Ghent's Local Eateries: 7 Authentic Lunch and Snack Spots

Exceptional coffee with rich flavors, especially cold brew. Friendly staff provide warm welcome. Chill atmosphere with good music. Free Wi-Fi and online ordering available. Kid-friendly with facilities. Open on holidays. Great for quick coffee or relaxing. Delicious sandwiches and pastries. Perfect spot for groups, even board game players.

Limited food options, with some items cold or small for the price. Lack of power outlets for laptop users. While coffee and atmosphere receive praise, food quality and variety could be improved. Some may find the hipster vibe not to their taste. Pricing for certain items might be considered high relative to portion size.

Cafe Labath offers top-quality coffee in a cozy atmosphere. Locals frequent this off-the-beaten-track gem. The menu is varied, with good breakfast options including pastries, yogurt, and toasties. Staff are friendly and helpful. Prices are fair, and take-away is available. The cafe has a warm, welcoming vibe and is worth visiting daily during a Ghent trip.

The cafe can get crowded, with limited space between tables. Service can be slow, even with ample staff. Waiting times can extend to 20 minutes, especially when busy with families or art students. Some visitors note that staff could be more social. The location is off the main tourist path, which might be inconvenient for some travelers.

Visitors rave about the exceptional coffee quality, praising the rich flavor and expert preparation. Many appreciate the friendly, knowledgeable staff and the café's relaxed ambiance. The food offerings, particularly the breakfast options and homemade cakes, receive high marks for taste and freshness. Patrons also commend the café's stylish interior and its convenient location.

Some customers mention limited seating, especially during peak hours, which can lead to a crowded atmosphere. A few reviewers note that prices are slightly higher than average for Ghent. Occasional complaints arise about wait times for orders during busy periods. Some visitors find the menu options somewhat limited, particularly for those seeking substantial lunch choices.

Boon offers delicious vegetarian and vegan options with fresh, flavorful dishes. Standouts include tasty bagels, winter salad with halloumi, dumpling soup, and fantastic stew. The atmosphere is relaxing and calming. Staff are helpful and kind. Homemade drinks like raspberry lemonade are praised. Great location near popular attractions. Desserts are mindblowing.

Reservations are strongly recommended as the restaurant can be fully booked. Strict lunch hours may limit dining options. Outside seating is available but may depend on weather. Limited menu options for non-vegetarian or non-vegan diners. Popular dishes may sell out quickly due to high demand.

Exceptional vegetarian restaurant with friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere. Standout dishes include Thai curry bowl, quiche, and dumplings. Homemade food prepared with care. Beautiful space with views of the castle. Healthy options available. Customers rave about the quality, considering it one of the best meals in Ghent and a favorite lunch spot worldwide.

No significant negative aspects were mentioned in the provided reviews. All feedback was overwhelmingly positive, focusing on the food quality, service, and ambiance. The lack of negative comments suggests a consistently positive experience for diners at this establishment.

Diners praise Boon for its innovative vegan dishes, highlighting the flavorful and beautifully presented meals. Many reviewers appreciate the cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. The diverse menu and seasonal specials receive frequent compliments. Guests often mention the excellent value for money and the restaurant's commitment to sustainability.

Some reviewers note that the restaurant can get crowded during peak hours, leading to longer wait times. A few customers mention that certain dishes can be hit-or-miss in terms of flavor. Occasional complaints about portion sizes being too small for the price are also noted. Some non-vegan diners find certain meat substitutes less satisfying.

Julie's Coffee House offers a charming atmosphere with cozy elegance. Patrons rave about delicious cakes, pastries, and brownies, especially the red velvet. The homemade lemonade is a standout. Staff are exceptionally welcoming and hospitable, even accommodating early arrivals. The café's warm ambiance invites lingering. Prices are reasonable, particularly for cake slices.

Service can be slow during busy times, with some customers waiting up to 20 minutes to order. Late afternoon visitors may find limited dessert options available. Some brunch items, like eggs, lack seasoning. A few pastries, such as scones, received criticism for texture. Brownies were considered slightly overpriced by some. Weekend crowds can lead to longer wait times and reduced attention from staff.

Julie's House offers a welcoming atmosphere with friendly service. The cafe boasts a vast selection of sweets and excellent coffee with real crema. Visitors praise the latte macchiato and English breakfast tea. The cakes are delicious, and the staff are helpful. It's a perfect spot to relax after exploring Ghent.

No significant negative aspects were mentioned in the reviews. However, one reviewer noted the stairs to the restrooms, which could potentially be an issue for some visitors with mobility concerns.

Visitors rave about the delicious homemade cakes and pastries, praising their unique flavors and beautiful presentation. Many appreciate the cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. The all-day breakfast menu receives high marks, with pancakes being a particular favorite. Guests also commend the use of organic ingredients and the variety of vegan and gluten-free options available.

Some customers mention long wait times, especially during weekends and peak hours. A few reviewers find the prices slightly high for the portion sizes. Occasional complaints arise about limited seating inside the café, leading to a cramped feeling when busy. Some patrons note that the service can be slow during rush hours.

Visitors praise the delicious brunch offerings, especially the fluffy American pancakes and French toast. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, with comfortable seating. Service is friendly and efficient. The 5-course brunch impresses with beautiful presentation and great taste. Vegetarian options are available. Many guests express a desire to return.

Some diners find the maple syrup excessive on savory pancakes, preferring it served on the side. A vinaigrette dressing for side salads is suggested to balance sweetness. On warm days, the restaurant lacks proper ventilation or open windows, affecting comfort. Reservations are recommended due to popularity.

Gust offers a delightful brunch experience. For 35 euros, diners enjoy a five-course preset menu featuring freshly prepared dishes made with local ingredients. The food is delicious and meets high expectations. Staff are friendly and accommodating, honoring special requests and allergies. They proudly share information about the dishes. The restaurant comes highly recommended by hotel staff.

No negative aspects were mentioned in the provided review.

Customers rave about the fresh, flavorful food and creative menu options. Many praise the restaurant's commitment to using local, seasonal ingredients. The friendly and attentive staff receive frequent compliments. Diners appreciate the bright, welcoming atmosphere and the restaurant's focus on sustainability. The diverse menu, catering to various dietary needs, is often highlighted as a major plus.

Some customers find the prices a bit high for the portion sizes. During peak hours, the restaurant can get crowded and noisy, leading to longer wait times. A few reviewers mention inconsistency in dish quality across visits. Some diners wish for more meat options on the menu. Occasionally, customers report issues with slow service during busy periods.

Roots offers a creative tasting menu with exceptional wine pairings. The food is beautifully presented and expertly prepared, with standout dishes like an impressive eggplant course. The restaurant's interior courtyard provides a tranquil, nature-like atmosphere. Staff are welcoming and service is excellent. Many consider it a must-visit for culinary trips to Ghent, offering Michelin-level cuisine without pretentiousness.

The restaurant locks its doors after dinner service begins, which could be inconvenient for some guests. Reservations are essential, especially for dinner, as the restaurant is often fully booked. Some diners might find the set course menu limiting if they prefer more choice in their dining experience.

Excellent last-minute dining experience. Exquisite food with decent portions and quality ingredients. Friendly, informative service in a lively yet not too noisy atmosphere. Delightful setting. One reviewer called it one of their best meals ever. Another found the venue simple but attractive, with good service and generally satisfying food.

One reviewer found the third course odd with a strange flavor. They felt the meal was good overall, but not the best they've had. Another guest was told they could only have the starter and main course from a usually multi-course set menu when arriving late, which could be seen as a limitation.

Diners rave about the creative and flavorful vegetarian dishes, praising the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Many appreciate the ever-changing menu, which keeps the dining experience exciting. The attentive and knowledgeable staff receive high marks for their service and ability to explain the unique dishes. The cozy atmosphere and reasonable prices are also frequently mentioned as positives.

Some guests find the portion sizes small for the price, leaving them still hungry after a meal. A few reviewers mention long wait times during peak hours, especially without a reservation. Occasionally, diners note that not all dishes hit the mark in terms of flavor, with some combinations being too experimental for their taste. The limited menu options can be a drawback for those with specific dietary restrictions.

Pizza joint with canal views and funky decor. Tasty pizzas, good beer selection. Exceptional service even when busy. Staff accommodating, providing blankets for outdoor seating. Sharing deal offers variety. Poulet Chasseur pizza praised for generous toppings and bold flavors. Overall atmosphere and hospitality highly recommended.

Some sides like tomato salad and spicy carrot disappointing. Pizzas not traditional Neapolitan-style as expected. Portobello pizza could use more toppings for better balance. Dough on the crispier side, some prefer softer texture. Value for money questioned on certain items. Mild flavors in some pizzas may not appeal to all tastes.

The vegan pizza stands out as exceptional, praised as the best one customer has ever tasted. The restaurant's location receives positive remarks. Service quality is highlighted as a strong point, contributing to overall customer satisfaction.

Concerns arise about changes in pizza quality over time. Customers note a reduction in pizza size compared to previous visits. Toppings have decreased, now covering only about half the pizza. The rest is predominantly dough, suggesting a potential decline in value or quality.

Customers rave about Otomat's unique pizza combinations and high-quality ingredients. Many praise the beer-infused dough for its distinct flavor and texture. The friendly staff and efficient service receive frequent compliments. Diners appreciate the varied menu, including options for vegans and those with gluten sensitivities. The restaurant's atmosphere is often described as lively and welcoming.

Some patrons find the prices a bit high for pizza, even considering the quality ingredients. A few reviews mention long wait times during peak hours. Occasionally, customers report that certain popular menu items are sold out. Some traditionalists feel the pizzas stray too far from classic Italian styles. A small number of diners find the industrial decor lacking in warmth or coziness.

Alice offers a charming tea house experience in Ghent. The quaint interior transports guests to a bygone era. The menu features delicious quiches and a variety of tea options. The Tea for 2 is highly recommended. Prices are fair for the quality. The patio provides a lovely outdoor setting on warm days. Fresh food and a welcoming atmosphere make it a great spot for special occasions.

Service can be inconsistent, with some staff described as cold or overwhelmed, especially during busy times. The Sunday buffet, while offering variety, may not meet expectations for its price. Some find the experience underwhelming for tourists on short visits. The tea house's feminine-oriented design might not appeal to all guests. Closing at 5 PM limits evening dining options.

Diners rave about Alice's creative and flavorful vegetarian dishes, praising the chef's ability to transform simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces. Many appreciate the cozy atmosphere and attentive service. The ever-changing menu and use of seasonal produce are frequently highlighted as standout features, ensuring a unique experience with each visit.

Some visitors find the portion sizes small for the price, leading to concerns about value for money. A few reviewers mention long wait times during peak hours. Occasional complaints arise about limited options for those with specific dietary restrictions beyond vegetarian and vegan diets. Some diners find the flavors too experimental for their tastes.