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Cap Horn, Nyhavn

Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.

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Cap Horn is a cosy, candlelit bistro tucked into a 17th‑century townhouse on iconic Nyhavn in central Copenhagen. Overlooking the historic canal and its bobbing boats, this long‑running restaurant serves classic Danish and Scandinavian dishes with a focus on seasonal seafood, smørrebrød and hearty mains, complemented by organic produce where possible. Indoors feels like a lived‑in Nordic home, while the waterfront terrace is perfect for lingering over coffee, wine or a leisurely meal in any season.

A brief summary to Cap Horn

  • Nyhavn 21, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1051, DK
  • +4533128504
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
  • Luxury
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 10:30 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 10:30 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 10:30 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 10:30 am-10 pm
  • Friday 10:30 am-11 pm
  • Saturday 10:30 am-11 pm
  • Sunday 10:30 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Reserve a canal-side table in advance for summer evenings, as the outdoor terrace along Nyhavn fills quickly in good weather.
  • If you prefer a quieter experience, aim for a late lunch or early dinner before the main evening rush along the harbour.
  • Bring a light layer even in summer; waterfront tables can feel breezy, and temperatures drop quickly after sunset.
  • Ask about seasonal fish and daily specials, which often highlight fresh local catches and can be the best-value choices.
  • Budget extra time to stroll Nyhavn’s canal before or after your meal, as the changing light dramatically shifts the atmosphere.
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Cap Horn location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
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  • Weather icon Clear Skies
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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
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Discover more about Cap Horn

A Historic Nyhavn House with a Homely Soul

Cap Horn occupies one of Nyhavn’s characteristic gabled townhouses, its crooked beams, wooden floors and low ceilings hinting at centuries of maritime history. Step through the door and you leave the busy quay behind for a space that feels more like an old-fashioned living room than a formal dining room. Candles flicker on tightly packed tables, shelves are stacked with knick-knacks, and mismatched chairs add a sense of charm rather than polish. The building’s age is part of the experience here. Windows frame views of the canal that once thrummed with merchant ships, and in winter the warmth of the interior, often with a crackling fire, makes a strong contrast to the cold, salty air outside. It is a place where Nyhavn’s postcard image suddenly feels tangible and close-up.

Nordic Comfort Food with a Maritime Lean

The kitchen leans into Danish and broader Scandinavian traditions, with an emphasis on fish and seafood that nods to the harbour setting. Menus commonly feature mussels, salmon, daily fish dishes and seasonal catches presented in simple, comforting ways rather than elaborate fine dining. Classic combinations like browned butter with capers or apples, rich sauces and buttery mash echo home cooking, elevated by careful sourcing. Alongside the mains, you can expect lighter options such as smørrebrød at lunch, soups and salads, plus desserts that draw on Nordic staples like apples, berries and cream. Coffee and cakes encourage lingering, while a concise wine list and Danish beers pair well with both seafood and meat dishes. Portions tend toward generous, making it easy to stretch a visit into a long, convivial meal.

Waterfront Atmosphere in Every Season

What sets Cap Horn apart is its position directly on Nyhavn’s waterfront. On warmer days, tables spill onto the quay, placing you just a few steps from the water with uninterrupted views of colourful facades, masts and passing boats. Street musicians, clinking glasses and the gentle slap of water against hulls create a lively soundtrack. In colder months, the atmosphere shifts indoors. Thick walls, candles on every table and the glow from the bar make it a snug refuge after exploring the city. Sitting by the window lets you enjoy the bustle outside while staying wrapped in warmth, and in the darker seasons the restaurant’s soft light adds to Copenhagen’s famous sense of hygge.

A Danish Bistro for All-Day Dining

Cap Horn serves from late morning into the evening, bridging the gap between café, brasserie and full restaurant. You might drop in for a midday plate and a glass of wine, or settle in for a multi-course dinner stretching late into the night. The relaxed bistro style suits couples, small groups and families alike, with enough polish for a special occasion but none of the stiffness of high-end dining. Its central location in Indre By makes it easy to combine with nearby cultural sights, yet once seated you are more likely to be thinking about the next course than your itinerary. Service typically balances efficiency with a friendly, informal tone, and English is widely spoken, which removes any language barrier when exploring the menu.

Details, Practicalities and What to Expect

Cap Horn is considered an expensive option by local standards, reflecting both its location and its focus on quality ingredients. Booking is strongly advisable for evenings and summer weekends, when Nyhavn is at its busiest. The interior layout in an old townhouse means space can be tight, with some narrow passages and closely spaced tables. Expect a sensory experience rather than just a meal: the smell of seafood and butter from the open kitchen, the creak of wooden floors, fragments of conversation in several languages and, outside, gulls circling above the canal. For many visitors, Cap Horn becomes a quintessential Copenhagen moment, where traditional flavours, harbour views and homely ambience come together under one historic roof.

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