The best thing about Ghent, the large catering list (you're welcome)
A weekend in Belgium is always a good idea... Or a midweek break, or a week, or just a day. It always feels a bit like a vacation, among the (always slightly more stylish) friendly, indulgent Belgians. We also love visiting beloved Ghent because: We love Ghent. About a 2,5-hour drive from Amsterdam, and bam, you're in a completely different world. In terms of eateries, bars, and boutique hotels, the city has always lagged behind its big brother, Antwerp, by a small margin. In recent years, Ghent got some wonderful places. Of which: The best thing in Ghent (you're welcome).
Olivier Le Petit Bistro is located in the Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof. The bistro is a tribute to Baron Olivier de Reylof, housed in his former 17th-century mansion. easy going A lovely place with plenty of light and space. The restaurant has a mix of French cuisine and international classics on the menu. How does that work? You can order oysters or French onion soup, for example, but also a lobster roll or a burger. Something for everyone. Our favorite time of the year is definitely spring or summer. You can eat deliciously there all year round (don't get us wrong), but then you plop down in the oh-so-cozy courtyard. What bites Add cocktails, and you don't need anything more.
Brasserie Midi is a true Ghent classic – you simply must try it. The restaurant's cuisine is faithful to French traditions, and the staff serves everything stylishly in immaculate white shirts. Lunch has a set menu with a cheese croquette as a starter and steak tartare as the main course. Prefer to choose your own? Then you should sit down for the à la carte dinner. The selection is enormous, including various oyster varieties, beef bourguignon (a delicious Belgian dish), and fresh sole. Book in advance to secure a table, as classics are always popular.
If you ask the staff of Bar Bassie asks is “life a circusThe bar's name refers to Bassie from the TV show "Bassie & Adriaan" (you might remember him – it's a nostalgic memory), and the building has a circus past. That nostalgia and quirkiness are reflected in the interior. You'll find playful details like rotating mirrored columns and clowns on the menu. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy the sun on the spacious roof terrace and in the roof garden (yes, that's a thing). You can order delicious bites, burgers and cocktails. Bar Bassie also organizes fun extra activities during the Ghent Festivities – if you don't know them yet, check agree, we love it.
The quirky blue lighting and the playful name show immediately what you can expect from Elsewhere – declared in 2025 Gastro-Bistro of the YearElders is a stylish restaurant and trendy wine bar all in one, the perfect recipe for a truly enjoyable evening. The chefs prepare delicious fresh pasta and appetizers in the open kitchen. Order a good wine (which they have in abundance) or a Belgian brown pilsner to go with it.
Restaurant Public received one Michelin star, and for good reason—not because glasses are refilled in 20 seconds or because all the napkins are perfectly folded (which you might expect)… No, the restaurant earned a star (truly earned it!) because of the incredibly good chefs in the kitchen who, every day, create equally creative dishes with creative and local ingredients: Zeeland mussels, lamb shoulder, pork chain, and more. It's a wonderful bistro that's cozy and welcoming—not at all as stuffy as you might expect from a Michelin-starred restaurant.
In the bar of Raven It's always a party, and in the restaurant kitchen too. This place has the best of both worldsIt's a cozy spot where you don't just stumble upon as a tourist, with staff who go above and beyond to make your evening complete. The menu is simple in terms of choices, while the dishes are magnificent. The oysters, salmon trout, and bavette are truly delicious—though that applies to everything else on the menu.
Bar Alberte It looks cozy and charming from the outside, but it really has so much more to offer than just a cute bar. Inside, it's cozy with great music, and you can choose from a delicious four- or five-course à la carte dinner. On Thursdays and Saturdays, you can also join us for lunch, with a choice of three-, four-, or five-course meals. You really get your money's worth here—although the prices aren't exactly bankrupt. Try the cuttlefish or the barbecued duck.
Café Albertini Alberte is the little sister of Alberte. Everything here is a bit more relaxed, and the menu is delicious Italian, including pizza and pasta. You can get there by continuing on after entering Alberte. It's a great spot for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and the natural wine perfectly complements all three options.
Food that lands straight from the field to your plate isn't something you hear about very often. Sure, maybe a few days pass... But no more than that. Restaurant NEEDLE SIZE works with farmer Jens, who sources all the ingredients for Ferri's chefs from his own farm and nearby farms. Expect a seasonal, organic, and incredibly fresh menu. There are both (sustainably caught and Belgian) fish and vegetarian options. What does that menu look like? Think cuttlefish with parsnips and Brussels sprouts, grilled Hokkaido with pumpkin and tahini, or fried chicory with a poached egg and white wine sauce, for example. The contrast is especially appealing: such farm-to-table concept, but in a very cute restaurant in the center of Ghent.
The combination of Bookz & Booze is – in our opinion – a perfect, golden combination. Every book in the store has a bottle. And each bottle is connected to a corresponding book; through a name, theme, or storyline. So you can walk out with a biography of Frida Kahlo in one hand and a bottle of Mexican Mezcal in the other. Yay! Quality and specials first, with everything. Win-win, so to speak. Add to that the fact that it is a picture of a store, with a friendly owner and nice jazz music in the background. A thick like for this concept and its implementation.
Restaurant LOF scores points and chef's hats (in the Gault&Millau guide, of course) and clearly knows how to deliver top-notch dining. The kitchen is headed by Paul de Groote, former sous chef at Inter Scaldes. What can you expect on your plate? Dishes like skate wing with saffron and Wagyu A3 Kagoshima with Palamós anchovies (yes, it's a luxurious affair). True works of art on your plate – they know how to do it. Restaurant LOF is part of Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel, so after dinner, you can peacefully flop into bed.
Café LOF is also part of the Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel, surprise surprise, but things are a bit more relaxed here. It is the ideal workspace and the perfect hotspot to get together with colleagues and friends. The café is open every day from 7 am to 23 pm for the tastiest bites and drinks from coffee to bubbly. There is also a lovely courtyard to relax in during the summer.
Restaurant Oak, a 17th-century building, has been awarded one Michelin star. At the helm is chef Marcelo Ballardin, whose cuisine draws on his extensive travel experience. Simple, yet always pushing boundaries in every dish. Achieving perfect balance is how he and his kitchen team prefer to cook. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a four-, five-, or six-course menu, and in the evening, a delicious six-course menu awaits you. Enjoy, and be surprised!
Golden Gai is one of those places you walk into and immediately forget you're still in Belgium. Bright red bar, sleek tables – totally Japanese. vibesNo reservations here (unless you're with six to eight people), just sit down and slurp. The menu features cocktails, appetizers, various ramen types (most of which can also be made vegan or vegetarian), and desserts to finish. Everything is homemade, from noodles to soda, using local ingredients. Delicious without the fuss, and all at a price that's easy on the wallet. Budget-friendly, but so good you'll want to come back immediately.
Accessible, refined Italian gastronomy? That's what star chef Louis Verstrepen (known for his Michelin-starred restaurant) dared to do. Da Mimmo in Brussels, which is also called the title 'Best Italian Restaurant in Belgium(according to Gault&Millau). This time, not in Brussels, but in the beloved Ghent. A more playful and casual presentation, without sacrificing quality, that's what he had in mind. And we can report: he succeeded.
Restaurant ARNO is a restaurant with Tuscan flair. It's not in the city center (so be mindful of your route or stay overnight at the hotel), but we can certainly call it excellent Italian food. Unfortunately, the prices are a bit less Italian-style, so you'll need to spend a bit more, and the portions are a bit on the small side (although you can have unlimited bread, but still). But the service? Amazingly good. They truly understand hospitality, make time for you, and pamper you. Tip: don't leave here before trying the tiramisu. For a delicious Italian meal in Ghent, this is a great place to dine.
This hip bar is located in downtown Ghent and is a sight to behold. That starts (mainly) on the outside: it is a completely glass construction, or a beautiful orangery. Anyone who thought that greenhouses were only good for growing cuttings is still wrong RAYHABER been. Where typical workers' houses used to line the facade of the Sint-Niklaas Church, this pop-up bar is planned for 2018. Symbolism as a greenhouse for all kinds of Ghent projects. By closet sales From exhibitions to everything, RAY offers everything. Culinary-wise, you can join them on weekends for themed events like oyster weekends or pizza slice brunches. You can also always enjoy a delicious cocktail (or soft drink). The look? A stunning piece of steel, crystal-clear windows, pale pink lighting, lots of plants, and an industrial interior. Because it's entirely made of glass, you can peer outside with an alcoholic drink in hand. Plus, the kids can easily join you while you're hanging out at the bar: there's an indoor playground, completely in keeping with the style. Woohoo!
All day our favorite meal of the day Want to order? You can at Luv L'oeuf in Ghent. At Luv L'oeuf, it's breakfast time all day long. Until 17.00 p.m. Here you can brave your hangover in style, enjoy brunch in the afternoon, or take your new flame along for one early date. Reservations aren't available at this hugely popular breakfast spot, and there's a line every day, so be prepared for that. The reason? Crazy and photogenic (after all, the eye wants something too) dishes, which are also delicious. As the name suggests, they have a preference for eggs here (biobeauties from good-natured chickens): from eggs benedict to classics Like French toast. With a twist. Even if you're not an egg lover, or for the vegans among us, the choice is plentiful. Settle into a velvet chair behind the breakfast bar by the large window, go for a Boozy Breakfast with a Belinni or Mimosa, and let those weekend vibes flow. kick in.
Early appetite? They have delicious ones at these places coffee, breakfast and lunch.
One of the most popular restaurants in Ghent. That must be restaurant Heritage are. A pearl. Hidden in the historic heart of Ghent, the Patershol: that is where you will find Heritage. It is a restaurant for the gourmets among us, although secretly we all are, right? So go: make that reservation! And thank us later. Restaurant Heritage is run by a young female chef. Originally from Germany, she traveled through Peru and France, working in two Michelin-starred restaurants, and fell head over heels for the ever-charming Belgium. She opened this restaurant and gave it a Latin American menu; a bull's-eye. To be fair, the interior isn't exactly the most stylish, and a dimmer on the lights wouldn't be amiss... But it is charming and warm. More importantly, the hospitality is... on, the food is delicious and oh boy, the accompanying wines are heavenly.
When Italian restaurant Per Bacco you're in the right place if you fancy a wonderful Italian evening (because: always good) with a nice natural wine. In addition to the truly delicious main courses, there are also delicious antipasti bites: if you already have dinner plans but still want a snack with good wine, then Per Bacco is the perfect place for you. After all: a little city trip is a treat, isn't it? You'll get through it all again soon. Also nice: as befits any Italian, they pull out all the stops when the weather is nice. Then the terrace is unlocked and there it is instant holiday vibes galore.
Perhaps one of the youngest catering establishments in Ghent, but still one of the most popular in the city. Not surprising: we don't know where to start when it comes to praising restaurant the Kruidtuin.
Everything is perfect, both front and back, at De Kruidtuin. The staff is skilled and knowledgeable about food, wine, and how to pamper their guests – everything. The cuisine is refined, with vegetables and, as the name suggests, herbs taking center stage. You can choose from a wide range of dishes. a la carte menu, but there are also selected three- and four-course menus (and yes, we can definitely recommend them). Simple interior, but warm and cozy at the same time. In short: De Kruidtuin restaurant is the perfect place for an evening out in this cozy city. Also open for lunch!
Opened in May 2018 and since then a favorite with lovers of the best BBQ: Skirt. The Texan BBQ restaurant is located in Hall 16, the place to be for foodies in the former transformer hall at Dok Noord. Actually it is The concept of barbecue is even an understatement because the meat is allowed to cook for up to fifteen hours in the oven smokerNot a carnivore? Then there are the delicious fish dishes in collaboration with North Sea Chefs and a range of creative vegetable dishes. It's a bit of a detour, but hey, you gotta earn your brisket and ribs! In the same hall, you'll also find TØAST, the Tuscan cuisine of Officina Raffaelli, and the city brewery DOK. black!
The best Italian in Ghent? That just might be the case Otium could be. This gem is located on the Ajuinlei (what's in a name) and is a traditional Italian tavernNo pizza or osso bucco on the menu. What you do find are delicious antipasti, fresh pastas, and tasty cuts of meat and fish. If pasta carbonara is on the menu, you simply have to order it (trust us!). The house specialty is piadina, an Italian flatbread with toppings like grilled zucchini and mortadella. The cozy interior and open kitchen create a relaxed atmosphere, though the extensive wine list might also have something to do with that. Buon appetito!
If you are looking for a cozy place in Ghent for the end of the day with a good drink, then you should go to Noble rot are. Edelrot Natural Wine bar & Shop to be precise. This Ghent wine shop has a small number of tables (so be on time!) and is a wonderful hangout for after a day of exploring and relaxing while enjoying a (very tasty) alcoholic drink.
The shop is also very attractive: a colorful display with labels in every color of the rainbow. The knowledgeable staff aims to offer something for everyone, wine-wise, depending on your preferences.
Griet and Michiel scoured almost half of Europe in search of the dream location for their restaurant, but six months later they concluded that nowhere is better than in their hometown of Ghent. They opened their restaurant on Mageleinstraat in Ghent. A strong menu full of Belgian classics and service with a personal touch. touch – we are fans!
With Juice go Griet and Michiel back to the basics and they consciously choose not to surf the trend of concept restaurants. They do business from a strong desire for authenticity and this is reflected in Jus down to the smallest details. The couple does everything themselves and works without additional staff. An authentic, personal approach is central to Jus and we can only applaud that at Team Bart. Jus is located in the historic center of Ghent, within walking distance of Kouter, Korenmarkt and Sint-Baafsplein.
Oh wonderful, a place that doesn't make things more difficult than necessary. At Bar Jan Cremer On a summer day, Ghent's Kramersplein is a great place to relax on the beach chairs haphazardly parked out front. Beer, a bowl of nuts, sun on your face, and you're all set.
Pure, no-nonsense and delicious food in Ghent? Then it is Roots restaurant an absolute must. The restaurant has been around since 2016, but is still a relatively undiscovered gem in the Artevelde city. Roots is a small-scale restaurant with room for only twenty covers. To further enhance that casual atmosphere, you will not find the cutlery on the table, but in a drawer, just like at home. The bottle of wine simply remains on the table so that you can pour it yourself (we like!) and the menu hangs on a hook. An authentic stone floor and wooden school chairs make things even warmer. And more fun. At Roots restaurant in Ghent they play an 'open card' and the chefs work with a fixed menu both in the afternoon and in the evening. Under the motto “back to the roots” local and honest products are central. Fish from the North Sea, meat from local farmers and vegetables from West Flemish organic farmers Le Monde Des Mille Couleurs. The cuisine is gastronomic, of course, but in a delicious no-nonsense and accessible way.
Goosey-gander, a business that was already ahead with 5 points before it was even open because of the proven services of the owners in the same city: cocktail bars Jigger's en Ponies (now closed) are from the same owners. Ganzerik is very different again, namely a daytime thing. No difficult hassle, fortunately the men are not into that, but a down-to-earth beer pub (with twelve taps), and a cozy dining tent with a typical menu. Flemish fareDuring the week (only open in the evenings), from 5 pm, but on Saturdays from 9:30 am.
You'd think you could just pop in every few meters in Burgundian Ghent for a cozy lunch with a drink. Wrong. That is, it's there, but you'll have to be willing to settle for the many somewhat touristy restaurants. Want something fancy, modern, and with a glass of wine? Then we'd recommend the evening. Fancy, modern, healthy, and non-alcoholic, of course, like at the fine RamenNoodles, then, in a small and cozy shop. Be warned: trendy Ghent has discovered Ramen, so you'll often have to fight for a spot. However, the turnover is fast, so just a short wait and you'll snag a delicious spot.
This Ghent speakeasy bar Jiggers is a well-known name in the city. You can drink delicious cocktails here that the bartenders are happy to make for you and bar bites order it with it. Interested in learning for yourself? shakeThey've also come up with some great workshops for this.
Somewhere between Ghent and Bruges opened Maison D its doors, a high-class restaurant in an old doctor's house. A little bit posh but hey, that's allowed in Belgium. And so tasty!
Glorious meatballs that sometimes have a lot to do with an old-fashioned meatball, and even more often, nothing at all. The Flemish Wim Dr. puts all sorts of things in it, and that makes Balls & Glory a favorite of many. Also check the site if you are still looking for a meatball recipe and try at home.
Restaurant Freedom is a favorite with Ghent foodies and often fully booked almost every (weekend) evening for weeks on end. This is mainly due to the renowned chef, who has a long and distinguished reputation in Belgium and beyond. The restaurant has since earned two Michelin stars. The restaurant has an authentic atmosphere, the tables are beautifully set, the service attentive, and the prices as you would expect. For true connoisseurs, in other words.
Coffee Labath is a cozy coffee shop in the center of Ghent where the breakfast is good, but the service is perhaps even better.
Bar Bricolage is a pop-up summer spot in the spirit of Hanneke's Boom. Using repurposed materials, a creative space has been created on Chinastraat, tucked away between the docks and the industrial estate. The team at Bar Bricolage bakes delicious pizzas, and you'll never order just one drink here.
Bar Bricolage was a project of the Ghent cult organization totum that turns neglected and undiscovered locations into places where you, well, just want to go. Keep a close eye on the site for opening hours and events.
This wine bar with a twist is a home away from home for every wine lover. The team at Ona serves authentic wines crafted by small farmers with a great passion for their craft. Meanwhile, you can visit their two Ghent locations, as this wine bar is a favorite among many bon vivants. Plus, you can also sample high-quality, alcohol-free alternatives.
At the colorful Steam Windows Come join us for the tastiest dumplings and buns. Perfect for a quick lunch between shopping trips. The dumplings are served at the table, accompanied by delicious Side like the seaweed salad or steamed bok choy. Leave that one windows but evaporate. There are also excellent vegan options to try!
Take Five Espresso Bar is very popular among Ghent residents. And the quality of the coffee undoubtedly has something to do with that. There are already two locations in Ghent. Not really a coffee lover? Then just order the Ginger Time or fresh hot chocolate. Each one is a warm bath of coziness to sip down. In Voldersstraat, you can get breakfast with your coffee or tea, and in Huidevettershoek, you can also enjoy lunch. Both locations always have delicious pastries to indulge in. The atmosphere is always warm and inviting.
Aperto Chiuso is a smaller, characterful Italian restaurant that you would like to reserve (by phone only) for a datenight. It's one of those restaurants that makes you feel like you're in Italy for one evening. Tasty plates, a cozy setting with a long wooden table where you can see people enjoying a wonderful evening out.
At Meme Gusta Nele and Jan serve Flemish classics. This friendly couple opened a spot on Burgstraat where you can enjoy pure, Flemish cuisine from your grandmother's time. Dine in a cozy, vintage setting. They were also voted "Ghent's most child-friendly restaurant" by the children themselves on the "Gent Smaakt!" (Ghent Tastes!) menu. The menu features dishes like beef stew (also available in vegetarian and gluten-free versions), queen's snack, roast beef, and eel in green sauce. You'll receive exceptionally friendly service here; the team simply radiates warmth. Don't forget the delicious profiteroles to round off your meal!
In the bar and restaurant of Yalo hotel you order bar bites, little one sharing plates or classics with a twist. Besides the hotel guests are too foodies, locals Day trippers are welcome 7 days a week. You'll be at Yalo Hotel from breakfast to your last drink of the evening, and everything in between. Depending on the weather, they also open their rooftop bar with spectacular views. This design hotel is located on Brabantdam, a street where you can also shop locally – a great combination.
At Van der Valk Ghent join us in-houserestaurants Limoncello for a cozy evening full of Italian pasta, wine and sweet, Even if you're not a hotel guest, the open kitchen brings the atmosphere and the Italian dishes to life.
For a live-cooking breakfast you just have to enter Restaurant Cocotte To appear. Enjoy breakfast here in style, with a super extensive buffet. Pancakes, traditional English breakfast dishes, baked rolls – it's all there.
