Restaurant Pakhuset, Svaneke

A historic warehouse turned cosy dining room

Housed in an old warehouse close to Svaneke’s harbour, Restaurant Pakhuset blends the solid character of Bornholm’s trading past with the feel of a modern, informal brasserie. Thick granite walls, exposed beams and timber details create a warm backdrop that feels both rustic and welcoming, even when the large room is buzzing with conversation. Candlelit tables and simple wooden furnishings keep the look unfussy, placing the focus firmly on relaxed dining rather than fine-dining theatrics. Step inside and you immediately sense that this is a place designed to accommodate everyone from multi-generational families to hungry cyclists and groups of friends. The space is broad and open, yet divided into smaller nooks and levels, so you can tuck into a corner table or sit closer to the lively centre of the room depending on your mood.

Bornholm on the plate: steak, pasta and local flavours

The kitchen is built around a straightforward promise: generous portions of well-loved dishes at moderate prices. The menu leans into a "Beef & Pasta" concept, with grilled steaks, burgers and hearty pasta plates forming the backbone. A house classic is the plank steak – a juicy beef fillet served on a wooden board, ringed by creamy mashed potatoes and vegetables, a nostalgic dish that suits the robust setting. Pakhuset works closely with local producer Pastariget, bringing Bornholm-made pasta into many of its mains, from rich meat sauces to lighter, vegetable-forward options. At lunchtime, the kitchen sometimes nods to Danish traditions with open sandwiches, while the drinks list highlights beers from nearby Svaneke Bryghus and a compact selection of wines by the glass, plus local juices for those skipping alcohol.

Easygoing family favourite in Svaneke

Pakhuset presents itself as a true family restaurant, and that intention shows in the details. There is a dedicated children’s menu with smaller, familiar dishes, and staff are used to accommodating younger diners with drawing materials and small adjustments. Portions are generous without being excessive, and the atmosphere is informal enough that parents rarely feel out of place bringing toddlers or teenagers. The casual tone also makes it a natural choice for groups: it is the sort of place where some can order burgers while others opt for pasta or steak, and no one feels constrained by a fixed set menu. For visitors spending the day browsing Svaneke’s smokehouses, glass workshops and harbourfront, Pakhuset often serves as a dependable anchor for lunch or an early dinner.

Local drinks and a relaxed Bornholm evening

The bar area gives a subtle showcase to Bornholm’s brewing culture. Svaneke Bryghus beers, available both on tap and in bottles, range from easygoing lagers to more characterful ales, offering a flavour of the island in your glass. This local focus is complemented by a carefully chosen set of wines and soft drinks, including juices from Bornholm producers. Even when the restaurant is busy, the tone leans more towards convivial than loud. It is the sort of place where you might linger over a second drink, watching the light fade over Svaneke outside before wandering back through the cobbled streets. On cooler evenings, the solidity of the old warehouse walls and the glow from inside make it particularly inviting.

Practical details for planning your meal

Restaurant Pakhuset keeps broadly consistent hours, typically opening from around midday into the evening, which suits both relaxed lunches and early dinners. The pricing sits in the moderate range for Denmark: mains are substantial but designed not to break the travel budget, especially if you stick to burgers, pasta and the daily specialties. Given Svaneke’s popularity in summer and Pakhuset’s central location, it is wise to plan ahead during peak holiday weeks and on weekends, when tables can fill quickly in the evening. The central setting in a compact coastal town means it pairs easily with a stroll to the harbour before or after your meal, making it a convenient, no-fuss hub in one of Bornholm’s most charming small towns.