Restaurant ET

French soul in a cobbled Aarhus courtyard

Restaurant ET occupies an elegant 19th‑century townhouse set around a small cobbled courtyard just moments from Aarhus Harbour, yet quietly removed from the city buzz. Inside, the mood is intimate and softly lit, with wooden floors, closely spaced tables and a mix of Danish design touches and bistro details that nod firmly to France. The name itself plays on the French word for “and”, underlining its dual role as restaurant and serious wine address. Step through the door and you move from the maritime edges of Mindegade into a space that feels instantly slower and more conversational. Coats are whisked away, menus appear, and the low hum of clinking glasses and quiet conversation sets the tone for evenings that tend to stretch out over several courses and a bottle or two from the cellar.

Classic bistro cooking with Danish ingredients

The kitchen is rooted in French bistro tradition, but the pantry is firmly Danish. Expect robust, flavour‑driven dishes rather than theatrical plating: roasted cod with rich sauces and carefully judged acidity, slow‑cooked duck or veal with fondant potatoes, and seasonal garnishes like fennel, asparagus or tart apple. Portions are satisfying without being heavy, designed so you can comfortably enjoy both starter and dessert. Lunchtime brings lighter takes on the same repertoire, while dinner often revolves around a curated set menu alongside à la carte favourites such as steak, tartare or fish of the day. Sauces are a point of pride here, from glossy reductions to airy hollandaise, tying together local produce with recognisably Gallic technique.

A wine lover’s address

One of ET’s defining features is its deep, exclusively French wine list. Bottles from the classic regions – Bordeaux, Burgundy, Loire, Rhône and Champagne – line the cellar, with options ranging from approachable house pours by the glass to serious vintages for big nights out. Staff are well‑versed in pairing, happy to steer you from a crisp Sancerre with fish to a structured red with richer meats. You can often glimpse the collection through glass or from the staircase down to the cellar, a visual reminder that this is as much a place for oenophiles as for fans of French comfort food. Whether you opt for a single glass or a full flight, wine is treated as an integral part of the experience, not an afterthought.

Atmosphere for occasions and everyday indulgence

Despite its gastronomic ambitions, Restaurant ET maintains an unbuttoned, bistro‑like charm. Service tends to be professional yet relaxed, with staff moving comfortably between Danish and English and navigating everything from business dinners to date nights. The room fills steadily from early evening, making advance planning wise if you are targeting a prime‑time table. The layout includes both street‑level spaces and a cosy lower level, which can feel particularly snug on winter evenings when candles flicker against the old walls. In warmer months, the courtyard location adds a hint of Mediterranean energy to this corner of Aarhus, as doors open and the sound of the harbour filters faintly inside.

Planning your visit

Restaurant ET opens for dinner Monday to Saturday, with additional lunch service from Wednesday through Saturday. The price level reflects its standing as a polished French bistro with an ambitious wine cellar, but there is a clear focus on delivering solid value for the quality and portion sizes. Booking ahead is sensible, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings or if you have your heart set on a longer tasting menu. Allow at least two hours if you want to settle into a leisurely three‑course meal with wine. With its central location in Aarhus C, ET also works well as the focal point of a night in the city – a place to linger over dessert and coffee before stepping back out into the cobbled streets and harbour air.