Restaurant 1238 — Restaurant in Antwerp

Tucked away in the botanical gardens in Antwerp is 1238. A bit tough to find in the dark, but once found, confirms to be a well placed, very atmospheric restaurant. Service was impeccable although they did look at us funny, seeing we aren’t the usual fine dining group.

We had reserved a table months in advance and were seated in the middle of a garden-esque layout overlooking the inner garden. Here we enjoyed a 6 course dinner with paired wines.

The courses were interesting but not super outrageous flavor wise. The flavor profiles started with fish, then ranged to pigeon/meaty and ending with cheese and pear. What really blew my mind was the paired wine. The flavors connected so well with the food and with every one of the six courses it lifted the food flavor up. Nothing about the food was mind blowing, yes the flavors were good, the dishes well prepared and an obvious dedication and love for the produce used, but nothing I had never tasted before. Not necessarily bad of course, perhaps it was my expectation that needed to be lowered. I could have read the menu before we went, but I wanted to be surprised.

The sweet coffee treats, homemade and warm were really good and were a great ending to a fine meal.

We spent a long time in the restaurant and the service ended as great as it started. The Maitre D knew what he was talking about and his colleague added a bit of humor.

Yes, this is definitely a fine dining restaurant, including the price tag. But if you feel like doing something like this even once a year or decade, it is well worth going.

Overall we had a good evening together, with good food, great wine, great service in a...

We went for a family dinner hoping that this Restaurant will meet its expectations. We had heard that they were 'robbed' of a star by the Guide Michelin...Nothing could be further than the truth ! Exorbitant prices ( in relation to the what they offer ), they take advantage to over charge where they can ( still self filtered water ? Coffees? etc ) ! Service was decent but having water dripping on our table from the ceiling ( it was raining ) and no solution was offered ( a simple ...would you like to seat on another table ? would have been sufficient )...The Maitre D spilled the dessert sauce ( bright red ) while serving..and left the table cloth dirty throughout our eating of our dessert..only when we ordered coffee and tea did he take the time to cover up HIS mess with a napkin ! Antwerp has much better Chef's and Restaurants and 50 -60% of these prices ! No way that this Restaurant deserves to be mentioned in the Guide Michelin recommendations ( not even Starrred list ! ) Extremely disappointed with our dining experience. Add to this that the Toilets are so far away ......totally...

BOTANIC SANCTUARY ANTWERP Restaurant 1238

Atmosphere in the complete hotel is fantastic. The restaurant Service was outstanding, very friendly and FUNNY ( what I miss sometimes In this fine dinning places ) . The location is in my eyes breathtaking from the view to the light . Food was great I missed a bit the flavours in the amuses but the rest 👌🏻

Very classic belguim dishes ! Best waiter in...