The oldest of Antwerp’s harbour neighbourhoods, Eilandje (meaning little island) was a busy port before the thrum of its trade moved further north, leaving once-landmark warehouses derelict. Their steady rejuvenation, dreamed up by some of the city’s most influential creatives, has breathed life back into the area. Situated on the River Scheldt, Eilandje is shaped by the water, from dockside fish restaurants to Zaha Hadid Architects’ ship-like sculpture on top of the old fire station – one of Antwerp’s most defining architectural landmarks.
The Jane
Housed in a former chapel in the Groen Kwartier until late last year, chef-come-DJ Nick Bril moved to Eilandje to embrace the energy of an area in transformation. In the restored warehouses of Montevideo, the open stainless-steel kitchen cooks up inventive dishes worthy of the restaurant’s two Michelin stars including a 14-week-aged beef with bone marrow, ginger and seaweed. thejaneantwerp.com
Bistrot L’ilot
Tables and chairs spill out onto cobbled streets at this low-key French spot serving seasonal small plates and a carefully curated organic and natural wine list. If you can’t nab a table, the deli-style to-go counter makes next-level sandwiches and salads too. bistrotlilot.be
Museum MAS
Rising above the River Scheldt, the Museum aan de Stroom explores the history and culture of Antwerp. The escalators spiral up to a rooftop viewing deck on the 11th floor with unbeatable panoramic views of the city; the shop is a cultural trove, too. mas.be
Fiskeskur
Danish for “fishing hut,” Fiskeskur cooks up the catch of the day on open-fire grills at the water’s edge, with plates elevated by in-house fermentation and pickling techniques. The old customs office has large glass windows, concrete pillars and shed roofing and in the summer tables are scattered on the dockside. fiskeskur.be
Wolf
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Former grain store Sint-Felix Pakhuis has been fittingly reimagined as a buzzy street-food collective, with kiosks serving roti rolls, ramen and Rambo smash burgers. The vast building, named after its original architect Felix Pauwels, is also home to the Antwerp City Archives. wolf.be/en
Cremerie Germaine
While Belgium is known for its waffles (and they are on the menu), it’s all about the gelato at this monochrome café. If you have one scoop, make it the pistachio gelato, made with nuts from the foothills of Mount Etna. cremeriegermaine.be