwerp are the perfect stop for any busy tourist venturing outside Brussels.
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10. Grand Café Horta
The restaurant is right in the middle of the action on the Belgian city of Antwerp. It represents a solid option for those who are already out in the city’s shopping district. The main appeal of the coffee place is its architectural background as it was made by Victor Horta.
There’s even a famous staircase inside the café which is a perfect place to take a few Instagram-worthy photos. In terms of the menu, you can find all types of seafood here and you can even serve breakfast if you’re out exploring the city early in the morning.
9. Super Natural Food
If you’re after cheap Asian food in Antwerp, this restaurant might be just the place for you. It serves healthy cheap food, which is all that you need for a boost of energy when exploring the city. Most of its customers appreciate the wide selection of meals the place has to offer.
A small kitchen is all that’s needed to keep the place busy. However, our advice is to plan your visit properly as its only open from Monday to Friday until 7 PM.
8. Amadeus
Situated on Sint-Paulusplaats street, the restaurant is the right choice if you like to eat big. With a classic French design, the location looks better than you’d first expect. The ribs are excellent here and you can eat as many as you like. However, you will have to pay for drinks as they’re not covered. The best tip is to choose a bitter Belgian beer to go with sweet tasty ribs.
7. Zuiderterras
If you’re looking for a traditional seafood restaurant with a twist, Zuiderterras is ready to seal the deal. Its premises are often confused with a ship, but the restaurant only looks like one due to its distinct façade.
All of the food here is tasty and since it’s in Belgium, desserts are also in the spotlight. You can never refuse a fresh chocolate mousse, can you? Our tip is to visit the restaurant at sunset when you really feel like you’re out on the ocean enjoying a fresh seafood meal.
6. De Jean
This is one of the cheapest eateries you can count on in Antwerp. It stands out with its incredible prices that are very affordable for students. Since it’s also situated in a student area, it is open until late. If you’re out in Antwerp visiting and you want a place to eat after all other restaurants are closed, De Jean is worth paying a visit.
5. De Peerdestal
Some food lovers simply prefer restaurants with a traditional appeal. While Antwerp is steeped in history, most of its restaurants are modern. Things are a bit different at De Peerdestal. Founded in horse stables, it’s characterized by its wooden décor.
Lamb and steak are a must-have here. If you’re a vegetarian, this is not the restaurant for meat-free foods. Otherwise, the place might also be recommended by locals if you ask around for good oysters, and the fact that it’s right next to the city center can help you make up your mind and drop a visit.
4. Barnini
You can’t leave Belgium before trying out a few bagels. Some of the tastiest bagels are found at Barninin which also happens to be one of the cheapest eateries around Antwerp. If you’ve never tasted bagels, you need to know the round pastries are made with different filling from cheese-only options to high in Omega fatty acids salmon bagels.
Long American-style coffee is also popular at Barnini. Tourists that have a bit of time on their hands can also order a small dessert such as a Belgian brownie to go with a flat white or with an Americano here.
3. Clodette
If you’re the type of person who asks about the beer first, you need to pay a visit to Clodette on Paardenmarkt street. The food is very cheap here during lunchtime. While the number of meals is limited, you can still enjoy pasta and good sandwiches to refuel before heading off to visit your next Antwerp attraction.
The beer selection is impressive at the bar and it might even be worth coming back in the evening when the place turns into a real pub with proper music. Locals would say the first food you have to serve here is the special Clodetter hamburger for its memorable taste.
2. Het Pomphuis
Some of the historic locations in Antwerp have been turned to commercial premises. A building of the old docks which was used to drain the water from the surrounding premises has been turned to a restaurant. Het Pomhuis is the restaurant in this historic building but its prices are mostly low.
One of our favorites in Belgium is cheese. At Het Pomphuis, cheeses are selected by a specialist and they go great with good local wine. The place is also known for the specialist pastry chef that might make you rethink your dieting plans. What we like most here, however, is the selection of affordable and premium meals at the restaurant. You can even enjoy special roll mops at the restaurant if your budget is higher.
1. Bia Mara
Since it’s almost impossible to find an affordable seafood restaurant in Antwerp, we nominate Bia Mara as the place to be. Fish and chips here are always fresh and you can even have 2 portions for the price of one meal at an expensive restaurant.
Bia Mara is also known for its selection of dips which are made fresh every day. You can ask for them even if they’re not part of a menu. Various fish varieties and various dips can also have you come back for more since you can explore a new type of seafood every day you’re in Antwerp.
