Pakhuis occupies a beautifully converted 19th-century warehouse with a stunning Art Nouveau interior — high glass ceiling, ornate ironwork, long mahogany bar — that makes it one of the more spectacular dining rooms in Ghent. The food is Belgian brasserie: mussels prepared various ways, waterzooi (Ghent's famous chicken or fish stew), steak tartare, and a long list of Belgian beers to go with them.
It is popular with both locals and visitors, which keeps the quality honest. The kitchen is reliable, the service efficient for the size of the space, and the setting alone justifies the visit. Book ahead on weekend evenings.