Regional specialities: the taste of Ostend
As the largest fishing city on the coast, Ostend has a distinctly local cuisine, in which fresh North Sea fish and, above all, the grey shrimp play the leading role.
- Capital of the shrimp croquette: the Ostend shrimp croquette is the city's delicacy par excellence, a recognised Flemish regional product that Ostend proudly champions as its culinary calling card, made with grey shrimp from its own coastal fishermen.
- Fresh from the Vistrap: at the Vistrap the fishermen sell their day-fresh North Sea fish and grey shrimp almost daily, straight to the customer, right off the boat with no middleman. Buy some shrimp and try your hand at peeling them.
- The Shrimp Croquette Festival: every October, restaurants and amateur cooks compete at the Garnaalkrokettenfestival for the tastiest croquette, with both an expert jury and visitors invited to taste and judge.
- Shrimp in every form: beyond the croquette, you'll also find the grey shrimp here served classically in a tomato (tomato stuffed with shrimp), peeled and eaten by hand, or in a creamy fish soup, always fresh from the North Sea.
- Surprising seaweed: at the fish auction, more and more special regional products are appearing too, such as artisanal seaweed products, a modern, sustainable twist on the taste of the sea.
Restaurants
For many people, not having to cook is one of the greatest luxuries of a holiday, and the Belgian coast offers plenty of opportunity for it.
- For every occasion: settle in at a pancake house, a brasserie, a restaurant or a cosy bistro. From a quick portion of chips or a waffle to a carefully prepared multi-course dinner, in Ostend there's something in every price range.
- Specialities of the coast: be sure to try the regional classics such as mussels, the fine Flemish grey shrimp (delicious in a shrimp croquette), fresh North Sea fish and the many local beers.
- Current opening times: for an overview with details and opening hours for each restaurant in Ostend, see Resto.
Ostend is far more than sun, sea and sand: as the largest coastal city, the resort is increasingly making its name as a culinary hotspot, where fishing tradition, craftsmanship and surprising new addresses go hand in hand. With hundreds of restaurants, from informal fish stalls to refined kitchens with a sea view, you can eat here in every style and price range.
- From bistronomy to starred dining: the offering runs from nostalgic brasseries and modern bistronomy to genuine top tables, with Ostend chefs raising the rich North Sea cuisine to great heights, led by starred chef Willem Hiele.
- Recognised by the guides: the city sits firmly on the culinary map and climbs year after year in guides such as Gault&Millau, with numerous listed restaurants and several newcomers that keep pushing the level higher.
- Classics by the water: along the Visserskaai and on the Vissersplein you'll taste the timeless classics, from moules-frites and fresh shellfish to a lavish seafood platter, often with the harbour and lighthouse in view.
- Artistic and offbeat: the artistic spirit of the city of James Ensor comes through in surprising addresses and artisanal makers, such as chocolatiers who craft pralines inspired by the painter's famous masks.
Terraces
Thirsty after a warm day, tired from an outing, or simply fancy a drink? In the centre of Ostend you can stop by all day long.
- For every thirst: all day long they pour soft drinks, beer, cocktails and more, exactly as you fancy.
- The right spot: settle down at one of the many convivial terraces or cafés in the centre, out in the sun, in the shade or sheltered from the wind.
- Convivial into the night: at the bar or around the table, with friends or to meet new people, enjoy the atmosphere and let yourself be spoilt into the small hours.
Nightlife
Ostend is the only true nightlife city in West Flanders, with a buzzing scene centred largely on one street and the casino.
- The Langestraat: this is the beating heart of the nightlife, with late-night cafés and, all around, dozens of pubs, from traditional English pubs and tourist brasseries to rock cafés and bars for every crowd.
- Everything within walking distance: the sea and all these cafés lie less than five minutes' walk apart, so here, especially in summer, you drift effortlessly from one spot to the next.
- Summer terraces: in high season the conviviality carries on late on the terraces around the Wapenplein and along the seafront.
