‘t Zilte… For people in Antwerp and surroundings, its name evokes a sense of high class, distinguished dining, something reserved for special occasions. The fact it’s -unbelievably fantastically- located on the top floor of the iconic MAS museum in the trendy Eilandje neighborhood only reinforces that awe.
Having had already quite the nice dinner experiences in Antwerp, my two partners and food enthousiasts in crime and I decided to step up the game and let us be amazed by 2 star Michelin chef Vicki Geunes. So in Aug14 we found our way up the elevator straight to the restaurant, entering a weird but pleasant mix of serene, bit funky and spacious of the dining room, while having a view over the port from the above mentioned top floor of the museum. Perfect entrance:)
We went for the aperitif and as one of us had to drive afterwards, she asked for a tonic. The waiter asked which one she’d prefer. ‘What could you suggest?’ ‘Well, we have 24 different tonics, maybe you’d like to try 1724’. Let’s say there was a slight sense of amazement:) We went for the full tasting menu and also in hindsight, a wonderful journey it was. I have to admit that at that time I wasn’t noting down enough so my memory is failing me to describe you the dishes unfortunately. One of the things that stayed with me was the stunning attention for detail and and quite the abundance of flavours. If you’re looking for 3 ingredient dishes, then this might not be the place for you. However, the myriad of ingredients got paired with different textures which made it really a pleasant discovery. And to be frank, as that was what I was looking for, perfect:)
For me it was also a first for two other things, both involving a cart: first, the bread cart, the only other time I saw a bread cart that size would be later at Steirereck in Vienna. wow… Second, the dessert cart to accompany the tea/coffee… I have to try to stop drooling over my keyboard reminiscing:) They basically made 15 small desserts (bavarois, chocolate, mousse, fruit pies, …) but of such a level, just unbelievable. So my friends took two each after the copious meal and being such a sweet tooth I went for the rest:$ It was utterly a divine finish to a wonderful dining experience. Great staff, stunning surroundings, food, well as described above:) and had wonderful company as well.
I can only recommend to go for it. Whomever you’re with, I’m pretty sure they’ll thank you for the suggestion:) When I see that so many people are psyched and poised to visit the other 2 star restaurant in the city center, The Jane, I hope their (newfound) fondness for fine dining will find its way as well to this gem in ‘t Stad.
Date visited: Aug14
food for travelers 