Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant

Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant is a canal-side restaurant and beer cafe at Groentenmarkt 9 in the centre of Ghent, in the Flanders region of Belgium. It sits by the water near the old Groentenmarkt, a few steps from the Graslei and the Korenmarkt, and combines a traditional Flemish kitchen with a very large Belgian beer list. The cuisine is Flemish, and the emblematic dishes are Gentse waterzooi, the creamy Ghent stew, and stoofvlees, beef slowly stewed in beer and traditionally served with frites. These dishes make the restaurant a good fit for visitors who want a recognisable introduction to local cooking. The atmosphere is that of a warm, convivial Belgian beer cafe, with wood, canal views from the terrace in good weather and a steady flow of locals and travellers. Noise can be moderate to high when busy, and the dress code is casual. The beverage programme is the defining feature: the extensive list covers Belgian styles from blondes and tripels to lambics and abbey beers, and staff can usually advise on matching beers with dishes, including those cooked with beer. Prices are moderate ($$). Reservations are advisable for dinner, for weekends and for any group wanting a terrace table in summer; booking a few days ahead is generally enough, and lunch is often possible without a reservation. The setting close to the water makes it an appealing stop after a boat trip or a walk along the canal, and its position near major sights makes it easy to include in a day in Ghent. Visitors can also come simply for a drink and a snack.