6 Best Restaurants in Jutland, Denmark

The chef-owner of Mortens Kro, Morten Nielsen, is a celebrity in these parts, and the food here—considered some of the best in Northern Denmark—is a delight both visually and gastronomically. The menu changes monthly, but a starter might be steamed white asparagus with leeks in a mousseline sauce, with herbs and freshly shelled shrimp. A main course could be marinated wild venison from North Jutland served with perfectly crisp pommes frites and a wine from the extensive list. Every inch of the restaurant is thoughtfully designed, right down to the washrooms. Jackets aren't required, but a "business casual" look is a good way to go.

Samsø is known across Denmark for its vegetable produce---the potatoes and strawberries, especially, are popular---and many restaurants on Samsø benefit from that. This one, located in Nordby, is one of the best; at lunch the chefs prepare traditional, Danish classics, but at night the restaurant transforms into one of the best bistro cuisines in Denmark, giving the local produce some French flair. The three-course menu tastes like the essence of Danish summer.

This restaurant is run by three friends, and a meal here feels like a lively, informal dinner party at a friend's place. The dishes—which typically consist of seven snacks and either four or seven courses based on availability of seasonal produce—are internationally inspired. The food is served family style, and the light, minimalistic decor resembles that of a stylish Scandinavian apartment—so much so that the Saturday brunches often turn into parties.

Located in an atmospheric basement, complete with brick walls, velvet dining chairs, and low ceilings, this restaurant might look like a speakeasy jazz club in New York, but it’s one of the best brasseries in Aalborg. The chef, who also runs the popular restaurant Applaus, mixes Danish produce with French bistro cooking, bringing both to perfection. The four-course menu is a bargain, but guests are also welcome to sample the à la carte menu. 

Just south of town lies Marselis Harbor, a bustling little sailboat cove surrounded by waterfront restaurants and cafés that draw big crowds on sunny summer weekends. Restaurant Seafood has an interior of light-blue walls, and its signature dish is a seafood bouillabaisse heaped with tiger prawns, squid, Norwegian lobster, and mussels and served with aioli on the side. Other dishes include oven-baked catfish with asparagus and warm ginger butter.

Microbreweries normally aren't upscale, but this brew house, set on a picturesque city square not far from the cathedral, is a cut above the rest. The spotless interior, piping hot food—think barbecued ribs, fried or marinated fish, steaks, and fries—attractive atmosphere, huge outdoor terrace, and merry diners, not to mention the excellent beer brewed on the premises, make this pub special. Tastings and tours can also be arranged, and if you're in Aalborg for a couple of days you can buy a liter of your favorite homemade brew in a Danish-designed bottle and return for refills.