Bitterpeeën is a restaurant and café in Antwerp, between the port and the city centre. I suggest it for an afternoon break, a business lunch or an atmospheric dinner. It opened in 1995 and is named after chicory, once made in a factory opposite. The interior is nostalgic and retro, cosy and easygoing, with a brown café at the front for a drink.
The dishes are contemporary and of high quality, despite the retro setting. The menu leans on Belgian and French classics, such as steak tartare, carbonnades, sole meunière and oysters. Starters include house-smoked salmon, house-smoked eel, escargots and foie gras terrine, and seasonal suggestions come in addition to the regular menu.
Bitterpeeën is known as an ambiance restaurant, thanks to its live events and private parties. Bitterpeeën Live, held regularly for over 20 years, sees well-known Flemish artists perform after a three-course dinner. The ground-floor room seats up to 80 for lunch or dinner, and up to 200 for a walking dinner or reception. The first floor takes up to 40, or 50 for a walking dinner or reception, and a maritime-style room for up to 10 people suits meetings or small family dinners. Catering at your own location is possible too.
Concert-goers heading to the Sportpaleis get free transport there and back; please mention it when booking. Same-day reservations are by phone only, while online bookings get an email confirmation. Parking and gift vouchers are available.
