Restaurant 1238 - Antwerp

Michael W. W.

Tucked away in the botanical gardens in Antwerp is 1238. A bit tough to find in the dark, but once found, confirms to be a well placed, very atmospheric restaurant. Service was impeccable although they did look at us funny, seeing we aren’t the usual fine dining group.

We had reserved a table months in advance and were seated in the middle of a garden-esque layout overlooking the inner garden. Here we enjoyed a 6 course dinner with paired wines.

The courses were interesting but not super outrageous flavor wise. The flavor profiles started with fish, then ranged to pigeon/meaty and ending with cheese and pear. What really blew my mind was the paired wine. The flavors connected so well with the food and with every one of the six courses it lifted the food flavor up. Nothing about the food was mind blowing, yes the flavors were good, the dishes well prepared and an obvious dedication and love for the produce used, but nothing I had never tasted before. Not necessarily bad of course, perhaps it was my expectation that needed to be lowered. I could have read the menu before we went, but I wanted to be surprised.

The sweet coffee treats, homemade and warm were really good and were a great ending to a fine meal.

We spent a long time in the restaurant and the service ended as great as it started. The Maitre D knew what he was talking about and his colleague added a bit of humor.

Yes, this is definitely a fine dining restaurant, including the price tag. But if you feel like doing something like this even once a year or decade, it is well worth going.

Overall we had a good evening together, with good food, great wine, great service in a good atmosphere.

Susanne A. R.

BOTANIC SANCTUARY ANTWERP
Restaurant 1238

Atmosphere in the complete hotel is fantastic. The restaurant Service was outstanding, very friendly and FUNNY ( what I miss sometimes In this fine dinning places ) . The location is in my eyes breathtaking from the view to the light .
Food was great I missed a bit the flavours in the amuses but the rest 👌🏻

Very classic belguim dishes !
Best waiter in a long time !

Johan W.

Via een proef event toch al een eerste keer kunnen genieten dit restaurant van Wouter Van Tichelen. De bediening is discreet en correct. Het interieur is echt top, de bar met de natuursteen is zeer mooi, ook de aparte cost dining ruimte biedt privacy en de oranjerie geeft veel daglicht en een kijk op de tuin. Het eten was lekker, garing en temperatuur correct. Geen al te grote excessen in smaken maar wel mooie texturen. Toilet is wel een eindje wandelen

Edwin J.

Wat een fantastische gave plek, midden in Antwerpen. Geweldige ambiance en prachtige gerechten! De smaakcombinaties die worden toegepast zijn gedurfd maar perfect in balans, zeker ook met de bijpassende wijnen! Een feestje om te vertoeven en te genieten van de eerste amuse tot en met het toetje. Een waar pareltje om te ontdekken 🥂

Rene V.

Heerlijk gegeten, een overheerlijke wijn op, de bediening was zeer correct en vriendelijk.
Ik vind alleen de prijs/kwaliteit verhouding uit balans.

Mi M.

Toplokatie waar we vaak n hapje gaan eten als we even niet zelf willen koken

Priyank K.

Very average food. We had bugs in the flowers they decorate the food with in every course. Even after pointing out, we were told it was normal by the server as they come from the garden. The ambience was very nice but the prices of the set menu is not justified especially for the set vegetarian menu. Would not go back for a second time.

Emile S.

Exceptional value for money. Food and service are just perfect. Sophisticated setting, suits a business lunch as well as an intimate tête a tête. Outstanding wine list with an acceptable mark up. Bravo, I will definitely find more occasions to come back.