More than 100 Antwerp restaurants, cafés, and speciality shops will serve signature dishes for €7 during Smaakmeesters (Taste Masters) on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026. The 12th edition of the city’s food festival will turn four neighbourhoods into a culinary trail, with five food walks and a free tasting of local specialities at Het Steen.
For one weekend, food lovers can eat their way through Antwerp, sampling everything from international dishes and refined creations to Flemish classics, sweet treats and local drinks. No reservations are needed for the Smaakmeesters tastings.
The festival spans the historic city centre, Zuid, Eilandje, and Antwerp North, with participating venues marked by Smaakmeesters signs and listed at smaakmeesters.be.
“Smaakmeesters combines the best of what this city has to offer: hospitality, conviviality and craftsmanship behind the bar and in the kitchen,” said Koen Kennis (N-VA), Antwerp’s Alderman for Tourism.
“More than a hundred businesses will pull out all the stops that weekend, from bakeries and ice cream parlours to bistros and coffee bars, with each tasting costing seven euros. Antwerp is the culinary capital of Flanders and Smaakmeesters is the best way to discover that for yourself. Put on a good pair of shoes, follow one of the walks and taste your way through the city. Everyone is welcome.”
Five culinary walks through Antwerp
Visitors looking to combine food with sightseeing can choose from five culinary walking routes.
The routes lead past landmarks, hidden corners and restaurants, cafés and shops, including an art and food-themed walk through Antwerp South, a route along the waterfront on the Eilandje and a walk through the Theatre Neighbourhood, with its shopping streets and less obvious passages.
The Antwerp North route takes in Park Spoor Noord, the Panamarenkohuis and the Museum At the Stream (MAS), while the historic centre route combines cultural attractions with narrow streets and lively squares.
The walking routes are available via smaakmeesters.be.
Free tasting at Het Steen
For visitors wanting to get started in one place, Proeverij XL will offer a free tasting event at the cruise terminal at Het Steen on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October, from noon to 18:00.
Around ten well-known Antwerp and regional specialities will be available to sample, including coffee, chocolate, regional beer and other artisan products.
Visitors will also receive 20% off the purchase of participating regional products at the Antwerp City Shop throughout the weekend.
Getting to Smaakmeesters
The city recommends travelling to the centre by bicycle, shared mobility, public transport or park-and-ride. Visitors can plan their journey in advance via slimnaarantwerpen.be.
