Het Pomphuis

Het Pomphuis occupies a restored 1880s pumping station on the Antwerp docks, at Siberiastraat in the Eilandje district of Flanders, Belgium. The building once powered the hydraulic systems of the city's dry docks, and its high glass-and-iron halls have been converted into one of the more dramatic dining rooms in the Flemish region. Tall windows, exposed metalwork and generous spacing between tables give the room an airy, almost cathedral-like feel, and the quay outside adds to the sense of occasion. The cuisine is modern European with a strong lean towards seafood, reflecting Antwerp's identity as a port city with access to North Sea catch. The seafood platter and oysters are the dishes most associated with the restaurant, and the menu typically builds around fish, shellfish and seasonal vegetables, prepared with classical technique and a contemporary finish. The price range sits in the upper tier, so Het Pomphuis suits celebrations, business dinners and travellers who want a memorable setting as much as a meal. Dress is smart-casual to smart; the volume in the main hall can rise when it is full, though the scale of the space keeps conversation comfortable. The beverage programme leans on French and Belgian wine lists that suit shellfish, alongside Belgian beers and cocktails at the bar area. Reservations are strongly advised, particularly for Friday and Saturday evenings and during summer, when the terrace by the water is in demand; booking several days to a couple of weeks ahead is sensible for weekends. Lunch is generally the easier slot to secure and often a little lighter on the budget than dinner. Visitors combining the meal with the nearby MAS museum and the Eilandje waterfront can easily make an afternoon of the district. The restaurant is a short taxi or tram ride from the historic centre of Antwerp.