Gaston is a bar and restaurant and the place to get a view right over the entire city of Ghent. It’s a bit further out of town, up near the old docks in the north, and housed at the top of a renovated 19th-century textile factory. I find that if you drop Gaston into conversation, friends instantly realise you know about all the cool places – I just think it’s a shame it’s only open during the summer months.
The sunny roof terrace gives you a sweeping view over Ghent’s famous buildings – St Bavo’s Cathedral, Sint Niklaas Church, the Belfort, and the Boekentoren (Ghent’s university library) to name just a few. You can even play petanque outdoors while the sun sets on the city.
If you manage to get a table at the restaurant (booking ahead is essential) I recommend you try the classic Flemish starter – homemade prawn croquettes. Gaston claims to serve the best in the country….sadly I haven’t managed to try all prawn croquettes in Belgium (I’m working on it) but I can confirm that these ones are deliciously crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside – as they should be.
