Quick answer
Antwerp takes brunch seriously. Belgium's fashion capital has developed a distinctive brunch culture that combines the country's legendary bread and pastry traditions with influences from across Europe and beyond.
- Best overall
- De Arme Duivel
- Top pick
- Graanmarkt 13 — Refined modern European brunch in a stunning concept store setting.
Top verdicts
- De Arme Duivel: Authentic local brunch experience in a charming historic setting
- Balls & Glory: Hearty, satisfying brunch with creative Belgian flavors
- Graanmarkt 13: Special occasion brunch in a design-forward setting
Whether you're seeking a leisurely weekend breakfast at a traditional brown cafe, a refined tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant, or the best specialty coffee in town paired with avocado toast, Antwerp delivers. The city's South Quarter (Het Zuid) has emerged as brunch central, though excellent spots are scattered throughout the historic center and trendy Eilandje harbor district.
Area map
All 10 spots at a glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | De Arme Duivel | belgian | mid | Historic Center |
| 2 | Balls & Glory | belgian | mid | South Quarter |
| 3 | Graanmarkt 13 | modern-european | high | Fashion District |
| 4 | Caffenation | coffee | mid | Meir District |
| 5 | Fiskebar | seafood | high | South Quarter |
| 6 | Bar d'Henri | french-belgian | mid | South Quarter |
| 7 | Kommilfoo | fine-dining | high | Eilandje |
| 8 | The Jane | fine-dining | high | Eilandje |
| 9 | Veranda | classic | mid | Historic Center |
| 10 | Bourla | brasserie | mid | Fashion District |
1De Arme Duivel
Belgian BrunchQuick comparison
- Best for
- Authentic local brunch experience in a charming historic setting
- Strengths
- Known for Belgian Brunch
- Limitations
- Weekend-only brunch · Can have queues on sunny mornings · Cash preferred
- Why it made the list
- Consistently the #1 recommendation in r/Antwerp brunch threads. Authentic local vibe that tourists rarely find.
- What to order
- Uitgebreid ontbijt (extended breakfast) with fresh bread, cheese, ham, eggs, and jam.
2Balls & Glory
Belgian ComfortQuick comparison
- Best for
- Hearty, satisfying brunch with creative Belgian flavors
- Strengths
- Known for Belgian Comfort
- Limitations
- Can get crowded weekends · Wait times 20-30 min during peak
- Why it made the list
- Unique Belgian comfort food concept that excels at brunch. Frequently mentioned as a must-try Antwerp experience.
- What to order
- Brunch ball combo with stoofvlees (Flemish stew) filling and crispy potato croquettes.
3Graanmarkt 13
Modern EuropeanQuick comparison
- Best for
- Special occasion brunch in a design-forward setting
- Strengths
- Known for Modern European
- Limitations
- Reservations essential 2-3 weeks ahead · Higher price point · No walk-ins
- Why it made the list
- The definitive upscale brunch destination in Antwerp. Combines exceptional food with world-class design.
- What to order
- The seasonal lunch menu — changes weekly based on local produce. Vegetable dishes are standouts.
4Caffenation
Coffee & BrunchQuick comparison
- Best for
- Coffee lovers who want excellent brunch to match their flat white
- Strengths
- Known for Coffee & Brunch
- Limitations
- Can be busy with laptop workers · Limited seating at peak times
- Why it made the list
- The undisputed coffee champion of Antwerp with brunch that matches the quality. Multiple locations but Hopland is the flagship.
- What to order
- Avocado toast with poached eggs paired with a single-origin pour-over or their signature flat white.
5Fiskebar
Seafood BrunchQuick comparison
- Best for
- Seafood lovers seeking an elevated brunch experience
- Strengths
- Known for Seafood Brunch
- Limitations
- Higher price point · Not ideal for non-seafood eaters · Terrace gets crowded
- Why it made the list
- The best seafood brunch in Antwerp. The Scandinavian influence creates something unique in the Belgian brunch scene.
- What to order
- Seafood platter with oysters, smoked salmon, and shrimp croquettes. Add a glass of Chablis.
🕐 Opening hours
6Bar d'Henri
French-Belgian BrunchQuick comparison
- Best for
- Classic French-Belgian brunch in a cozy neighborhood setting
- Strengths
- Known for French-Belgian Brunch
- Limitations
- Small space fills quickly · Weekend-only brunch · No reservations for brunch
- Why it made the list
- Perfectly executed French-Belgian classics in an authentic neighborhood bar. The Sunday brunch atmosphere is unmatched.
- What to order
- Eggs benedict with ham or the croque madame. Add a glass of champagne for the full Sunday experience.
🕐 Opening hours
7Kommilfoo
Fine Dining BrunchQuick comparison
- Best for
- Special occasion fine dining brunch with creative cuisine
- Strengths
- Known for Fine Dining Brunch
- Limitations
- Reservations required 3-4 weeks ahead · High price point · Small portions
- Why it made the list
- One of Belgium's most creative restaurants. The lunch tasting menu is an unforgettable brunch splurge.
- What to order
- The seasonal lunch tasting menu — let chef Olivier de Vinck guide your experience.
8The Jane
Modern Fine DiningQuick comparison
- Best for
- Once-in-a-lifetime dining experience in a breathtaking setting
- Strengths
- Known for Modern Fine Dining
- Limitations
- Book 4-6 weeks ahead · Very high price point · Dress code
- Why it made the list
- The most famous restaurant in Antwerp and one of Europe's most spectacular dining rooms. Lunch is the best way to experience it.
- What to order
- The seasonal tasting menu — each dish is a work of art. The stained-glass windows and open kitchen are part of the experience.
9Veranda
Classic BrunchQuick comparison
- Best for
- Classic brunch in the historic center with terrace seating
- Strengths
- Known for Classic Brunch
- Limitations
- Can feel touristy · Standard menu without surprises
- Why it made the list
- Consistent quality in a prime location. The terrace overlooking Lijnwaadmarkt is perfect for sunny mornings.
- What to order
- The continental breakfast with fresh pastries, or eggs your way with bacon and toast.
10Bourla
Brasserie BrunchQuick comparison
- Best for
- Classic brasserie brunch in an elegant setting near the theater
- Strengths
- Known for Brasserie Brunch
- Limitations
- Can be busy pre-theater · Service sometimes slow at peak times
- Why it made the list
- A reliable choice for elegant brunch in a beautiful setting. The brasserie classics are executed with care.
- What to order
- Eggs florentine or the Belgian breakfast platter with cheese, charcuterie, and fresh bread.
🕐 Opening hours
Frequently asked questions
What is a typical Belgian brunch like?
Belgian brunch typically features fresh bread rolls, croissants, cheese, charcuterie, eggs prepared various ways, fresh fruit, and excellent coffee. Many places also offer traditional Belgian items like waffles (often the lighter Brussels-style), speculoos spread, and artisan chocolates. Weekend brunches in Antwerp tend to be leisurely affairs lasting 2-3 hours.
When is the best time for brunch in Antwerp?
Most brunch spots in Antwerp serve brunch on weekends from 10:00-15:00, with peak hours between 11:00-13:00. For the best experience without crowds, arrive either right at opening (10:00) or after 13:30. Some spots like Caffenation serve brunch-style items all week, while traditional Sunday brunch is particularly popular at places like De Arme Duivel and Bar d'Henri.
Do I need reservations for brunch in Antwerp?
For upscale spots like The Jane, Kommilfoo, and Graanmarkt 13, reservations are essential, often 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends. Casual spots like Caffenation, Veranda, and De Arme Duivel operate first-come-first-served, though expect queues on sunny weekend mornings. Balls & Glory takes walk-ins but can have 20-30 minute waits during peak hours.
What's the price range for brunch in Antwerp?
Casual brunch at spots like Caffenation or Veranda runs 12-20 EUR per person. Mid-range options like De Arme Duivel, Balls & Glory, and Bar d'Henri cost 20-35 EUR. Fine dining brunch at Graanmarkt 13, Kommilfoo, or The Jane ranges from 45-85 EUR for a full experience including drinks. Most places include coffee in brunch prices.
Which Antwerp neighborhood is best for brunch?
The South Quarter (Het Zuid) is Antwerp's brunch heartland, with Fiskebar, Bar d'Henri, and Balls & Glory within walking distance. The Fashion District around Graanmarkt offers upscale options like Graanmarkt 13 and Bourla. The Historic Center has classic choices like De Arme Duivel and Veranda near the cathedral. Eilandje has The Jane and Kommilfoo for special occasions.
Are there vegetarian-friendly brunch options in Antwerp?
Yes, most Antwerp brunch spots cater well to vegetarians. Graanmarkt 13 excels at vegetable-forward dishes, Caffenation offers avocado toasts and veggie bowls, and De Arme Duivel has substantial vegetarian options. Bar d'Henri and Veranda both have dedicated vegetarian sections on their brunch menus. For vegan options, Caffenation and Graanmarkt 13 are your best bets.
What makes Antwerp's brunch scene special?
Antwerp combines Belgian food traditions (fresh bread, quality butter, artisan cheese) with a cosmopolitan flair from its fashion and design heritage. You'll find everything from traditional brown cafes serving hearty weekend breakfasts to Michelin-starred restaurants doing refined brunch menus. The coffee culture is exceptional thanks to roasters like Caffenation, and there's strong emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients.
Can I get a full English or American-style breakfast in Antwerp?
Yes, several spots serve international brunch styles. Balls & Glory offers hearty plates that satisfy those craving a filling breakfast. Bar d'Henri does excellent eggs benedict and French-style brunch. For American-style pancakes and bacon-egg combinations, Veranda and some hotel restaurants cater to this taste. However, we recommend trying Belgian-style brunch for the authentic local experience.