Ristorante Arte sits on the Suikerrui in the historic centre of Antwerp, a short stroll from the Grote Markt, which makes it a natural choice for an evening in the old town. When guests on holiday ask me where to find good Italian food in the city, this is the address I give them. I like it for its traditional cuisine, cooked simply and honestly, without any fuss.
The kitchen draws on the traditions of Sardinia, using carefully chosen ingredients that follow the seasons. Homemade pasta is central to the menu: ravioli, cannelloni, lasagne and gnocchi. Fish and seafood include sea bass, turbot, scampi and clams, while the meat dishes feature veal, lamb and beef tenderloin. Pizza is on offer too, from the classic Margherita to one topped with truffle.
Seasonal suggestions change regularly and are listed as the kitchen's favourites, so I would start there. Vegetarians are well looked after with the vegetable pizza and the mixed-vegetable pappardelle. For pudding, there is tiramisù, panna cotta and homemade cheesecake. The atmosphere is relaxed and hospitable, equally good for a quick lunch, a full dinner or just a glass of wine. If you are staying in one of our holiday homes, it makes for a pleasant, unhurried evening out.
