Restaurants Cost in Ghent (2026)
Quick Answer
Partially verifiedIn Ghent, a restaurant meal typically costs around €15-€30 per person for a casual main course and drink, while a three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant is often about €35-€60 per person. Lower-cost options such as takeaway, lunch deals and student-oriented cafés can come in below that, whereas fine dining and central tourist locations can cost significantly more. Exact prices vary by venue, so the figures below combine verified Belgium-wide cost references with clearly labelled estimates for Ghent.
Overview
Restaurant prices in Ghent sit broadly in line with other major Belgian cities, with a noticeable spread between budget eateries, everyday brasseries and higher-end dining. For a simple meal such as pasta, a burger, salad or a Belgian dish in a casual restaurant, a reasonable expectation is roughly €15-€25 for the main course alone, with drinks extra. In a mid-range sit-down restaurant, many diners should expect a total bill of about €35-€60 per person for two or three courses with a drink, while special-occasion or tasting-menu restaurants can go well beyond that. Several local factors affect what you pay. The historic city centre and heavily visited areas tend to charge more than neighbourhood spots outside the busiest tourist zones. Lunch menus are often better value than evening service, and student-oriented areas can offer cheaper fixed-price meals, sandwiches and takeaway food. Belgian VAT is normally included in menu prices, and tipping is not obligatory because service is generally included, though rounding up for good service is common. Because restaurant pricing changes frequently with ingredient costs, labour and energy costs, it is sensible to check the menu of the specific venue before visiting.
What It Costs
| Item | Cost | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Budget restaurant meal(per person) Estimated range based on typical market rates for casual dining in Ghent and Belgium, covering one main course and usually excluding multiple alcoholic drinks. Estimated range | ~€15 – €25 | Estimated range |
| Mid-range restaurant meal(per person) Estimated range based on typical market rates for a two- or three-course meal with one drink in Ghent. Estimated range | ~€35 – €60 | Estimated range |
| Three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant(for 2 people) Numbeo is a recognised secondary cost-of-living database rather than an official source; used here as a market cross-check for Ghent. Estimated range | ~€60 – €100 | Estimated range |
| Fast food or takeaway combo meal(per person) Estimated range based on common fast-food and takeaway pricing in Belgian cities including Ghent. Estimated range | ~€10 – €15 | Estimated range |
| Restaurant VAT on food service(percent VAT rate) Belgium applies a reduced VAT rate of 12% to restaurant and catering services, with alcoholic drinks generally excluded from the reduced rate. Verified from source | €12 – €12 | Verified from source |
Variants & Configurations
How Fees Work
Restaurants in Ghent usually price by item or set menu; VAT is generally included in the displayed menu price.
Factors Affecting Price
- Whether you choose takeaway, a casual brasserie, a mid-range sit-down restaurant or fine dining
- Location within Ghent, especially the historic centre and tourist-heavy areas versus outer neighbourhoods
- Time of day and format, such as lunch menu, à la carte dinner, tasting menu or drinks-heavy meal
- Alcohol, especially Belgian beers, wine and spirits, which can materially raise the total bill
- Seasonal ingredient costs, staffing costs and energy costs, which can push menu prices up
Local Context
In Ghent, restaurant prices are normally displayed inclusive of VAT, which helps make menu pricing straightforward for visitors. Tipping is modest by international standards because service is generally included. Costs tend to be higher in the historic centre and on busy weekends, while lunch menus and student-focused areas can offer noticeably better value.
Some figures here are still being verified.
Where a verified figure isn’t available yet, we say so rather than guess. For the most current pricing, check the official source below.
Belgium uses the euro (EUR); restaurant bills in Ghent are paid in euros.
Sources & References
Every price on this page is traced to a documented source. Last checked 25 September 2026.
- Federal Public Service Finance Belgium · government
Verified Belgian VAT rate information relevant to restaurant and catering services.
- City of Ghent official tourism portal · official
Official local context on Ghent as a tourist destination; useful for understanding central-area demand, though not used for exact menu pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget for a normal restaurant meal in Ghent?+
A sensible budget is around €15-€30 per person for a casual meal, or roughly €35-€60 per person for a fuller mid-range sit-down experience with drinks.
Is tipping expected in Ghent restaurants?+
Tipping is not obligatory in Belgium because service is usually included in the menu price. Many people simply round up or leave a small extra amount for especially good service.
Are restaurants in central Ghent more expensive?+
Usually yes. Restaurants close to major tourist sights and the historic centre often charge more than neighbourhood venues a little further out.
Do menu prices in Ghent include tax?+
Yes, consumer menu prices in Belgium are generally shown inclusive of VAT. For restaurant and catering services, the standard reduced VAT reference is 12%, while alcoholic drinks may be treated differently.
What is the cheapest way to eat out in Ghent?+
Lunch specials, student-area cafés, sandwich shops, frituur-style takeaway and fast food are usually the lowest-cost choices, often around €10-€15 per person.
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City of Ghent official tourism portal
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