17 belgian spots in Groentenmarkt, editor-picked by TableJourney. All of Groentenmarkt's food · All belgian in Ghent.
Vrijmoed ★ 4.9
Vlaanderenstraat 22, 9000 Gent
Two Michelin stars in central Ghent: chef Michaël Vrijmoed pushes Belgian produce through fermentation and global technique, with a dedicated Purs vegetarian.
Tip: Book the 7-course format on a Friday evening, when the kitchen serves its most ambitious version of the menu.
Publiek ★ 4.7
Ham 39, 9000 Gent
One Michelin star in a loft-style bistro on Ham street: Olly Ceulenaere champions lesser-known Belgian vegetables and local produce at every turn.
Tip: Lunch is three courses from €55 and usually has last-minute availability where dinner books out weeks ahead.
50 fifty ★ 4.4
Ottogracht 10, 9000 Gent
50 fifty runs a bistronomy sharing-plate format on Ottogracht with vegetable-led seasonal plates rated 4.8 out of 5 by local reviewers. Located in Binnenstad.
Tip: Come with four people to try the widest range without over-ordering; the room accommodates groups well.
LOF Restaurant ★ 4.4
Hoogstraat 36, 9000 Gent
Inside the Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof on Hoogstraat, chef Paul de Groote runs a five or six-course tasting menu rooted in classical French technique.
Tip: The Sunday lunch at €17.50 to €27.50 per course is the most accessible way into this kitchen.
Pakhuis ★ 4.3
Schuurkenstraat 4, 9000 Gent
Pakhuis occupies a converted warehouse behind a historic alley in central Ghent. The soaring glass-ceiling interior holds a kitchen that has stayed focused.
Tip: Weekday lunch is the most relaxed way in; Saturday evening needs a booking made well in advance.
Lokaal ★ 4.3
Brabantdam 100, 9000 Gent
Lokaal built its reputation on a menu that is 80 per cent vegetarian but never feels restricted. The daily changing board of seasonal Belgian small plates.
Tip: One of the few kitchens in Ghent with a serious gluten-free breakfast; check the board when you arrive.
Volta ★ 4.3
Nieuwewandeling 2b, 9000 Gent
Housed in a converted turbine hall at Nieuwewandeling, Volta serves confident Belgian brasserie cooking with an upmarket edge and a wine list that rewards.
Tip: The terrace along the canal is one of Ghent's finest outdoor dining spots on a warm evening.
Volta ★ 4.2
Nieuwewandeling 2b, 9000 Gent
Volta occupies a converted turbine hall on Nieuwewandeling, serving confident Belgian brasserie cooking with a well-annotated wine list and a canal-side.
Tip: The terrace reservations fill first in summer; book the canal side when available and come before golden hour.
Pakhuis ★ 4.2
Schuurkenstraat 4, 9000 Gent
Pakhuis fills a converted 19th-century warehouse behind a central alley. The cavernous glass-roofed interior keeps a menu of daily-fresh oysters, moules.
Tip: Book ahead for weekend dinner; the warehouse vibe is worth it for a big-group celebration.
Memee Gusta ★ 4.2
Burgstraat 19, 9000 Gent
Memee Gusta runs a grandmother-recipe kitchen in a cosy vintage room near the castle. The signature pork cheek stew is cooked low and slow in a deep brown.
Tip: Closed Sundays; lunch service is Tuesday to Saturday only. Book a day ahead for dinner.
Steendam 66 ★ 4.2
Steendam 66, 9000 Gent
A French-influenced bistro in a handsome historic building near Sint-Jakobs church on Steendam, with confident cooking that plays classical French technique.
Tip: The lunch menu is shorter and represents excellent value against the dinner format.
Balls and Glory ★ 4.1
Jakobijnenstraat 6, 9000 Gent
Chef Wim Ballieu built a restaurant around the meatball, stuffing oversized balls with seasonal fillings and serving them on stoemp or a simple salad.
Tip: No reservations; arrive early to avoid queuing. Compact space fills fast at lunch.
Du Progres ★ 4.1
Korenmarkt 10, 9000 Gent
Du Progres has been run by three generations of the De Baets family and remains one of the most honest Belgian brasseries in the city. Waterzooi, stoverij.
Tip: Open Tuesday to Saturday; arrive before 12:30 for lunch without queuing.
Modest ★ 4.0
Brabantdam 50, 9000 Gent
Modest is a central Ghent brunch spot with a seasonal menu that stays sharply focused on quality and never tries to overcomplicate its offer.
Tip: Arrive before noon on Saturday to avoid the peak queue; the weekday lunch service is considerably calmer.
Amadeus Gent 2 ★ 4.0
Gouden Leeuwplein 7, 9000 Gent
Amadeus is Ghent's most committed rib restaurant, piling all-you-can-eat spareribs onto wooden boards for tables that stretch across its belfry-square.
Tip: Book for Sunday lunch; the all-you-can-eat format fills the room and walk-ins are turned away most evenings.
Karoot ★ 3.9
Phoenixstraat 77, 9000 Gent
Karoot keeps a short seasonal menu of Belgian farm-to-table dishes in a low-key neighbourhood room. The lunch formula is a two-course set with soup and main.
Tip: One of the better lunch bargains in the city centre; the two-course format runs until 14:00.
Wasbar ★ 3.8
Korenmarkt 37, 9000 Gent
Wasbar is a launderette and bar rolled into one: leave your washing in the machines and order beer, coffee or charcuterie at the bar while you wait.
Tip: Open daily 9am to 9pm; the Korenmarkt location is the most central and busiest of the three Ghent branches.