Terrassen, Allinge

Harbour terrace with a Bornholm horizon

Standing on Terrassen’s broad deck, you look directly over Allinge’s compact harbour, where fishing boats, pleasure craft and the island’s rugged granite coastline frame the view. The restaurant occupies part of Høiers Gaard, a traditional harbourfront complex that has long anchored social life here, giving the place a quietly historic feel without turning nostalgic. Salt air, gulls and the smell of the sea drift up from the quay below, making the name “Terrassen” feel perfectly literal. Tables spill across the outdoor terrace in good weather, with parasols and blankets ready for shifting Baltic breezes. On clear evenings, the sun slides down behind the low cliffs and rooftops, bathing the harbour in soft gold and turning this into one of the town’s most scenic spots for a drink or unhurried meal.

Cocktails, wines and easygoing Nordic plates

The bar leans into its dual identity as both wine bar and cocktail hangout. You can settle in with a chilled white, a glass of red suited to the day’s meat dishes, or a spritz-like aperitif that feels made for long summer afternoons. The cocktail list typically favours clean, Nordic-friendly flavours – citrus, herbs, good ice and uncomplicated presentation rather than showy garnishes. In the kitchen, the menu is designed for flexibility. Lunchtime often means lighter options and seaside favourites: open sandwiches, fish plates, salads and snacks that pair well with a glass of wine. Later in the day, heartier mains appear, from locally influenced fish and shellfish dishes to meat, burgers or seasonal specials that draw on Bornholm ingredients when possible. Desserts and coffees round things out for those content to linger until the light fades.

Atmosphere between café charm and evening buzz

Terrassen shifts character gently through the day. Earlier on, it can feel like an airy café-restaurant, a place to pause during a coastal stroll, watch harbour life and warm up over coffee, cake or a simple lunch. Families, couples and small groups all tend to blend easily into the relaxed rhythm. As afternoon tips toward evening, the bar aspect comes into its own. The soundtrack grows a little livelier, conversation rises and the terrace becomes a social stage facing the water. There is still a laid-back island sensibility – this is Bornholm, not a city rooftop bar – but there is enough energy to make it feel like a night out, even if you never leave your table.

Historic setting in Allinge’s harbour quarter

The address in Høiers Gaard places Terrassen right in the heart of Allinge’s old harbour area, amid colourful houses, small galleries and other long-established restaurants. The surrounding lanes tell the story of a fishing town turned holiday favourite, where working boats and tourism now coexist in a tight, walkable waterfront. From the terrace you can trace the curve of the harbour wall, pick out Allinge Kirke’s tower and glimpse the granite cliffs that define northern Bornholm. On busy summer days, the setting ties you into the island’s wider life, with passing cyclists, festival-goers in June and locals greeting each other across tables.

Planning your visit and seasonal rhythms

Terrassen operates on a seasonal pattern, opening for the warmer months when outdoor seating makes the most sense and aligning its schedule with the island’s visitor flow. Lunch and dinner services are clearly defined, with the kitchen pausing mid-afternoon, while drinks on the terrace can often stretch a little longer. Given the popularity of the harbourfront in peak weeks, it is wise to allow time if you have your heart set on a particular sunset slot. The location is central and easy to combine with a stroll along the waterfront, a visit to nearby cultural spots or a simple wander through Allinge’s streets before or after your meal, making Terrassen a natural anchor point for an evening in town.