The De Koninck site accommodates the famous brewery De Koninck that manufactures Antwerp’s favourite beer. It also hosts a culinary food court to taste chocolate, cheese, cold cuts, and bread. Onsite and nearby, there are also multiple great restaurants. This means that the De Koninck site is a one-stop-shop. Here, a tourist can get a great taste of Antwerp in just one stop.
De Koninck brewery, bar and shop
The De Koninck brewery has an experience centre that allows visitors in for a look behind the scenes of the brewery. It’s an interactive tour designed to teach you all about the brewing process and bottling process. You also get a short (family) history. After the tour, you magically end up in the bar., where you can try De Konincks beers. Of course, you can also skip the tour and go straight to the cozy bar. They serve the beers made onsite and other beers of Duvel Moortgat (like Duvel, Vedett, MAREDSOUS, Achouffe). At the shop nearby, you can buy Belgian beer souvenirs.
Shops at the De Koninck Site
#1 The Butcher’s Store
Together with Belgian beer, Belgian chocolate, and “french” fries, meat products fit perfectly in the list of specialities of which Belgians are proud, and rightly so. Belgian meat products are one of the world’s best, and Belgium has many local butchers who cultivate local flavour. The Butcher’s Store is one of them.
The mission of The Butcher’s Store: use their love for the craft and the meat in a thoughtful, passionate and innovative way to guarantee meat lovers an exceptional taste experience. They have a vast selection of meats and meat cuts. Belgium specializes in pork and beef. Typically Belgian choices at the butchers are ham, salami, paté, filet d’anvers (slated, smoked beef), and filet americain.
#2 The Bakery
This bakery remains true to the rich French bread baking tradition that Belgians love so much. Sourdough bread is the bakery’s speciality, but I must admit, it seems like this bakery specializes in everything. It’s all delicious.
#3 Only Cheese
Cheesemakers Van Tricht have been maturing their cheeses in the brewery since 2012. You can buy these cheese in their shop Only Cheese or taste them it the spot as they offer small degustation cheese plates. Ask the staff any questions you may have about their cheeses. They are highly informed and help you pick out the cheese you will adore.
TIP: Weather permitting, buy some cold cuts at The Butcher’s Store, some bread at The Bakery, a variety of cheese at Only cheese and have yourself a lovely picnic at the Koning Albertpark, right across the street from the De Koninck site.
#4 Jitsk Chocolates
Jitsk is a young chocolatier who travelled the world with his chocolate creations. He is very ambitious and passionate about chocolate and loves pure flavours. In 2009 he was the youngest chocolatier who participated in the world expo in Shangai, China.
At Jitsk Chocolates, you’ll find two things: amazing pralines and tasty ice cream. The pralines are prepared with the greatest attention for quality. I love their delicate small format and the experimental flavours like mojito, lemon & bay leaf or mago & yuzu. A filled square box makes a perfect gift.
As for the ice cream, Jitsk offers eight delicious flavours, all homemade.
Restaurants at the De Koninck Site
The restaurants listed here are all within 1 or 2 minutes walking from the brewery. I recommend them all.
- The Butcher’s son:
A Michelin starred restaurant serving unique interpretations of delicious meat and fish dishes.
www.thebutchersson.be - De Pelgrim:
A traditional Belgian eatery. They serve the best Vol-au-Vent in Antwerp.
Check out this article to know more. - Black Smoke:
A great barbecue restaurant with a unique interior.
https://blacksmoke.be/ - Yust:
A great food-sharing concept.
For more information, check out this article I wrote about foodsharing in Antwerp.
