Restaurant Verona

Gantelplein 9, Wateringen, Netherlands

Restaurant Verona has been holding it down in Antwerp for over 30 years, and honestly, the place itself is half the reason to show up. The interior was designed by Axel Vervoort, and the main flex is this massive 18th-century staircase right in the middle of the room. You don't see that every day. Downstairs has bistro vibes: wooden tables, red leather benches, cozy energy. Upstairs is more intimate, with old-school movie star photos on the walls that give it a slightly nostalgic, film-set feel. When the weather's nice, there's also a terrace on the street side. The menu is classic Italian, pizza and pasta, and they keep it affordable. No overthinking, just solid food in a space that actually has character. You can eat in, grab takeout, or book a spot if you're rolling with a bigger group. It's the kind of place that doesn't need to try hard. Good food, cool interior, decades of consistency. That's the whole pitch.