The story
Bistrot de Pottenbrug has served Belgian bistro cooking at Minderbroedersrui 38 in Antwerpen since 1974, and Le Fooding listed it in 2026. The room sits in the shade of the cathedral.
Chef Thomas de Blieck, formerly of Slagmolen, works with Nicolas Moreels on a classic Franco-Belgian repertoire. Shrimp croquettes, sweetbreads and chicken in a creamy cognac sauce are typical of the menu. Le Fooding's reviewer praised a foie gras terrine with caramelized Cévennes onions and an Anjou pigeon à la Clamart, served with peas. A crème brûlée with an ultra-thin caramelized crust closed the meal.
Dark wood paneling meets a busy retro wallpaper, little changed in spirit from the bistro's early decades. Michelin lists the house as Recommended for 2026. Lunch is served, and there is outdoor seating.
Recognition
Details
History
In the shade of the cathedral on Minderbroedersrui, hungry souls with high standards have been finding refuge at the timeless Bistrot De Pottenbrug since 1974, with its dark wood paneling and delightfully busy retro wallpaper. These days, chef Thomas de Blieck (ex-Slagmolen), together with Nicolas Moreels, brings a fresh perspective to classic Franco-Belgian cuisine, like shrimp croquettes, sweetbreads or chicken in a creamy cognac sauce. That evening, we devoured: silky foie gras terrine with caramelized Cévennes onions, brioche and pomme Moscovite (potato crowned with caviar and sour cream); followed by Anjou pigeon à la Clamart (“served with peas”), perfectly roasted and so tender it cut like a knife through butter; and for the sweet finale, a crème brûlée with an ultra-thin caramelized crust that shattered to musical perfection. A little slice of good old-fashioned gastronomy – served with style! · Saffron Edge
Location