Antwerp welcomes a new destination from 18 May with the opening of Eldo, a restaurant where open fire, refined flavours and relaxed hospitality take centre stage. Located opposite the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and next to Ann Demeulemeester’s flagship store on the Antwerp South district, Eldo positions itself as a restaurant where classic inspiration meets a modern approach.
At its foundation lies a collaboration between friends with complementary expertise. From this dynamic grew a place where kitchen, bar, décor, reception, music, atmosphere and art are carefully curated. The result is a relaxed setting that feels warm, accessible and vibrant.
The driving force behind Eldo is festival and hospitality entrepreneur Bart Roman. To bring the concept to life, he collaborated with a team of experts: alongside co-partners Daan Guelinckx (a sommelier with experience at Veranda and the Noma Group, who will be the face of the restaurant) and M'Hamed Houmani (responsible for operations), Jacco La Gasse (former Creative Director at the Sergio Herman Group) was brought in to help design the interior; Chef Thomas Dhooghe (formerly of Pure C and Le Pristine) leads the kitchen; Sofie Middernacht (Middernacht Alexander) curates the art; and Kaat Coninx from the young Antwerp-based marketing studio CMD+Y is responsible for branding and communications.
This collaboration translates into a clear ambition: to make quality tangible in every detail, without it feeling forced or overly complex. Eldo deliberately remains accessible, while offering a high standard in product, preparation, acoustics, lighting and atmosphere.
Eldo aims to be more than just a restaurant—it is conceived as a meeting place where different generations and lifestyles come together, whether for weekday lunches or long evenings with friends.
Open fire, quality products and an extensive cocktail menu
Open fire is at the heart of Eldo. The visible charcoal grill sets the rhythm of the service and guides the menu. Chef Thomas Dhooghe builds on fine dining techniques and deep product knowledge, translating them into a direct and accessible cuisine.
The menu features à la carte dishes built around recognisable products and preparations, with a focus on grilling and roasting. Lamb brochette is marinated before being grilled over open fire and served with spring ratatouille and wild garlic; wood-fired farmhouse chicken is infused with rosemary, garlic and saffron. Dishes such as lobster ‘pot au feu’ and aged beef are designed for sharing, reinforcing the restaurant’s social character.
The drink selection is equally essential. The wine list includes more than 120 references and is complemented by an extensive (non-alcoholic) cocktail menu. The cocktails follow the same philosophy as the cuisine: recognisable, yet interpreted in a distinctive way. Non-alcoholic options are not treated as alternatives, but as creations in their own right, with the same balance and complexity.
Hospitality is led by Daan Guelinckx and his team, with a relaxed and natural style of service.
On his vision of hospitality, Guelinckx says:
"At Eldo, everything revolves around relaxed enjoyment. People should feel that anything is possible and nothing is expected. We aim to bring together the best of both worlds: top quality on the plate, without the rigidity of fine dining. Eldo is warm, approachable and lively. I want people to return because it simply feels right—the atmosphere, the fire, the wines, the cocktails and the way we welcome our guests."
\u200b— Daan Guelinckx
An interior full of art
The interior was developed in collaboration with Sofie Middernacht (of art duo Middernacht Alexander), Bart Roman and Jacco La Gasse, who spent more than 20 years as Creative Director within the Sergio Herman Group. The space is rooted in materials, calmness and tactility, and was designed in direct relation to the fire.
"For Eldo, we wanted to create a place that doesn’t try to impress, but instead embraces you immediately. A space where warmth, art and authenticity come together. Everything is subtle, everything is meant to be touched and experienced. The interior is contemporary, yet respectful of classical forms, craftsmanship and the building’s history. The challenge was to create a space that supports the power of open fire. This calls for pure materials, honest shapes and a sense of calm. Eldo feels both familiar and innovative—a place where craftsmanship and comfort are central, and where the space itself seems to cook along with what happens on the grill."
\u200b— Jacco La Gasse
Sound and light are also integral to the experience. Acoustics, music and lighting are carefully designed so the space evolves with the time of day and the energy of the room.
Art plays a structural role. Eldo integrates works by predominantly Belgian artists, including Peter Morrens, Leo Gabin, Noah Ballon, Jonas Loellman, Flo Bastiaensens, Bernard Tournemenne, Middernacht Alexander, Adelheid De Witte, Charlie De Voet, Amber Dewaele, Stanislas Lahaut, Max Kesteloot and Jonghoo Jeong.
"Eldo’s art collection is conceived as a dialogue between materiality, tension and tactility. Rather than focusing on names, the selection brings together works in which raw and refined elements coexist—from industrial materials to more intimate, fragile pieces. Many works engage with the familiar, subtly transforming everyday forms and materials to evoke a quiet sense of alienation. The collection is rooted in a Belgian context while remaining open to a broader perspective, unfolding as a contemporary and living presence within the space."
\u200b— Sofie Middernacht
With Eldo, the founders aim to create a place built on the connection between different disciplines. A restaurant where fire, people, art and atmosphere reinforce one another—and where guests can either drop in briefly or stay longer, depending on the moment. A place by friends, for friends.
Images ( here - © Tijs Vervecken)
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