The story
Essenz is a modern French restaurant at Kronenburgstraat 35 in Antwerpen, where chef Joris Hoefkens earned 14 points from Gault&Millau in 2026.
Joris Hoefkens has worked at several Belgian top restaurants, including Nuance, Hof Van Cleve, Hofke van Bazel and Volta. The kitchen cooks fresh meat, fish and vegetarian dishes in the Belgian French tradition. Gault&Millau singled out his elegant, refreshing creations, such as skrei cooked on a spit.
Guests can choose a four- or five-course menu at lunch or dinner, or order from the à la carte list. The room is bright and modern, reached through a hallway that opens onto an inner courtyard, as Schlemmer Atlas describes it in its 2026 entry, where it awards 2 Kochlöffel. Cocktails are also part of the drinks offering.
Recognition
Details
History
Chef Joris Hoefkens has gained experience at several Belgian top restaurants, so when it comes to knowledge and craftsmanship, we're in safe hands. In this intimate restaurant, this expertise shines through in elegant and refreshing creations, such as perfectly prepared skrei cooked on a spit...
The restaurant radiates a bright and modern atmosphere and can be reached through a hallway leading to the inner courtyard. It offers fine seasonal dishes, a four-course menu, as well as an à la carte breakfast on Sundays and cocktails.
Location
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