Restaurant 1238 is the French-restaurant listing associated with Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp at Lange Gasthuisstraat 45, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium, on the southern edge of the historic centre near the Theatre District and Leopoldplaats. Its name refers to the medieval origins of this former hospital and monastic precinct: Botanic’s story reaches back to a 13th-century hospital, with a 15th-century chapel among the surviving heritage elements. Travelers come for a formal meal in an exceptional historic-hotel setting, where dining can be paired with a stay, spa appointment or walk through central Antwerp.
What to Expect at Restaurant 1238
Restaurant 1238 should be approached as part of the wider Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp experience rather than as a standalone museum or attraction. The property is Antwerp’s first member of Leading Hotels of the World and combines a protected historic ensemble with contemporary five-star hospitality. Its defining visual context is the old hospital-and-monastery fabric: the complex incorporates centuries of layered architecture, including the 15th-century chapel referenced in Botanic’s history. There are no admission exhibits, permanent collections or marked visitor trails; the draw is the atmosphere of a meal within this historic address.
Botanic’s current gastronomy programme is extensive, with bookable concepts including Sanctus, Hidden Garden, Hertog Jan, Fine Fleur, Bar Bulot, Henry’s Bar, afternoon tea by Roger van Damme, Sunday brunch and breakfast. Restaurant 1238 is not listed as a current bookable concept on Botanic’s dining pages, so guests should contact the hotel before planning around that name. This is particularly important for travelers holding an older listing, voucher or reservation reference. The concierge can direct diners to the appropriate current restaurant and confirm the menu, dress expectations, dietary requests and availability.
- Medieval setting: Botanic occupies the grounds of a 13th-century hospital and former monastery in central Antwerp.
- Historic chapel: the estate’s 15th-century chapel is a key piece of the property’s architectural history.
- French dining identity: Restaurant 1238 is catalogued as a French restaurant, suited to travelers seeking a polished meal.
- Current dining alternatives: Botanic lists Sanctus, Hidden Garden, Hertog Jan, Fine Fleur and Bar Bulot among its present food-and-drink venues.
- Hotel amenities: dining can be combined with Botanic Health Spa, a treatment or an overnight stay in the sanctuary.
Restaurant 1238 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Lange Gasthuisstraat 45, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium |
| Neighborhood / Area | City centre, near Leopoldplaats and Antwerp’s Theatre District |
| Operating Hours | No current opening hours are published under the Restaurant 1238 name; confirm directly with Botanic before visiting. |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | No admission ticket is required; food and drinks are charged separately. Confirm current menus and prices when reserving. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a seated meal |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Nationale Bank tram stop is a short walk away; paid central-city parking is available around Leopoldplaats and Nationale Bank. |
| Official Website / Phone | botanicantwerp.be / +32 3 269 00 00 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve before setting out, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings, and use Botanic’s official booking channels or telephone number to establish which current venue can accommodate you. An early dinner or weekday lunch generally makes it easier to combine the meal with nearby sights and avoids the busiest central dining period. There is no restaurant admission to book, but a table reservation is the sensible approach for any of Botanic’s dining rooms. Mention allergies, vegetarian requirements, children’s seating and any celebration when reserving rather than on arrival.
From the historic core, walk south via Leopoldstraat toward Leopoldplaats; the journey from Rubenshuis is roughly 10 minutes on foot. Tram services at Nationale Bank provide a practical public-transport option, while drivers should use a paid public garage in the Leopoldplaats/Nationale Bank area and allow extra time for one-way streets. The Cathedral of Our Lady and Grote Markt are about 15 minutes away on foot, while Rubenshuis and the Stadpark are closer. Botanic is a historic complex, so travelers using a wheelchair or stroller should telephone in advance to request the appropriate step-free entrance, confirm restaurant-level access and arrange suitable table placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Restaurant 1238’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
Botanic does not currently publish hours under the Restaurant 1238 name. Call +32 3 269 00 00 before traveling. Weekday lunch or an early evening reservation is useful if you also want time for Rubenshuis, Stadpark or the old town.
Do I need tickets or a reservation?
There is no entry ticket: diners pay for food and drinks. Reserve a table through Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp and ask which current dining venue corresponds to your intended Restaurant 1238 visit.
How much time should I budget?
Allow around 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a relaxed seated meal. Add time if you are having aperitifs, afternoon tea, a spa treatment or a walk between the hotel and Antwerp’s historic centre.
Is Restaurant 1238 suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Families should request a child seat and confirm the most suitable dining room when reserving. For wheelchair users, Botanic can advise on step-free access and seating, but the historic layout makes advance contact essential.
When planning your Antwerp travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Antwerp, pair this stop with standout local spots including HOTEL COLVENIER, Rubenshuis, Snijders&Rockoxhuis, and Fine Fleur (nearby).
