Italian Restaurants in Antwerp

If you’re craving Italian in Antwerp, you’re in luck. The city’s got more than just your usual pizza joints,think about little family-run spots in Zuid where the pasta is hand-rolled and the sauce simmers all day. Places like Otomat on Nationalestraat really capture that Neapolitan vibe without the touristy feel. And after a stroll through the theatre district, grabbing a slice at L’Incontro feels like an Italian escape.

During the colder months, nothing beats a bowl of risotto at Orso, tucked away near the city centre. It's simple, rich, and the kind of food that warms you up from the inside out. On sunnier days, the terraces near the Scheldt offer a great backdrop for a light antipasto and a glass of wine – try Osteria du Sud if you want something a little different but still genuinely Italian.

Fair warning: some places still close early on Sundays or Monday afternoons, so check ahead if you plan a late meal. Also, locals tend to avoid the overly touristy spots on Meir, so for a more authentic experience, I’d stick to the side streets and neighborhoods where Italians actually live and eat. Trust me, the extra walk is worth it.