Gent keeps surprising us. Behind the beautiful historic centre is a food scene that feels creative, independent and much more diverse than you might expect. Over several visits we’ve discovered everything from handmade ramen and ambitious new restaurants to specialty coffee, bakeries and intimate wine bars. It’s not a city where we have an endless list yet — just a selection of places we genuinely think are worth knowing.
Best Places to Eat & Drink in Gent
Kino
Kino is one of our favourite recent discoveries in Gent. Chef Jasper, together with Sami and Jonas, created a place where food, wine, music and film come together. The experience is built around a fixed six-course menu that changes every few months, with an optional wine pairing. We loved the bold but balanced cooking, and the whole concept feels distinctive from the moment you walk in.
Zuru Zuru
Zuru Zuru takes ramen seriously, from the homemade noodles to deeply flavoured broths and carefully chosen toppings. There are excellent vegetarian and vegan options too, including their dumplings, making this much more than a place for meat-based ramen. We also love that sake gets proper attention here — exactly what you want alongside a steaming bowl of noodles.
Smørbrød
At Smørbrød, the bakery itself is part of the experience. You can watch the team working with the dough while choosing from a counter filled with beautifully made pastries and baked goods. We still remember the white chocolate and blood orange pastry from our visit — exactly the kind of combination that makes this more interesting than your average bakery stop.
O’yo
O’yo combines healthy food with the kind of generous breakfast you actually look forward to eating. Their menu is built around nourishing bowls, pancakes, sourdough and other colourful dishes without making everything feel overly virtuous. We particularly loved the dark pancakes and açaí bowl. A good choice when you want breakfast with plenty of flavour rather than just another pastry.
Goya Coffee
Goya brings an Argentinian touch to Gent’s specialty coffee scene. Alongside carefully made coffee you’ll find classics such as alfajores filled with dulce de leche, cheesy chipas and empanadas. That combination makes it much more than another coffee bar and gives you a good excuse to order something alongside your flat white.
Madam Bakster
Madam Bakster proves that plant-based pastry doesn’t need refined sugar or traditional dairy to feel indulgent. Cakes and desserts are made with natural ingredients but still look and taste properly decadent. The lemon and avocado pie was the one that stayed with us most — fresh, creamy and far more interesting than the name might initially suggest.
STEK
STEK works especially well for a relaxed breakfast or lunch, with a menu that moves from croissants and smaller morning dishes to pancakes, toasts and more substantial plates. When the weather allows, the garden is the place to sit. It’s an easy-going address that works whether you want a proper brunch or simply coffee and something small.
ONA Winebar
ONA is the kind of wine bar where the conversation matters almost as much as what ends up in your glass. The selection focuses largely on smaller producers, with plenty of organic wines, and the team takes time to understand what you actually enjoy drinking. That personal approach, combined with its neighbourhood feel, is exactly why we like it.
