Cavalieri

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Traditional Italian Cuisine at a Gastronomic Level

At Cavalieri, chef Riccardo Brando and his team set out to do one thing with complete conviction: serve traditional Italian cuisine at a gastronomic level. The restaurant is set at Kasteel Cantecroy in Mortsel, just outside Antwerp, and the address alone signals that a meal here is something deliberate. Gambero Rosso, Italy's most authoritative food and wine guide, awarded Cavalieri 2 forks — a mark of recognition that speaks to the kitchen's seriousness and consistency.

The Kitchen

The menu moves through the classic Italian structure — antipasti, primi, secondi, dolci — with dishes that are rooted in regional Italian tradition. Starters include Gillardeau oysters, vitello tonnato, and a beef carpaccio labelled "Cipriano 0.0", alongside a tataki of salmon with a sesame crust and teriyaki. The primi lean into Italian comfort with real depth: ravioli filled with Chianina beef and burro di tartufo, and a risotto with asparagus cream and ricciola tartare. Main courses range from tagliatelle with lobster ragout to a classic ossobuco alla Milanese, grilled sea bass with sauce vierge, and a tagliata of entrecôte alla Chianti. Desserts follow suit — tiramisù Cavalieri, panna cotta with red fruits, and a torta al cioccolato with white chocolate namelaka and amarena cherries.

The Wine

Riccardo, originally from Basilicata, brings a personal and wide-ranging perspective to the Italian wine list. The cellar covers the well-known Italian regions while actively seeking out lesser-celebrated terroirs and indigenous grape varieties. Aglianico — described by the restaurant as "the Nebbiolo of the south" — is one such example. The list spans low-alcohol options suited to a business lunch through to serious tasting wines and a solid selection by the glass. Riccardo and his team are on hand to advise on pairings.

Format and Events

Cavalieri offers a three-course midweek dinner menu as well as a business lunch format, alongside four- and five-course gastronomic menus with optional wine pairings. The restaurant is also available for catering, private parties and birthday celebrations.