Café Merino

Emanuel Hielstraat 26, 9050 Gent, Belgium
+32 9 335 41 05
$$$ Cafe
(287 Reviews)
Price Range €10–20

Welcome to Café Merino, a delightful haven nestled in the heart of Gent, Belgium. Situated at Emanuel Hielstraat 26, this charming café exudes warmth and character, making it the perfect spot for coffee lovers, food enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a cozy gathering place.

Café Merino’s menu is a symphony of flavors that changes weekly, meaning each visit can offer a delightful surprise! Renowned for its simplicity and deliciousness, this café features standout dishes that promise to tantalize your taste buds. One of the must-try items is the arancini, boasting a perfectly crispy exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth cheesy filling that leaves you craving more. For pasta lovers, the gnocchi delivers a pillowy texture and rich flavor, complemented by expertly crafted sauces. Pair your meal with a refreshing homemade ginger iced tea or indulge in their decadent cakes, which customers rapture about in their reviews.

The atmosphere at Café Merino is simply inviting, adorned with warm décor and a bustling energy that invites laughter and conversation. Whether you’re settling down for a quiet evening or mingling with the lovely crowd, you can enjoy the ambiance from their terrace while blissfully watching the world go by—a little escape right in the city center.

Reviewers have raved about their experiences at Café Merino, with Celeste Moore describing it as a "hidden gem" with a lovely cozy atmosphere at great prices. Kristina Curcic adds to the charm, mentioning the delightful ginger iced tea and cakes, while Abeel Choudry appreciates the terrace’s perfect viewing spot. Customer satisfaction is clearly a priority for the friendly staff, including one young server praised by Annie Fletcher for his welcoming demeanor.

If you’re wandering through Gent and in need of a comforting meal or a refreshing drink, make your way to Café Merino. This café is not just a place to eat; it’s a delightful experience waiting to happen. Your taste buds will thank you!

Contact them at +32 9 335 41 05 for more information or to plan your next visit!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has great beer selection
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves late-night food
Serves organic dishes
Sells prepared foods
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Lunch reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 12:00 AM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 12:00 AM

Friday

11:30 AM - 1:00 AM

Saturday

2:00 PM - 1:00 AM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

287 Reviews
celeste moore

10 Sep 2025

absolutely love this place! simple, undeniably delicious menu that changes weekly. the arancini is a must. great prices and quality, lovely, cozy atmosphere any night of the week. hidden gem.

Annie Fletcher

03 Sep 2025

Very limited menu I chose Gnocchi which was delicious good drinks choice the young guy who served us was nice and friendly. Lovely busy atmosphere we had a great night.

Carlos Saiz

28 Aug 2025

Very recommendable! Nice place next to city center. The fish was amazing, if you are thinking to go you should order it (plate in the picture)

Kristina Curcic

27 Aug 2025

Lovely crowd, great homemade ginger ice tea and cakes <3

Abeel Choudry

21 Aug 2025

Love the choice, staff and the ambience sitting on the terrace watching the world go by :)

Sofie Van Den Abeele

13 Aug 2025

Love this place! Great vibe, nice beers, and food is always delicious. Staff is very friendly. We need more bars like this in the neighbourhood.

Arnaud Thaler

22 Jun 2025

Nice atmosphere and super friendly owners. We sat outside on a warm summer day and loved the space. Little traffic, reasonable prices.

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