Restaurant Det Gamle Posthus, Allinge

A historic house of letters turned dining room

Det Gamle Posthus occupies Allinge’s former post office, a solid old building tucked just behind the harbourfront. Inside, traces of its working past linger in the high ceilings, small-paned windows and sturdy walls that once framed the daily rhythm of mail and messages. Today the counters and pigeonholes have given way to candlelit tables, but the sense of being in a house with stories remains. Rather than a polished, uniform concept, the interior feels homely and a little eclectic, combining traditional Danish touches with more contemporary details. Wood, soft lighting and simple table settings create a relaxed atmosphere that suits both holidaymakers and locals dropping in for a familiar meal. In summer, doors open to a calm courtyard where you can eat under open sky, yet still feel sheltered from the brisk Bornholm sea breeze.

Bornholm on the plate

The kitchen leans into Bornholm’s strengths: Baltic fish, quality meats and dairy, and produce that reflects the island’s changing seasons. At lunch, the menu often centres on generous smørrebrød and classic plates built from scratch, from crisp pork with crackling to fish fillets with tart remoulade and rye bread. Presentation is careful but unfussy, highlighting texture and colour rather than elaborate flourishes. In the evening, Det Gamle Posthus offers a small à la carte selection alongside a seasonal three-course menu. A typical line-up might include a fish-of-the-day main with roasted vegetables, potatoes and a rich lobster or butter-based sauce, or a traditional steak served on a wooden board with house-baked bread, salad and flavoured butter. Portions tend to be substantial, designed to satisfy after a day exploring Bornholm’s cliffs, forests and beaches.

From casual lunch to celebratory banquet

Beyond individual tables, the former post office now doubles as a banquet venue for everything from small family gatherings to larger celebrations. The layout allows for flexible seating, so groups can occupy a single room or spread out through adjoining spaces while still feeling part of the same event. Long tables, candlelight and the building’s solid walls create a sense of intimacy even when the rooms are full. The restaurant also prepares food for off-site occasions and island events, drawing on years of experience catering for large numbers without losing attention to detail. Whether the setting is a formal dinner or a more relaxed buffet, the approach is similar: simple, well-prepared dishes built on familiar Nordic flavours, made in-house rather than assembled from shortcuts.

Rhythm through the seasons

Det Gamle Posthus is open most of the year, mirroring Bornholm’s own seasonal curve. In the quieter months, the dining room becomes a warm refuge on dark evenings, when hearty mains and rich desserts feel particularly welcome after wind-swept walks along the coast. As spring and summer return, the pace picks up with lunch service, longer evenings and more visitors from across the island. While the setting is relaxed, it is still very much a sit-down restaurant rather than a café. Booking is commonly recommended, especially for dinner in high season, and many guests treat a meal here as one of the anchor experiences of their stay in North Bornholm. Families, couples and small groups are all part of the mix, helped by a menu that leans toward crowd-pleasing, classic dishes.

Everyday warmth in a small-town setting

Part of the appeal lies in how naturally the restaurant fits into Allinge’s small-town fabric. Located a short walk from the harbour and the town’s main square, it feels like a local fixture rather than a stand-alone destination. You might arrive after exploring the rocky coastline, the nearby castle ruins or the island’s inland trails, and step straight into a space where the mood is unhurried and the focus is squarely on the table. Lighting, background conversation and the clink of cutlery create a soft hum more than a buzz. There is no enforced dress code; guests span well-dressed holiday diners to relaxed, casually dressed families. The emphasis is on genuine hospitality, filling plates and a steady, comforting style of cooking that sits somewhere between traditional inn and modern bistro, all framed by the character of an old Bornholm post house.