If you are visiting Antwerp and want to have a taster of what real Belgian food is all about then book ahead for a table at brasserie Ciro’s. This restaurant is a true household name among locals. Ex-Red Devil Albert De Herdt took over Café Ciro’s in 1962 and has been serving the best traditional, classic meat and fish dishes and typical French-Belgian brasserie dishes ever since. The interior is like a leap back in time and will make you feel nostalgic instantly. And if that does not do the trick, the logo embroidered napkins will!

All-time favorites are steak with for sure the best French(Belgian?) fries ever and Toast Antonio (8 small toasts with delicious spreads). I usually go for the poached cod with cooked potatoes and a smooth, rich mousseline sauce. Oh, and I start my meal with a glass of champagne, traditionally served in a real coupe, like it should be. Cheers.

And then we are on to the sweets. They serve one of the best Dame Blanches in town (homemade vanilla ice cream with Belgian hot chocolate sauce), the rice porridge is served with a golden spoon and the profiteroles (choux pastry filled with cream, topped off with chocolate sauce and ice cream) are on any sweet-tooth’s wish list. And me? I’m a sucker for the café glacé neatly presented in a silver coupe.