August

Verdict: August Is Worth Booking, But Go in With the Right Expectations

The most common assumption about August is that it operates as a direct plant-based restaurant. It does not — or at least, not consistently. A published Star Wine List reviewer noted that ordering the plant-based menu resulted in oysters arriving as an appetiser and a mackerel dish appearing mid-service. That kind of menu confusion would normally disqualify a recommendation, but the same reviewer returned a positive verdict on the strength of the vegetable courses and the setting. So the honest picture is this: August has real quality on the plate, particularly in its plant-forward cooking, but its service execution around dietary menus has room for improvement. If that trade-off works for you, keep reading. If menu precision is non-negotiable, Hertog Jan at Botanic is a more controlled experience at the leading end of Antwerp dining.

The Space and Setting

August occupies a space that the Star Wine List guide specifically called out for its beauty and grandeur — which, coming from a wine-focused publication that reviews the room as part of the overall experience, carries some weight. The address at Jules Bordetstraat 5 in the 2018 district places it in a part of Antwerp where architectural character is part of the draw. If you have been once and are deciding whether to return, the room itself is a reason to come back, particularly for a weekend or daytime visit when light will do more work for you than it does at dinner.

What to Prioritise on a Return Visit

If you have already eaten at August and are thinking about what to order next time, the vegetable courses are where the kitchen is most confident. The Star Wine List reviewer was explicit: the plant-based elements of the meal were the standout, even amid the confusion of the broader menu execution. A second visit is a good opportunity to steer the meal in that direction deliberately , communicate your preferences clearly at the point of booking and again when you arrive, so the kitchen has no ambiguity about what you are expecting. For wine, the Star Wine List recognition (2026) signals that the list is worth attention; ask for a pairing recommendation when you sit down rather than navigating it alone.

For a longer day out in the city, pair August with a visit to the broader Antwerp dining and cultural scene. Our full Antwerp restaurants guide has the wider picture, and if you are staying overnight, our Antwerp hotels guide covers the leading options by neighbourhood. The Antwerp bars guide is useful for an aperitif or a nightcap around the area.

Booking and Logistics

Booking at August is relatively direct by Antwerp fine dining standards. Tables are not as difficult to secure as at Zilte, which consistently requires advance planning. For most dates, a week or two ahead should be sufficient, though weekend slots and larger parties benefit from booking earlier. Phone and website details are not currently listed, so reserving through a third-party platform or via direct search is the most practical route. Dress expectations are not formally stated, but the grandeur of the space suggests smart casual at minimum; arriving underdressed would feel out of step with the room.

How August Fits Into Belgian Fine Dining More Broadly

August sits in a strong regional context. Belgium's dining scene at this level includes places like Hof van Cleve in Kruishoutem and Boury in Roeselare, both of which set a high bar for precision and consistency. Within Antwerp itself, 't Fornuis offers a more classically grounded Flemish experience, while DIM Dining is the choice if you want a tighter, more focused menu in a Japanese-influenced format. August occupies a different register: more atmospheric, more ambitious in its plant-based framing, and more uneven in its execution. That is not a reason to avoid it, but it is a reason to go in knowing what you are getting.

For those travelling from outside Belgium, the comparison extends further. Diners who appreciate the vegetable-forward precision of places like Atomix in New York will find August working in a similar spirit, if with less operational polish. And for seafood-focused dining at the upper end of the Belgian market, Bartholomeus in Heist and Willem Hiele in Oudenburg are worth knowing about if you are planning a wider Belgian itinerary. Our Antwerp experiences guide and wineries guide round out the picture if you are planning a longer stay.

FAQ

• How far ahead should I book August? One to two weeks ahead is usually enough for midweek. Weekend dinners and tables of four or more should book two to three weeks out to be safe. August is easier to book than most top-end Antwerp restaurants, so last-minute availability is possible, but do not rely on it for a special date.
• Is August good for a special occasion? Yes, conditionally. The setting is genuinely impressive, and the Star Wine List recognition signals a wine program worth celebrating with. The caveat: communicate your menu preferences clearly when booking. The plant-based menu confusion flagged in public reviews suggests the kitchen executes leading when it knows exactly what you want. For a special occasion where menu precision matters most, Hertog Jan at Botanic is the safer bet.
• What should I order at August? The vegetable courses are the strongest part of the kitchen's output, based on published reviewer feedback. Ask for guidance from the front of house on the current menu and be explicit about any dietary preferences at the time of booking , do not assume the kitchen will infer them from your menu selection alone. The wine list earned a Star Wine List award for 2026, so a pairing or a staff recommendation is worth taking up.
• Can I eat at the bar at August? Bar seating details are not confirmed in available data. Given the scale and grandeur of the space, bar dining may not be the primary format here, unlike smaller Antwerp venues such as Bistrot du Nord, where walk-in counter options are more typical. Contact August directly to ask about informal seating before you arrive.
• What are alternatives to August in Antwerp? For the most precise and consistent cooking in the city, Zilte is the reference point. For classic Flemish cooking in a formal setting, 't Fornuis is the go-to. For a more relaxed price point with French bistro cooking, Bistrot du Nord is the practical choice. If you want something more adventurous, DIM Dining offers a Japanese-inflected menu at a comparable spend. See our full Antwerp restaurants guide for the complete picture.
• What should I wear to August? No formal dress code is published, but the grandeur of the space makes smart casual the sensible baseline. Think what you would wear to a Michelin-level dinner in any European city: no trainers, no sportswear. August is not the kind of room where you would want to arrive underdressed.