Zilte

Having dined at countless Michelin-starred-restaurants, I have very high expectations when it comes to 3 star restaurants. This is my 2nd time dining at Zilte. During these 2 experiences, I can only conclude that their service lacked warmth, friendliness and attention. While the staff are polite, but they don't look happy. The food has always been good and impressive. Many of the dishes were faultless but when we were there for lunch, there were only 4 tables occupied. The view from the restaurant is beautiful as you can appreciate Antwerp from above. They were famous for their cheese trolley but to me their cheese trolley is quite limited in choices compared to the other 3 star restaurants I've dined at. Having said that, choices are enough. But I was really annoyed by the sommelier whom happened to be also the son-in-law of the chef appeared to be so aloof and arrogant. When I asked him about the names of the cheese again, he replied "I just said....". I was shocked. If I would have remembered the names, I wouldn't have asked! Wine prices here are steep and many overpriced (I can understand from a 3 star restaurant) but there are enough choices of wines for every budget. Overall, I would say this is a very good 3 star restaurant but it's not outstanding. We spent an average of €400+ including wine per person.

I had the most incredible dining experience at this 3-star Michelin restaurant! The food was absolutely amazing—each dish was a masterpiece, bursting with flavor and creativity. While they don’t offer a formal wine pairing, the staff were incredibly attentive and provided thoughtful wine recommendations as we went, ensuring each glass perfectly complemented the dish we were enjoying. This approach was brilliant because it allowed me to savor each course without feeling rushed or over-served. Truly a memorable evening from start to finish! Highly recommend it. We will definitely go back again!!!

We were truly disappointed with our experience at Zilte. For a 3-star Michelin restaurant, the evening lacked warmth, surprise, and any sense of hospitality. The food, while technically well-prepared, didn’t excite or surprise us in any way — it felt predictable and uninspired. Service was polite but cold and distant, with no genuine enthusiasm or engagement throughout the evening. What surprised us most was the complete lack of personal attention. We had mentioned in advance that we were celebrating our anniversary, yet there was no acknowledgment of this — something we would have expected even at a one-star restaurant, let alone three. The explanations of the dishes felt rushed and formal, almost like a checkbox exercise rather than a passionate sharing of the chef’s vision. And once we had finished our meal, no one asked how our experience had been — a small gesture that speaks volumes. We’ve had far more memorable and heartfelt dining experiences at one- and two-star restaurants. Sadly, Zilte did not live up to its reputation, and we left feeling underwhelmed and disappointed.

In the beginning it was quite a challenge to reach the restaurant at all, since we took the escalator instead of patiently waiting for someone to take us to the entrance of the restaurant via the elevator. But once in it was all forgotten! 😅 We had a fantastic evening! The food was delicious—rich in flavour yet wonderfully subtle—and the service was warm and attentive. The restaurant itself is beautifully designed, with a cosy and inviting atmosphere. We appreciated that there were other couples dining as well, rather than just business diners. The interior felt warm and stylish, with excellent acoustics and a well-balanced layout. The open kitchen added a nice touch of transparency, while the seating arrangement ensured enough privacy for us to fully focus on the dishes and wines. Because I prefer savoury over sweet, I opted for a cheese course instead of the two dessert courses for a small supplement. My dining companion, however, chose both sweet courses, which meant we could still share and taste a bit of everything! We especially liked that when choosing champagne and dessert wines, different qualities and price points were clearly presented, so there were no unexpected surprises. It was also great to have the option of a well-thought-out alcohol-free pairing for one of the courses. The tableside presentations and preparations added a fun and special touch, and the (assistant) sommelier was enthusiastic and knowledgeable. We felt truly welcome and enjoyed our evening. We very much hope to return in the future!

An unforgettable experience from start to finish. Every dish was a masterpiece, with at least 15 carefully chosen ingredients blended in perfect harmony to create exceptional flavors. The staff were warm, professional, and attentive — with the sommelier standing out in particular for his knowledge, charm, and humor. The wine pairings elevated the entire meal and are highly recommended. Truly a remarkable restaurant, distinguished even among the elite 3-Michelin-star establishments.