Belga Queen

Worth a splurge

Food

Service

Atmosphere

Ghent is a handsome city, and the Graslei and Korenlei are its most handsome location. The Belga Queen is probably the most expensive of the many restaurants around here, and to be honest, has some of the snootiest-looking customers (and some of the most supercilious-looking staff).

Ignore every bit of this. On a warm evening, you can sit outside with fine views of the Korenlei (ironically, the restaurants looking back at the grander Graslei are not so good). The food is spectacular  - the light and delicate Waterzooi seemed a bit prim compared to heartier variations, but was exquisite - and the relentless style permeates everything from the plates to the presentation. The beer range is solid, the wine is even better, and the cones of chips are staggering. It is not cheap, but if you are going to splash your cash on a meal in Ghent, there really is no alternative.