Fresh, fast & fiercely local – Mac Mer (Ostend)

Mac Mer

Vistrap (rear side), 8400 Ostend

Mac Mer is not your typical seafood stop – it’s a salty love letter to Ostend. Tucked behind the city’s iconic Vistrap, this bold little food container serves up hyperlocal bites, using only fish caught within the last 24 hours. The result? A taste of the North Sea in its purest form.

The setting

Think seaside simplicity. No white tablecloths, no reservations – just fresh air, sea breeze and the sounds of the fish market. Mac Mer embraces its location and lets the experience flow from it. You grab your bite, take a seat on a bench nearby, and let the city swirl around you.

The taste

The star here is the classic shrimp croquette: golden, crispy, and packed with flavour. It’s exactly how a garnaalkroket should taste – creamy, bold and unpretentious. Other small dishes follow the same logic: simple, local, and made with care. Perfect for a quick lunch or a flavourful pause during your coastal walk.

The experience

This isn’t fine dining – it’s fine snacking with a story. The concept of using nothing but the freshest catch is commendable, and it shows in every bite. Yes, prices lean slightly premium for street food, but you’re paying for freshness, sustainability and a direct connection with the sea.

The verdict: 3 out of 5 spoons (🍴🍴🍴)

“Mac Mer proves that good things come in small, salty packages.”

Atmosphere: Lively, casual, proudly local

Dishes: Shrimp croquettes & fish bites, fresh and flavourful

Service: Fast and friendly

Value: Worth it for the freshness

Perfect for: Seafood lovers on the go, fans of honest street food

Final bite: Mac Mer is a small stop with a big heart for the sea. Come for the croquettes, stay for the story – and enjoy a taste of Ostend, one bite at a time.

Let’s taste!