Balto’s (Antwerp, Belgium)

The outdoor seating at Balto’s on the main square of Antwerp, Belgium, was too tempting to resist as I pondered where to go for dinner. Located in a beautifully restored historic manor house, Balto’s is well-regarded for its Belgian-French cuisine. I admired the waitress’ patience as she tended to a trio of Chinese tourists near me, only one of whom spoke a modicum of common-ground English, before she approached my table, unfazed by her recent challenge and as chipper as if her day had just begun—definitely a good sign.

Try This: Begin with a traditional Belgian dish—tasty tomato soup with meatballs, accompanied by a couple of slices of crusty bread topped with melted cheese. For your main course, the baked salmon fillet is perfectly on point, served with mashed potatoes and a bountiful variety of vegetables—broccoli, carrots, green beans, mushrooms, peppers, and zucchini. Sample the Belgian-made VAL Orange soft drink, made with natural mineral water. Top it all off with a trio of the homemade specialties—tiramisu, chocolate mousse, and crème brûlée.