Nage

The story

Nage Antwerpen – Contemporary French Bistro with Michelin Recognition

Nage: A New Chapter in Antwerp

After closing their original location on Reyndersstraat, chef Koen and host Niki have opened a new chapter for Nage at Congresstraat 42 in Antwerpen. Their ambition to run their own restaurant is now realised in a space that seats about 25 guests, offering what they describe as affordable luxury in an informal bistro setting.

The kitchen focuses on the contemporary French cuisine that earned the restaurant a Michelin Recommended mention. The philosophy is one of "qualitative simplicity" – ingredients that speak for themselves, prepared without unnecessary fuss. The menu changes daily, but recent examples show the kitchen’s range: Irish Mor oysters served nature or from the wood oven with pork fat, Chutoro Balfego tuna, frog legs à la meunière, and main courses like seabass with Oosterschelde lobster or dry-aged Holstein entrecôte. The carte blanche menu offers a five- or six-course tasting, cooked à la minute.

Chef Koen brings a deep, well-travelled background. He staged at Michelin-starred kitchens including Het Gebaar, Le Chalet de la Fôret, and In De Wulf, then worked as sous-chef at Veranda and Dôme in Antwerpen. A decisive turn came when he helped open Schnitzel, where he fell for pure butchery, pâté en croûte, and charcuterie. He later ran the meat bistro at Butcher’s Store by De Laet & Van Haver and led the kitchen at restaurant Lewis. His cooking is grounded in that craft.

Host Niki welcomes guests with warmth and attention to detail, shaped by years at Lage Polder, Kiliaan, and as floor manager at Bún in Antwerpen. The wine list leans heavily toward organic, biodynamic, and natural wines, with a pairing option available for the tasting menus.

Nage is open Friday through Monday for lunch and dinner. The restaurant also offers catering and private events.