The story
Debra in Ghent operates as a modern bistro where Jason Blanckaert and chef Gilles Bogaert translate local ingredients into precise, ambitious plates. Their partnership follows years of collaborative projects across the city, bringing a refined yet grounded approach to contemporary Belgian cooking. Le Fooding recognized this direction when listing the restaurant for 2026, highlighting how the duo builds wild ambition into straightforward flavor profiles. The kitchen treats every course as a chance to explore texture and temperature without relying on heavy sauces.
Guests navigating the à la carte menu encounter items like the langoustine toast served with sour cream and the violet artichoke paired with mayonnaise and sea vegetables. The six course Debra’s Choice menu runs one hundred five euros and pairs smoothly with the four glass wine selection. Main courses shift between land and water, featuring pigeon prepared in three styles alongside a salt crust monkfish dish finished with heart tomato beurre blanc. Even simpler starters carry careful attention, such as the roasted cherry tomato layered with stracciatella and fennel blossom.
The dining room divides into three distinct areas for reservations, allowing guests to choose between the front tables, the snug bar, or a quieter back section. This layout supports a relaxed bistro rhythm where staff guide visitors through the meal without rigid formality. A recent relocation to Zuidstationstraat will expand the footprint while keeping the same attentive service model. Every seat faces inward toward the shared experience, turning a simple evening out into something quietly memorable.
Recognition
Location
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