A short walk from the Grote Markt, on the Suikerrui in Antwerp's historic centre, Ristorante Arte is where I send guests who want a proper Italian dinner in Belgium's port city. It makes an easy evening in the old town, as you can reach it on foot from the main square. What I value is traditional Italian cooking, done simply and honestly, with no fuss.
The kitchen draws on the traditions of Sardinia, using carefully chosen ingredients that follow the seasons. The pasta is made in-house, with ravioli, cannelloni, lasagne and gnocchi on the menu. Fish and seafood include sea bass, turbot, scampi and clams, while meat lovers can choose veal, lamb or beef tenderloin. The pizza list covers classics like the Margherita, plus one with truffle.
The seasonal suggestions change and are listed as the kitchen's favourites, so I would read those first. Vegetarians have the vegetable pizza and the pappardelle with mixed vegetables; for dessert there are tiramisù, panna cotta and homemade cheesecake. The mood is relaxed and welcoming, equally right for a quick lunch, a long dinner or just a glass of wine. For guests staying in one of our homes, it is an unhurried evening out in the city.
