Cafe D’Anvers is perfect for a cold and classic rainy New York City night. You know the ones, those nights when you aren’t sure if it’s worth venturing out into the poor weather for something warm, comforting, and delicious. Fortunately, this quaint Belgian bistro and wine bar in my own neighborhood of East Harlem made my excursion worthwhile.
Living in the neighborhood for several years now, I’ve anticipated their full-swing opening since their optimistic soft opening back in spring of 2024. Though like everything worth doing, the local restaurant faced their fair share of challenges — like navigating New York City permit obstacles. Thankfully, Cafe D’Anvers hard launched this past December and it was worth the wait.
Initially, it was their Belgian burgers and frites window that caught my attention. Then I learned about the man behind the window and Cafe D’Anvers: Chef Johan Halsberghe. After creating and contributing to successful local projects like Mojo Mousse and Bar Goyana, it’s apparent that he’s created an escape to Antwerp, Belgium by bringing the famous warm Belgian hospitality to Manhattan through traditional French and Belgian dishes and desserts.
The Cafe D’Anvers experience
New York City Restaurant Week created the perfect opportunity to meetup with my friend Bean and dive into the Cafe D’Anvers menu without breaking the bank. For just $45 for three courses, it’s easy to justify dining out.
Vibe Check
- The ambiance: Inside is romantic, yet cozy. Glamorous, yet cute in a European way. Great lighting, not too bright, not too dark.
- The service: Friendly, attentive, and warm. Tip 20 percent.
- The dinner: Generous portioned dishes featuring quality ingredients served in good-time.
My meal included and began with a fresh crabcake, followed by the rich and savory Carbonnade Flamande, a Belgian beef stew made with Belgian beer and served with a side of Belgian frites. Bean ordered the creamy butternut squash soup served with Orwasher’s baguette and added the spaghetti Bolognese, in the traditional Belgian style with carrots. And last but not least…dessert.
Cafe D’Anvers dessert
Dessert is my favorite part of any culinary experience and the team behind Cafe D’Anvers did not disappoint. Their Restaurant Week menu included a selection of Mojo Artisanal Chocolate Mousse flavors served with whipped cream and berries. Options included dark chocolate, hazelnut praline, white chocolate, matcha, and passion fruit.
Of course, Bean and I went for the dark chocolate and hazelnut. Both mousses arrived as hefty, beautifully plated dollops. The texture was light and fluffy, yet still decadent. Just as a perfect mousse should be.
Cafe D’Anvers takeaways
Cafe D’Anvers, and more specifically their chocolate mousse, is definitely worth a trip through the rain. It’s a great spot for a romantic date, a chill dinner with friends, or a quick trip to Belgium.
You won’t regret it, book your reservation here.
