Den anker
Historic Belgian restaurant with stunning waterfront views and a menu featuring classic dishes and an extensive beer selection.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Den anker
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Belgian restaurant with stunning waterfront views and a menu featuring classic dishes and an extensive beer selection.
"Enjoy generous portions and authentic Belgian flavors with breathtaking views of Table Mountain."
Reserve Ahead
Den Anker can get busy, especially during peak times. Reservations are recommended to secure your spot.
Terrace Views
Opt for outdoor seating on the terrace for delightful dining experiences with views of the Grote Markt.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Belgian
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Waterfront Dining
Enjoy a meal with stunning views of Table Mountain and the bustling harbor. Perfect for a sunny day or sunset.
Authentic Belgian Specialties
Savor delicious shrimp croquettes, excellent mussels, and hearty Flemish beef stew in a historic setting.
Cozy Atmosphere on the Grote Markt
Experience friendly and efficient service in a unique 16th-century building on the historic market square.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve Ahead
Den Anker can get busy, especially during peak times. Reservations are recommended to secure your spot.
Terrace Views
Opt for outdoor seating on the terrace for delightful dining experiences with views of the Grote Markt.
Try Belgian Favorites
Don't miss the shrimp croquettes, mussels, or steak tartar for a taste of authentic Belgian cuisine.
Enjoy Great Beer Selection
Explore a wide variety of beers, a highlight for many visitors. Perfect with classic Belgian dishes.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve Ahead
Den Anker can get busy, especially during peak times. Reservations are recommended to secure your spot.
Terrace Views
Opt for outdoor seating on the terrace for delightful dining experiences with views of the Grote Markt.
Try Belgian Favorites
Don't miss the shrimp croquettes, mussels, or steak tartar for a taste of authentic Belgian cuisine.
Enjoy Great Beer Selection
Explore a wide variety of beers, a highlight for many visitors. Perfect with classic Belgian dishes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Den Anker offers a memorable dining experience with its historic ambiance, generous portions, and waterfront views. Diners praise the delicious Belgian specialties, particularly the mussels and Flemish stew, as well as the friendly service. However, some guests have noted slow service and issues with food quality, such as overcooked burgers or stale buns, leading to the perception of it being a tourist trap.
"Located in the corner of the main market square this restaurant is perfect for an unplanned visit. I’ve eaten here on four occasions over the years. Twice in the height of summer and in the winter just before Christmas and every time it was excellent.
Food prices are very reasonable. Service was excellent. The food was fantastic. Huge portions of muscles and Flemish stew. Really good steak. Perfect place to eat in Ypres and would definitely recommend."
Jim M
"One of the main reasons to come to Ypres is to enjoy the moules. Unfortunately, although tasty, the mussels were poor. They were either very small, broken up or disintegrated (see photos). Fries were good though."
Robert Larbey
"The Market Square has lots of choices for food, but we thought this one was the best for us. There is a wide variety of traditional Belgian food, the service is good and the location is wonderful.
We chose Flemish stew and rack of lamb for mains and the portions were huge. Sadly, more than we could eat, but absolutely delicious. There are good choices for people who choose not to eat meat, too."
Stuart Bristow
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Signature dishes include shrimp croquettes, mussels, Flemish beef stew, steak tartar, and duck orange. These are often praised for their generous portions and authentic flavors.
Yes, it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak hours, as the restaurant can get very busy.
Yes, Den Anker has a lovely outdoor terrace that offers great views, making it a popular choice for diners, particularly on pleasant days.
The restaurant is generally considered mid-range, with generous portions offered at reasonable prices, though some perceive it as average value for money given the location.
Yes, Den Anker is also a great place to enjoy a drink, such as a beer or wine, and soak in the atmosphere, whether on the waterfront or at the bar.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The Market Place (Grote Markt) in Ieper (Ypres), Belgium
Three buildings on the north west corner of the Grote Markt, immediately adjacent to the Cloth Hall's Nieuwerck, were taverns before the First World War. “Het Klein Stadhuis”, “Den Anker” and “In de Trompet” were originally built in the renaissance style of the 1600s.
Summer staycation in Belgium: Ypres
There’s a fine selection of cafes and restaurants on Grote Markt, from Den Anker, which has existed, war damage apart, since the 13th century, to Markt 22 and Les Halles.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit