Inspired by the local foraging and sightseeing guides of the annual ESA meetings posted on the Dynamic Ecology blog, we thought we should give you something similar for #EAB17. Since we are based in Ghent (and tried a lot), we present you a selection of TERECs most favorite locations for food, coffee, drinks, and dance so that you can make the most out of your conference stay here in Ghent and enjoy your networking at nice places! While trying some of these places you will already discover a lot of Ghent’s historic city center. For more info on the sightseeing aspects check visit.ghent.be.
Restaurants
Food-wise, there is a great diversity in Ghent, ranging from decent simple eateries to Michelin star awarded restaurants. Listed are some of our favorite spots. Best is to make reservations as places tend to fill up easily…
Keizershof
https://goo.gl/maps/NJsiucoBTUP2
Traditional Belgian/Gentse food in nice atmosphere together with local and not-so-local Belgian beers. Try the “Stoverij” – a Ghent classic!
Lekker Gec
https://goo.gl/maps/D6i4EJpqocw
This nice restaurant offers a daily selection of organic and vegetarian food served as a buffet which is weighted at a fixed price.
Faja Lobi
https://goo.gl/maps/WeAJA7rXgu62
Surinam restaurant with delicious food with nice veggie options, decent beer choice, and Surinamese cocktails
Amadeus
https://goo.gl/maps/EgDWhHjfvVG2
Well in contrast to the veggie options before this place is for pure carnivores. Probably the best place for ribs you have been. They are legendary for their all you can eat option that comes with a great sauce and sides. Make sure you make a reservation in advance. There are two more branches in the city.
Mosquito Coast
https://goo.gl/maps/FsekqeHURiL2
International food set in a unique atmosphere in this travel-inspiring restaurant
De Stokerij
https://goo.gl/maps/Zyu2bAFxPMF2
Enjoy traditional Belgian food and local (including homebrewed) beers in an old 16-century brewery and distillery.
Gök 2
https://goo.gl/maps/fkAeDjt5PUx
A fine Turkish restaurant in an old manor at the heart of one of the Turkish neighborhoods. They offer Turkish dishes with some local influences mixed in, of which the variety of stew and Turkish pizzas stand out.
De Appelier
https://goo.gl/maps/CVLtbR5nT482
A great place for vegetarians with a large variety of dishes and close to the conference venue.
De Walrus
https://goo.gl/maps/CCJVujC4S8U2
Pub with a cozy atmosphere that serves a delicious vegetarian menu of the day for 14 Euros and a few other dishes.
Holy Food Market
https://goo.gl/maps/ad5FzNjiC482
Indoor market with various food stands. Holy Food Market is inspired by the food market halls you can find in cities such as Barcelona, Copenhagen or Rotterdam.
Alberte
https://goo.gl/maps/HrEgFKTqafP2
A relatively new name in town, well worth the short detour. Their hors-d’oeuvres are with respect to season and local food producers. Food and wine sharing in an informal cozy place.
Il Mezzogiorno
https://goo.gl/maps/2Es4TU8BEuw
Long-running Sicilian restaurant. Delicious food in a great atmosphere…
Pubs & Coffee
There are numerous nightlife opportunities in Ghent with many ‘brown’ pubs, Jazz pubs, wine & cocktail bars, nightclubs and everything in between…
VOS Coffee & Tea
https://goo.gl/maps/wvCJ6Xo6qju
The VOS is a small and cozy coffee bar nearby the conference venue. A great place for a retreat to talk with colleagues and still be back quickly at the venue to not miss the next session.
Le bal infernal
https://goo.gl/maps/zyMxn1mPCBN2
The combination of used books in a café place makes this place feel very relaxed. A must for everybody who likes literature.
Rock Circus
https://goo.gl/maps/AMqTuFeEoh32
Located in the mid of the Overpoort – Ghent’s nightlife hotspot – the Rock Circus offers shelter from the clubs in a rustic environment and an extraordinary high beer diversity (both on tap and bottled)
Afsnis
https://goo.gl/maps/ngdJe6BRqYJ2
Legendary in Ghent! The typical ‘brown pub’ had a recent make-over and is a great place for blending in with all kind of local people. Good beer/liquor options. Open from 8 a.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for stall holders and customers of the flea market.
Het Spijker
https://goo.gl/maps/pSvj4qjQNQz
The Nail – in English – is located in the heart of Ghent. What used to be an old corn chamber from the 12th century is now a nice student’s bar with cozy seats to hang out.
Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant
https://goo.gl/maps/5wqFYBagh5s
This is one of Ghent’s beerdiversity hotspots with 100+x different shades of hoppiness.
‘t Dreupelkot
https://goo.gl/maps/926MY3zFLqP2
this small place is right next to the Water House on the Bierkant and serves a long list of local liqueurs of any flavor imaginable. If you are tough you skip all the rest and go straight for the chili liqueur!
De Geus van Gent
https://goo.gl/maps/mZboCj1Pqwm
Great beer choices, comfortable sofas, close to the conference center … what else?
Manteca
https://goo.gl/maps/AiWqNNkFpLJ2
A cozy bar with a peaceful and jazzy atmosphere. With some nice background music, this bar is perfect for talking and enjoying a variety of (Belgian) beers.
Ventura
https://goo.gl/maps/UqZHEpMueVH2
Lively place in the heart of the city. Hipster alert 🙂
Bluesette
https://goo.gl/maps/uNDEwJR8Xe62
An old cozy ‘brown pub’ where you can eat a few simple dishes while enjoying a good beer or special juice.
De vooruit
https://goo.gl/maps/ziLoSRwMGqK2
What once was the socialist headquarter is nowadays a cultural center with pub and restaurant.
The large room with high ceiling gives a spacious feeling.
They serve several vegetarian dishes and have a large offer of non-alcoholic beverages (of course they do serve plenty of good beers too).
PARTY!!!
What happens in Ghent stays in Ghent…
Charlatan
https://goo.gl/maps/jeuUhzzy2YM2
House of Perdition. Everyone in Ghent knows this place, they even made a movie about it! Excellent live gigs and crazy parties to dance the night away…
White Cat
https://goo.gl/maps/fnXQza2mBNt
Hidden treasure in a basement. Compact music bar with live performances and beautiful people to dance with…
Overpoort (lots of venues)
https://goo.gl/maps/A4RayzPjav92
The Overpoort is THE street for nightclubbing – especially for students. Because of the audience, the best days for going out will be during the week peaking on Wednesday and Thursday. While EDM and RnB dominate you might find other styles as well. Expect crowds of students from 11 PM till 5-6AM.