extract

Best Specialty Coffee in Ghent

Country: Belgium (16 cafés)

Updated February 2026

Ghent offers a variety of specialty coffee spots tucked into its historic streets. You might start your day at WAY Specialty Coffee Shop or visit Take Five Espressobar for a quick break while exploring the city center. Other reliable options include Koffeine, Goya Coffee, and Vandekerckhove's Koffiebranderij.

Many local shops operate with small teams, so you will often find owners working behind the counter. It is common for these cafes to serve breakfast or lunch alongside their coffee to accommodate the local pace.

Cafés

Of 16 cafés, 10 serve filter coffee and 10 have vegan options.

De Dikke Ziel Top rated

De Dikke Ziel

4.9

Slachthuisstraat 68, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

De Dikke Ziel is a coffee shop located in Ghent. The space features vintage furniture and a cozy atmosphere that regulars appreciate. Visitors often mention the friendly service and the quality of both the espresso and filter coffee. You can find vegan options and food like soup or croque-monsieur on the menu. The cafe offers wifi and outdoor seating for those who want to stay a while.

Goya Coffee

Goya Coffee

4.8

Verlorenkost 5, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

Goya Coffee is a specialty shop located at Verlorenkost 5 in Ghent. Visitors often describe the atmosphere as calm and cozy, with plenty of indoor seating available. The menu features well prepared espresso and pour over coffee alongside a selection of milk alternatives. Regulars frequently recommend the Argentine pastries, specifically the alfajores. The space provides free wifi and power outlets for those looking to work or study.

The Chocolate Maker

The Chocolate Maker

4.8

Werregarenstraat 4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

The Chocolate Maker is located near the graffiti alley in Ghent. This family owned shop produces chocolate from the bean on site. Visitors can often watch the production process through a glass window. The menu includes espresso and vegan options for those looking for a drink. Many customers purchase their chocolates and spreads as gifts due to the packaging.

Vandekerckhove's Koffiebranderij

Vandekerckhove's Koffiebranderij

4.7

Brabantdam 55, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

Vandekerckhove's Koffiebranderij is a coffee roaster located in Ghent. They roast their own coffee and offer a selection of beans for pour over brewing. Visitors often mention the friendly staff and the cozy atmosphere of the shop. You can order espresso, V60, or milk based drinks like flat whites and cappuccinos. The cafe also sells tea and coffee beans for home use.

Koffeine

Koffeine

4.6

Lange Kruisstraat 6, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

Koffeine is a coffee shop located in Ghent that offers both espresso and filter brewing methods. Visitors often mention the friendly and knowledgeable staff who are happy to discuss bean options. The space features a cozy interior with a loft area and outdoor seating for warmer days. You can find vegan options and snacks like brownies on the menu. Keep in mind that laptop use is restricted during the weekend.

Peaberry Coffeebar

Peaberry Coffeebar

4.6

Limburgstraat 36, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

Peaberry Coffeebar is a laptop friendly cafe located in Ghent. Visitors often mention the friendly staff and the cozy atmosphere. The menu includes espresso, filter coffee, and various specialty drinks like matcha and chai lattes. Regulars frequently praise the cinnamon rolls and pastries. You can also find vegan options and outdoor seating at this dog friendly spot.

Take Five Espressobar

Take Five Espressobar

4.6

Voldersstraat 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

Take Five Espressobar is located on Voldersstraat in Ghent. Visitors often describe the atmosphere as cozy and relaxed with a consistent selection of baked goods. The menu includes coffee, tea, and vegan options like overnight oats. While the staff is frequently noted as friendly, the space can become crowded and noisy during busy periods.

Take Five Espressobar

Take Five Espressobar

4.6

Grote Huidevettershoek 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

Take Five Espressobar is located in Ghent. Visitors often mention the friendly staff and the cozy atmosphere. The menu includes coffee, baked goods, and options for non-dairy milk. You can find seating upstairs or by the window to watch the street. Service can be slow during busy periods.

WAY Specialty Coffee Bakery

WAY Specialty Coffee Bakery

4.6

Brusselsesteenweg 4, 9050 Ghent, Belgium

WAY Specialty Coffee Bakery is located on Brusselsesteenweg in Ghent. The shop serves espresso, filter coffee, and cold brew alongside a variety of pastries and cakes. Visitors often mention the friendly service and the selection of coffee equipment available for purchase. You will find a cookbook library on the second floor and limited seating, including outdoor options. The cafe is laptop-friendly and offers vegan options for both drinks and food.

WAY Specialty Coffee Bar

WAY Specialty Coffee Bar

4.6

Jakobijnenstraat 7, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

WAY Specialty Coffee Bar is a local spot in Ghent serving espresso and filter coffee. The menu features a variety of vegan pastries that regulars frequently praise. You can choose to sit inside or at the outdoor tables. The shop is laptop friendly and welcomes dogs. Because it is a popular location, the space often fills up quickly.

WAY Specialty Coffee Shop

WAY Specialty Coffee Shop

4.6

Voldersstraat 58, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

WAY Specialty Coffee Shop is located in the heart of Ghent. The staff is consistently described as friendly and welcoming. Visitors often mention the wide selection of pastries and vegan cake options. You can find a bookstore specializing in cookbooks on the second floor. The shop also sells a variety of coffee equipment and beans. Seating is limited, so the space fills up quickly on busy days.

Café Labath

Café Labath

4.4

Oude Houtlei 1, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

Café Labath is located on Oude Houtlei in Ghent. Visitors often praise the coffee, including the flat whites and cold brew. The shop offers espresso, filter coffee, and various food items like pastries and soft-boiled eggs. It features outdoor seating and provides wifi for those looking to work. The space is popular and can get busy, so you may occasionally need to wait for a table.

Full Circle Coffee

Full Circle Coffee

4.4

Zuidstationstraat 5, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

Full Circle Coffee is a fully plant-based specialty coffee bar located in Ghent. The shop serves espresso and filter coffee alongside a selection of vegan pastries like donuts and muffins. Visitors often mention the space is laptop-friendly and provides both indoor and outdoor seating. Regulars appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and the variety of plant-based drink options available.

Full Circle Astrid

Full Circle Astrid

4.3

Kon. Astridlaan 218, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

Full Circle Astrid is a coffee shop located near the Gent St Pieters train station. They roast their own beans and prepare drinks using a La Marzocco machine. The menu is entirely vegan, offering various plant-based milk options for espresso and filter coffee. Regulars often mention the friendly staff and the cozy atmosphere of the small space. It is a practical spot for a quick break or a working afternoon.

Bidon Coffee&Bicycle

Bidon Coffee&Bicycle

4.1

Bisdomkaai 25, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

Bidon Coffee and Bicycle is a cafe located along the water in Ghent. The space features a bicycle theme and large windows that overlook the canal. Visitors often enjoy the atmosphere and the outdoor seating available during sunny weather. While many guests appreciate the coffee, some report inconsistent service speeds and mixed experiences with the food menu.

MYST

MYST

5.0

Vlaanderenstraat 49, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

MYST is a coffee shop located on Vlaanderenstraat in central Ghent. The space serves espresso and filter coffee alongside a variety of vegan pastries. Visitors often mention the friendly staff and the unique atmosphere that combines a cafe with an art shop and tattoo studio. The shop is laptop friendly and offers outdoor seating for guests. Note that the cafe side operates on a limited schedule on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Frequently asked questions

Are there good options for plant-based milk?

Yes, many cafes in Ghent now offer a range of plant-based milks. You can typically find these options at spots like WAY Specialty Coffee Shop and other local favorites.

Do I need to make a reservation for coffee?

Most coffee bars operate on a walk-in basis. If you are planning to visit a location that focuses heavily on weekend brunch, it is wise to check their policy beforehand.

Are these cafes open on weekends?

Many specialty coffee shops maintain regular hours throughout the week and on weekends. It is always a good idea to check the specific hours for places like Koffeine or Take Five Espressobar before you head out.

Can I find light roast coffee in Ghent?

Yes, several shops focus on light roast and slow coffee brewing methods. You can ask your barista about their current offerings and brewing styles.

Is it easy to find coffee near the city center?

The city center has several accessible coffee bars. You will find locations like Take Five Espressobar and Koffeine situated within walking distance of major landmarks.