Seek and find
9 x best restaurants in Aarhus (Denmark) from smørrebrød to Mexican finger food
Last updated: October 4, 2019
These are the restaurants you want to eat at when you visit Aarhus!
For most restaurants in Aarhus, you need to know where they are, because they're not easy to find. In fact, the best restaurants in Aarhus are all hidden gems. Nestled in hidden courtyards, along the city river, or at a very busy intersection... Look hard enough, and you'll find them ;-) And you'll be surprised time and time again, because Aarhus has a wide variety of options. You can tuck into authentic "spisesalons" (dining rooms) for a classic smørrebrød or enjoy delicious gourmet fast food at "new" hipster hotspots. And because Aarhus isn't very big, all the restaurants are within walking distance. That makes exploring the city even more fun!
My trip was just a bit too short to eat at all the restaurants the locals recommended, but I did my best ;-). An absolute must-try during your city break in Aarhus is smørrebrød. It's available at many of the best restaurants in Aarhus and is a classic Danish (lunch) dish, essentially nothing more than a folded sandwich. Two buttered slices of rye bread serve as the base, and the rest is a surprise. The variations are endless and therefore different at every restaurant. Smørrebrød isn't too heavy as a meal, making it perfect for lunch. In the evening, smørrebrød makes way for dishes with fresh fish or international cuisine in many restaurants. And what's even better: the price-quality ratio of the restaurants in Aarhus is excellent. Almost all of them are very affordable. This is partly due to Aarhus being a true student city. Aarhus has approximately 315.000 inhabitants, of which 20% are students.
9 best restaurants in Aarhus to try yourself
Because Aarhus's city center isn't particularly large, the best restaurants are scattered throughout the city. Many of the best restaurants in Aarhus are located in the charming Latin Quarter, but Raadhuus Kafeen, for example, is right next to City Hall.
Kähler SpiesesalonThis restaurant is located behind the large Bruun's Gade shopping center. It's one of Aarhus's most popular restaurants, mainly thanks to its delicious smørrebrød. But Kähler's tables are also popular in the evenings, so reservations are definitely recommended. So let them know in advance that you're coming!
F-HøjWhat makes Aarhus so easy to navigate is the river that divides it in two. If you follow it, you'll automatically come across F-Høj, a small but delightful spot. Here too, they serve delicious smørrebrød (the chicken and bacon one is golden!), as well as sweet treats like cakes and chocolate.
Langhoff & JuulI think this restaurant might just be the best hotspot on the list. From the stunning bar and all the different tables to the texts on the wall and the tableware, everything here is perfect. There's a great atmosphere, and the dishes are presented like paintings—so beautiful. This restaurant is among the best in Aarhus, and if you dine here, your night out will be complete.
Town Hall CafeAs authentic as this restaurant looks from the outside, it's just as traditional inside. A typical Danish "spiesesalon" (skewered salon) with high-quality dishes. Think classics like stew, hachee, and Viennese schnitzel. But with a Danish twist: the hachee is served with two fried eggs, beetroot, and rye bread.
Haute FritureThese days, every city has a haute friture: a snack bar with a chic design. In Aarhus, too, you can find luxurious fries and perfectly cooked chicken. Haute Friture also serves elaborate sandwiches unlike any other.
CowAround the corner from Haute Friture—and also in one of the city's most charming streets—you'll find Vaca. A super trendy takeout spot for Mexican finger food. The portions are generous, the prices are low, and the selection is enormous. Is the sun shining in Aarhus? Then this is the perfect solution for your walk to the water.
Oil NicoAlso around the corner from Vaca and Haute Friture, you'll find another great spot: Oil Nico. This gastro/grill bar serves both lunch and dinner. The cozy setting immediately catches your eye as you walk in, and you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee or a glass of wine.
Café DrudenfussCafe Drudenfuss is a cozy cafe just a few doors down from Haute Friture. During the day, it's a great spot for coffee and lunch (the cakes are delicious), and in the evening, you can enjoy a meal without too much fuss. Want to stick around for drinks? That's easily possible too!
Jacob's BarBQAs you stroll through Aarhus, one thing will strike you: it's teeming with courtyards. You'll also find Jacob's BarBQ tucked away behind a shopping street. This makes the terrace—practically the entire courtyard—all the more inviting. And as the name suggests, this is the place to go for a good piece of meat.
PS: Still looking for nice hotels in Aarhus? Here are our favorites: City Hotel Osia, Comwell Aarhus en Villa Provence!
Tip: Have you seen Yourlbb's other top lists for Aarhus? Or check out Visitaarhus.com for even more tips!
- 3 x the best coffee bars in Aarhus
- 9 of the best restaurants in Aarhus
- 3 of the best hotels in Aarhus
- 4 x shopping tips in Aarhus
- 10 fun things to do in Aarhus
- Aarhus Travel Guide: 48 hours in Aarhus
- 9 reasons why you should visit Aarhus
- Discover the Aarhus Central Food Market here
HAPPY TRAVELS
Read more?
