Marcel Antwerp

Marcel sits on Van Schoonbekeplein, a short walk from the Rubenshuis. It holds a Wine Spectator Excellence Award and serves French cuisine that spans both classic and contemporary styles. The room runs smart and elegant, feeling distinct from the nearby commercial thoroughfares.

Most visitors to the Grote Markt settle for the high-turnover bistros that saturate the square, but Marcel offers a necessary alternative. While its neighbours rely on foot traffic and broad appeal, this kitchen trades on a measured pace and a wine list that justifies the walk away from the main thoroughfare. It is for those who prefer dinner without the constant pressure of a city centre queue, rewarding the slight detour with a level of intentionality that the nearby shopping streets simply lack.