The 35 best coffee bars in Antwerp

Putting together a list of the best coffee bars in Antwerp is no easy feat. This is mainly due to the fact there are so damn many of them you have to actively take care not to stumble into one by accident. Trot Op! took on the challenge anyway, and compiled an extensive list of no less than 35 great spots. (Last update: August 2024)

Other Belgians often see Antwerp as a city of arrogant machos with a superiority complex as big as our cathedral – which is of course the tallest in the land. This is obviously a shallow stereotype, be it a somewhat understandable one. In many areas, Antwerp simply does things better than the rest of the country. This irrefutable fact can be hard to swallow for the average countryside yokel who has to grow his own vegetables because the nearest supermarket is 25 miles away. What they often forget to mention in their jealous tirades, is that in recent years Antwerp got overwhelmed by a very specific sub-species of your standard pretentious jerk: the hipster. These guys used to be contained in the coke-bars around Marnixplaats, but they’ve now spread all over the city like some flannel-wearing locust swarm.

“Making a list of the best coffee bars in Antwerp is no small feat. They sprout up like mushrooms here, making it difficult not to stumble into one by accident.”

This all-consuming hipster wave partly explains the exponential growth of the number of coffee bars in Antwerp as well. The coffee bar, as you all know, is the natural habitat of homo hipsteris: a safe haven where they can pretend to be working religiously. This illusion is usually achieved by frantically typing on a MacBook – preferably plastered with anti-capitalist stickers – while occasionally sipping thoughtfully from the only latte macchiato they’ll order all afternoon. After all: that long-awaited first novel won’t write itself, and today is as good a day as any to finally start.

*Just kidding: love you all!

 

The 35 best coffee bars in Antwerp

That said, I of course frequent them as well. A good cup of coffee never killed anyone – as long as they don’t catapult a scolding hot one in your face. To find the right coffee you need to separate the wheat from the chaff. There are about 5 coffee bars vying for attention within a 200 meter radius of my door alone. This is very pleasant indeed, but since money doesn’t grow on trees some quality control is a necessity. To select the top places from the approximately six million coffee bars in Antwerp, I applied the following three criteria: 1. I must actually like the coffee served. 2. Unique locations or themes get bonus points. 3. No big international chains: you can get to the closest Starbucks by yourself. These rules ultimately led to the following list of 35 places. This is quite a summary, but I genuinely couldn’t eliminate anyone else because the average quality is comparable. The list includes both established names, hidden gems and promising newcomers. To avoid favouritism, I’ve listed them in alphabetical order. If Zorro ever opens a coffee bar in Antwerp, he’d be out of luck on my list.* C’est la vie.

*Update: I just noticed someone actually opened a Zorro-bar in Antwerp. They primarily serve wine though.

 

1.  Amici Coffee & Books

Located on Kammenstraat, Amici Coffee & Books is a small but delightfully unique coffee bar. It’s staffed almost exclusively by people with intellectual disabilities. Here, they receive the necessary support and a warm environment to thrive in a job they actually enjoy. Profits are reinvested into other social projects. You can also order an extra so called hanging coffee, which is then written down and later given to a homeless person for free. Amici Coffee & Books: Kammenstraat 49.

 

2.  Andy Roasters & Butchers Coffee

Andy Roasters is a trendy and popular coffee shop on Amerikalei. There’s a turntable in the back of the place, where a DJ set is played every Saturday morning from 10 am to 4 pm. Andy has its own roastery, supplying beans to (among others) the possibly even more popular Butchers Coffee, which is located a bit further away in an old butcher shop in the city’s south quarter. They offer breakfast all day: from buttermilk pancakes and bacon & eggs to breakfast burgers or beans on toast. They won’t let you starve to death, that’s for sure. Andy Roasters: Amerikalei 82. Butchers Coffee: Kasteelstraat 57.

 

3.  Black & Yellow Coffee

Black & Yellow Coffee is a coffee bar on ‘t Eilandje oozing a strong urban vibe. The name references a Wiz Khalifa song, and the music selection is almost exclusively hip hop. Should Snoop Dogg ever find himself in a coffee shop outside of Amsterdam, this one would disappoint him the least after getting over the fact there isn’t any weed on sale. A nice cup of coffee made by Joke – the lovely owner – isn’t all too bad either. Don’t drop it like it’s hot Snoop, ‘cause it is. Black & Yellow Coffee: Nassaustraat 7.

 

4.  Brandbar

Located near Park Spoor Noord, Brandbar is a fairly unique coffee bar. The coffee is of course delicious, and you can have some wine or a vegetarian lunch as well. The lush terrace and sleek interior already hint at it, but Brandbar is a graphic studio as well: designing logos, websites and packaging. Order a few cappuccinos, and before you know you might walk out with a whole new company branding. Brandbar: Duboisstraat 75.

 

5.  Café Canelé

*Photo by The Fresh Light

Café Canelé is a new venue in the renovated Fierens buildings in the South of Antwerp – where the first iteration of Plein Publiek used to be. You can order tasty coffee here, but the place is best known for its canelés – made daily in four different variants. These are sweet French pastries originally from the Bordeaux region, and they were hard to find in Antwerp – especially freshly made. “Were”, because thanks to owner Ellen you can now get them right here. Café Canelé: Kronenburgstraat 41D.

 

6.  Caffe Mundi

Caffe Mundi is a well-known coffee bar near Grote Markt. They get their beans from Cross Roast. This is a roastery in the same street, that comes with a shop called the Cross Roast Experience Store. In it, you’ll find everything you could possibly need to brew your own coffee or tea: from all sorts of coffee makers and cups to a wide selection of flavours and beans. Caffe Mundi: Oude Beurs 24.

 

7.  Caffènation

Twenty years ago, Caffènation was one of the first “modern” coffee bars in Antwerp, and they’ve only become more popular over the years. They now have their own roastery and sell coffee to many other bars and restaurants in Belgium and beyond. In Antwerp, they have four venues: one in PAKT in Berchem (the most impressive location in my opinion), one in a clothing store in ‘t Zuid, and two on Mechelsesteenweg. Caffènation: Lamonièrestraat 161, Volkstraat 2, Mechelsesteenweg 16 & 127.

 

8.  Cat Café Antwerp

While every somewhat notable city in Belgium (even Ghent!) had a cat café for years, Antwerp was left depressingly kitty-less. This changed in December of 2023 when Safa and Tim opened Cat Café Antwerp near the Meir shopping street. The response was overwhelming. The place was almost always full, and there was even a queue at the door on weekends. Nowadays, everything is back to normal levels of business, but the coffee is still great (beans from Andy Roasters). All cats in the café (except for one that was too affectionate to give away) come from a shelter and are available for adoption. In just over six months, they helped 35 furry friends find a new home. Cat Café Antwerp: Sint-Katelijnevest 50.

 

9. Cosimo

Cosimo (formerly known as Buchbar) is a unique coffee bar in a historic building in ‘t Zuid, where coffee is served in a bookstore. They sell both English and Dutch literature, and lots of children’s books. They also publish some titles in one-off and numbered editions every year. On many books there’s a personal post-it, telling you why you should read them. Cosimo: Scheldestraat 79.

 

10. Cuperus Horsey & Bar Stark

Cuperus is a Frisian company that has been around for almost two centuries. In 1931, they settled in Antwerp with a store and tearoom in the Boerentoren, and a while later they started their own coffee roastery. They opened the first real coffee bar in Antwerp in 1965, but that one did not survive the test of time. They opened a new bar/shop on Katelijnevest in 2013 (closed down after covid) and in 2017 a sleek new venue was inaugurated on Paardenmarkt. Cuperus still roasts its own beans, organizes coffee workshops and specializes in quality tea as well. They have a second location called Bar Stark in Rivierenhof. Cuperus Horsey: Paardenmarkt 28.

 

11. Daily Dose

Daily Dose is another new coffee place near the palace of justice in the South of Antwerp. It was opened a year ago by the friendly couple Sara and Samet, and has been thriving ever since. The coffee beans are sourced from Caffènation, the matcha from KŪKAI and the cakes and pastries are homemade. You can also order a light lunch or sample a selection of sun-dried teas from Turkey, and this may well be the only specialty coffee bar in Antwerp where you can order authentic Turkish coffee. Definitely worth a visit. Daily Dose: Emiel Banningstraat 58.

 

12. Foelie

Foelie is another relatively new coffee bar, tucked away in the lane to the right behind Den Bell (the building holding most of the city’s administration). The bar is run by Anouk. She sources her beans from Normo (featured later in this list), and besides good coffee, you can also order a tasty lunch. Everything on your plate is sourced as locally as possible, focusing on organic and seasonal ingredients. In summer, you can buy homemade ice cream, and the lemonades are made in-house as well. Foelie: Belegstraat 80.

 

13. Frits

Overlooking the ever-bustling Dageraadplaats, is another cosy coffee bar called Frits. You can watch the action on the square from the pleasant terrace, or head inside for a more homely atmosphere, with couches to lounge in and even a colouring corner to keep your kids entertained while you get your caffeine hit. The coffee beans are from Cuperus, and all cakes and pies are made on-site. If you can’t get enough of them, you can order one and take it home – they’re big enough to serve ten people. The vegetables for lunch come from the city farmers in PAKT and from the owner’s own garden. Frits: Draakstraat 2.

 

14. Georges Espressobar

Georges Espressobar is a small but pleasant bar on ’t Eilandje, where a friendly dude (who’s not called Georges for some reason) serves – the name kind of gives it away – great espressos. You can also have lunch here. In summer there’s a large terrace outside, which can make you feel like you’re on an Italian holiday (if you squint your eyes well enough to ignore the unsightly new buildings popping up everywhere). Georges Espressobar: Londenstraat 27.

 

15. Lina’s

Lina’s is a bakery hidden in a little street behind De Coninckplein, where almost no one ever has to actually be unless they live there. This is not just any bakery. They produce artisan sourdough bread, and you can enjoy a cup of coffee with some nice homemade pastries here as well. You can even take a workshop to learn how to bake your own bread. Lina wasn’t present when I went by to take my photo, so you’ll have to make do with her husband instead. Lina’s: Muizenstraat 9.

 

16. Kasette Koffie

Kasette Koffie is an alternative coffee bar in Lange Koepoortstraat – thanks to recent renovations this is now one of the nicest streets in the city centre as far as drinks and restaurants go. Until recently, there was a flower shop in the same space, but since it closed down it’s been all about coffee. Central to the bar is a record player, and vinyl sessions often take place on weekends. When the weather is nice, you can take a seat in the pleasantly overgrown courtyard garden as well. Kasette Koffie: Lange Koepoortstraat 22.

 

17. Kattencafé Katmosfeer

Well would you look at that: Antwerp is now home to not one but two cat cafés – and they’re just a two-minute walk away from each other. In Kattencafé Katmosfeer, everything is cat-themed, which makes the place look quite unique. The bar is run by Joyce – all by her lonesome. All cats on the premises are hers and will stay here permanently. They seem to enjoy their new home quite a bit. They’ve got plenty of space and quiet spots for naps. The menu is full of cat puns and they have an old, one-eyed street cat lying about called Scruffy – who is of course my favourite. Kattencafé Katmosfeer: Korte Nieuwstraat 8.

 

18. Koffie Dealers

Koffie Dealers was opened a while ago on Paardenmarkt, bordering the student district. It’s a Greek-Serbian project run by two young men and one of the top places in Antwerp for specialty coffee lovers. They source their coffee from Coffee Roasting Man: a Serbian roastery selling award-winning beans from around the world. You can taste unique coffees here you won’t find anywhere else in Antwerp. If you really love a particular flavour, you can even buy a whole bag of it and take it home. Koffie Dealers: Paardenmarkt 117.

 

19. Koffieklap

Located near the red light district, Koffieklap is run almost entirely by volunteers. It’s a bar where former sex workers and victims of human trafficking are sheltered and then trained to take their first steps in the f&b industry. The emphasis here is on (re)building self-confidence and self-esteem, and financially supporting the women where necessary. You can order hanging coffees here as well, which are later given to one of the girls. Perfect way to treat a good-looking woman to a drink without having to stutter like some broken record.  Koffieklap: Klapdorp 41

 

20. Kolonel Koffie en Kolonel & Reede

Kolonel Koffie opened in 2011 at Troonplaats and has since become one of the Antwerp classics. The original location in ’t Zuid has its own roastery and offers everything from hearty breakfasts to healthy lunches. Kolonel & Reede is their second location opened a couple of years ago on Ankerrui, allowing people living in the other side of town to enjoy a coffee without having to cross half the city for one. Kolonel Koffie: Montignystraat 51.

 

21. Kornél

Kornél is a homely coffee bar with a large outdoor terrace and very friendly staff, hidden away in a side street off Boomgaardstraat behind the De Koninck Brewery in Berchem. Here, you can enjoy delicious coffee, pastries, breakfast or a light lunch. They’ve also set up a lovely co-working space in a separate room, which is completely free of charge. Ordering a coffee now and then is seen as the polite thing to do though. Kornél: Sint-Lambertusstraat 1.

 

22. Mono

Mono is a sleekly designed coffee bar that opened in early 2023 near the border between Berchem and Mortsel – which is officially still Antwerp, so it’s allowed on the list. Mono is a specialty coffee bar, sourcing their beans from Assembly: a London roastery. This means you can try flavours here – there are new ones every month – you won’t find anywhere else in Antwerp. You can get breakfast and lunch here as well, both beautifully presented. Try the Black Sesame Latte for something completely different: a grey latte made with sesame seeds. Quite tasty. Mono: Oogststraat 241.

 

23. Nelly Coffee

Nelly Coffee is one of Antwerp’s true hidden gems, rarely featured on any list. This is somewhat odd because the bar is right next to the city hall and I’ve probably walked past it over a thousand times. Owner Nell named the place after her grandmother, and stepping inside feels like coming home to yours. Besides standard coffees, you can order all sorts of colourful creations – and all the cakes and pies are homemade as well. Nell is too modest by the way. When I asked her to describe her business, nearly every customer spontaneously started throwing compliments. That’s when you know you have fans. Nelly Coffee: Zilversmidstraat 9

 

24. Nives

Nives is a relatively new place in the orangery next to the renovated Harmony Hall in the park of the same name. This is more of a breakfast and lunch restaurant than an actual coffee bar. They have their own in-house sourdough bakery, so everything in terms of bread and pastry is as fresh as it gets. The biggest asset however, is the location: both the beautiful building and the surrounding park. Ideal for sultry summer days. Nives: Harmoniestraat 25b.

 

25. Normo Coffee

Normo has been an established name in Antwerp for years, frequently appearing in best coffee bar lists. This spot has a somewhat grungy interior and its own micro-roastery in Borgerhout – many other bars in Antwerp use their beans. The place itself is located on Minderbroedersrui and serves a mean coffee. Normo collaborates with local farmers from a range of countries, including Kenya and Brazil. Normo: Minderbroedersrui 30.

 

26. Plantbar Jacqueline

*Plantbar Jacqueline is on summer holiday, so I sneakily took a picture from their FB page for now.

In early 2023, three sisters took over the well-known plant bar on Turnhoutsebaan in Borgerhout. They renamed the place Plantbar Jacqueline – which is the name of their grandmother (Jacqueline, not Plantbar) – and began brewing delicious coffee. You’ll sip your coffee surrounded by lush plants in this wonderful location, and if you like a particular one, you can buy it and take it straight home. All the milk they use is plant-based, and on Fridays they host a “dirty vegan” evening with snacks. Plantbar Jacqueline: Turnhoutsebaan 92.

 

27. Polly

Polly is the newest coffee bar on the list, having opened just a few weeks ago. It’s located in a charming corner building along the railway tracks, across from the bicycle tunnel to Dageraadplaats. The bar is run by Kato – Polly is her sister who occasionally helps out. Before opening her own bar, Kato gained extensive experience at Butchers Coffee. The place is beautifully decorated, the coffee great and the pastries are not to be missed. Polly: Cuperusstraat 1.

 

28. Raket Antwerpen

Raket is a quirky coffee bar near Kammenstraat, filled with plastic dinosaurs. There’s a yoga class in the same building, so you can go balance your chakras first and then screw them all up again by downing a few espressos. All snacks here are vegan, and the beans come from various roasters including Normo. Raket Antwerpen: Happaertstraat 26.

 

29. Rush Rush Coffee

Rush Rush Coffee is a trendy coffee bar located in a corner building near Draakplaats. It was opened by Simon and Nanigui right in the first covid-wave. They roast their beans in-house, and you can order a variety of surprising breakfast and lunch dishes. Nice terrace, good coffee and a pleasant neighbourhood to explore afterwards: no complaints here. Rush Rush Coffee: Lange Altaarstraat 29

 

30. Tartoer Coffee Bar

Tartoer is a fun coffee bar located near Grote Markt. All coffees are made with plant-based milk, and the many pastries they offer daily are vegetarian and often even vegan. They recently opened a second location on Ossenmarkt – Antwerp’s main student square – and partly thanks to the sunny terrace it’s been thriving ever since. Tartoer: Korte Koepoortstraat 2 & Ossenmarkt 23.

 

31. The Yellow Window Coffee House

The Yellow Window Coffee House is a colourful coffee bar – there used to be a Spanish tapas restaurant here – hidden in between the Latin restaurants and bars on Vlasmarkt. The owner is Irish, which comes with two major benefits. On weekends, you can enjoy a full Irish breakfast at a reasonable price, and it’s one of the few places in Antwerp where you can order traditional homemade English scones – with cream and jam. Very tasty indeed. The Yellow Window Coffee House: Vlasmarkt 8.

 

32. ToiToiToi

ToiToiToi is another coffee bar in the renovated and now vibrant Lange Koepoortstraat. They serve coffee made with Caffènation beans, and you can also enjoy a light meal here. The bar frequently hosts small performances and events and the seating by the window is perfect for people watching. Cosy bar with good coffee where not everything is as it seems. ToiToiToi: Lange Koepoortstraat 42.

 

33. Vandoag is’t

Although they appear towards the end of the list due to their name, Vandoag is’t is the coffee bar I frequent the most. It’s located just a hundred metres from my door in the Antwerp student district and has been immensely popular for over fifteen years. Owner Gilles and his son ensure friendly and efficient service even during the busiest times. You can go absolutely wild with flavours and combinations here. Fancy a hot chocolate with Maltesers? Go for it! A latte with turmeric? They’ve got you covered. Need something healthy? Next door is Kool & Zo: a salad bar run by Gilles’ sister. You can even bring your salad over to have with your coffee. Vandoag is’t: Prinsesstraat 2

 

34. Viggo’s

Viggo’s is a well-known specialty coffee bar on De Coninckplein – a somewhat notorious square which has vastly improved since the opening of the Permeke Library a couple of years ago. Viggo’s is a charming coffee bar with a Scandinavian vibe, featuring coffees from that region and a cosy atmosphere. The location on the square and the seats by the large window make it a great spot for people-watching as well. Viggo’s: De Coninckplein 21

 

35. Vitesse Coffee & Cycling

Last but definitely not least: Vitesse Coffee & Cycling is a pleasant coffee bar behind the Antwerp Zoo. As the name suggests, it’s all about cycling here. The walls are full of cycling photos and memorabilia, and if there’s a race on you can watch it on a big screen. Cyclists often gather here for a group ride, so get ready to fire up those legs. Vitesse Coffee & Cycling: Provinciestraat 82.

 

There, these are my picks for the best coffee bars in Antwerp. Did i miss any? Feel free to mention them in the comments below. If you’re not necessarily looking for the world’s best coffee but want to enjoy one in a stunning location, you can now also visit the Antwerp Port House. There’s a coffee bar in the grand entrance hall, which is freely accessible. You can even try and spot your house on the massive satellite photo of Antwerp laid out on the floor.

Fancy some more tasty stuff? Read all about the best cocktail bars in Antwerp or the best African, Asian, Italian, Latin American, Middle Eastern and burger restaurants in Antwerp.