Balls & Glory — Restaurant in Antwerp

Really strange experience today that I've never had before in Belgium. There were at least five staff members in the restaurant when the four of us arrived today (Sunday) about 45 minutes before a show at the Arenbergschouwburg a few metres away. The waitperson took our order for one dinner of the gibier meatball, two lattées and two beers, and we explained that we had a show to see that started at 16:00. One of the beers arrived right away, and nothing else. We assumed that the other drinks were coming with the food, but no. I tried to catch the eye of our server without success. When I stood up and searched out another waitstaff member finally at 15:45, after half an hour's wait, it became clear that they hadn't even started the food order, and the coffees and second beer were not forthcoming. A balls-up; nothing glorious about it. Frustrated and a bit panicked about being late to the theatre, I asked to pay for the one beer they did bring us, and to his credit the server comped it, with his apologies. Maybe they had a very busy Sunday lunch rush just before we walked in, but it was...

This place was great! I was incredibly skeptical since I'm not a big meat-eater, but I was pleasantly surprised. The lemongrass chicken ball with quinoa, beet and feta salad was my choice, and my friend chose classic pork with stamppot (mashed potatoes and gravy). Both were really really good, and I definitely want to revisit. The staff were really friendly and had no issues with our indecisiveness. While waiting for my friend in the bathroom he even explained a bit about the vegan balls they're hoping to be able to offer soon, and genuinely seemed to be invested in the business. Interior was very large and very hipster. Behind the main "bar" being used for the restaurant was a more lounge-type area that with a drinks bar and another serving type area that is clearly used when the place is more full. Highly recommend this place. Wasn't fast-food cheap (€14.50 for one plate) but the amount of food is really decent. (It's a huge ball of meat for...

2021: Balls & Glory never disappoints. I've been there regularly for several years, ever since they first started in Ghent, so happy when they opened in Antwerp. It's always a nice surprise to see the dishes of the day. Today I had the pork mushroom truffle ball, it was seriously so yummy!! Try the refreshing ice tea also. And whatever you do, try the Dam Blanche Ball as desert, not only so satisfying to watch when you pour over the hot chocolate, but also really really delicious!!

Update 2023: we went again yesterday: we started off with the bitterballen en chicken-balletjes. As main I had the chicken ball with masala filling. As always service was great and the food was delicious.

Unlike 99% of other restaurants in Belgium, water is...