If you are wondering where to eat in Ghent, you have to take advantage of the delicious local cuisines and visit some of the most inspiring Ghent restaurants.
Food is a great way to be immersed in a culture and Ghent is one of Belgium’s best cities for foodies to visit!
From Michelin star restaurants to artisanal pastries, here are some of my favorite restaurants in Ghent.
A Local’s Guide On Where To Eat In Ghent
As a local, I have had the chance to find all the best restaurants in Ghent!
To make it easier for you to choose, I picked out my favorite spots and listed the highlights of Ghent’s culinary scene.
Suggestions on where to eat in Ghent are provided by Kenny from Wanderlustpulse.
His top tip for visiting it to bring a camera as you’re discovering Ghent.
You’ll walk by a lot of stunning places such as gothic cathedrals and historic monuments where it’s easy to create a unique photograph.
10 Best Restaurants In Ghent
Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links that will cost you nothing extra but offer me a little commission for any purchases made. Thank you so much for your support.
1. Den Baudelo
Address: Beverhoutplein 15, 9000 Gent
This might be one of Ghent’s most trendy food hotspot.
Den Baudelo – also known as “Holy Food Market” – is an old chapel in the heart of the city center that has been transformed into a covered food market where you can eat at various stalls.
From Belgian fries to Italian, Mexican, Portuguese, Indian, and vegetarian cuisines.
2. Volta.
Address: Nieuwewandeling 2B, 9000 Gent
Volta – a restaurant housed in a vast converted turbine hall, within walking distance from the city center.
It was recently proclaimed by The Guardian as one of the best foodie destinations in Ghent.
3. Restaurant Publiek
Address: Ham 39, 9000 Gent
Publiek is a one Michelin star restaurant of chef Olly Ceulenaere, located near the Baudelopark in Ghent.
Restaurant Publiek and Olly Ceulenaere are known for their surprising combinations and original flavors.
The kitchen is right in the center of the restaurant, so book a table with a view of the kitchen to experience the magic up close!
4. Madam Bakster
Address: Brabantdam 142, 9000 Gent
Madam Bakster is a bakery and coffee bar, known as one of the places to be if you like tasty, but healthy cakes and desserts.
Besides coffee and tea, there are only desserts made from vegetable products (without milk, butter, eggs, or sugar).
Furthermore, the coffee bar avoids any food waste.
5. De Kastart
Address: Onderbergen 42, 9000 Gent
De Kastart is the most popular spaghetti restaurant amongst students in Ghent since it’s located in the city center and offers very affordable meals.
I advise you to go on time because the restaurant is easily overpacked, and queues are not uncommon.
6. Julie’s House
Address: Kraanlei 13, 9000 Gent
Julie’s House is a cozy pastry that only offers artisanal products, freshly made every day.
The pastry is located in the middle of Ghent’s historic center – near the Castle of the Counts – overlooking the Leie river.
Next to delicious breakfasts and homemade cupcakes, you’re able to buy jam, granola, chocolate spread, and tea.
7. In Choc Daskalides
Address: Sint-Veerleplein 13, 9000 Gent
If you are wondering where to eat chocolate in Ghent, In Choc Daskalides is a renowned chocolate maker.
They make Belgian Chocolate right in front of the Gravensteen Castle.
They have a wide range of pralines, chocolate truffles, and many other delicacies.
8. SOUP’R
Address: Sint-Niklaasstraat 9, 9000 Gent
As the name might suggest, SOUP’R is a little soup restaurant in a side street near the Belfry of Ghent.
They offer six daily options with the menu changing every week, making it popular with students, young professionals, and tourists.
Tip: You might want to arrive early because it’s a popular lunch spot for locals!
9. ‘t Klokhuys
Address: Corduwaniersstraat 65, 9000 Gent
‘t Klokhuys is a restaurant in Ghent and located in the old city center. Their main focus is on local dishes.
It is most known for its classic Ghent Waterzooi; a creamy stew traditionally made with fish but now often made with chicken.
Also during your visit to Ghent, try Stoverij, another classic Flemish meat stew served with french fries.
10. De Gekroonde Hoofden
Address: Burgstraat 4, 9000 Gent
De Gekroonde Hoofden is a well-known ribs restaurant in the center of Ghent, located near the Castle of the Counts.
It is based in a historical building that dates back to 1560 and was formerly known as “De Draecke”.
The restaurant is popular with residents and students, so we advise you to reserve a spot in advance.
Where To Eat In Ghent (Alternative Options)
Hopefully, these amazing restaurants gave you an idea of where to eat in Ghent.
Finding the best restaurants can be so much easier when reading guides from locals.
Check out our local’s guide to the best restaurants in Cork, Ireland.
If you are wanting to get further into the local foodie scene and support the local economy, you should consider a cooking class taught by a Ghent local.
Read how you can always find the best local food experiences wherever you travel.
Extra Tips For Foodies Visiting Ghent
- Did you know that Ghent is a university and port city with the third-largest population in Belgium? While visiting, don’t miss the Ghent City Museum to learn more about the history behind Ghent!
- Ghent has many beautiful parks. Make sure to check out the Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen nature reserve and the Blaarmeersen recreation park.
- Try the local baked good called mastel or mastellen (plural) found in the East Flanders province. It has a donut shape and is similar to a bagel.
- Check out the organic food markets in Groentenmarkt square on Fridays from 7:30 am-1 pm and at Sint-Pieters railway station on Sundays from 8 am-1 pm.
- Try these local sweets: babelutten’ (‘babblers’) a hard butterscotch-like candy, praline chocolates, and cuberdon (also known as neuzekes or little noses) because they are cone-shaped with a soft center.
If you’re needing detailed tips for the best sights, make sure to check out this travel guide to Ghent!
GET YOUR FREE SLOW TRAVEL BUCKET LIST
Join my exclusive email list to receive 23 unique experiences to inspire slow & meaningful travel!
Thank you!
I have successfully sent your slow travel bucket list.
Can't find it? Make sure to check your spam folder!