Eat: The Jane
Excellent food in an exquisite space.
Antwerp, Belgium
Syllogi Co-Founder Erin Washington’s Pick for Best Dining Experience:
I am, admittedly, not a big gourmet foodie. While I love seeking out new restaurants and going out to eat, I am rarely seeking out a specific culinary experience, especially a fine dining one. While I appreciate the artistry behind beautifully-presented dishes, and the skill required to reach that level of expertise, I will almost always opt for a straight-forward, standard portion-sized, 2-3 course meal.
Which is why my pick of The Jane, a 2-star Michelin restaurant in Antwerp, may seem odd. However, what I remember most about The Jane was not the service, not a particular dish I had (in fact I can only even remember one thing - the flame-torched langoustine), but it was the ambience and setting that keeps it top of mind after 5 years.
Located in a renovated chapel of a former military hospital, the restaurant has been transformed into an unforgettable space. The high vaulted ceilings and gigantic chandeliers make for a grand experience. The downstairs can be hard to grab a seat as it’s the only space that offers the full 4-hour dining offering, but I would argue the balcony, named untitled., offers a more memorable meal. From here you can watch the food being expertly made, order à la carte, and take in the sweeping views over the beautiful dining room. Despite all its accolades, The Jane’s youthful spirit (it sometimes has a DJ at play) keeps it approachable and welcoming – it’s certainly worth a visit.
Photo Source: The Jane
Every publication will feature one unique restaurant, hotel, activity, or other travel discovery that stood out in our research. Some of these are established institutions that deserve repeat merit, while others are hidden gems that are often off the radar of most.