5 of the Best Restaurants in Ghent, Belgium: My Favourite Places to Eat

Looking for the best restaurants in Ghent, Belgium? Here’s five places I’d genuinely recommend for your trip, from Flemish classics and dumplings to vegetarian food, wine and sharing plates—from someone who’s been twice!

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I’ve been to Ghent twice now, and one of my favourite things about the city is that you don’t have to leave the historic centre to find genuinely good food.

You can have traditional Waterzooi opposite St Bavo’s Cathedral, eat dumplings a few minutes from Graffiti Street or spend an evening working your way through wine, cheese and sharing plates near Groentenmarkt.

Candidly, this is not a list of every Michelin restaurant in Ghent (although there’s some lovely ones), nor every place that happens to have a high rating online.

It’s the five restaurants I personally love for a first trip to Ghent—from a tuck-in of Belgian food and lovely local vegetarian dishes to cool, mouthwatering Asian cuisine in the heart of the city and small casual plates near Ghent’s imposing castle.

In short, there’s a little bit of something for everybody when it comes to Ghent’s food scene.

Without further ado, here’s my very biased opinion on five of the best restaurants in Ghent for your trip.

Shall we?

About the Author

Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.

On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.

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🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.

Quick Overview: The Best Restaurants in Ghent

What Food Should You Try in Ghent?

If it’s your first time in Ghent, I’d make space for at least one proper Belgian meal.

Waterzooi is the obvious local dish to look for: a rich, creamy stew traditionally made with chicken or fish. You’ll also see Flemish stoverij, a slow-cooked beef stew usually made with Belgian beer, alongside chips, croquettes and plenty of local beer.

But I wouldn’t force every meal to be traditionally Belgian just because you’re in Belgium…

As a total student city, part of what makes eating in Ghent fun is the mix. You can have a classic lunch at De Rechters, then eat dumplings at Steamy Windows or move into wine and cheese at Bar Terroir later.

And for everything sweet, my Ghent chocolate shop guide has the places I’d save for dessert—or, very reasonably, breakfast…

1. De Rechters: Best for Traditional Belgian Food in Ghent

Best for: Waterzooi, Flemish classics and your first proper meal in Ghent.

If you want one restaurant on this list that immediately tells you where you are, I’d choose De Rechters.

It sits directly opposite St Bavo’s Cathedral on Sint-Baafsplein, which makes it extremely easy to fold into a day of sightseeing.

The menu leans into the Belgian dishes you probably came hoping to try, including Gentse Waterzooi/Flemish stew, but it still feels like a smart, relaxed brasserie, and one that, if you’re lucky—will award you with views like this.

So be sure to request a table with a view of St. Bavo’s Cathedral!

I’d choose this one before or after seeing the Ghent Altarpiece, climbing the Ghent Belfry or following my one-day Ghent itinerary.

2. De Warempel: Best Vegetarian Restaurant in Ghent

Best for: vegetarian food, flexitarian travellers and a quieter lunch or dinner.

I stumbled on De Warempel whilst exploring Ghent’s Kleine Kuip neighbourhood, and oh, what a find it was.

It’s a flexitarian restaurant set on a quieter square in central Ghent, which gives it a completely different rhythm from the restaurants around Korenmarkt or the busy waterfront.

The menu is built around daily specials and changes rather than relying on one headline dish forever. That makes it a good choice if you’re staying in Ghent for a few days and want something fresh, filling and a little less predictable than another round of fries and stew.

It’s slightly hidden away from the main sightseeing flow, but that is part of the appeal in my opinion, I’d book it for a calm, unshowy meal just a hop and a skip from the city centre.

3. Bar Terroir: Best for Wine and Sharing Plates

Best for: date nights, wine, cheese and an evening in Ghent.

Bar Terroir is part wine bar, part delicatessen and part neighbourhood dining room—in other words, very Ghent.

Here you’ll find excellent bottles, artisanal cheeses, homemade dishes and tapas that can easily turn your Ghent evening into a “just one more drink” kind of night.

It’s also fabulously located near Groentenmarkt, so it’s a perfect one to reach after visiting Gravensteen Castle or walking through Patershol.

4. Steamy Windows: Best for Dumplings and a Casual Dinner

Best for: dumplings, a friends’ night out in Ghent, casual dinner or if you want a break from Belgian classics in the city centre.

Steamy Windows sits cool in the city centre, with a menu moving across dumplings (Ghent-style, of course) filled with everything from duck, pork and prawns to vegan mushroom, kimchi, leek and tofu.

There’s also buns, sides, sake, natural wine and locally made beer, in other words—one of the best Ghent restaurants for a foodie night out…

I’d book this if you want a local-leaning Ghent spot, just moments from Korenmarkt, Graffiti Street and Sint-Baafsplein.

5. Mosquito Coast: Best for Atmosphere and a Varied Menu

Best for: groups, cocktails, an atmospheric dinner and a wide menu.

Out of all the restaurants you could visit in Ghent, there’s nothing quite like Mosquito Coast.

The rooms are piled with old travel photographs, boat timber, maps, lanterns and decades of collected objects. It could have tipped into theme restaurant territory, but given it’s been part of Ghent since 1999, it’s very much local vs. kitsch.

The food here travels too, with a menu mixing international flavours and Flemish classics from Lebanese flatbread to Belgian stoverij. Plus cocktails and plenty of vegan options if that’s your thing.

I’d book Mosquito Coast when you want your dinner to feel like part of your night out in Ghent.

More Places to Eat in Ghent City Centre

Takes Thyme, Ghent

Of course, five restaurants can’t possibly cover every craving in Ghent.

Here’s a few more city-centre spots to keep in mind, whether you want a quick lunch, traditional Flemish food, steak, natural wine or somewhere special for dinner.

• Panotto for generously filled Italian schiacciata, spritzes and an easy lunch beside Kraanlei.
• Mi Garba for homemade schiacciata, fresh desserts, coffee and a daytime aperitivo near Ghent City Hall.
• Mémé Gusta for hearty Flemish classics served in a cosy, vintage-inspired restaurant.
• ’t Oud Clooster for traditional Belgian food in an old-fashioned bar-restaurant that’s lovely for a long dinner in Ghent.
• Meat Factory Gent for steaks and a meat-heavy meal right in the historic centre on Hoogpoort.
• Edelrot for natural wine, wild beers, fermented alcohol-free drinks and small plates that can quite easily substitute dinner in Ghent.
• Tribune for a more special meal at the top of the Wintercircus, with seasonal food and views across the city and historic centre.
• Takes Thyme for colourful slow food made with local Ghent ingredients—and very friendly staff.

Where to Eat in Ghent on a Budget

A Mi Garba sandwich on Graslei and Korenlei is always a good idea.

Lucky for you, you can still eat very well in Ghent without booking a full restaurant meal.

Personally, I recommend picking up a mouthwatering sandwich from Mi Garba, then walking down to Graslei and Korenlei to eat it beside the water.

It’s simple, central and gives you one of Ghent’s best views without paying restaurant prices for it.

For more affordable daytime options, have a look at my best cafés in Ghent guide for coffee, brunch, lunch and sandwich spots around the city.

Should You Book Restaurants in Ghent?

I would book dinner, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

Ghent is compact, and the best restaurants in Ghent’s Old Town are often smaller than they look from the outside.

For lunch, you can be slightly more spontaneous, but I’d still check each restaurant’s current opening days before building your itinerary around it.

But worst case, you’ll always be able to find a Belgian beer without a booking!

Want Someone Else to Choose the Food?

All smiles on this Ghent food tour!

If you’d rather turn lunch into part of your sightseeing, this 2.5-hour Ghent food tour is an incredible option for your trip.

It’ll give you a taste of Ghent’s cuisine all while introducing you to the city centre through the eyes of a local. Highly recommend!

Where to Stay Near Ghent’s Best Restaurants

For the easiest food-focused trip, I’d stay in the historic centre.

The stylish NH Collection Gent is my top hotel pick because it puts you within a sillily easy walking distance of De Rechters, Steamy Windows and Mosquito Coast.

P.S. – For more options, check out my Where to Stay in Ghent guide.

Final Thoughts on the Best Restaurants in Ghent

For your first Belgian meal in Ghent, I’d book De Rechters and order the Waterzooi with a very satisfying Belgian beer.

Choose De Warempel for vegetarian food, Bar Terroir for wine and sharing plates, Steamy Windows for dumplings or Mosquito Coast when you want the restaurant itself to be part of the night.

Have the best trip—and meal—in Ghent!

Happy travels,

Candace x

FAQ: Best Restaurants in Ghent, Belgium

Where Are the Best Eateries in Ghent?

For a first trip, I’d choose De Rechters for Belgian food, De Warempel for vegetarian food, Bar Terroir for wine and sharing plates, Steamy Windows for dumplings and Mosquito Coast for atmosphere and a varied menu.

What Is the Best Restaurant in Ghent for Belgian Food?

My pick is De Rechters, especially for Waterzooi/Flemish stew. It’s also opposite St Bavo’s Cathedral, which makes it perfect for a first visit to Ghent.

What Are the Best Restaurants in Ghent Old Town?

De Rechters, Steamy Windows, Bar Terroir and Mosquito Coast are all strong central options. Which one is best depends on whether you want Belgian classics, dumplings, wine and small plates or a broad international menu.

Where Do Locals Eat in Ghent?

For more local places to eat in Ghent, try Panotto or Mi Garba for generously filled Italian schiacciata and an easy lunch. For traditional Belgian food, choose Mémé Gusta or ’t Oud Clooster, while Meat Factory Gent is my pick for steak. Edelrot is ideal for natural wine and small plates, Tribune at the Wintercircus works well for a more special dinner, and Takes Thyme serves colourful slow food made with local Ghent ingredients (with particularly friendly staff).

Where Should Vegetarians Eat in Ghent?

I’d choose De Warempel for a vegetarian or flexitarian meal. Steamy Windows also has several vegan dumplings, buns and sides.

Do You Need to Book Restaurants in Ghent?

I’d book dinner on Friday and Saturday, particularly if there’s one restaurant you really want to try. For lunch, you can usually be more flexible, but always check each restaurant’s current opening days first.

Where Should You Eat Near Gravensteen Castle?

Bar Terroir is my top choice for wine and sharing plates near Gravensteen Castle. Make sure to leave time to walk through the Patershol neighbourhood beforehand!

Is Ghent Worth Visiting for Food?

Yes. Ghent has hordes of traditional Belgian dishes, excellent beer, vegetarian restaurants, wine bars, international food and plenty of good cafés to choose from, even within its small city centre. Here’s how to decide whether Ghent is worth visiting.

Plan the rest of your Ghent trip

Still planning? Here’s more of my Ghent guides to help you decide where to stay, what to book and how to make the most of your trip.

Before you book

• Is Ghent Worth Visiting? My Honest Review After Visiting
• Bruges or Ghent? My Honest Comparison After Visiting Both

Ghent itineraries

• One Day in Ghent: My Perfect Ghent Day Trip Itinerary
• My Ghent Weekend Itinerary: How I’d Spend 2 Days in the City
• Brussels to Ghent by Train: My Experience, Ticket Tips & Day Trip Guide
• Bruges and Ghent Itinerary: How to Visit Both in One Belgium Trip

Where to stay and what to book

• The Best Places to Stay in Ghent, Belgium: My Favourite Areas & Hotels for a First Trip
• Gravensteen Castle Ghent: Tickets, Tips & What to Expect
• Best Boat Tours in Ghent, Belgium: My Honest Guide to Choosing the Best One for Your Trip

What to do and where to eat

• The Best Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium: My Favourite Sights, Food Stops & Local Gems
• Unusual Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium: My Favourite Finds
• Free Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium: My Favourite Sights & Local Finds
• 5 of the Best Restaurants in Ghent, Belgium: My Favourite Places to Eat
• Ghent Cafés: My Favourite 7 from My Trip
• 5 Best Chocolate Shops in Ghent, Belgium: My Favourite Finds