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Welcome to Ray's Specialty Coffee
Nestled in the heart of Antwerp, Ray's Specialty Coffee offers a cozy escape with stunning views of the iconic cathedral. This charming café is renowned for its exceptional coffee, crafted by skilled baristas who prioritize quality and customer connection. Patrons rave about the smooth espresso, delightful pastries, and perfectly balanced lattes topped with velvety foam. The relaxed atmosphere invites conversations, whether enjoying a refreshing Japanese black tea or indulging in a crispy waffle. With both indoor and outdoor seating, Ray's is a must-visit for coffee aficionados exploring the beautiful old town. Experience the warm, welcoming spirit and savor every sip.
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About
Ray's Specialty Coffee
Welcome to the charming world of Ray's Specialty Coffee, nestled in the heart of Antwerp at Handschoenmarkt 13. This cozy café, strategically located just steps away from the iconic cathedral, is a sanctuary for coffee lovers and a perfect pit stop for those exploring the city's rich history.
What sets Ray's apart is its commitment to quality. As encapsulated by customer reviews, the coffee here is nothing short of exceptional. For instance, one visitor, Gennaro Tomasi, praised not only the coffee but also the barista's skill in crafting smooth foam—a crucial element for any coffee enthusiast. Such attention to detail creates a drinking experience that is both comforting and enjoyable.
But it doesn’t stop at coffee. The café also offers a selection of delightful pastries, making it an inviting space to indulge in both a caffeinated beverage and a sweet treat. Ali Mehran Rokni highlighted this in his review, stating the pastries are a perfect complement to the rich flavors found in their coffee. The sound of pastries being enjoyed amidst the aroma of freshly brewed coffee creates an ambiance that is hard to resist.
Another frequent visitor, Mehran I, paints a picturesque scene of Ray’s rustic charm. The cozy decor, coupled with a second-floor private seating area, offers an intimate escape from the bustling tourist crowd. The balanced flavor of his latte and the crispy waffle, although with a minor critique on its preparation, showcases the café's dedication to providing a satisfying experience.
Lisanne Peters underlines the warm hospitality at Ray's, which enhances the overall experience. The café serves as a quiet retreat amidst the touristy hustle, offering not just coffee but a glimpse into the local culture. While some prices may reflect its prime location, the quality and experience validate the investment for those wishing to make the most of their time in Antwerp.
As you sip on a rich cup of coffee or perhaps a smooth Japanese black tea, you might find yourself enjoying the minimalist yet functional setup. Sahar's experience shows that even amidst a light rain, the outdoor seating is a fantastic option, allowing you to soak in the views while remaining comfortable.
In essence, Ray's Specialty Coffee transcends being merely a café; it's a haven for those who appreciate expertly crafted coffee and welcoming service within a picturesque setting. Be sure to stop by the next time you're in Antwerp—it’s a visit you certainly won’t regret.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Really good coffee with a great barista. The foam was really smooth and really good. Shout out to the barista who worked this Wednesday, it was really nice to talk to you. ”
“ One of the best coffee and matcha spots in Antwerp for us. I ordered a Matcha Latte and my boyfriend had a Latte. We didn’t expect much since this café is near a tourist spot, but their drinks were amazing. We’d say this place is truly a specialty coffee gem. ”
“ Great spot to taste a good coffee and enjoy the pastries. The coffee was very good and the pastries were delicious. ”
“ Very friendly staff, lovely people which are more than welcoming. It's a bit of a quiet spot in a very touristy area, though the prices do represent the area a bit. (Everything is a bit more expensive compared to the coffee places out of the old town) However, this place is located in the middle of the old town with a perfect view on the Cathedral, so I'd definitely recommend going here if you're visiting Antwerp. Also, the coffee is nice though the foam layer on the cappuccino was a bit too thick to my personal taste. ”
“ Having been to over 100 cafes in Central and Eastern Europe over the past 12 months, these guys sell the most expensive standard flat whites (house blend). I guess being in the epicentre of Antwerp’s tourist area, every extra helps with the rent, and they can get away with the high price too. Back to the coffees, on separate days I had the house blend and the single origin. The flat whites were presented in my preferred ratio of espresso and milk. Both worth every single penny and I savoured every single drop of them. The barista (who is potentially the owner) is friendly and helpful in providing information on the local coffee scene. Grab a table outdoor to get the perfect view of Cathedral of Our Lady, the epicentre of Antwerp’s old town. ”
“ It is right by the cathedral, which makes it a convenient stop while exploring the area. I had the Japanese black tea — bold, smooth, and surprisingly complex. There’s outdoor seating with umbrellas for cover, which came in handy during a light rain. The setup is minimal and functional — not the warmest atmosphere, but the focus is clearly on quality. Worth a visit if you care about what’s in your cup. Tap like if this helped. ”
“ Great little cafe right in front of the cathedral at the heart of Antwerp. Very cozy and welcoming. Nice decor and a second floor private seating is great. I ordered the waffle and latte. The latte was balanced and tasty with great foam. The waffle was crispy but felt like some parts were not baked properly but good overall. Service was great. Restroom available limited. Will come again. ”
“ This coffee shop is located in the heart of the city centre. And it’s a gem! Coffee is a mix of bitter and acidic, just a perfect companion for the day. We’ve ordered oat flat white and it came with gorgeous latte art. Sitting outside on a nice weather and enjoying the crowd around was great. The coffee shop inside is quite small, but they do have plenty of outside sitting. Overall great place and it deserves these review stars. ”