While day one food in Antwerp was strictly functional, day two we’d prepared in advance by booking RAS based on its Scheldtside location and its being open all day on a Saturday. My hunger had been sharpened by a visit to the excellent Mayer Van den Burgh Museum (where I had Mad Meg to myself) followed by a slavening stroll around the market.

RAS has a beautifully designed dining room with a panoramic view of Antwerp and its river, which on this weekend was hosting a fair chunk of the Belgian Royal Navy.

We were in no hurry to order and supped a G&T while we perused the menu. The Maitre d’ had that invaluable quality of knowing how much time customers had on their hands and was happy to leave us undisturbed while those with more urgent needs were dealt with. Up front I went for veal sweetbreads, a real favourite not seen on menus too often. These came with a good sauce and plenty of salad. Main of sea bass was a well cooked fish on a fashionable stack of veg. A Belgian pinot gris was decent alongside.

By now we were about two hours in and went for dessert in a big way – chocolate mousse (cos Belgium), coffee, petit fours and grappa meant that by the time I rolled out to take the tunnel I was definitely in need of a good walk. What a great spot for lunch.

8/10

To see where else I’ve been click on the google map below.

Belgium Food Antwerp Belgium Food