Our top 5: 

1. Eat Love Pizza
2. Gigi
3. Otomat
4. Shazana
5. Pizza Overpoort

1. Eat Love Pizza

If you’re walking along the Ajuinlei and spot a cozy place by the river Leie, that’s probably Eat Love Pizza — and trust us, it’s worth stopping for. The moment you walk in, you feel the chill, artsy vibe: warm lights, local art on the walls (they actually switch artists every 3 months 🎨), and the kind of cozy buzz that makes you want to stay a bit longer.

The menu is simple but super charming — printed on paper, everything written in Italian. It just feels right. They’ve got tasty appetizers, good drinks, and a surprisingly nice homemade iced tea (yep, we didn’t expect that either 😅).

But let’s be real — you’re here for the pizza. 🍕
Every pizza is handmade right there in the kitchen, thin-crusted & crispy, perfect for those who love that light Italian base. Don’t expect the usual toppings; their Eat Love tomato sauce gives everything a fresh twist. The pizzas are quite big, but because of the thin base you’ll probably finish the whole thing (we definitely did).

And here’s a little insider tip 👀 — right next door, they’ve got a wine bar called Elmo, perfect for grabbing a drink after your meal. On a warm summer evening, sitting there with a glass of wine by the river is chef’s kiss 💋.

It’s not the cheapest spot in town, but honestly, it’s worth it for the quality, the vibe, and that post-pizza drink at Elmo. Make sure to reserve a table in advance, because it’s a popular spot and tends to fill up fast. Definitely a must-try if you’re in Gent.

💡Why is it our number one?
It’s a hidden gem right in the center of Ghent. The people are really friendly, and you instantly feel relaxed — ready to enjoy your meal.

Get in touch: 0479 87 93 87 / pizza@eatlovepizza.be
Location: Ajuinlei 10, 9000 Ghent
Price: €20-30 per person
Opening hours: 
Monday - Thursday 18h-21h
Friday 18h - 22h
Saturday 12h - 14h / 17h30 - 22h
Sunday 12h - 14h / 17h30 - 21h 

2. Gigi

Nestled in the heart of Ghent, you’ll find Gigi, a little slice of Italy waiting to be discovered. When we walked into the restaurant, the inviting aroma of fresh herbs and baked pizza filled the air 🍕. The warm, stylish, and colorful interior instantly made us feel at home. Whether we were in search of authentic Italian flavors or simply looking for a cozy spot to unwind, Gigi promised an experience that delighted all our senses.

What immediately caught our attention when we stepped inside was the striking and playful interior.🎨✨ The restaurant is bursting with color and patterns, each corner filled with a mix of Italian-inspired details and bold, modern design.

At Gigi, everything revolves around fresh ingredients and classic Italian flavors. From airy stone-oven pizzas 🍕 to creamy pastas 🍝 and flavorful antipasti, every dish is prepared with care. The menu isn’t overly complicated, but it’s authentic, comforting, and surprisingly delightful. Don’t forget to save room for one of their homemade desserts, such as tiramisu or panna cotta.

For starters, we shared the focaccia with three different dips . The bread was incredibly tasty — soft on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and you could really tell it was freshly made.

For our main course, we went for the Pizza Dario, described on the menu as:

“Our very own Pizzachef Dario’s idea of the perfect pizza with Parma ham, rucola, a tomato base, balsamico and Parmiggiano.” 🍕

And honestly, it lived up to that promise 😍. The combination of salty Parma ham, fresh rucola, and the sweetness of the balsamic created a perfect balance of flavors. The crust was thin, light, and full of flavor — exactly how an authentic Italian pizza should be 🍕✨.

To finish off our meal, we were pleasantly surprised when we received a glass of limoncello on the house 🍋. It was the perfect sweet and refreshing ending to an already wonderful evening — a true Italian gesture of hospitality.

💡Why is it our number two?
Overall, our visit to Gigi was a delightful mix of vibrant atmosphere, delicious food, and warm service. It’s the kind of place that instantly puts you in a good mood and makes you forget you’re in the middle of Ghent — because for a few hours, it really feels like you’ve escaped to Italy . 

Get in touch: 0479 32 72 71 / info@gigi6161.be
Location: Belfortstraat 24, 9000 Gent
Price: €20-40 per person
Opening hours: 
Monday - tuesday: 17h30 - 23h30
Wednesday - sunday  : 12h30 - 14h30/ 17h30 - 23h30

3. Otomat

If you’re looking for a pizza experience that’s a little out of the ordinary, Otomat in Ghent is the place to be! Located near the bustling Vrijdagmarkt, this cozy restaurant brings together the best of two worlds: authentic Italian flavors and a surprising Belgian touch.

The vibe inside is modern yet warm, think exposed brick walls, soft lighting, and cheerful staff who instantly make you feel at home.

It’s always buzzing with energy: groups of students grabbing a quick bite, couples on a casual date, and locals who know exactly where to find good food.

We love how the interior design reflects Ghent’s creative student spirit, quirky details, friendly faces, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to stay longer.

What makes Otomat stand out for us is their unique concept of “pizza with a Belgian twist.”
Instead of using the classic Italian tomato sauce, some pizzas are made with Duvel beer yeast, giving the dough a subtle flavor and light texture that’s totally unique.

The menu is full of original combinations! Trust us, it’s one of those places where you’ll want to try everything!  After a lot of back-and-forth about what to try, we ended up choosing the BASK Pepperoni, a bold and spicy masterpiece featuring:

• Tomato sauce

• Fior di latte mozzarella

• Iberico chorizo & txistorra

• Padrón & Piparra peppers

• Piment d’Espelette

• Idiazábal cheese & basil

Each bite had a perfect balance of heat and smokiness. 🌶️🧀

We also went for the Boule & Boulette, topped with:

• Tomato sauce

• Fennel meatballs

• Red onion & basil

• Grana Padano

• Fresh mesclun 🍽️

Flavors you don’t usually expect on a pizza, but they worked surprisingly well together.

And because Otomat really gets it, they even help you choose the perfect drink to match your pizza. You’ll find a beer recommendation listed under every item, how cool is that? 🍻 For example, the BASK Pepperoni goes perfectly with Tripel d’Anvers or Fourchette, while the Boule & Boulette pairs great with a Duvel 6,66% (straight from the tap!). We also tried two glasses of wine, and they fit the meal just right.

The staff deserve a special mention, they were incredibly friendly and attentive, happy to explain the menu and make suggestions. You never feel rushed, even when it’s busy. And best of all, you don’t need a reservation. Just walk in, find a spot, and enjoy.

💡Why is it our number three?
Otomat proves that pizza doesn’t have to be traditional to be amazing. It’s cozy, creative, and packed with flavor, the perfect spot for a spontaneous night out with friends or a relaxed date.

Get in touch: 09 278 04 04 / gravensteen@otomat.be
Location: Kleine Vismarkt 3, 9000 Ghent
Price: €20-30 per person
Opening hours: 
Sunday- Thursday: 12h00 - 22h00
Friday & Saturday 12h00 - 23h00

4. Shazanna

Between Dampoort Station and the Vlasmarkt lies one of
Ghent’s most authentic Italian gems. Not a single word of
Flemish is spoken in the kitchen, and if you’re lucky, one of the grandkids might be there to take your order. It’s a small, family-run spot that feels like stepping straight into Italy. 

We first discovered it in a funny way: at Café De Afsnis, where the booker for the performing bands shared a Burrata pizza from Shazanna. After one bite, we were hooked, we had to find the place ourselves.

A few weeks later, we made it to Steendam, to this cozy Italo-Belgian pizzeria that’s full of character. The menu is impressive, from classics like the Quattro Stagioni to creative options like the Bella Nonna. Everything’s baked in a wood-fired oven, filling the whole place with that amazing pizza smell.

The interior feels like a movie set from Southern Italy — simple, warm, and full of charm. The pizzas have a paper-thin crust that somehow stays firm, even with all the toppings. Every bite feels pure, authentic, and made with love. No nonsense, just real ingredients that taste amazing together. ❤️

Sure, service can sometimes be a bit chaotic — as if nonna’s handwritten notes are guiding the kitchen 🍷 — but that’s part of the charm. 

💡Why is it our number four?
It’s one of those hidden gems that won’t stay secret for long. You might pay a bit more than at a chain, but this is real pizza made with craftsmanship. Go before the rest of Ghent finds out!

Get in touch:  0494 84 90 78 
Location:  Steendam 51, 9000 Gent
Price: €20-30 per person
Opening hours: 
Monday - Wednesday: closed
Thursday: 18h - 22h00
Friday & Saturday: 18h - 22h30
Sunday: 18h - 22h

5. Pizza Overpoort

Between the bars & clubs of Overpoortstraat, there’s one pizza spot every Ghent student knows 🍕🎉
It’s not about fancy toppings or Instagram-worthy plates — it’s about survival pizza. The kind that helps you get through the night.

Slices here cost just €1,50 — a total steal. The menu is minimal, the pizza isn’t going to win awards, but who cares? When you’re out partying, this is exactly what you need.

There’s not really space to sit inside, so it’s all about grabbing your slice, heading outside, and chatting with your friends while you eat. The atmosphere is casual, fun, and perfectly chaotic.

The pizza man is super friendly & loves to laugh 😄
Stop by when you need a quick break, fuel up, & then get right back out there with your crew.

💡 Why is it our number five?
It’s the ultimate student pizza hack: cheap, fast, and exactly what you need after a night of partying.

Get in touch: No phone or e-mail available, just go there ;)
Location: Overpoortstraat 36, 9000 Gent
Price: €1 - 10 per person
Opening hours: 
Monday - Sunday: 17h - 23h30

🍕 Final Slice: Our Top 5 Pizza Spots Verdict

So there you have it — Ghent’s top 5 pizza spots, each with its own flavor, vibe & story. Whether you’re in the mood for artsy riverside pizza at Eat Love, vibrant Italian charm at Gigi, creative Belgian twists at Otomat, authentic nonna-style warmth at Shazanna, or just a quick student slice at Overpoort — Ghent has you covered.

Our tip? Try them all (yes, seriously 😋). Each one offers something different — and who doesn’t love an excuse for another pizza night?

Because honestly... life’s too short for bad pizza. ❤️🍕