28 September 2026 to 2 October 2026
Europe/Brussels timezone

Eating & Drinking in Gent

To eat ...

Many restaurants in Gent are quite similarly priced. Expect to pay 25 EUR per main course, there is very little variance amongst restaurants in price, unless you go to fast food or fine dining. The first two on the list are what could be considered “classic Belgian cuisine”, the rest are just nice recommendations.

  • Meme Gusta - Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly 
    A classic Belgian eatery, famous for its stew (stoofvlees), both meaty and vegan. If you decide to go for one restaurant in Gent, this should be the one. Reservation usually required. 

  • De Stokerij
    Another classic Belgian restaurant with great stew and other fantastic local options.  Recommended to make a reservation. In theory friendly to vegetarians and vegans.

  • Giuseppe's - Vegetarian Friendly 
    Just a great pizzeria. Perfectly situated right next to Comic Sans, a fantastic place for drinks and pinball. 

  • Zuru Zuru Ramen -  Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly 
    Great Ramen, however does not take reservations and is slightly outside the old city centre. Get there ~ 15 minutes before the hour to get a seat. Recommended for 1-2 people, as otherwise the bar seating can be awkward to chat

  • Amadeus - Ribs! 
    All you can eat ribs. Do we need to say more?

  • TUSH  - Vegetarian Friendly 
    Variety of greasy, delicious, and indulgent burgers. Korean Fried Chicken burger is sublime

  • Taco Santo - Tacos!
  • Aba-Jour - Belgian food, beer
  • Neapolis - Neapolitan, pizza
  • Het Mooie Weer! - Mexican and Vietnamese (no fusion)
  • Je m'en fish - Seafood
    Two locations: Je m'en fish at Koophandelsplein 32, 9000 Gent, and A rouge affair at Zwartezustersstraat 3, 9000 Gent. Fancier. Reservation recommended
  • Chapeluur - croquettes
    The traditional Belgian comfort food
  • PUBLIEK - Michelin star restaurant
    Need a reservation. Not cheap.
  • Boekee Garni -  Lunch, close to meeting venue
  • KRUNCH - Lunch, close to meeting venue
  • Sole d'Italia - Italian, cozy dinner place, close to meeting venue

To drink ...

  • Take Five - Espresso 
    Two locations: Grote Huidevettershoek 10, 9000 Gent and Voldersstraat 10, 9000 Gent
  • Trollekelder
    Typical bar. Lots of trolls. A favourite among the astronomy department in Gent. The local astronomers will always visit Trollekelder if out in the city. 

  • Gold Listening Bar
    A record bar, playing vinyls in a studio setting. More intimate and less loud. Friendly and relaxed place for a couple glasses of wine. The owner and staff have been extremely friendly in the past. 

  • Dulle Griet
    Famous “Shoe Bar” of Gent. When you order the Kwak you are asked to leave a shoe as a deposit. They come in 1.2L and is around 7%. Makes for a better start to the evening than end.

  • Barazza
    Canal side bar, perfect if the weather lets up from its usual March in Belgium.

  • Comic Sans
    Comic book themed bar with lots of pinball (you can take cash out at the bar if you purchase something). Has good cocktails. A fun place that is more than the standard bar. Recommended for nerds (you will be seeing the organising staff there).