The specialist, Antwerp-based coffee roaster Andy Roasters, emerges within Cafe Betty, a corner-hugging, neighbourhood bar that attracts a huddle of Berchem's hip from dark to dusk. Every morning, a wagon of Keith Bakery sourdough loaves, miso sesame buns, and "krentebol" (a slightly sweet, raisin-stuffed dough) with cheese are loaded onto the red-painted shelves, as a gaggle of laptop-clad creatives, young families, and friends sip on oat cortados. Soak up the sunshine on the outside terrace, and stay for the evening pour of local brew and natural wine. 

Berchem's neighbourhood bubble stems from its glorious stack of addresses. One of which is Daan Guelinckx and Laurens Jasperse's polished Neo-bistro, which champions a modern, creative take on seasonal classics. The produce is consciously sourced, and the harvest is completely seasonal. A no-nonsense tasting menu serves a 5-course plating of BBQ'd langoustine, entrecôte with a healthy portion of triple-cooked fries, and a buttermilk potato mousseline topped with a hint of caviar. It's an intricate menu, toned down by the casual atmosphere of the trendy locals it attracts. 

Serving main dishes, as the name suggests, "en repasse" (literally translated as "to feed again"), flips the small-plate craze upside down. Spit-fired chicken is gloriously tender and soaked in a champagne sauce, and the bavette is so huge that it is designed to be shared by the table. Naturally, the carnivorous feasts are all served with a huge mound of refillable fries. Despite the white tablecloth-topped tables, the two mastermind chefs behind Repasse have created the cosy, homey feeling of eating generously. If you're hungry for seconds, take more. 

This sweet little lunch spot is the ideal place to enjoy a coffee with a fantastic French-inspired lunch. It's probably one of our favourite spots in Antwerp for an afternoon aperitif.