Bistrot Du Nord — Restaurant in Antwerp

Booking a table used to be a very simple task: you would call the restaurant, agree on a time and date and get some pleasantries like "we are looking forward to having you".

Today, you need to book using an on-line reservation system that sends a reminder a few days before the actual date.

That's what I did to book a table at the famous Bistrot du Nord in Antwerp.

And I got a reminder email today, 13 days before the actual booking day with the following text:

"To ensure that you will actually be present, we ask you to reconfirm your presence before 16/04/2023.

Without this confirmation, your reservation is no longer guaranteed." the email said.

I followed the link to confirm and, to my surprise, I learned that confirming my reservation meant authorizing 150 euros on my credit card:

"It is indeed an authorization. No money will be taken from your account during this process. This authorization will only be claimed in the event of a no-show." the email continued.

I stopped for a moment and thought about this.

It didn't feel right to authorize the credit card amount. I was told that I would be charged if I didn't show up. This means I'm not trustworthy and the restaurant sees me as a revenue source before being a guest.

A reservation, therefore, is not something to look forward to; it's an obligation to be kept.

I have decided to cancel the reservation, to my utter disappointment, as I was looking forward to that evening, but I felt Bistrot du Nord was being rude and impersonal which is something I didn't expect from one of the highly rated...

Bistro du Nord is a hidden culinary treasure in Antwerp, tucked in the northern area of the city. Every dish and the service provided is magical ✨️✨️✨️cozy, and intimate experience, which you dont get it elsewhere! The lovely waitress is also highly knowledgeable with wine pairings. The service is impeccable, with a team that is not only professional but also passionate about the cuisine they serve. While it's a small establishment, it's the kind of place where reservations are a must, especially months before if you would like to book on weekends, as it's well known among food connoisseurs.

Prepare to embark on an exquisite gastronomic journey that will blow your mind and leave you also, with a deep appreciation for the flavors of Belgium x French. That is something that you can't miss in your life.

Can't wait for...

What an incredible experience at Bistrot Du Nord! From the moment we walked in, we felt the charm and warmth of this cozy French bistro. The decor is a perfect blend of classic Parisian elegance and rustic charm, which immediately sets the tone for a relaxed yet refined dining experience. The food was outstanding—we kicked off with the escargots, which were tender and flavorful, and the French onion soup was a rich, savory delight. For the main course, I had the duck confit, which was cooked to perfection with crispy skin and melt-in-your-mouth meat, paired with a delicious side of creamy mashed potatoes. My friend opted for the steak frites, and it was perfectly cooked, juicy, and...