Any trip to Belgium should be filled with food adventures— Belgian food is surprisingly delightful! I think Belgium is one of the most underrated foodie destinations in Europe. There are many different influences on Belgian cuisine, like French, Flemish, and Central African, which create this unique fusion cuisine that is distinct. Living in nearby Cologne, Germany, I love taking the train to Belgium for little weekend foodie jaunts. Ghent is one of my favorite places in Belgium, and I have visited a couple of times!

Ghent might just be Belgium’s most underrated food city — and I’m here to blow the lid off that secret.

In this blog post, I am highlighting local restaurants and bars for foodie travelers to enjoy during a visit to Ghent. Located in the heart of the Flanders, you will find comforting Flemish specialties in Ghent, some of which you’ve maybe never heard of. Rich fish stews and cured meats are only the beginning! Additionally, foodies can discover exciting global cuisine, veggie forward menus, and the freshest seafood you could want in Ghent.

Foodie's Guide to the Best Restaurants & Bars in Ghent

Breakfast & Coffee

Way Specialty Coffee Roasters

Way isn’t just a café — it’s a temple for coffee lovers. There is a large counter for espresso and coffee service, but you’ll also find a complete coffee store in the back selling all the extras you need for a home barista set up. These folks roast their own beans right in Ghent, and the quality shines through in every balanced, beautifully extracted sip. Try a pour-over with their seasonal single origin or a rich, creamy flat white if you’re feeling classic. 

• Address: Voldersstraat 58, 9000 Gent, Belgium
• Website: https://www.way.gent/

Kultur Bakery

Located directly next store to Take Five, Kultur Bakery is a logical place to grab a small croissant or baked treat after sipping down a perfect espresso. It doesn't hurt that it is also delicious bread. They specialize in sourdough loafs, but there are plenty of snackables too. There are even vegan baked goods, like a vegan croissant or pastry.

• Address: Voldersstraat 8
• Website: http://kultur-gent.com/

Take Five Espresso Bar

Offering what is truly the best espresso in Ghent (and maybe all of Belgium), Take Five is a must-visit coffee shop in my opinion. I went back three days in a row! It’s just that good. The minimalist space has colorful accents and friendly baristas that welcome you into the coffee shop. It feels comfortable here. There is a street side patio that regularly has customers sitting outside sipping their caffeinated delights.

• Address: Voldersstraat 10
• Website: http://www.take-five-espressobar.be/

Mokabon

This old school Italian coffee bar feels like a hidden local gem. You can see regulars sipping espresso and reading the paper. Stark red walls, schoolhouse pendant lighting and a massive Italian espresso machine all accentuate the vintage charm. I was especially impressed with the visual espresso menu that explains with little pictograms over 20 different espresso drinks, all of which are available to order.

• Address: Donkersteeg 35
• Website: http://www.mokabon.be/

Lunch & Fast Casual

Frites Atelier

Frites Atelier is what happens when Belgian fries get the gourmet treatment — and honestly, I’m here for it. Let’s just say it straight–these aren’t traditional Belgian frites. This upscale fry shop is the brainchild of Michelin-starred chef Sergio Herman, and you can taste that pedigree in every golden, double-fried bite. The sauces? Outrageously good. The toppings? Creative without being gimmicky. There was a long line when we went, but it moved quickly and it was WELL worth it. 

• Address: Groentenmarkt 20, 9000 Gent, Belgium
• Website: https://fritesatelier.com/

Knees to Chin

For cheap and cheerful quick bites, Knees to Chin is a great option. Light, fresh, and packed with flavor, this modern Vietnamese restaurant specializes in rice paper rolls, stuffed with everything from crispy tofu to lemongrass chicken. My favorite part is the plate of sauces that comes alongside the rolls. Pick your protein, dunk in funky sauces, repeat. You can mix and match between different rolls and sauces to create your own custom flavors! It’s healthy-ish, fast, and absolutely addictive.

• Address: Voldersstraat 11, 9000 Gent, Belgium
• Website: http://www.kneestochin.com/

Otomat

For a vibey place just steps from Ghent’s major attractions, Otomat is a Belgian pizza chain with a couple locations around the county. The fast-casual (but huge) multi-story restaurant offers artisanal wood-fired pizza with red sauce or white sauce options. Gourmet ingredients and unique flavor combinations make this affordable lunch option feel luxurious. You can also get pizza to go if you are tempted to eat your slices outside along the canal.

• Address: Vismarkt 3
• Website: https://otomat.be/

't Galgenhuis

Sample a variety of local cheeses and charcuterie at this deli with a bustling atmosphere on one of Ghent’s liveliest market squares. You can choose your own plate or go with one of the preset charcuterie plates. I really liked that Groot Vleeshuis/'t Galgenhuis offers options that specialize in local and traditional Belgian ingredients. There is a large outdoor terrace if the weather is good. It is an ideal place for people watching.

• Address: Groentenmarkt 7
• Website: https://www.grootvleeshuis.be/restaurant/

Dinner

Pakhuis

With the most gorgeous interior in Ghent, Pakhuis offers an atmospheric dining experience built inside a renovated warehouse. The towering two story dining room with full glass ceiling was designed by a Portuguese architect. You can feel the attention to detail, which really sets the stage of the refined and delicate menu to come. The kitchen crafts traditional Belgian brasserie food with a sophisticated and seasonal touch. Think fresh catch-of-the-day over a bed of tender asparagus, or a goat cheese salad with strawberries, hazelnuts and a rhubarb vinaigrette.

• Address: Schuurkenstraat 4
• Website: http://www.pakhuis.be/

Roots

The cutest little interior courtyard and understated dining room hides behind a simple historic facade in Ghent’s oldest neighborhood. Roots is one of the best affordable fine dining restaurants in Ghent. Their seasonal farm-to-table menu changes throughout the year, but always keeps a large focus on seafood and vegetarian dishes. You’ll have the option to do a 3 or 4 course tasting menu for either lunch or dinner. The staff is truly kind, willing to answer all of your questions about unfamiliar ingredients or make suggestions for the perfect wine pairing. With a casual atmosphere and delicious food, this is a lovely place to enjoy a meal.

• Address: Vrouwebroersstraat 5 
• Website: https://www.rootsgent.be/

Oak

If you want a Michelin star meal during your time in Ghent, look no further than Oak. This highly regarded restaurant offers upscale cuisine in an approachable, romantic, and warm atmosphere. You’ll have the option to select a 5, 6 or 7 course tasting menu with corresponding prices and wine pairings. The food is impeccable and the plating is stunning. The neighborhood surrounding the restaurant feels like a local area as well! 

• Address: Hoogstraat 167
• Website: http://www.oakgent.be/

Mémé Gusta

Traditional Flemish cuisine is the star of the show at Meme Gusta. This rowdy restaurant feels like you are dining in someone’s house and that is exactly the point – the chef pulls inspiration from his grandmother’s recipes. The pure vintage vibes here are just my favorite. The food is unpretentious and absolutely delicious. They are most well-known for the Meme Gusta stew. I think this is a must-try dish on your first visit. It is a pork cheek stew made with vegetables and a rich brown sauce, paired with frites and salad. You will not be disappointed.

• Address: Burgstraat 19 
• Website: https://www.meme-gusta.be/

Astro Boy

Slightly off the beaten path, Astro Boy is a futuristic little izakaya bursting with style & flavor. I really enjoyed this meal! Because I went with my family, the server recommended that we order the ENTIRE menu to share. And we did! I really enjoyed the diversity of dishes on the menu, many of which were vegetarian. The menu leans Asian fusion street food—think kimchi butter corn on the cob, braised Japanese cabbage over miso puree, and charred broccolini. You’ll probably need a reservation in advance, since it is small and popular with locals.

• Address: Kongostraat 2, 9000 Gent, Belgium
• Website: http://www.astroboy.be/ 

Beer Bars

Dulle Griet

My husband Sam has been wanting to come to this iconic Ghent bar for a few years now. He was SO excited when we finally made it happen on our last visit. Dulle Griet is a historic tavern boasting one of the largest beer menus in the country — we’re talking over 500 brews. From funky lambics to Trappist classics, you're bound to discover something new. If you aren't familiar with Belgian beers, my beer snob husband has written a comprehensive Belgian beer guide to help you find your new favorite beer style.

The most iconic order at Dulle Griet though? The 1.2 liter “Max van het Huis” beer. If you order this, you’ll be asked to hand over your shoe as collateral for the oversized glass which is worth nearly 100 euros! You can watch your shoe be hoisted up to the ceiling in a small basket. Yes, this is a real thing. A touristy gimmick? Sure. But it’s also weirdly fun and entirely Ghent.

• Address: Vrijdagmarkt 50, 9000 Gent, Belgium
• Website: http://www.dullegriet.be/

Trollekelder

Offering a selection of over 200 Belgian beers, Trollekelder is the perfect pub to bring a beer lover. My father in law was obsessed with this place, and we had more than our fair share of brews sitting on their terrace. The menu is divided by style of beer, ranging from tripels and quads to lambics and fruit beers. There is a Belgian beer for everyone here! The wood-clad interior and funky troll themed decor adds that layer of funkiness that you expect from an authentic local place. There is a sizable patio in front under the shadow of the St. Jacob’s Church. Trollekelder was recommended to us by a local expert, and it did not disappoint.

• Address: Walter De Buckplein 4
• Website: https://www.trollekelder.be/

Dock Brewing

Ghent has plenty of local watering holes to explore, but I recommend making the slightly out of the way journey out to Hal 16. Located about 10 minutes north of the city center, this is an innovative redevelopment project in Ghent’s harbor area. Built into an old warehouse, Dok Brewing Company is a creative microbrewery that blends contemporary and classic styles of brewing to craft unique Belgian beers on their 30 different taps. We had a lovely afternoon sitting on the sun filled patio sampling a variety of different brews!

• Address: Dok-Noord 4B
• Website: https://www.dokbrewingcompany.be/

Cocktail Bars

The Cobbler

Housed inside the 1898 Post Hotel in the heart of downtown Ghent, this upscale cocktail bar feels like walking into a rich person’s private bar. The decor is impeccable, the sunset views over the canal are unparalleled, and their drinks are top notch. Many of their cocktails feature an ingredient I wasn’t familiar with — jenever – a juniper brandy traditional from Belgium. As I learned, Jenever pairs nicely with a number of traditional cocktails like Old Fashioneds or Gin and Tonics. The price tag for cocktails at the Cobber is steep, but worth it.

• Address: Graslei 16
• Website: https://instagram.com/thecobblerghent

Jigger’s

Housed in a low-lit, almost-secret space with vintage vibes and apothecary details, this award-winning cocktail spot is serious about mixology. The bartenders use foraged herbs, house infusions, and wild creativity to build drinks that feel like tiny culinary adventures. The menu changes frequently to incorporate the best seasonal ingredients. If you aren’t sure what to order, tell the bartender your mood or favorite spirit, and they’ll craft something bespoke and mind-blowing. It’s intimate, unexpected, and easily one of the most memorable bar experiences in Belgium.

• Address: Oudburg 16, 9000 Gent, Belgium
• Website: https://www.jiggers.be/

This post was originally published in July 2022 and updated in July 2025 after a return visit to Ghent.

Do you have any questions about dining in Ghent? Comment below and I can help!