Aalst's restaurant scene is solidly Flemish — brown bars, frites, beef stews, mussels in season, and a healthy beer list at most addresses. The Grote Markt and the streets running off it cover the obvious bases; for better cooking, look at the side streets a couple of blocks back from the square.
Local specialities include Aalsterse vlaai (a sweet tart with a lattice top) and the carnival staple of cooked onions in vinegar.