Hi! I’m Helena, a Belgian mom exploring the world with my kids. Here you’ll find my honest, tried-and-tested tips for discovering new places as a family. Today, I’m sharing our favorite kid-friendly breakfast spots in Antwerp — my hometown. Let’s eat!
There’s nothing better than skipping the eternal “what’s for breakfast?” debate, especially on holiday 🙂
Luckily, Antwerp has plenty of great cafés where you can start your day with kids in tow. Every place in this list has been tested (multiple times — what can I say, it’s research!) and fully approved.
Breakfast with Kids at Barchel Zuid
Barchel Zuid is probably the most well-known café on this list — and for good reason. The adult menu leans towards healthy, delicious dishes, and there’s a kids’ menu with things like chocolate toast or a soft-boiled egg.
We love visiting on sunny days when we can sit on the terrace. There’s a small playground nearby where kids can run around, and if you’re up for a little bike ride, you’ll find the massive playground along the quayside.
Rainy day? Head over to the nearby thrift store (Kringwinkel). The toy section is downstairs — a treasure trove for kids, and great for keeping them entertained once you’re back home.
World Breakfast at Salt & Mint
Salt & Mint is too good to leave out. You choose a breakfast from a particular country and get served a delicious mix of sweet and savory bites, paired with juice and tea. My favorite: the Persian breakfast.
Good to know: the space is small, so it’s not a spot to let kids roam. Let them burn off energy beforehand. But once seated, it’s a real culinary adventure for young taste buds!
Fresh & Healthy at Bar Madam (Hoboken)
Bar Madam in Hoboken focuses on fresh and healthy food — and they do it really well. Lots of veggie and vegan options, and the kids can enjoy simple favorites like croissants, eggs or yogurt.
There’s no dedicated kids’ menu, but plenty of options to share or mix and match.
Indoor seating is limited, so booking is a good idea on weekends. On sunny days, the outdoor terrace is perfect. There’s a great playground nearby on Harold Roscherstraat — ideal for a post-breakfast outing.
Turkish Breakfast at Restaurant Okka
Okka is our number one family favorite — because there’s something for everyone. Veggie options: check. My husband likes a hearty breakfast: check. My kids love fries at any hour: check!
This isn’t your typical pastry-and-coffee breakfast. Think grilled vegetables, crispy potatoes, börek, Turkish sweets… It’s a warm, lively spot often filled with big and small families sharing a meal.
⚠️ Heads-up: there’s no breakfast buffet during Ramadan, so check ahead before visiting!
Need to burn off some energy after? The Michel Willemslaan playground is just a short bike ride away. Want to shop instead? The Abdijstraat is also nearby.
Quick Vegan Treats at Bakery Funk
Funk isn’t where you go for a long sit-down breakfast, but it is where you’ll find amazing vegan pastries and a delicious hot drink to go.
You can eat in, or pack it up and head to nearby Zuidpark. The kids can run wild on the trampolines while you sip your coffee in peace.
💬 Got a favorite breakfast spot with kids in Antwerp?
Drop it in the comments — I love discovering new gems! And for more family-friendly inspiration, check out my other tips for [exploring Antwerp with kids].
