Antwerp may have its chic boutiques and cobblestone charm, but now it boast something even better: a true temple of good taste. With three locations scattered across the city, locals happily make the trip across town for one thing above all: Domestic’s legendary papkoeken! At the helm? Sophie Verbeke and Julien Burlat, who used to work at the gastronomic restaurant Dôme, alongside master baker Michael Saelen, who kneads his dough as tradition dictates. On display: quarter loaves of sourdough are already making eyes at us; impossibly flaky brioche; crusty rolls spiked with only good things (cheese and bacon bits, olive – your call!); decadent boterkoeken (literally, butter cake); pastry rounds packed with raisins, pistachio or matcha; crispy plain or almond croissants; incredibly light, soufflé-like rijstevlaai rice tarts; elegant éclairs; and a perfectly balanced lemon tart. And if you’re only popping in for a quick nibble, you’re still doomed (in the best way): madeleines, canelés and chocolate bars… Temptation everywhere! · Coco Bianca

THE HIDDEN GEM: The crèmekoek filled with vanilla crème pâtissière – one bite and you’re in seventh heaven for the rest of the day.