Exploring the Best Places to Eat in Ghent

Ghent is a charming city situated in the Flemish region of Belgium. With its stunning architecture, winding canals, and cobbled streets, there’s no doubt that Ghent is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. But the city also has a wide variety of delicious restaurants and eateries to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Belgian meal, a gourmet dinner, or a quick bite on the go, Ghent has something to offer. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to eat in Ghent.

Traditional Belgian Eats

If you’re looking for a classic Belgian meal, look no further than the city’s many restaurants serving traditional dishes. You can find a range of Belgian favorites, from moules frites (mussels and fries) to carbonnades flamandes (beef stew) to stoemp (mashed potatoes with vegetables). And be sure to try some of the local beers, such as Duvel or Leffe.

One of the best traditional Belgian restaurants in Ghent is De Dulle Griet. Located in the city center, this restaurant serves up a variety of hearty Belgian dishes, all made with fresh, local ingredients. The menu features classic dishes like waterzooi (a creamy fish stew), as well as more inventive takes on traditional recipes. The restaurant also offers a range of Belgian beers and wines, and has a cozy atmosphere for a relaxing evening.

Another great option for traditional Belgian food is De Vrienden van Jacob. Located in the heart of the Patershol neighborhood, this restaurant serves up some of the best moules frites in Ghent. The restaurant has a cozy, casual atmosphere, and the friendly staff will be happy to help you find the perfect dish. The menu also has a range of Belgian beers and wines to accompany your meal.

Gourmet Cuisine

If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, Ghent has plenty of gourmet restaurants to choose from. Many of these restaurants focus on modern European cuisine, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. There are also a number of restaurants which specialize in unique fusion dishes, combining flavors from around the world. Here are some of the best gourmet restaurants in Ghent.

One of the most popular gourmet restaurants in Ghent is De Noordzee. Located in the center of the city, this restaurant serves up some of the best seafood in the city. The menu features a range of dishes, from classic Belgian seafood dishes to more creative, modern creations. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, featuring both local and international wines.

Another excellent option for gourmet cuisine is Den Gouden Harynck. This restaurant specializes in modern Belgian cuisine, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu features a range of inventive dishes, from creamy risottos to perfectly cooked steaks. The restaurant also has a wide selection of Belgian beers and wines to accompany your meal.

Finally, for a truly unique dining experience, check out Droomzicht. This restaurant specializes in modern fusion cuisine, combining flavors from around the world. The menu features a range of inventive dishes, such as pork belly with Asian-style glaze, or beef tartare with a Mexican twist. The restaurant also has a great selection of wines and beers to accompany your meal.

Street Food

If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal on the go, Ghent has plenty of street food to choose from. From falafel and kebabs to waffles and fries, there’s something to satisfy every craving. And with so many street food stands located around the city, you won’t have to search far to find something delicious.

One of the best places for street food in Ghent is Bia Mara. This popular restaurant is located in the center of the city, and is known for its freshly made falafel. The menu also features a range of salads, sandwiches, and sides. The restaurant also has a range of drinks to accompany your meal.

Another great option for street food is Mano’s Wafels. Located in the heart of the Patershol neighborhood, this eatery serves up some of the best waffles in the city. The menu features classic Belgian waffles, as well as more creative, modern creations. The restaurant also has a range of drinks to accompany your meal.

Finally, for a truly unique street food experience, check out La Boulette. This eatery specializes in gourmet burgers, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu features a range of inventive burgers, from classic cheeseburgers to veggie burgers. The restaurant also has a great selection of drinks to accompany your meal.

Vegetarian and Vegan Eats

Ghent is a great city for vegetarians and vegans, with plenty of restaurants offering delicious meat-free meals. From vegan burgers to vegetarian pastas, there’s something to satisfy every taste. Here are some of the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Ghent.

One of the most popular vegetarian restaurants in Ghent is De Vegetarische Slager. This restaurant specializes in vegan and vegetarian versions of classic meat dishes. The menu features a range of creative dishes, from vegan burgers to vegetarian pastas. The restaurant also has a great selection of drinks to accompany your meal.

Another excellent option for vegetarian and vegan cuisine is De Koolzaak. Located in the heart of the city, this restaurant serves up some of the best vegan food in Ghent. The menu features a range of inventive dishes, from vegan pizzas to seitan steaks. The restaurant also has a great selection of drinks to accompany your meal.

Finally, for a truly unique vegan experience, check out De Brouwerij. This restaurant specializes in vegan beers, made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu features a range of inventive beers, from dark ales to light lagers. The restaurant also has a great selection of vegan snacks to accompany your beer.

Cafes and Bakeries

Ghent is home to a wide variety of cafes and bakeries, where you can relax with a cup of coffee or indulge in some delicious pastries. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cafe or a bustling bakery, there’s something to suit every taste. Here are some of the best cafes and bakeries in Ghent.

One of the most popular cafes in Ghent is ‘t Keldertje. Located in the center of the city, this cafe serves up some of the best coffee in Ghent. The menu also features a range of pastries, cakes, and other sweet treats. The cafe also has a great selection of beers and wines to accompany your coffee.

Another great option for coffee and pastries is Bij de Koffie. This cafe is located in the heart of the Patershol neighborhood, and is known for its freshly baked pastries. The menu features a range of sweet treats, from croissants to cakes. The cafe also offers a range of coffees, teas, and other hot drinks.

Finally, for a truly unique bakery experience, check out Brood & Banket. This bakery specializes in artisanal breads and pastries, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu features a range of inventive breads and pastries, from sourdough loaves to croissants. The bakery also has a great selection of coffees and teas to accompany your meal.

International Cuisine

Ghent is home to a wide variety of international restaurants, serving up cuisines from around the world. Whether you’re looking for a taste of Italy, the spice of India, or the flavors of Asia, there’s something to suit every palate. Here are some of the best international restaurants in Ghent.

One of the most popular international restaurants in Ghent is La Mamma. This restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu features a range of classic Italian dishes, from pizzas to pastas. The restaurant also has a great selection of wines and beers to accompany your meal.

Another excellent option for international cuisine is Maharaja. This restaurant specializes in Indian cuisine, with a focus on traditional flavors and cooking techniques. The menu features a range of classic dishes, from curries to tandoori. The restaurant also has a great selection of wines and beers to accompany your meal.

Finally, for a truly unique dining experience, check out Asia Food. This restaurant specializes in Asian fusion cuisine, combining flavors from around the world. The menu features a range of inventive dishes, from sushi to stir-fries. The restaurant also has a great selection of wines and beers to accompany your meal.

Food Markets

If you’re looking for fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Ghent has plenty of food markets to choose from. From farmers’ markets to fish markets, there’s something to suit every taste. Here are some of the best food markets in Ghent.

One of the most popular food markets in Ghent is De Vrijdagmarkt. This market is located in the city center, and is known for its fresh produce and local specialties. The market features a range of vendors, from farmers selling fresh produce to fishmongers offering the catch of the day. The market also has a great selection of snacks and drinks to enjoy while you shop.

Another great option for food markets is De Zondagmarkt. Located in the heart of the Patershol neighborhood, this market is known for its selection of artisanal goods and local specialties. The market features a range of vendors, from cheesemongers to chocolatiers, offering a wide variety of delicious treats. The market also has a great selection of snacks and drinks to enjoy while you shop.

Finally, for a truly unique food market experience, check out De Donderdagmarkt. This market specializes in organic food, with a focus on local producers and sustainable farming practices. The market features a range of vendors offering fresh produce, as well as a range of artisanal goods. The market also has a great selection of snacks and drinks to enjoy while you shop.

Bars and Pubs

Ghent is also home to a wide variety of bars and pubs, where you can sample some of the city’s best beers and wines. Whether you’re looking for a cozy pub or a lively bar, there’s something to suit every taste. Here are some of the best bars and pubs in Ghent.

One of the most popular bars in Ghent is De Dulle Griet. Located in the center of the city, this bar is known for its selection of Belgian beers and wines. The bar also features a range of snacks and small plates, perfect for sharing with friends. The bar also has a great selection of live music and DJs throughout the week.

Another great option for bars and pubs is De Witte Leeuw. This bar is located in the heart of the Patershol neighborhood, and is known for its selection of Belgian beers and ciders. The bar also features a range of snacks and small plates, perfect for a light meal. The bar also has a great selection of live music and DJs throughout the week.

Finally, for a truly unique bar experience, check out De Gouden Boom. This bar specializes in craft cocktails, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu features a range of inventive cocktails, from classic favorites to modern creations. The bar also has a great selection of snacks and small plates, perfect for a light meal.

Conclusion

Ghent is a city with something for everyone. From traditional Belgian eats to gourmet cuisine, from street food to vegetarian and vegan options, there’s no shortage of delicious restaurants and eateries to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cafe or a lively bar, Ghent has something to offer. So what are you waiting for? Explore the best places to eat in Ghent today!