Mefisto Restaurant & Gårdhave
Cosy Danish–French bistro in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, famed for seafood, brunch and an intimate courtyard garden that turns city dining into a relaxed retreat.
Tucked into the atmospheric Latin Quarter of Aarhus, Mefisto Restaurant & Gårdhave is a cosy Danish–French bistro best known for seafood, brunch and relaxed courtyard dining. Behind a discreet frontage on Volden, the restaurant opens onto an intimate, sheltered gårdhave where candles, blankets and close-set tables create a warm, convivial mood in most seasons. Inside, the feel is classic and unpretentious, with closely spaced tables, chalkboard menus and a focus on well-executed dishes rather than flashy design.
A brief summary to Mefisto Restaurant & Gårdhave
- Volden 20, Aarhus, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- +4586131813
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-12 am
- Tuesday 11 am-12 am
- Wednesday 11 am-12 am
- Thursday 11 am-12 am
- Friday 11 am-12 am
- Saturday 10 am-12 am
- Sunday 10 am-12 am
Local tips
- Reserve ahead for weekend brunch and summer evenings in the courtyard, as the gårdhave is one of the most requested areas.
- Seafood is a particular strength here; if unsure what to order, focus on the fish dishes and daily specials.
- Arrive a little early for your booking to request a courtyard or indoor table depending on weather and your preference.
- Allow at least two hours for dinner if you plan on enjoying multiple courses and a relaxed glass of wine.
- In cooler months, bring an extra layer if you hope to sit outside; heaters and blankets help but evenings can still feel brisk.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
Mefisto Restaurant & Gårdhave location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Mefisto Restaurant & Gårdhave
A Latin Quarter Classic with a French Accent
Mefisto Restaurant & Gårdhave sits on Volden in the heart of Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, one of the city’s oldest and most characterful districts. Step inside and you move from cobbled street to a compact, warmly lit dining room that feels more like a neighbourhood bistro than a formal restaurant. The name nods to old European café culture, and there is a clear French influence in both atmosphere and menu, mingled with a distinctly Danish sense of hygge. Tables are set close together, often topped with simple candles, linen and classic stemware. There is usually a lively murmur of conversation rather than hushed fine dining quiet, and the space works equally well for a leisurely lunch as for a longer evening meal with multiple courses.Seafood and Brunch at the Heart of the Menu
Mefisto is especially associated with seafood, with fish and shellfish featuring prominently throughout the day. Menus typically lean on classics such as butter-sautéed fish, shellfish platters and rich sauces made from carefully reduced stocks. The kitchen tends to highlight freshness and clear flavours rather than experimental techniques, so you can expect dishes that are recognisable, generous and focused on good ingredients. Brunch and lunch are a major draw, with platters, eggs, smoked fish and substantial open sandwiches reflecting both Danish and French influences. In the evening, the selection expands to include heartier mains, seasonal sides and desserts that often revolve around chocolate, citrus or berries, rounded out by a tight list of wines by the glass and bottle.The Courtyard Garden as an Urban Refuge
At the back of the restaurant, the gårdhave is Mefisto’s signature space. Sheltered from the street, this small inner courtyard is framed by old brick walls, greenery and awnings that offer protection from light rain and summer sun. It is here that the restaurant’s name truly comes to life, with an al fresco atmosphere that feels tucked-away and intimate despite being in the city centre. On cooler days, blankets and heaters often extend the outdoor season, while in summer the courtyard becomes a relaxed oasis for long lunches and late dinners. The enclosed setting keeps noise levels relatively calm, making it easy to focus on conversation, food and the occasional clink of cutlery from neighbouring tables.Design Details and Neighbourhood Character
The interior design is understated rather than showy, relying on classic bistro cues: dark chairs, wooden tables, mirrors that bounce light around the room and blackboards or printed cards outlining daily specials. The look pairs naturally with the Latin Quarter surroundings, where narrow lanes, small galleries and independent shops give the area its village-in-the-city feel. This context is part of the appeal. A meal at Mefisto often brackets a wider exploration of central Aarhus, from nearby streets lined with colourful townhouses to cultural institutions scattered within easy walking distance. The restaurant thus works as both a culinary destination and a comfortable anchor point in the middle of the historic core.When to Visit and How Long to Stay
Mefisto’s long opening hours, spanning brunch through dinner on most days, make it a flexible stop whether you are planning a quick midweek lunch or a lingering weekend meal. Brunch and early afternoon tend to suit a relaxed, daylight experience in the courtyard, while evenings highlight the candlelit bistro feel indoors. Most guests allow at least an hour for a simple lunch of one or two courses, and closer to two hours for a full dinner with starters, mains and dessert. The combination of attentive table service, a compact yet varied menu and the inviting gårdhave encourages unhurried dining, making it an appealing choice for travellers who prefer to settle in rather than rush through their meal.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Agnete og Havmanden
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Discover the poetic fusion of Danish folklore and modern sculpture at Aarhus’ Agnete og Havmanden, a landmark bronze fountain embodying myth and emotion.
Den Svangre
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A bronze sculpture celebrating the female form in Aarhus's cultural heart.
Folkehuset Trøjborg
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Folkehuset Trøjborg blends Danish hygge, vibrant community life, and affordable culture, making it a beloved gathering place in the heart of Aarhus’ Trøjborg district.
Møllen i botanisk have Århus
1.0 km
Historic mill at the heart of Aarhus's verdant botanical sanctuary, blending heritage with living gardens.
Frederiks Plads
1.0 km
A vibrant, contemporary city square where modern architecture, open green space, and urban life converge in the heart of Aarhus near Frederiksbjerg.
Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden
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Step into a vibrant world of exotic plants, interactive exhibits, and striking glass architecture at Aarhus's Greenhouses—a serene escape for nature lovers.
Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden
1.0 km
Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.
University Park, Aarhus
1.2 km
Explore seven centuries of art at SMK – Denmark’s national gallery, marrying old masters, modern pioneers, and cutting-edge exhibitions in stunning parkland surroundings.
Botanical Garden
1.3 km
Experience Denmark's artistic heritage and international masterpieces at SMK, Copenhagen's dynamic national gallery housed in landmark architecture beside the Kings’ Garden.
Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg
1.4 km
Experience local Danish cinema culture at Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg—an atmospheric neighborhood movie house blending modern comfort with classic charm in Aarhus.
Trøjborg Beboerhus
1.5 km
Experience the vibrant community spirit of Aarhus at Trøjborg Beboerhus, a hub for cultural events, workshops, and local gatherings.
Udsigtspladsen
1.5 km
Experience breathtaking city, harbor, and bay vistas from one of Aarhus C’s most beloved scenic viewpoints, perfect for relaxation and panoramic photography.
Tivoli Friheden
2.5 km
Experience the thrill and magic of Tivoli Friheden, Aarhus' premier amusement park with rides, live music, and family-friendly fun for all ages.
Flagpladsen
3.2 km
Historic plaza overlooking Aarhus Bay, gateway to royal heritage and astronomical discovery.
Marselisborgmonumentet
3.2 km
Standing tall in Mindeparken, Marselisborgmonumentet honors Danish World War I volunteers with solemn beauty, monumental sculpture, and panoramic bay views near Aarhus.
Unmissable attractions to see
Store Torv
0.1 km
Centuries-old Store Torv is Aarhus’ historic main square, where cathedral spires, grand facades and pedestrian street life converge in a lively urban living room.
Lille Torv
0.2 km
Aarhus Waterfront: a vibrant coastal promenade fusing striking modern architecture, rich maritime heritage, and lively urban culture along the city’s scenic bay.
History Hunts med Hvem.nu
0.2 km
Hands-on history hunts in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, where Viking traces and town stories turn into clue-driven adventures for curious families and small groups.
Latin Quarter
0.2 km
Aarhus’ Latin Quarter blends cobbled medieval streets, historic townhouses and bike-friendly lanes with creative cafés, boutiques and boundary-pushing Nordic dining.
Mindrebæltsbroen
0.2 km
Royal residence on Aarhus Bay with historic gardens, open parkland, classic Danish architecture, and the chance to witness the royal guard—all amidst city green space.
KØN - Gender Museum Denmark
0.2 km
One of the world's few museums exploring gender, equality, and sexuality through history and contemporary dialogue.
The Occupation Museum
0.2 km
Aarhus’ former Gestapo headquarters turned museum, where original cells, local stories and moral dilemmas bring Denmark’s wartime occupation chillingly close.
Ismael
0.2 km
A poised bronze boy with bow and arrow brings quiet drama and historic artistry to the intimate city square of Klostertorvet in central Aarhus.
Klostertorvet
0.2 km
Intimate cobbled square in central Aarhus where monastic history, café life and city shopping streets meet in a relaxed, atmospheric urban pocket.
Aarhus Cathedral
0.2 km
Aarhus Cathedral—Denmark’s tallest and longest church, home to medieval frescoes and ornate altarpiece, anchors the city’s vibrant heart with Gothic grace.
Viking Museum
0.2 km
Walk where Vikings founded Aarhus 1,200 years ago in this underground museum beneath the city center.
Bishop's Square
0.2 km
Marselisborg Castle offers royal heritage, tranquil English-style gardens, and the dramatic changing of the guard—an essential cultural and green escape south of Aarhus city center.
Vadestedet
0.2 km
Historic river crossing turned vibrant canal-side strip, Vadestedet blends cafés, bars and bridges into Aarhus’ cosiest, most atmospheric urban meeting place.
Aarhus Theatre
0.3 km
Art Nouveau splendour, golden auditoriums and four busy stages make Aarhus Theatre the historic heart of live performance in Denmark’s second-largest city.
Our Lady Church
0.3 km
Dokk1 is Aarhus’ iconic harborside library and cultural center—where award-winning design, vibrant community life, and panoramic waterfront views combine.
Essential places to dine
Mefisto Restaurant & Gårdhave
0.0 km
Aarhus’ beloved seafood restaurant and garden, Mefisto, offers Scandinavian classics, atmospheric courtyard dining, and vibrant local flavor in the city’s oldest quarter.
L'estragon
0.1 km
L’estragon serves up refined French cuisine with Danish creativity in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, offering intimate ambiance, seasonal tasting menus, and top-tier wine pairing.
Plant Food
0.1 km
Small, cosy and completely plant-based, Plant Food serves bold umami burgers, bowls and sandwiches in the heart of Aarhus’ atmospheric Latin Quarter.
Lecoq
0.1 km
French-inspired brasserie and bar bringing Southern European warmth, wine and late-night energy to Aarhus’ atmospheric Latin Quarter on Graven.
Slap Af
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant culinary scene at Slap Af in Aarhus – where exquisite dishes meet expertly crafted cocktails.
Carlton
0.1 km
A central Aarhus brasserie-style restaurant and bar where polished plates, a strong wine list and warm lighting create an intimate, grown‑up city evening.
Bernth & co
0.1 km
Artisanal restaurant blending heritage craftsmanship with contemporary Nordic cuisine in central Aarhus
Langhoff & Juul
0.1 km
Nordic-inspired, organic dining in Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter, with a focus on sustainability, seasonal menus, atmospheric interiors, and local flair.
Kolo
0.1 km
Urban kolonihave vibes, reimagined kebab and vegetable-led plates, and natural wines on tap in one of Aarhus’ most inviting city-centre dining rooms.
Casablanca Aarhus
0.2 km
French‑style brasserie, famous brunch “Crunch” and cosy café‑bar atmosphere in the heart of Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter.
Restaurant Domestic
0.2 km
Experience exquisite local cuisine at Restaurant Domestic in Aarhus C - where innovation meets tradition for an unforgettable dining experience.
Sct. Oluf Restaurant
0.2 km
A vibrant French-inspired bistro offering creative cuisine and Danish hospitality in the artistic heart of Latinerkvarteret, Aarhus’ oldest and most atmospheric quarter.
Gusto
0.2 km
Honest sourdough pizza, natural wines and warm, late-night buzz in the heart of Aarhus’ Latin Quarter.
Faour
0.2 km
Authentic Palestinian falafel and mezze in a cozy Aarhus hideaway—budget-friendly, vegetarian-focused, and genuinely delicious.
OliNico
0.2 km
Cozy Aarhus gastro grillbar on Mejlgade, serving generous modern European comfort food, daily changing menus and bistro classics at pleasantly low prices.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
LÏST Store
0.0 km
A calm, curated women’s fashion boutique in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, blending Scandinavian simplicity, quality fabrics and timeless silhouettes on charming Volden.
Seramikku - Japandi Concept Store
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A serene Japandi concept store in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, blending Japanese ceramics and Scandinavian design into a calm, tactile shopping experience.
LAKOR Shop Aarhus
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Flagship men’s clothing shop in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, blending Danish west coast vibes with graphic, coastal-inspired casual wear in an intimate, design-led space.
& Vintage
0.0 km
A boutique in Aarhus' Latin Quarter offering hand-picked vintage treasures, Scandinavian gifts, artisan wares, and a warm, local shopping experience in a creative setting.
Badstue Rock
0.1 km
One of Denmark’s oldest independent record stores, Badstue Rock is a cozy Aarhus hub for vinyl, CDs, music books and unhurried crate-digging in the city center.
Jooma Aarhus
0.1 km
Discover unique Danish crafts and gifts at Jooma Aarhus, nestled in the historic Latinerkvarteret.
Munthe Market
0.1 km
Where timeless fashion finds new purpose through conscious curation and circular design.
Sophies Tøjhus
0.1 km
A cosy central Aarhus boutique for colourful, Scandinavian‑inspired women’s fashion, perfect for a relaxed browse and a wardrobe refresh between city sights.
Panduro Hobby
0.1 km
A colourful craft haven in the heart of Aarhus, packed with DIY supplies, creative kits and ideas for makers of all ages on atmospheric Badstuegade.
Balsalen
0.1 km
Atmospheric courtyard boutique in central Aarhus, where carefully curated interiors, lifestyle finds and Nordic design create a calm little universe behind Guldsmedgade.
Loppegal
0.1 km
Curated secondhand fashion and interiors in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, where Danish design sensibility meets flea-market charm in a cosy, character-filled shop.
Mads Nørgaard
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A Scandinavian multibrand fashion hub in Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter, blending Mads Nørgaard classics with curated contemporary labels for men and women.
Utzon
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Independent Aarhus boutique where Scandinavian fashion, leather, fur, and design objects are curated into one coherent, softly luxurious universe of style.
Weekday
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Urban Scandinavian streetwear in a minimalist boutique, bringing Weekday’s clean-cut style and denim-focused collections to Aarhus’ atmospheric Guldsmedgade.
Monki
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Bold, playful Scandinavian fashion on one of Aarhus’ cosiest shopping streets, mixing expressive statement pieces with easy everyday staples.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
PV (Pustervig) - Kaffe & Cocktails
0.1 km
Cosy central Aarhus hideaway where daytime coffee culture flows seamlessly into a warm, late-night world of candles, chatter and creative cocktails.
ÅBEN Aarhus
0.1 km
Contemporary craft beer, rotating taps and a relaxed neighborhood buzz in a minimalist taproom tucked into Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter.
Café Under Masken
0.1 km
Bohemian, art‑lined den in central Aarhus where masks, fish tanks and coffee cups share space with beers, late‑night conversations and an old‑school smoky bar vibe.
Alberts - Cocktailbar i Aarhus
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Alberts Cocktail Bar in Aarhus, featuring innovative cocktails and a lively atmosphere perfect for socializing.
Hornsleth Bar Aarhus
0.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Hornsleth Bar Aarhus, a premier destination for cocktails and dancing in the heart of the city.
Two Socks Ginbar
0.2 km
Discover the enchanting ambiance of Two Socks Ginbar, a haven for gin lovers in the heart of Aarhus, Denmark, where expert mixology meets local charm.
Ris Ras Filliongongong
0.2 km
Candlelit basement bar on Aarhus’ Mejlgade, blending an extensive beer selection with bohemian, living-room coziness and easygoing late-night conversations.
Fairbar
0.2 km
Experience the perfect blend of bar and cafe culture at Fairbar in Aarhus, offering a cozy ambiance and a diverse drink menu.
Mig og Ølsnedkeren
0.2 km
Experience the best of Aarhus's craft beer scene at Mig og Ølsnedkeren, where local and international brews await in a cozy atmosphere.
Heidi's Bier Bar Aarhus
0.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Heidi's Bier Bar Aarhus, featuring a diverse selection of beers, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Bar Smil Aarhus
0.2 km
Loud beats, cheap drinks and late-night energy in a compact bar-club right in the centre of Aarhus’ historic heart.
El Loco
0.2 km
Discover El Loco, a vibrant bar in Aarhus, known for its lively atmosphere, affordable drinks, and unforgettable nightlife experience.
Annalise's Bar
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Annalise's Bar, where cozy ambiance meets creative cocktails and friendly service.
The Old Irish Pub
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant spirit of Ireland at The Old Irish Pub in Aarhus, where great food, drinks, and live entertainment await.
Clemens Bar
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Clemens Bar, where friendly vibes and delicious drinks await every night.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- 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
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly