If you follow me on Instagram, you have probably already noticed that Ghent has a special place in my heart. I keep posting shots of the canals, the castle, and yes, the food. Ghent is quietly one of the best cities in Belgium for eating out, and my complete Ghent city guide will tell you everything else you need to know. But this list? This is just about the restaurants in Ghent that I keep going back to.

Updated in 2026

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Best restaurants in Ghent

Ghent has one of the most exciting food scenes in Belgium, and its vibrant culinary landscape is shaped by its unique position in Europe and the historic region of Flanders. As a city at the heart of Flanders, Ghent reflects the region’s rich history, cultural diversity, and renowned gastronomy, making it a standout destination for food lovers across Europe.

The city restaurants offer a diverse dining scene, ranging from traditional Flemish comfort food served in historic brasseries to contemporary spots specializing in local delicacies and international cuisines. The city’s food culture has evolved over centuries, influenced by its historical significance as a trading hub at the confluence of the Scheldt and Lys rivers, which brought a wealth of goods and culinary influences into Ghent.

Ghent is also known for its Flemish comfort food, and no visit is complete without trying Belgian fries. Belgium has the highest fries consumption per capita in the world, and Ghent takes the dish seriously: thick-cut, properly fried and served with sauces that go well beyond ketchup. The city also has the highest percentage of vegetarians and vegans in the country, which means creative plant-based cooking sits comfortably alongside the classic Flemish dishes. Below are my 13 favorites, from a two-star Michelin table to the best fries you will ever eat.

Fine dining restaurants in Ghent

Ghent is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants, including Vrijmoed, Oak, and Publiek, each offering a distinct fine dining experience. These are the restaurants to book for a proper evening out. All three have Michelin recognition, and all three are very different experiences. Reserve well in advance.

1. Publiek | Ham 39
Casual, informal and affordable, and yet it holds a Michelin star. A five-course dinner runs around 75 euros, and the G&Ts are actually dangerous. Go for the tasting menu and stay for one more drink. You have been warned.
http://www.publiekgent.be

2. Vrijmoed | Vlaanderenstraat 22
Two Michelin stars, and possibly the most creative kitchen in Ghent. Chef Michael Vrijmoed is obsessed with vegetables in the best possible way; his vegetarian tasting menu called Purs is the one to order. Expect unexpected combinations like pasta with sea buckthorn and razor clams, and a spinach-based dessert that will actually convince you. Tables are hard to get, so book well ahead.
http://www.vrijmoed.be

3. Oak | Hoogstraat 167
You cannot order a la carte here, but a tasting menu of five, six or seven courses is the format. Chef Marcelo Ballardin runs a kitchen of only 24 seats, which means the experience is personal and the quality never slips. One of the culinary highlights of Ghent, full stop.
http://www.oakgent.be

Casual restaurants in Ghent: brasseries, pizza and gourmet fries

Not every meal in Ghent needs to be a tasting menu. These spots are the ones to go to when you want good food without a dress code.

4. Pakhuis | Schuurkenstraat 4
Set inside a converted 19th-century warehouse, Pakhuis is one of those restaurants where the interior makes you stop talking for a second when you walk in. The focus is on seafood: oysters, mussels, shrimp croquettes, and lobster when you are feeling fancy. Go for lunch on a weekday and you may not even need a reservation; go on a Saturday evening and book far in advance. Either way, the space alone is worth it.
http://www.pakhuis.be

5. Frites Atelier | Vrijdagmarkt 10
Frites Atelier, created by Michelin-starred chef Sergio Herman, elevates the Belgian fries experience in Ghent. Here, Belgian fries are made from carefully selected potatoes, fried in high-quality oil, and served with gourmet toppings and unique handcrafted sauces that go far beyond the usual squeeze bottle fare. This spot is a must-visit for fry enthusiasts and anyone curious about the cultural icon that is Belgian fries. A queue is normal, especially on weekends. It moves fast. Pro tip: order the beef stew on top.

Photos above: Restaurant Volta / Restaurants in Ghent

6. Otomat | Nederkouter 1
Otomat is a Belgian pizza chain known for its artisanal wood-fired pizzas and unique flavor combinations, making it a popular casual dining option in Ghent. Expect inventive toppings and a lively, relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for sharing a meal with friends.

7. Knees to Chin | Vlaanderenstraat 120
Knees to Chin is a modern Vietnamese restaurant specializing in customizable rice paper rolls. Mix and match different proteins and sauces for a fresh, healthy, and personalized dining experience.

Restaurants in Ghent with a view

8. Volta | Nieuwewandeling 2
A quiet location in a park, with friendly service, good cocktails and creative dishes that surprise without showing off.Volta sits just steps from a charming bridge, adding to the tranquil ambiance and offering a scenic view as you dine, especially if you book a table outside on a sunny day.
http://www.voltagent.be

9. Eat Love Pizza | Ajuinlei 10
Thin, crispy pizzas made with local, organic produce. Located on the lively Ajuinlei street, Eat Love Pizza offers a vibrant street-side setting perfect for people-watching and soaking up the local vibe. In the back of the restaurant, through a hidden door, you find Eat Love Lasagna, with its own entrance at Onderbergen 25, for anyone who has strong opinions about pasta. Love at first bite, and great for a casual evening.
http://www.eatlove.be

For the best places to sleep, check my guide to the best boutique hotels in Ghent.

Foodstorms / Restaurants in Ghent

Vegetarian restaurants in Ghent

10. Foodstorms | Sint-Jacobsnieuwstraat 103
Creative owner Kevin Storms is a vegetarian mastermind. The lunch at his restaurant is inventive, fresh and nothing like the sad salad you might fear when you hear “vegetarian.” Keep an eye on his social media for new concepts and pop-ups.
http://www.foodstorms.be

BOOK: BELGIAN CHOCOLATE WALKING TOUR

Classic Flemish restaurants in Ghent

These classic Flemish restaurants are a special place for anyone seeking traditional cuisine in Flanders. Ghent’s food scene is deeply rooted in the region’s history, where traditional Flemish cuisine remains popular. Dishes like stoverij (beef stew cooked in beer), Gentse Waterzooi (a creamy chicken or fish stew), and various preparations of mussels are central to the local food culture.

11. Den Baudelo | Bibliotheekstraat 2-10
The food hall of Ghent, located inside a 16th-century chapel. Mexican, Indian, Italian and more, all under one spectacular roof. Do not leave without checking the stained glass window; there is an image in there that has no business being in a chapel.

BOOK: GUIDED CITY TOUR WITH FOOD TASTINGS

12. Mémé Gusta | Burgstraat 19
Mémé Gusta specializes in traditional Flemish cuisine in a cozy, vintage setting, focusing on unpretentious dishes inspired by family recipes. Their famous pork cheek stew and classic Flemish beef stew (stoverij) are must-tries, and the menu also features comforting Belgian desserts. The Mémé Gusta stew is the one to order on your first visit, and many guests find themselves planning a return visit thanks to the warm atmosphere and satisfying food. It’s a great casual dining option for those wanting to experience the flavors of Flanders. Noisy, cosy, and absolutely no white tablecloths in sight.
http://www.meme-gusta.be

13. De Superette | Guldenspoorstraat 29
Already mentioned in my post about the best brunch spots in Ghent, and for good reason. Chef Kobe Desramaults won the award for best new restaurant concept in Belgium in 2015. The shared dining format, relaxed vibe and distinctly hipster crowd make it one of the most fun evenings in the city. No fancy linens; just good food.
http://www.de-superette.be

Specialty coffee shops in Ghent

Ghent’s specialty coffee scene has quietly become one of the best in Belgium. Way Specialty Coffee Roasters sources top-quality beans from around the world and roasts them right here in the city, which you can taste in every cup. Dees Specialty Coffee is the spot for a quiet morning with a well-made pour-over or latte, while Cherry Picker combines good coffee with a vinyl collection and the kind of atmosphere that makes you stay longer than planned. If good coffee matters to you on a city trip, Ghent will not disappoint.

Bakeries and cafes in Ghent

Ghent takes its baked goods seriously, and the bakeries here are a good reason to get up early. De Superette is the standout: a wood-fired oven, a daily selection of fresh bread, pastries and cakes, and the kind of smell when you walk in that makes every diet decision feel very far away. Kultur Bakery specializes in golden sourdough loaves in a warm, relaxed space that is hard to leave quickly. For chocolate, Sophie’s is a local gem with handmade Belgian truffles that are as good to look at as they are to eat.

Best boutique hotels in Ghent

Finding the right place to stay makes a big difference in Ghent. The city is compact enough to walk everywhere, so location matters. These are the hotels I recommend, including my personal favorite where I always stay.

NH Collection Ghent Belfort

My go-to in Ghent, and for good reason. The hotel is right in the heart of the city, walking distance from all the main sights and restaurants. Rooms are comfortable and well-designed, the staff is helpful, and breakfast is very good. If you want a central, reliable base for exploring Ghent, this is it.
Check rooms and rates at NH Collection Ghent

Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent

Set in an 18th-century mansion, Pillows Reylof has a beautiful courtyard garden and one of the nicest hotel bars in the city. The rooms have a warmth to them that most hotels at this price point manage to miss entirely.
Check rooms and rates at Pillows Ghent

1898 The Post

A former post office turned into one of the most atmospheric hotels in Ghent. The building is spectacular, the rooms are spacious, and the location on Korenmarkt is as central as it gets. Also home to the Porter’s House cocktail bar downstairs, which is worth a visit even if you are not staying here.
Check rooms and rates at 1898 The Post

ONE TWO FOUR Hotel and Spa

A design hotel with a full spa, indoor pool and rooftop terrace. This one is for trips where you want to balance city exploration with proper downtime. A bit further from the old center, but with its own tram stop right outside.
Check rooms and rates at ONE TWO FOUR

ROOMS AND RATES AT THE NH COLLECTION HOTEL

Best things to do in Ghent

Ghent is more than just a long list of restaurants. The city has medieval castles, canal walks, world-class museums and a food market scene that makes Saturday mornings here very hard to leave. The Citycard Ghent gives you unlimited public transport, a free day of bike rental, and entrance to all the top sights. Worth every euro.

Explore Ghent by bike

The flat streets and compact center make Ghent one of the easiest cities to cycle. A guided urban bike tour is the fastest way to get your bearings and find spots you would never stumble upon alone.

BOOK: GUIDED URBAN BIKE TOUR IN GHENT

Food shops and markets in Ghent

Ghent is a dream for food lovers. The weekly Friday market is a city institution, packed with fresh produce, cheeses and baked goods; perfect for assembling a picnic or just eating your way through the stalls. In December, the Christmas Market takes over the city center with seasonal treats, mulled wine and local specialties. For something with more history, the Great Butcher’s Hall showcases regional meats, cheeses and artisanal foods in a medieval setting worth seeing for the building alone.

Visit a local brewery

Belgian beer deserves more than just ordering it at a bar. A brewery tour with a young local guide gives you the full story: the history, the brewing process, and several rounds of tasting that make the walk back to your hotel more of an adventure.

BOOK: BREWERY VISIT AND BEER TASTING

Must-see sights in Ghent

Three things you should not leave Ghent without seeing: the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb in St. Bavo’s Cathedral, the Design Museum, and the Sunday flea market. The 45-minute free boat trip included with the Citycard is also worth doing, especially on a sunny afternoon.

Planning to visit multiple Belgian cities? You can easily reach Ghent, Brussels and Bruges by train. Check routes and book tickets via NS International.

Bars and pubs in Ghent

No trip to Ghent is complete without exploring its legendary bar scene. Ghent’s bar scene is worth staying out late for. ‘t Dreupelkot is an old-school bar with one of the largest jenever selections in Belgium, ranging from classic to genuinely surprising. De Dulle Griet is the spot for beer lovers, with a list that takes a while to read through and a medieval vibe that feels very Ghent. For something more contemporary, The Cobbler inside 1898 The Post serves creative cocktails in a setting that makes a Thursday evening feel like a special occasion.

Restaurants in Ghent: frequently asked questions

What are the best restaurants in Ghent?

For a special dinner,Vrijmoed (two Michelin stars) and Oak (one Michelin star) are the top picks.Both offering top notch cuisine and exceptional service. Roots, located in Ghent’s charming Patershol district, is also highly recommended for its seasonal farm-to-table menu with a focus on seafood and vegetarian dishes, as well as its beautiful interior and inviting courtyard.

For something more casual, Otomat, Eat Love Pizza and Pakhuis are all reliable choices with great atmosphere.

Does Ghent have Michelin star restaurants?

Yes. Vrijmoed holds two Michelin stars and is considered one of the best restaurants in Belgium. Publiek and Oak each hold one star. All three are included in this list, and all three are very different dining experiences.

Is Ghent good for vegetarian food?

Ghent has more vegetarians per capita than any other city in Belgium, so the plant-based scene here is really good. Foodstorms, Vrijmoed’s Purs menu and Den Baudelo food hall all have strong vegetarian options.

Where should I stay in Ghent?

The NH Collection Ghent Belfort is my personal favorite for its central location and reliable quality. For a more boutique experience, 1898 The Post is one of the most atmospheric hotels in the city.

How do I get to Ghent from Brussels or Bruges?

Ghent is very easy to reach by train. Brussels to Ghent takes around 35 minutes; Bruges to Ghent is about 25 minutes. You can compare routes and book tickets via NS International.

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