Best Restaurants in Ostend: Where to Eat in 2026

Trying to find the best restaurants in Ostend, Belgium? Whether you’re looking for burgers after a day at the beach, pasta with friends, tapas for sharing or a proper Belgian dinner, Ostend has plenty of options.

The city is much more than just seafood and restaurants along the seafront. You can find all kinds of cuisines, from Italian and Spanish to Asian food and classic Belgian dishes.

If you’re planning a full trip to the Belgian coast, don’t miss my full Ostend Travel Guide, where I cover the best things to do, beaches, where to stay and practical information.

For food specifically, these are some of the Ostend restaurants I’d check out.

If you’re planning to explore more of Belgium beyond Ostend, check out my Belgium Complete Travel Guide: Cities, Food, Festivals & Local Tips for more destinations, food recommendations and practical travel tips.

Where to Eat in Ostend

Jilles – Burgers & Casual Food

Sometimes you just want a good burger, especially after spending the day walking around Ostend.

Jilles is a casual choice for burgers and an easy meal. It’s the kind of place I’d consider when you don’t want a particularly fancy dinner and just want something tasty and filling.

Good for: burgers, casual dinners, friends and an easy meal.

→ Check out Jilles Ostend

La Siesta – Spanish Food & Tapas

If you’re eating with friends and want something you can share, La Siesta is worth considering.

The restaurant serves Spanish-inspired food and tapas, making it a nice alternative to the typical Belgian coastal restaurant.

Ordering several smaller dishes also makes the meal a little more social and relaxed.

Good for: tapas, sharing food, Spanish-inspired dishes and evenings with friends.

→ Check out La Siesta

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Mister Spaghetti – Easy Pasta Dinner

A beach day can make you hungry, and sometimes pasta is exactly what you need.

Mister Spaghetti is a casual option for a pasta-focused meal. It’s particularly useful if you’re looking for something uncomplicated rather than a long dinner.

Good for: pasta, casual meals, families and groups.

→ Check out Mister Spaghetti

Ronin – Asian Food in Ostend

Not in the mood for Belgian food?

Ronin is an option for Asian cuisine and can be a nice change after eating your way through the Belgian coast.

I’d especially consider it if you’re visiting Ostend for several days and want some variety in your meals.

Good for: Asian food, dinner and trying something different.

→ Check out Ronin

Bajatzu – A More Special Dinner

For a dinner that feels a little more special, put Bajatzu on your list.

Rather than going for the quickest possible meal, this is the type of restaurant I’d consider for an evening where dinner is part of the plan.

Good for: a nicer dinner, couples and a night out.

→ Check out Bajatzu

Le Basque – Traditional Dining

If you’re looking for something more traditional, Le Basque is another Ostend restaurant to consider.

It’s a good option when you want to sit down for a proper meal rather than grabbing something quickly between activities.

Good for: traditional food, dinner and a relaxed meal.

→ Check out Le Basque

Restaurant overlooking the beach in Ostend, Belgium

Marebello – Italian Food

Not every meal during a Belgian holiday has to be Belgian.

If you’re craving Italian food, Marebello is a local recommendation worth checking out.

It’s a good alternative when you want Italian food rather than seafood, fries or other Belgian classics.

Good for: Italian food, pasta and a relaxed dinner.

→ Check out Marebello

If you’re staying overnight, I’ve also put together a detailed guide to Where to Stay in Ostend: Best Areas & Hotels, including the best areas to stay depending on the type of trip you’re planning.

Short on time?

Here are my 3 favourite hotels in Ostend:

Ostend Centre: Rosa Hotel
Raversijde: Vayamundo Oostende
Bredene: ibis Styles Bredene

What Food Should You Try in Ostend?

Restaurants are only part of the food experience.

Because Ostend sits directly on the Belgian coast, there are a few foods I would definitely look out for during your visit.

Belgian Coastal Classics

If you want to eat like you’re actually at the Belgian coast, keep an eye out for:

Shrimp croquettes
Fresh North Sea fish
Mussels
Belgian fries

Shrimp croquettes are particularly associated with the Belgian coast and are one of the things I’d recommend trying if you’ve never had them.

And then, obviously, there are the fries.

Belgian fries are basically an experience of their own.

If you’re interested in the Belgian food culture behind them, check out my guides to Belgian Food: What to Eat in Belgium and Belgian Fries: How to Eat Fries Like a Local.

Should You Eat on the Ostend Promenade?

The Albert I Promenade is one of the most obvious places to eat in Ostend.

You have restaurants directly overlooking the beach and North Sea, which makes it a great option if the view is part of the experience you’re after.

There is one catch: you’re often paying for that view.

Restaurants directly on the promenade can be more expensive than restaurants a few streets away from the beach.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat there. If you’re visiting Ostend on a sunny evening, sitting outside with a drink or dinner while looking over the sea can be absolutely worth it.

For better value, however, I’d also explore the streets just behind the promenade.

My Tips for Finding Restaurants in Ostend

You don’t necessarily need to plan every meal before arriving.

Ostend has a pretty compact centre, so you can easily walk around and see what looks good.

If you’re choosing between different seaside destinations in Belgium, my guide comparing the best Belgian coastal towns can help you decide which one fits your trip best.

A few things I’d keep in mind:

Don’t automatically choose the restaurant with the best sea view. The location is great, but prices can be higher.

Look beyond the promenade. Some good options are tucked away from the busiest tourist streets.

Think about the type of food you actually want. Ostend has much more than seafood, so don’t feel like you have to eat Belgian classics every night.

In summer, book ahead if you have your heart set on somewhere. Popular restaurants can get busy, particularly on sunny weekends.

Try something Belgian at least once. Even if you’re normally not a seafood person, shrimp croquettes or Belgian fries are worth trying.

If you’re still deciding whether Ostend is worth adding to your Belgium itinerary, I’ve shared my honest opinion in Is Ostend Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion.

Where Should You Eat in Ostend?

If you’re still not sure where to start, I’d narrow it down like this:

What you’re craving	Restaurant
Burgers	Jilles
Tapas	La Siesta
Pasta	Mister Spaghetti
Asian food	Ronin
A more special dinner	Bajatzu
Traditional food	Le Basque
Italian	Marebello

That gives you a pretty good starting point depending on your mood.

Final Thoughts: Best Restaurants in Ostend

Ostend isn’t a huge city, but its food scene is surprisingly varied.

You can have Belgian fries by the sea, go for tapas with friends, grab a burger after the beach or sit down for a proper dinner.

My biggest tip is simply not to limit yourself to the restaurants directly on the promenade. They’re convenient and the views are great, but exploring a little further into the city can give you more choice.

And of course, make sure you try at least one proper Belgian coastal classic while you’re here.

Planning Your Trip to Belgium?

Planning a trip to Belgium can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between historic cities, lively student towns, coastal destinations and smaller hidden gems.

That’s why I’ve created my Belgium Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Belgium.

→ START HERE: Belgium Travel Guides
→ GET MY GOOGLE MAP: Belgium Google Map

Ostend Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do, Eat & Drink
Is Ostend Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion About Belgium’s Coast
Where to Stay in Ostend: Best Areas & Hotels
10 Things to Do in Ostend: Best Activities & Sights
Nightlife in Ostend: Best Bars, Beach Clubs & Going Out Guide

FAQ – Restaurants in Ostend

What food is Ostend known for?

Ostend is particularly known for Belgian coastal food, including fresh North Sea fish, mussels, shrimp croquettes and Belgian fries. You’ll also find a wide range of international restaurants throughout the city.

Where should I eat in Ostend?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Jilles is a good choice for burgers, La Siesta for tapas, Mister Spaghetti for pasta, Ronin for Asian food and Marebello for Italian food.

Are restaurants in Ostend expensive?

Prices vary considerably. Restaurants directly along the Albert I Promenade can be more expensive because of their location and sea views. You can generally find more affordable options by walking a little further into the city centre.

Should I book a restaurant in Ostend?

If you’re visiting during summer or on a busy weekend, booking ahead is a good idea, especially for popular restaurants. On quieter weekdays, you may have more flexibility.

What Belgian food should I try in Ostend?

I’d start with Belgian fries, shrimp croquettes, mussels or fresh North Sea fish. If you’re new to Belgian food, these are some of the classics I’d put at the top of your list.

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Best Restaurants in Ostend: Where to Eat in 2026