A retro motel with Californian soul and Florida flair has touched down in Antwerp. Think French cement tiles, sunny yellow window frames, walnut wood veneer walls and vintage vibes all round. This is where Lot De Graef, Camilla Ardui and chef Céline Bracke have set up Bracc and Bar Lucy, twinned restaurant and bar made for eating, drinking and listening – and sometimes all three at once! From out the kitchen, we’re eased in gently with some fluffy focaccia and iced pea gazpacho, before things crank up a notch: veal sliced ultra-thin, stracciatella, black olives, wild herbs, XXL capers and a mouthwatering mackerel sauce; tender pork cheeks with creamy polenta, chimichurri and datterini tomatoes; and tortellini stuffed with peas and bathed in a miso beurre blanc. Finish with an old-school Dame Blanche ice cream sundae or melon sorbet doused in strawberry and champagne syrup. What’s happening on Thursdays? Musicians from the studios upstairs pop down for an intimate gig – think of it as a live soundtrack to your dinner. Now here’s a place that grooves right down to the plate. · Coco Bianca

FEELING THIRSTY? Affordable bistro wines, like a riesling by Lebenshilfe (€6 a glass), or Le Rouget, a syrah rosé from Borie de Maurel (€7.50). Otherwise, there is locally made kombucha from Figa (€6), CiaoCello limoncello beer (ditto) and coffee from Cross Roast, next door.

PRICE: Starters €17-18, mains €24-28, desserts €12-15.