Name: Publiek
Address: Ham 39, Ghent, 9000
Telephone: +32 9 330 04 86
Price range: €100 or above

About Publiek

Let me introduce you to Publiek Restaurant, a fine dining spot in the heart of Gent that instantly feels like one of those places you want to tell people about the moment you leave. Located at Ham 39, 9000 Gent, Belgium, Publiek blends refined cooking with a relaxed, modern atmosphere, which makes the whole experience feel polished without being stiff. From the moment you step inside, the focus on quality is obvious, not just in the food but also in the way everything flows, from the lighting to the layout and the calm confidence of the service. The menu leans into seasonal ingredients and thoughtful techniques, and while it’s clearly crafted with precision, it never feels overcomplicated or distant. Instead, dishes arrive looking elegant yet inviting, which makes dining here feel exciting rather than intimidating. Publiek is also a great choice whether you’re settling in for a long dine-in experience or opting for delivery or takeaway when you want something special at home. The drink selection adds another layer to the experience, with carefully chosen wines, classic and creative cocktails, quality beers, and a solid range of spirits, plus coffee for when you want to slow things down. Alcohol is handled with the same attention as the food, so everything feels balanced and intentional. Late-night food options make Publiek especially appealing for evenings that stretch a little longer, whether you’re out with friends or enjoying a quieter night that turns into something more memorable. What really stands out, though, is how approachable the restaurant feels despite its fine dining label. Conversations flow easily, service feels attentive without hovering, and the overall vibe encourages you to relax and enjoy what’s in front of you. Publiek manages to sit comfortably between elevated dining and everyday enjoyment, which is exactly why it resonates with both locals and visitors looking for something genuinely special in Gent.

Gallery

Business Info

Service options

+ Dine-in

+ Delivery

+ Takeaway

Highlights

+ Great cocktails

+ Great coffee

+ Great dessert

+ Great tea selection

+ Great wine list

Popular for

+ Lunch

+ Dinner

+ Solo dining

Accessibility

+ Wheelchair-accessible car park

+ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

+ Wheelchair-accessible seating

Offerings

+ Alcohol

+ Beer

+ Cocktails

+ Coffee

+ Late-night food

+ Spirits

+ Wine

Dining options

+ Lunch

+ Dinner

+ Dessert

+ Table service

Amenities

+ Bar on site

+ Toilet

Atmosphere

+ Cosy

+ Romantic

+ Trendy

+ Upmarket

Planning

+ Lunch reservations recommended

+ Reservations required

+ Dinner reservations recommended

+ Accepts reservations

Payments

+ Credit cards

+ Debit cards

+ NFC mobile payments

+ Credit cards

Parking

+ Paid street parking

+ Parking

Hour time open

Right Now :

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM ,
07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM ,
07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Thursday: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM ,
07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Friday: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM ,
07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Saturday: 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Sunday: Closed

Order Now

+32 9 330 04 86

Ham 39, 9000 Gent, Belgium

Reviews

We had a great experience, the food was delicious and the service was good. The dame blanche is well worth the extra money, it’s the best one i’ve ever had. Thanks!

- Dylan Verstraete -

The dining area is modern and doesn't give off the usual snobby Michelin restaurant vibe which I enjoy. The service pace was a bit slow for my liking. The food was great, my favorite was the duck tartare, goodness gracious it was a surprise. Super balanced taste with just the right amount of tarragon and almond throughout to make it enjoyable. The dessert was also a great ending and scrumptious. Totally recommend it!

- Anton -

Excellent appetiser and main dish. I particularly love the yellow pepper granite with ham and cucumber with cod fish. The mackerel main dish is also prepared and cooked beautifully with concentrated flavours and very delicate flesh. Dessert is a little bit less impressive but the small birthday cake that they made for us tastes AMAZING. Rich, buttery and bursting with flavours as they pour over whisky sour on it. I also didn’t expect they gave us the cake for free. Will definitely visit for dinner next time!

- Mark -

Loved that this restaurants location, atmosphere, and of course food. Visiting from Minnesota and this meal was highly anticipated. They spoke Dutch to us at first but quickly pivoted to English (we blend in!). The small bites to start are sometimes some of my favorites and I loved the carrot one. Prepare for a 3-4 hour meal and enjoy it.

- Kateri Routh -

The best meal is my week in Belgium, by far. I had the 7 course menu with (excellent) adjustments for a non-pescatarian, plus the wine pairing. Wonderfully subtle, surprising flavors. The only off note was the red wine with the main course, which didn't do justice to the dish. Otherwise great. Amazing bread. Spectacularly friendly, relaxed staff, but very professional service. Pro tip: ask for extra jus. Grab the cup if you can!

- john wilkes -

Creative and inventive use of ingredients to bring out different flavours and combinations we had never had before. Each dish was presented well, and we particularly enjoyed the bavette for our main course. Worthy of its Michelin star.

- sophie kan -

Coming from Tokyo I’m always skeptical of the fish based cuisine in Northern Europe but this restaurant definitely earned my respect with its boldly flavored and exquisitely crafted preparations of fish, seafood, local vegetables and herbs, such as roasted red peppers and leaks. The wine pairings were inspired as well!

- James F -

We had an amazing dinner, the food was delicious and had some unexpected pairings, the wine pairing is recommended and left a lot to discuss at the table. Really cool to see a Michelin star restaurant with a different view on wine and food. The atmosphere was very laid back, the staff were extremely helpful and friendly. Definitely coming back!

- Viktorija So -