Pingvin Tapas, Aalborg
Stylish harbourfront tapas in Aalborg, serving globe‑spanning small plates, curated wines and relaxed Scandinavian ambience ideal for dates, groups and long evenings.
Pingvin is a stylish tapas restaurant at Stjernepladsen in Aalborg’s waterfront Østre Havn district, known for its global “verdenstapas” concept. In contemporary, warmly lit surroundings, guests mix and match small plates—from Nordic bites to Mediterranean classics—and pair them with a well-curated wine list. The relaxed, informal atmosphere and flexible set menus make it a popular choice for dates, groups, and leisurely evenings that stretch late into the night.
A brief summary to Pingvin
- Stjernepladsen 3, C, Aalborg, Østre Havn, 9000, DK
- +4598111166
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 11:30 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 11:30 am-10 pm
- Thursday 11:30 am-10 pm
- Friday 11:30 am-12 am
- Saturday 11:30 am-12 am
Local tips
- Book ahead for Thursday to Saturday evenings, especially for larger groups or if you want one of the more intimate tables by the windows.
- Consider choosing a fixed number of tapas per person; it simplifies ordering and lets the table sample a broad spread of dishes.
- Mention dietary needs—such as vegetarian or gluten‑sensitive—when you sit down so staff can help you build suitable combinations.
- If you enjoy wine, ask for pairing suggestions by the glass; the varied flavours of the tapas benefit from changing wines over the meal.
- For a more leisurely experience, aim for a slightly earlier or later seating outside the core 19:00–20:30 dinner window.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Pingvin location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Pingvin
Global tapas with a distinctly Aalborg setting
Pingvin sits on Stjernepladsen in Østre Havn, a short stroll from the Limfjord and the striking concert hall Musikkens Hus. Inside, the focus is on “verdenstapas” – a globe‑trotting take on tapas that pulls inspiration from Southern Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Nordics. Rather than a single fixed tradition, the kitchen builds small plates around seasonal produce and recognizable flavours, letting you curate your own journey in four, six or eight servings. The concept blurs the line between casual sharing food and refined restaurant dining. Portions are plated individually, so every guest around the table receives the same carefully arranged selection. It feels convivial and social, but also structured enough for multi‑course dinners, celebrations and business meals.Warm design and laid‑back coastal atmosphere
The dining room combines clean Scandinavian lines with warm materials and soft lighting. Dark wood tables, upholstered chairs and candlelit settings lend an intimate feel, while large windows draw in the changing light from the harbour district outside. The result is a space that feels stylish without becoming formal. On busy evenings the room hums with conversation from couples, groups of friends and larger parties using one of the function spaces. Despite the buzz, the tone is unpretentious: this is a place where you can dress up a little, but still feel comfortable settling in for hours over multiple rounds of food and wine.From classics to seasonal surprises
Pingvin’s menu is built around mix‑and‑match plates that change with the seasons. You can expect a blend of familiar tapas favourites—think slow‑cooked meats, croquettes, charcuterie, marinated vegetables and seafood—with more adventurous combinations and Nordic touches. Vegetarian options are woven into the main selection, making it easy to build a meat‑free menu. Many guests opt for a set number of dishes, allowing the table to taste broadly across the menu without having to decide on every single plate. The kitchen uses its own “classics” alongside newer creations, so repeat visitors will often spot returning favourites beside recent additions crafted around current produce.Wine, drinks and long evenings
Liquid pairings are an important part of the experience. The wine card leans toward Spain and the wider Mediterranean, but also explores bottles from further afield that complement the varied flavours on the plates. By‑the‑glass options and sharing bottles make it straightforward to match a crisp white with fish and vegetables, then move to a fuller red for richer meat dishes. Beyond wine, there are beers, soft drinks and often a small selection of cocktails or aperitifs suited to a leisurely start or finish to the meal. With the kitchen serving through lunch and later into the night on weekends, the restaurant naturally lends itself to drawn‑out dinners that comfortably run into the late evening.Occasions, group dining and take‑away
Pingvin’s flexible format and central location make it a natural choice for gatherings. The restaurant includes function facilities that can host groups for birthdays, workplace dinners or more formal celebrations, with set menus built around the tapas style. The individually plated servings work well when you need timing, presentation and dietary preferences to be handled smoothly. For those who prefer to eat elsewhere, much of the menu can be ordered as take‑away, packed for sharing at home, in nearby accommodation or as a picnic along the waterfront. Whichever format you choose, the guiding idea remains the same: a relaxed, social meal built from small plates, good ingredients and the sense of being gently transported far beyond Aalborg while remaining firmly in its harbourfront heart.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Old City Hall
1.0 km
Aalborg’s tiny Baroque town hall on Gammeltorv, where a vivid yellow façade, royal motto and intimate interiors tell the story of centuries of civic life.
Limfjordsbroen
1.3 km
Historic bascule bridge linking Aalborg and Nørresundby, offering everyday Danish life, harbor views, sea air and classic Limfjord light in all seasons.
Limfjordstunnelen
1.6 km
Denmark's pioneering underwater motorway tunnel connecting North Jutland's vital regions since 1969.
Aalborgtårnet
2.1 km
A classic 1930s steel tower lifted above a wooded hill, Aalborgtårnet combines a thrilling outdoor elevator ride with 360° views and a cosy sky-high bistro.
Selskabet for Aalborgs Historie
2.7 km
Architectural marvel and musical powerhouse in Ørestad, DR Koncerthuset offers world-class acoustics and performances from Copenhagen’s cultural heart.
Rold Storkro
25.5 km
Discover tranquility at Rold Storkro, nestled between Denmark's largest forest and scenic hills, offering a blend of historic charm and modern comfort for an unforgettable escape.
Troldeskoven
25.7 km
Discover the mystical allure of Troldeskoven near Skørping, where ancient, gnarled beech trees create a magical landscape steeped in Danish folklore and natural beauty within Rold Skov.
Rold Forest
26.0 km
Discover Denmark's largest forest: Hike through ancient woodlands, explore unique geological formations, and uncover the legends of Rold Forest near Skørping.
Koldkrigsmuseet REGAN Vest
26.3 km
Explore Denmark's best-preserved Cold War bunker at Koldkrigsmuseet REGAN Vest: an immersive journey into a secret world hidden beneath the forest, revealing a pivotal era in history.
Naturstyrelsen
26.5 km
Explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Rold Skov and Rebild Bakker with guidance from Naturstyrelsen Himmerland, your gateway to outdoor adventures in Northern Jutland.
Midt inde i Rold Skov
26.8 km
Discover Denmark's largest forest: Hike through ancient woodlands, explore hidden springs, and experience the tranquility of Rold Skov, a natural treasure trove in Himmerland.
Madum Lake
27.1 km
Discover the pristine beauty of Madum Lake in Himmerland, Denmark: swim in crystal-clear waters, hike through ancient forests, and explore a haven for nature and history.
Springkilden
27.2 km
Discover the mesmerizing Springkilden in Rold Forest: an artesian spring offering a tranquil escape into nature's beauty near Skørping, Denmark.
Rold Skov
27.4 km
Discover Denmark's largest forest: Hike through ancient woodlands, explore rolling hills, and uncover the captivating history and folklore of Rold Skov.
Flyverstenen i Torstedlund
29.6 km
A solemn forest memorial to eleven RAF airmen lost in 1945, carved by local hands.
Unmissable attractions to see
Nordkraft
0.4 km
Industrial heritage transformed into Aalborg's beating cultural heart—where experimental theatre, cinema, and community converge.
Østre Anlæg
0.5 km
Leafy lakeside park east of central Aalborg, where everyday city life, rich birdlife and relaxed green space come together around calm waters and mature trees.
Aalborghus Castle
0.8 km
Half-timbered fortress, leafy park and atmospheric dungeons at the heart of Aalborg’s historic waterfront.
Honnørkajen ved Aalborg Slot
0.8 km
Ceremonial fjordside quay at the foot of Aalborghus Castle, blending royal cruise berth, open water views and relaxed public waterfront life in central Aalborg.
Church of Our Lady
0.8 km
Thousand-year faith on a city square: a Romanesque Revival church with medieval carvings, noble chapels and a calm interior in the heart of old Aalborg.
Fontana - Toldbod Plads
0.9 km
Denmark’s first musical fountain, where Aalborg’s historic customs house meets a lively waterfront square and jets dance to Handel’s “Water Music.”
Nytorv
0.9 km
A historic crossroads square where Aalborg’s trading past, busy shopping streets and everyday city life come together in one open, welcoming space.
Hjelmerstald
0.9 km
A short, cobbled lane of colourful houses and quiet courtyards, Hjelmerstald offers an intimate glimpse of old Aalborg life hidden in the city centre.
Gråbrødrekloster Museum
0.9 km
Step three metres beneath Aalborg’s busiest shopping street into an in situ medieval monastery, where ruins, burials and artefacts reveal the city’s deep past.
Bispengade
1.0 km
Aalborg’s wide, bustling shopping artery, lined with fashion, outdoor gear and gadgets, linking central squares and side streets full of food and nightlife.
Jørgen Olufsens House
1.0 km
Aalborg’s finest Renaissance merchant’s house, where sandstone, brick and half‑timbering reveal the city’s 17th‑century wealth and waterfront history.
Apotekersamlingen
1.0 km
Step into a creaking attic above Jens Bang’s Stone House and explore centuries of pharmacy history in Aalborg’s atmospheric Apotekersamlingen.
Jens Bangs Stonehouse
1.0 km
Aalborg’s grand Dutch Renaissance mansion, where a wealthy merchant’s 17th‑century ambitions still dominate the old town’s skyline in carved stone and gables.
Street Art Mural - Nändo Väzquez
1.0 km
A vivid Nändo Väzquez mural splashes bold color across a central Aalborg streetscape, turning an ordinary wall on Danmarksgade into a small but striking urban landmark.
Aalborg Havnefront
1.0 km
Aalborg's shimmering Limfjord promenade: modern architecture, cultural icons, and maritime magic in Denmark's vibrant north.
Essential places to dine
Pingvin
0.0 km
Stylish harbourfront tapas in Aalborg, serving globe‑spanning small plates, curated wines and relaxed Scandinavian ambience ideal for dates, groups and long evenings.
Restaurant Textur
0.1 km
Inventive seasonal Nordic menus and thoughtful pairings in a relaxed, modern bistro setting on Aalborg’s revitalised Østre Havn waterfront.
Restaurant Fauna
0.3 km
Contemporary Nordic dining with Limfjord views inside Musikkens Hus, from relaxed bistro plates and lavish Saturday brunch to refined multi-course concert evenings.
Wildebeest Gastropub
0.5 km
Modern Aalborg gastropub pairing creative sliders, hearty burgers and serious drinks with a relaxed, social atmosphere near the Nordkraft cultural hub.
Alimentum
0.6 km
Fine-dining Nordic tasting menus in a discreet Aalborg corner spot, where local North Jutland produce and thoughtful pairings create an intimate, slow-paced experience.
Restaurant JØRN
0.7 km
Light-filled Nordic lunch and brunch restaurant in the Utzon Center, pairing Limfjord views with seasonal Danish cooking and clean, contemporary design.
Hos Henius
0.7 km
Classic Danish smørrebrød, beer and schnapps served with warm hygge and aquavit heritage in a cozy lunchtime restaurant in the heart of Aalborg.
Bistro V
0.9 km
Contemporary Nordic bistro on Aalborg’s Toldbod Plads, blending relaxed Scandinavian design, lively city-center buzz and seasonal French-inspired comfort food.
Restaurant Grillen Burgerbar Aalborg
0.9 km
Flame-grilled burgers and thick shakes by the Limfjord, served in a warm, industrial-style space at the heart of Aalborg’s lively waterfront district.
Restaurant Flammen - Aalborg
0.9 km
Hearty all-you-can-eat grill buffet in a former Aalborg cinema, serving abundant meats, salads and sides in a warm, group-friendly setting on Østerågade.
El Mariachi Gastro Pub
0.9 km
Lively Mexican gastropub in central Aalborg, where shared plates, 15 beer taps and tequila-laced cocktails turn dinner into a social evening out.
Mortens Kro Restaurant & Boutique hotel
1.0 km
Fine dining and intimate suites under one roof in central Aalborg, where contemporary Nordic cuisine and spa-touched boutique comfort create a full gourmet getaway.
Duus Vinkjælder
1.0 km
Historic 1918 wine cellar blending Nordic cuisine, live jazz, and immersive dining experiences in atmospheric Aalborg.
Restaurant SMAEK
1.0 km
Relaxed Nordic bistro at Aalborg’s waterfront, serving seasonal comfort dishes, generous portions and informal luxury in a bright, central setting.
Caféministeriet
1.0 km
Casual all‑day café and restaurant on Mølle Plads in central Aalborg, known for generous brunches, modern comfort food and a lively, laid‑back urban atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Boutique Chové
0.6 km
Intimate party boutique in central Aalborg, filled with balloons, décor and creative ideas for turning everyday gatherings into polished, memorable celebrations.
Mekong Market
0.6 km
Compact Asian grocery in central Aalborg, packed with hard-to-find ingredients, flavors and snacks from across Southeast and East Asia.
Monki
0.7 km
Trendy women's fashion with bold, expressive style in Aalborg's vibrant city center.
NORMAL Aalborg, Friis Shoppingcenter
0.7 km
A bright, budget-friendly variety shop in Friis Shoppingcenter, packed with branded everyday essentials, beauty bargains and quirky finds in central Aalborg.
SEPHORA MAGASIN AALBORG
0.7 km
A polished, fashion-forward beauty hub inside Magasin at Nytorv, where international makeup, skincare and fragrance brands meet Aalborg’s city-center shopping buzz.
Friis Shopping Center
0.7 km
Modern Aalborg shopping hub blending retail, dining, and urban culture in Denmark's vibrant city centre.
Filuca V
0.7 km
Intimate Aalborg boutique blending luxury vintage with contemporary Scandinavian womenswear, where curated rails and personal styling help you uncover a distinctive, lasting look.
Magasin Aalborg
0.7 km
A sleek, three-level department store in central Aalborg, blending Scandinavian style, curated brands and calm interiors for an easy, all-in-one shopping stop.
Butik Kraes
0.7 km
Intimate Aalborg boutique blending Scandinavian women’s fashion with curated home accents in a calm, design-led setting on central Nørregade.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.8 km
A bright, budget‑friendly Danish design store in central Aalborg, packed with playful gifts, colorful homeware and quirky everyday essentials.
Kilo Vintage Sale Aalborg
0.8 km
Playful weight-based vintage shopping in central Aalborg, where European second-hand style, sustainability and treasure-hunt browsing all come together by the kilo.
Billig-Billy. Costumes and dollar store
0.8 km
A lively central Aalborg discount and costume shop packed with party gear, decorations and quirky bargains, ideal for quick themed fixes and fun, low-cost finds.
Sirup
0.8 km
Central Aalborg women’s fashion boutique offering curated Scandinavian style, personal service and a relaxed shopping pause on lively Nytorv square.
Sinnerup Aalborg
0.8 km
Stylish Danish lifestyle store on Aalborg’s Nytorv, uniting Nordic furniture, home décor and women’s fashion in a single inspiring multi-level design universe.
MSCH Copenhagen
0.9 km
A modern Scandinavian womenswear boutique in the heart of Aalborg, blending minimalist design, versatile wardrobe staples and relaxed, downtown shopping vibes.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Basement Beer Bar
0.6 km
Aalborg's craft beer sanctuary with 20 rotating taps and weekly discoveries.
Hjerter Dame ApS
0.6 km
Cosy brown-bar charm in the heart of Aalborg, where local beer, fair prices and intimate, wood-panelled surroundings create an easy-going evening retreat.
Douro Wine Bar
0.8 km
Cozy Portuguese wine hideaway in central Aalborg, pairing hand-picked Douro bottles with relaxed tapas, candlelight and unhurried evening conversations.
John Bull Pub Aalborg
0.9 km
Classic English-style pub in central Aalborg, pouring a huge range of beers and whiskies with live music, sports and a spacious terrace facing the Limfjord.
The Irish House
0.9 km
Authentic Irish pub in Aalborg with live music, traditional cuisine, and an extensive beer and whiskey selection.
Gedulgt
1.0 km
Dimly lit, discreet and devoted to serious cocktails, Gedulgt brings speakeasy charm and Nordic flair to a tucked-away corner of Aalborg’s city center.
Old Games Pub ApS
1.0 km
Cozy weekend pub in central Aalborg mixing cold beers, retro-style fun and live music for laid-back, late-night socializing by the waterfront.
Cozy Bar Aalborg
1.0 km
A snug, no‑nonsense bar in central Aalborg, perfect for relaxed drinks, conversational evenings and a budget‑friendly pause between the city’s livelier nightspots.
London Pub
1.1 km
Classic British-style pub in central Aalborg pouring dozens of beers, ciders and whiskies in a cosy, wood-panelled setting from lunchtime until late.
Quist Wine v/Lene Quist Berggreen
1.1 km
Authentic Italian wines in Aalborg's historic heart, curated by passionate wine experts.
Heidi's Bier Bar Aalborg
1.1 km
High-energy Alpine-style beer hall in Aalborg’s nightlife lane, serving big steins, loud party tunes and late-night table dancing in a rustic lodge setting.
Kontiki Bar
1.1 km
Unpretentious beer hall on Ågade offering inexpensive drinks, local atmosphere, and a relaxed, central Aalborg hangout from midday to late night.
The Drunken Flamingo
1.1 km
Neon-pink tiki vibes, flamingo-themed cocktails and late-night dancing on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade – a playful, party-ready bar with tropical flair.
Zwei Grosse Bierbars Aalborg ApS
1.1 km
High-energy alpine-style beer bar bringing après-ski vibes, big steins and party soundtracks to Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade nightlife strip.
Storm P Beer & Cocktails
1.1 km
Playful cocktails, cold beer and late-night buzz on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade, where beer garden chill meets sports-bar energy and nightclub beats.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Lively
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly