Bakkerij Funk
It’s a standout bakery and café in Antwerp’s trendy ’t Zuid neighbourhood. Launched in December 2023 by Dennis van Peel and Lisa Wynen, the space blends artisan baking with a laid-back, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
It quickly became a local favourite for its plant-based approach to classic viennoiserie: think vegan croissants, cinnamon rolls and other pastries made without butter or eggs, all freshly baked in-house each day.
Address: Kronenburgstraat 41a, 2000 Antwerp
Caffènation
Caffènation in Antwerp is one of those places locals swear by. A speciality coffee bar with its own in-house roastery, known for seriously good espresso, well-balanced filter coffee and a relaxed, buzzing atmosphere. Perfect for a slow morning, a quick caffeine stop or a casual catch-up in the city.
Caffenation also operates multiple spots around Antwerp (including Caffènation Roastery and Bar PAKT, Caffenation BLUE and Caffénation goes Koco), but the City location remains a favourite for its central position and authentic coffeehouse vibe.
Address City: Mechelsesteenweg 16, 2000 Antwerp
Address BLUE: Mechelsesteenweg 127, 2018 Antwerp
Address KOCO: Volkstraat 2 (Eat Dust store), 2000 Antwerp
Address PAKT: Lamorinièrestraat 161, 2018 Antwerp
NÕA
It’s a cosy coffee and lunch spot that’s become a favourite for relaxed daytime visits. This café focuses on fresh coffee and casual lunch options. It’s open daily with welcoming hours throughout the week, making it a reliable choice for breakfast, brunch or a midday break while exploring Antwerp.
The vibe at Nõa leans into simplicity and quality, with a menu that matches its atmosphere: think good coffee and uncomplicated, tasty lunch dishes that fit well with the neighbourhood’s energy.
Address: Hopland 53, 2000 Antwerp
Kolonel Coffee
It’s a well-established name in Antwerp’s speciality coffee scene, with roots going back to 2010 when founder Kobe van Gaveren opened his first coffee bar. In 2016, the brand took a significant step by launching its own micro-roastery, allowing full control over sourcing and roasting.
Since then, Kolonel has grown into a small but influential operation with multiple coffee bars in the city, all centred around small-batch roasting and a hands-on approach to quality.
Address: Montignystraat 51, 2018 Antwerp
Café Canelé
It’s a small coffee bar and patisserie specialising in freshly baked canelés. A traditional pastry from the Bordeaux region with a caramelised crust and soft, custard-like centre. The concept was founded by Ellen Bultinck, who perfected her take on the classic French treat and now offers several daily variations alongside quality coffee and tea, creating a simple yet distinctive café experience in the city.
Address: Kronenburgstraat 41d, 2000 Antwerp
Café Betty
It’s a neighbourhood coffee bar in Oud-Berchem that opened in late summer 2025. It’s a project from the team behind Andy Roasters, one of Antwerp’s well-loved speciality coffee spots, and was created in the former Café Het Been with a full renovation and a warm, character-filled interior.
The focus here goes beyond just great coffee: you’ll find speciality brews, a curated selection of natural wines and house-made sourdough pastries baked locally, blending everyday comfort with thoughtful flavours.
Address: Belpairestraat 28, 2600 Antwerp
Oaas
It’s a slow café and wellbeing space in Antwerp South that invites you to pause and recharge rather than rush through a meal. It’s more than just a spot for breakfast and lunch, the menu focuses on nourishing, seasonal food and warm drinks, served in a calm, cosy setting ideal for meeting friends, working quietly or simply unwinding during a busy day.
Beyond food and coffee, Oaas is known as a “slow down club”, a place where mindfulness and wellbeing are part of the experience.
Address: Kronenburgstraat 14, 2000 Antwerp
Butchers Coffee
It’s a lively café and brunch favourite in Antwerp, known for its quality coffee and breakfast-style menu served in a relaxed, welcoming setting. It draws locals, students and visitors alike looking for a good morning cup or a casual lunch. The menu blends classic brunch items, think pancakes, granola, omelettes and avocado toast, with thoughtfully prepared seasonal dishes that change with the day.
Address: Generaal Eisenhowerlei 19, 2140 Antwerp
Nordica31
It’s a Nordic-inspired eatery and bakery that brings the essence of Scandinavian cuisine and culture to the city. The concept was born from extensive travels through Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Canada, where the owner immersed herself in various culinary traditions and minimalist design aesthetics.
The establishment focuses on Nordic street food, speciality coffees and teas, and homemade sourdough creations, all crafted to evoke a sense of ‘hygge’—the Danish art of creating intimacy and cosiness.
Address: Belegstraat 31, 2018 Antwerp
Andy Roasters
It’s one of Antwerp’s standout speciality coffee spots, rooted in a clear obsession with quality and craft. Founded in 2020 by Dave Haesen and Kjell Maes, the roastery grew out of years of experience in the coffee scene, with a focus on sourcing distinctive beans and roasting them in small batches.
The café itself, located on Amerikalei, reflects that same energy. It mixes a clean, minimal layout with playful touches like vinyl records and DJ sets, creating a space that feels both curated and relaxed.
Address: Amerikalei 82, 2000 Antwerp
Polly
It’s a small, thoughtfully curated coffee spot tucked near Zurenborg in Antwerp-Berchem. Opened by owner Kato Avondts, the café was designed to be a neighbourhood place with good coffee and homemade pastries. The interior keeps things simple and warm, with a monochrome palette and high ceilings that give the space a calm, inviting feel.
Polly sources its beans from local roaster Andy Roasters, and alongside standard espresso drinks, you’ll find creative options like the signature “polly’ke” and matcha lattes, paired with house-made treats.
Address: Cuperusstraat 1, 2018 Antwerp
Crate by Release
It sits right inside the lively Release Antwerp hub, and you feel that energy the moment you walk in. It’s not just a place for coffee, it’s where movement, wellness and everyday city life come together under one roof. People pop in before a workout for a coffee or a smooth matcha, gym bags slung over their shoulders, ready to start the day. Others settle in afterwards, cooling down with a protein shake and catching up with friends.
Address: Oudeleeuwenrui 37, 2000 Antwerp
Eating Around with Em 