- La Popote- tucked behind the Central Station in a quiet area, stepping into this café transports you to another time and place. The large glass case is full of homemade, gourmet treats such as delectable quiches, eclectic cheeses, cured meats, and house smoked salmon that melts in your mouth. Fresh squeezed juices, coffee and fragrant ginger tea first came to the table, accompanied by slices of homemade bread pudding accented with plump raisins and cinnamon. We ordered a selection off of the lunch side of the daily scribed chalk board menu, including scrambled eggs with salmon, a cheese and meat plate with fresh baked bread, more of the incredible smoked salmon (I just couldn't share) and the star of the show, the Lebanese Croque, a pressed "sandwich" of grilled vegetables, dates and pesto wrapped in crisp Lebanese flat bread and served next to a pomegranate seed dressed salad. The food was complemented perfectly by the decor, including beautiful mismatched french country themed china, cushions and table clothes with soft classical music flooding through the speakers.
- Tinsel-I love the south of Antwerp, if I haven’t made that clear yet. So taking the stroll to Tinsel on a Saturday morning for brunch is pretty damn perfect. Tinsel is a small but very intimate place with a few tables, an open kitchen and just one woman running the show. You are given a little pad to write down your order and walk it up to the counter and shortly after your treats will arrive. I played it safe with a cappuccino, nicely done and finished with a dusting of cinnamon. Three of us ordered the exact same thing, although there were many tempting choices on the menu. I was hard pressed between the Parmesan Egg Toast and the Granola Yogurt bowl. I compromised by choosing the Granola bowl, toasted oats, flax seeds and fresh sliced fruit over plain yogurt, and indulged with a soft-boiled eggs and sliced homemade bread for dipping. A satisfying spread!
- Crumbles & Beans- an adorable brunch spot with fresh, homemade and healthy food served along side satisfying coffee concoctions. I went with a cinnamon spiced cappuccino with the acai yogurt bowl. If I could choose again, I would go with one of the open faced tartines, which all looked amazing! (I stole a bite of my friends hummus toast, a credible suggestion as well). This place is tiny, so make sure you go early to get a seat and to ensure not too long of a wait!
- Cafe imperial- If you are a true chocolate lover, its winter in Antwerp and you don’t mind hiding a few extra pounds under your coat, then please pay a visit to Cafe Imperial, located near the end of the Meir, and order a Hot Chocolate. Cafe Imperial offers both 60% and 85% dark chocolate drinks made with designer pralines. Word of the wise, do not go if you plan to have an appétit afterwards because this is the most decadently rich drink I have ever had. I choose the 85% Dark Hot Chocolate and I was in heaven over the slightly bitter, sweet, frothy treat. It was the perfect reward at the end of a long semester!
- Broer Bretel- Great coffee is something easier dreamt about than found here. However, if you take a stroll past the MAS and the boat yard and into the trendy northern area of the city, please stop by the Broer Bretel. This is an unpretentious coffee shop where locals (and those few lucky people who wander in), enjoy an honestly good espresso or latte, listen to music and escape for a while. I recommend the Cafe Maya, which is a honey latte... and absolutely delicious.
- Vandoag is’t Coffee- This coffee shop is close to Antwerp Management School and is a nice place to stop in for a caffeinated treat in between lectures. The menu card is expansive, with all sorts of concoctions, some sounding more like dessert than a drink! I choose a latte with honey and cinnamon, surprisingly topped with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles... a strange combination, but I can't say no to sprinkles! My friend choose a chai latte, which she said was very nice and for Antwerp standards, was quite big!
- Desireé de Lille- I was recommended to have a waffle here with the pretense that it was the best in A-town. While it was quite nice, I admit that I am still partial to those served at Belgaufra, which is next to the Australian ice cream shop on the Meir.