While visiting Antwerp, we came to Gran Duca on a recommendation from a colleague who lives locally. It's situated on the 6th floor of a hotel a block from the gorgeous old central train station. Gran Duca has a beautiful outdoor patio for dining al fresco - with a great view of the city - but it's uncovered, this was a cold and rainy night, so we opted to eat in. The dining room is comfortably elegant and its big windows still allow a lovely view. Service was cordial and professional.
Gran Duca specializes in Italian cuisine. I started with a glass of prosecco and a bowl of house made minestrone. The soup was served piping hot, ladled from a silver tureen. There was enough soup for two bowls. I ate them both. Vegetables were finely minced and shredded, and the broth had a delicious flavor - like my nonna used to make.
For second course I went with a primo pasta dish - a penne pasta with a traditional, spicy arrabbiata sauce. The pasta was just barely al dente, and the sauce had the perfect balance of chili pepper for the tomatoes and herbs. A kick without being overwhelming - just angry enough. Well done.
No room for dessert tonight but I thoroughly enjoyed the dinner and would come again if I'm ever back to Antwerp. I felt the prices are a tad high but not enough to keep me from revisiting. Ciao! read more