Quick answer
Antwerp punches well above its weight for budget-friendly food. From crispy, twice-fried Belgian frites to Middle Eastern falafel joints and cozy soup bars, the city delivers incredible value without sacrificing quality.
- Best overall
- Frituur No. 1
- Top pick
- Frituur No. 1 — Legendary Belgian frites that locals swear by.
Top verdicts
- Frituur No. 1: Classic Belgian frites experience — the real deal
- Falafel Sami: Best falafel in Antwerp — generous portions and fresh ingredients
- De Broers van Julienne: Hearty homemade soups and fresh sandwiches
The Flemish capital has a thriving cheap eats scene that caters to students, locals, and savvy travelers alike. Unlike touristy Bruges, Antwerp's best budget spots are frequented by locals — which means authentic flavors and fair prices. Whether you're craving a late-night pita after hitting the bars or a hearty bowl of soup on a rainy day, this guide has you covered.
Area map
All 10 spots at a glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frituur No. 1 | belgian | budget | Hoogstraat 1, Theaterbuurt |
| 2 | Falafel Sami | middle-eastern | budget | Oude Koornmarkt 52, Centrum |
| 3 | De Broers van Julienne | belgian | budget | Kaasstraat 1, Centrum |
| 4 | Balls & Glory | belgian | budget | Van Schoonbekestraat 14, Zuid |
| 5 | Dome Sur Mer | seafood | mid | Arendstraat 1, Zuid |
| 6 | Pita Faisal | middle-eastern | budget | Hoogstraat 33, Theaterbuurt |
| 7 | Bar Burbure | seafood | mid | Graanmarkt 1, Centrum |
| 8 | Kaffeenista | cafe | budget | Hopland 46, Centrum |
| 9 | Pazzo | italian | mid | Oudevaartplaats 1, Centrum |
| 10 | Kulminator | beer-bar | budget | Vleminckveld 32, Centrum |
1Frituur No. 1
Belgian FritesQuick comparison
- Best for
- Classic Belgian frites experience — the real deal
- Strengths
- Known for Belgian Frites · Hoogstraat 1, Theaterbuurt
- Limitations
- Standing room only, long queues on weekends
- Price / value
- €
- Why it made the list
- Universally recommended in r/Antwerp as the city's best frietkot. The stoofvleessaus (beef stew sauce) is legendary.
- What to order
- Large frites with stoofvleessaus or andalouse sauce, plus a frikandel
🕐 Opening hours
2Falafel Sami
Middle EasternQuick comparison
- Best for
- Best falafel in Antwerp — generous portions and fresh ingredients
- Strengths
- Known for Middle Eastern · Oude Koornmarkt 52, Centrum
- Limitations
- Can get crowded at lunch, limited seating
- Price / value
- €
- Why it made the list
- Consistently ranked #1 falafel in Antwerp across all review platforms. The secret sauce is worth the trip alone.
- What to order
- Falafel pita with all toppings and their special garlic sauce
3De Broers van Julienne
Belgian Soups & SandwichesQuick comparison
- Best for
- Hearty homemade soups and fresh sandwiches
- Strengths
- Known for Belgian Soups & Sandwiches · Kaasstraat 1, Centrum
- Limitations
- Closed Sundays, lunch hours only
- Price / value
- €
- Why it made the list
- The go-to lunch spot for Antwerp office workers. Their soups are legendary, especially on cold, rainy Belgian days.
- What to order
- Soup of the day with fresh bread, or their signature sandwich
🕐 Opening hours
4Balls & Glory
Belgian MeatballsQuick comparison
- Best for
- Creative Belgian meatballs with modern twists
- Strengths
- Known for Belgian Meatballs · Van Schoonbekestraat 14, Zuid
- Limitations
- Can be busy at dinner, limited menu variety
- Price / value
- €
- Why it made the list
- A Flemish comfort food institution. Their seasonal meatball flavors are inventive but respect tradition.
- What to order
- Classic stoofvlees meatball with mashed potatoes, or try a seasonal special
5Dome Sur Mer
SeafoodQuick comparison
- Best for
- Fresh seafood without fine-dining prices
- Strengths
- Known for Seafood · Arendstraat 1, Zuid
- Limitations
- Pricier than other picks on this list, can get crowded
- Price / value
- €€
- Why it made the list
- The best bang-for-buck seafood in Antwerp. Their shrimp croquettes are famous throughout Belgium.
- What to order
- Garnaalkroketten (shrimp croquettes) or the daily fish special
🕐 Opening hours
6Pita Faisal
Middle EasternQuick comparison
- Best for
- Late-night cravings and post-bar fuel
- Strengths
- Known for Middle Eastern · Hoogstraat 33, Theaterbuurt
- Limitations
- Gets chaotic on weekend nights, basic decor
- Price / value
- €
- Why it made the list
- The go-to late-night spot in Antwerp. When the bars close, the queue at Pita Faisal begins.
- What to order
- Mixed shawarma pita with all toppings and garlic sauce
7Bar Burbure
Belgian Seafood BarQuick comparison
- Best for
- Casual oysters and seafood in a hip setting
- Strengths
- Known for Belgian Seafood Bar · Graanmarkt 1, Centrum
- Limitations
- Closed Mon-Tue, limited seating
- Price / value
- €€
- Why it made the list
- The most affordable way to enjoy quality oysters in Antwerp. Trendy without being pretentious.
- What to order
- Half dozen oysters with a glass of Muscadet
🕐 Opening hours
8Kaffeenista
Cafe & Light MealsQuick comparison
- Best for
- Quality coffee with affordable light meals
- Strengths
- Known for Cafe & Light Meals · Hopland 46, Centrum
- Limitations
- Limited seating, closes early
- Price / value
- €
- Why it made the list
- The best coffee in Antwerp city center with food that matches the quality. Perfect for a budget-friendly start to the day.
- What to order
- Flat white with avocado toast or their daily quiche
🕐 Opening hours
9Pazzo
ItalianQuick comparison
- Best for
- Affordable Italian in the city center
- Strengths
- Known for Italian · Oudevaartplaats 1, Centrum
- Limitations
- Can be noisy, nothing groundbreaking
- Price / value
- €€
- Why it made the list
- Reliable Italian food at fair prices. When you want a filling pasta without overpaying in the tourist zone.
- What to order
- Spaghetti vongole or their wood-fired pizza
10Kulminator
Belgian Beer BarQuick comparison
- Best for
- Belgian beer experience with simple, affordable snacks
- Strengths
- Known for Belgian Beer Bar · Vleminckveld 32, Centrum
- Limitations
- No full meals, closed early in week
- Price / value
- €
- Why it made the list
- One of the best beer bars in the world with snacks that will not break the bank. A must-visit for any beer lover.
- What to order
- Ask for a recommendation based on your taste, plus a cheese platter
🕐 Opening hours
Frequently asked questions
What is the typical price range for cheap eats in Antwerp?
Budget meals in Antwerp typically cost between 5-12 euros. A large portion of Belgian frites with sauce runs 4-6 euros, falafel pitas cost 6-8 euros, and a hearty bowl of soup with bread is around 7-9 euros. Most spots on this list offer filling meals for under 15 euros.
What is the best cheap eat in Antwerp?
Frituur No. 1 is widely considered the best value in Antwerp. Located near the Bourla Theatre, it serves legendary Belgian frites with homemade sauces. For around 5 euros you get a generous cone of perfectly crispy, twice-fried potatoes that locals swear by.
Where can I find the best falafel in Antwerp?
Falafel Sami on Oude Koornmarkt is the undisputed king of Antwerp falafel. Their freshly fried falafel balls, generous toppings, and signature sauces have earned them a cult following. Pita Faisal on Hoogstraat is also excellent and open late for post-bar cravings.
Are there good vegetarian cheap eats in Antwerp?
Yes, Antwerp is very vegetarian-friendly on a budget. Falafel Sami and De Broers van Julienne both offer excellent vegetarian options. De Broers specializes in homemade soups (always with veggie options) and creative sandwiches. Kaffeenista also has great plant-based light meals.
What Belgian food should I try on a budget in Antwerp?
Must-try budget Belgian foods include: frites from Frituur No. 1 with stoofvleessaus (beef stew sauce), a gehaktbal (meatball) from Balls & Glory, fresh soup from De Broers van Julienne, and cheap Belgian beers with bar snacks at Kulminator. These give you an authentic local experience without breaking the bank.
Is Dome Sur Mer actually cheap?
Dome Sur Mer is budget-friendly for seafood, not ultra-cheap. Their lunch specials (around 15-18 euros) offer excellent value for fresh oysters and fish. The shrimp croquettes (around 12 euros) are famous. For Antwerp seafood quality, it is affordable, but pure budget eaters should stick to frites and falafel.
What are the best areas for cheap eats in Antwerp?
The Theaterbuurt (around Hoogstraat) has the highest concentration of cheap eats, including Frituur No. 1 and Pita Faisal. The historic Centrum near Groenplaats and Oude Koornmarkt is also packed with budget options. The Zuid district offers slightly upscale but still affordable spots like Balls & Glory.
Where can I get cheap Belgian beer with snacks in Antwerp?
Kulminator is legendary for its extensive Belgian beer collection at fair prices, with over 700 beers including rare vintages. They serve simple cheese and meat platters that pair perfectly with beer. It is a cozy, authentic Belgian brown cafe experience that will not empty your wallet.