Small plates, fine wines, great vibes!
In the shadow of the MAS museum, Antwerp North gradually grew into a city within a city. The culinary rise of this neighborhood in recent years is certainly also thanks to Bistrot L’Ilôt. A small-scale but super cozy spot on the island. The interior is inspired by the typical Parisian bistro found in every working-class neighborhood. Round tables and wooden chairs combined with an industrial character. Sander de Saegher was the maître and sommelier for many years at Seppe Nobels in restaurant Graanmarkt 13 and now leads the kitchen as a self-taught chef. In the dining room, his partner Valentine Ide handles the service with a big smile.
On the menu, the chef offers a variety of small dishes that are shared according to the sharing principle. The common thread through the preparations is placing the purity and simplicity of the product at the center. Lunch at L’Ilôt is already available at a budget-friendly price (33€), and Sander offers a ‘fixed menu’ starting from 47€, featuring only original and intense contemporary creations with his own twist. For appetizers, you can enjoy, for example, “toast cannibal,” Wagyu beef tartare with mustard, and/or a Parmesan croquette with confit tomato. The menu includes top dishes like Tuscan tartare with burrata, basil, and balsamic vinaigrette, steamed halibut with tomato verjus and romesco pepper sauce, and this spring, there’s a dish with white asparagus, ratte potatoes, lamb’s ears, beurre blanc, and herring roe. Finish with almond, vanilla, blood orange, and a crisp or a cheese from Schoonvliet to guarantee a festive feeling.
Take a moment to browse the wine list… a collection of top wines at fair prices, mainly from France, Portugal, Spain, and Italy, that you would actually want in your own cellar.
The private dining formula has been very successful, where you can privatize the entire restaurant for up to 26 people.
Did you know that there is now also a catering shop from these young entrepreneurs… With L’Ilôt to go, located on Londenstraat, you can enjoy the take-away concept of Bistrot L’Ilôt!
