Webers Café og Restaurant, Marstal

A historic seafaring tavern reborn

In the heart of Marstal, a few steps back from the harbour, Webers Café og Restaurant occupies a building with more than 160 years of history as a local watering hole. The low ceilings, worn floorboards and time-softened bar counter all tell stories of sailors, fishermen and townsfolk who once gathered here after days at sea. Rather than stripping that past away, the current owners have embraced it, keeping the bones of the old pub intact and allowing the patina to frame a much more ambitious kitchen. Today, the space feels like an updated “brown café” – the classic Danish term for a no-nonsense bar with dark wood, simple furnishings and a lived-in charm. Offshore memorabilia, framed photos and maritime details nod subtly to Marstal’s long shipbuilding and seafaring heritage, making the dining room feel deeply rooted in the town’s identity.

Danish–French flavours with a compact menu

The menu at Webers is deliberately short, focusing on a handful of well-crafted dishes rather than a long list. You will typically find bistro-style plates such as ribeye with baked potatoes, slow-braised cuts of pork or veal, and generous bowls of moules frites served with thick, crunchy fries and garlicky aioli. Seasonal fish and chips, omelettes and occasional vegetarian options round out the offerings, with desserts like cheesecake or a house-made ice cream to finish. Behind the stove is a chef-owner who has turned the old tavern into an unpretentious gourmet address, blending classic Danish comfort with French technique. Sauces tend to be rich yet balanced, portions satisfying without being heavy, and there is a clear emphasis on fresh ingredients and straightforward presentation rather than elaborate plating.

Wine, specialty beers and island conviviality

For such a small venue, Webers has a notably considered drinks selection. The wine list ranges from food-friendly European bottles to a few more indulgent options, often chosen to match the robust flavours coming from the kitchen. Beer drinkers will find both familiar labels and a line-up of speciality brews, including local beers from Ærø that pair nicely with fried fish or a steak. The bar, a relic of the building’s pub era, is still very much part of the experience. Guests might sit here for a pre-dinner aperitif or linger after a meal, chatting with staff or regulars. The atmosphere tends to be relaxed and informal, with locals and visiting sailors sharing the same small space, especially on busy summer evenings.

Evening-only rhythm in a harbour town

Webers generally opens in the evening, creating a sense of occasion in a town where night-time options can be limited outside high season. With only a modest number of tables, the room fills quickly, particularly on weekends and during the sailing months, when crews come ashore in search of something more refined than a quick snack on the quay. Inside, candlelight, close-set tables and the murmur of conversation make the restaurant feel intimate without being stiff. Service leans friendly and informal: staff are happy to explain dishes, suggest wine pairings or point you toward a favourite local beer. In cooler months it becomes a snug refuge after a windswept day on Ærø; in summer it is a convivial anchor point for an evening stroll around Marstal.

Planning your visit to Webers

Given the restaurant’s limited seating and popularity in the small-town context, reserving a table is strongly advisable, especially in July and August or on Friday and Saturday nights. Prices are in the mid-range for Denmark: not inexpensive, but reasonable for the quality of cooking and drinks, with mains typically sitting in the bistro bracket rather than fine-dining territory. Most guests spend about two hours over a relaxed dinner, enjoying a starter or main with drinks and perhaps dessert. The setting suits couples, small groups of friends and families with older children, particularly those looking to experience Marstal’s maritime character alongside a carefully cooked meal. It is the kind of place where you can arrive in a sweater and boat shoes, yet still feel you have treated yourself to something special.