Sydvesten ApS, Esbjerg Harbour
Harbour-side Danish seafood canteen turned local classic, serving hearty fish dishes and open sandwiches beside Esbjerg’s working fishing quay and marina.
Sydvesten ApS is a classic harbour-side seafood restaurant on Fiskerihavnsgade in Esbjerg, overlooking the marina and historic lightship. Established on the harbour since 1947 under various names, it serves hearty Danish and Scandinavian fish dishes in a no-nonsense, maritime setting. Expect generous portions, traditional plates like fried fish, fish soup and open sandwiches, and a working-harbour backdrop of trawlers, masts and gulls just outside the windows.
A brief summary to Sydvesten ApS
- Fiskerihavnsgade 6, Esbjerg, 6700, DK
- +4575128288
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 8 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-4 pm
- Thursday 8 am-4 pm
- Friday 8 am-4 pm
- Saturday 8 am-1 pm
Local tips
- Plan to visit for breakfast or lunch rather than a late dinner, as opening hours are focused on daytime service with early afternoon closing on weekdays and shorter hours on Saturdays.
- Choose a table by the windows to make the most of the harbour and marina views, especially on clear days when the lightship and fishing boats are in full sight.
- Come with an appetite: portions of fried fish, fish soup and seafood platters are typically generous, in keeping with the restaurant’s roots as a workers’ cafeteria.
- If you eat seafood but have other dietary preferences, ask staff about suitable options; traditional Danish fish dishes and open sandwiches can sometimes be adapted on request.
- Combine your meal with a stroll along the harbourfront to see the boats and maritime heritage up close, turning a quick bite into a broader waterfront outing.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Sydvesten ApS location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Sydvesten ApS
Harbour Institution with Deep Local Roots
Sydvesten sits on Fiskerihavnsgade, right in Esbjerg’s fishing harbour, a setting that has shaped its character since 1947. Over the decades the premises have carried several names, from simple canteen to cafeteria, but the role has always been the same: feeding people who live and work by the sea. Today, Sydvesten ApS combines that heritage with the feel of a casual, welcoming restaurant open to everyone. The clientele still reflects its maritime DNA. Many regulars have ties to fishing, shipyards or port businesses, and that gives the dining room a grounded, everyday rhythm. It is a place where work clothes at one table and weekend outfits at another feel equally at home, united by a shared love of straightforward fish cookery.Maritime Setting on Esbjerg’s Working Waterfront
Step inside and you remain aware of the harbour just outside. Large windows look towards the marina and the historic lightship, with masts, cranes and stacked nets framing the view. On clear days, the light bouncing off the water floods the room, while the distant clank of rigging and calls of seabirds remind you that this is an active port, not a stage set. The interior decor typically leans into maritime details: photographs of the old harbour, model boats, and fishing memorabilia form a quiet backdrop to the meal. It feels more like a canteen that has grown up than a polished fine-dining room, and that suits the harbour location. The focus is on warmth and familiarity rather than design statements.Seafood-Focused Danish Comfort Food
Sydvesten’s kitchen revolves around seafood, prepared in a distinctly Danish and Scandinavian style. Expect classic fried fish, seafood platters, fish soup, and substantial open sandwiches topped with herring, shrimp or fish fillets. Many plates arrive in hearty portions that speak to the restaurant’s origins as a workers’ cafeteria. Alongside the fish, you are likely to find traditional hot dishes and daily specials that follow the seasons and the local catch. Breakfast and lunch are key mealtimes, with earlier opening hours than many city-centre spots, making it a natural stop for harbour workers starting their day and visitors heading out to explore Esbjerg’s waterfront.Everyday Atmosphere and Practical Comforts
The mood at Sydvesten is casual and unfussy. Seating is simple, with tables arranged to accommodate both solo diners and larger groups, including space often used for small gatherings or celebrations. Outdoor seating may be available in suitable weather, allowing guests to sit closer to the harbour air while they eat. Practical touches reflect its role as a local staple. There is vehicle access to the harbour area and parking nearby, and the location on the flat quayside makes it relatively convenient for a broad range of visitors. Opening hours are focused on daytime service, with earlier closing than evening-focused city restaurants, so planning a midday or early afternoon visit works best.Part of a Wider Harbour Experience
A meal at Sydvesten naturally links with the wider Esbjerg waterfront. From here, you are within easy reach of the marina, the lightship and other harbour sights that tell the story of the city’s fishing industry and maritime trade. The restaurant functions as an informal gateway to that story, feeding those who move between boats, warehouses and museums. Because of its long history on the quay, Sydvesten also acts as a quiet marker of continuity in a harbour that has modernised and diversified into energy and offshore services. Sitting over a plate of fish while watching vessels come and go, you catch a glimpse of how work, weather and the sea have shaped daily life in Esbjerg for generations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
FanøFærgen, Esbjerg
1.8 km
Compact harbor terminal in Esbjerg serving the fast 12‑minute Fanø ferry, linking mainland bustle with island calm in the Wadden Sea UNESCO landscape.
Denmark
1.8 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’s urban beach escape, offering sandy shores, a classic pier, family-friendly facilities, and beautiful views right at the city’s edge.
Esbjerg Water Tower
1.9 km
Historic red-brick water tower on a Bronze Age mound overlooking Esbjerg’s harbour, blending medieval-inspired architecture with the story of a young, ambitious port city.
Dronning Louise
1.9 km
Urban beachfront serenity meets Danish royal heritage at Marselisborg Strand, Aarhus’ favorite local escape for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside strolls year-round.
Vadehavskysten
1.9 km
An iconic copper bridge tower turned cultural gem, offering harbor panoramas, intimate events, and a taste of Copenhagen’s creative spirit on Knippelsbro.
Namaste Esbjerg
2.0 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’ vibrant urban beach, blending sandy coastline, tranquil bay views, and easy access to city highlights and lush forest parks.
Begravet bunker
2.6 km
A preserved German WWII bunker revealing the hidden lives of occupation soldiers beneath Danish soil.
Fanø Tourist Office
3.1 km
Centrally located on Fanø, the Tourist Office is the ideal starting point for discovering authentic island charm, local culture, and practical travel advice.
Fanø Krogaard
3.2 km
Experience the timeless charm of Fanø Krogaard, a historic inn blending Nordic cuisine, island tradition, and warm hospitality in the heart of Nordby harbour.
Fano Bed and Boats
3.4 km
Charming seaside bed & breakfast and boat rental in Nordby, Fanø—offering cozy rooms and authentic maritime experiences on Denmark’s storied North Sea island.
Hjerting Badehotel
7.0 km
Picturesque sandy beach blending serene sea views, lush forests, and family-friendly facilities just minutes from Aarhus city center.
Sønderho Church
14.1 km
An 18th‑century island church filled with Denmark’s largest flotilla of votive ships, anchoring Sønderho’s seafaring history in a tranquil Wadden Sea village.
Æ Kåver
14.5 km
Reborn wooden seamark on Fanø’s southern edge, Æ Kåver recalls 17th‑century seafaring in a wild Wadden Sea landscape of wind, sand and wide horizons.
Kammerslusen Ribe
22.0 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
26.3 km
A contemplative statue on Ribe’s former castle hill, honouring the gentle 13th‑century Queen Dagmar where her life and legend became entwined with Denmark’s history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Esbjerg Havn
0.7 km
A vast working harbour and marina where offshore wind giants, fishing boats and yachts share the docks on Denmark’s windswept North Sea coast.
Swimming Stadium Denmark
0.9 km
Denmark’s largest indoor swim and water park: 10,000 m² of slides, waves, competition lanes and wellness under one roof in Esbjerg’s sports district.
Skulptur “Frihedskæmpere”
1.0 km
Step into Esbjerg’s past at this hands-on city museum, featuring a recreated historic street, archaeological treasures, and stories of seafaring ambition.
Skulptur “Kobberkors”
1.1 km
Explore Esbjerg Museum and discover the fascinating tale of Denmark’s west coast, from bustling port origins to maritime heritage and daily life exhibits.
Fishermen memorial
1.1 km
A quiet granite grove on Esbjerg’s windy coast, honoring generations of local fishermen who never returned from the sea.
Museumsfyrskibet Horns Rev
1.3 km
Historic lightship turned museum at Esbjerg’s harbourfront, preserving the story of Horns Rev and life aboard a floating lighthouse on Denmark’s west coast.
Vognsbølparken
1.5 km
Esbjerg’s big back garden: 178 hectares of woodland, lakes, lawns and play areas offering easy everyday nature, peaceful walks and relaxed family time.
Brunnen Park
1.6 km
A small fountain-side green space on Kirkegade, offering a quiet pause of trees, lawns and benches in the very heart of Esbjerg’s urban grid.
Mosaicvæg “Verdensarven Vadehavet”
1.7 km
A 27‑meter community-created mosaic in a hidden Esbjerg courtyard, bringing the colours, tides and birdlife of the UNESCO Wadden Sea into the city centre.
Men by the Sea
1.7 km
Four towering white figures gazing over the North Sea, Men by the Sea is Esbjerg’s unmissable coastal icon of humanity’s calm encounter with nature.
Brillesøerne
1.8 km
A pair of calm urban lakes in Esbjerg V, Brillesøerne offers easy paths, birdlife and open green space for tranquil walks and everyday nature escapes.
Gangbroen over Toldbodvej, Esbjerg Havn
1.8 km
A modest harbor footbridge with big-city harbor views, Gangbroen over Toldbodvej links central Esbjerg to its working docks in a few scenic, elevated minutes.
Landgangen
1.8 km
An elevated corten-steel promenade that sweeps between Esbjerg’s city streets and working harbour, blending everyday mobility with harbour views and urban design.
Esbjerg Byhistoriske Arkiv
1.8 km
A quiet but vital city archive where Esbjerg’s transformation from windswept harbour town to modern North Sea hub is preserved in maps, photos and personal stories.
Esbjerg Museum
1.8 km
Compact city museum in central Esbjerg, tracing the port town’s rapid rise, amber treasures, and wartime stories through evocative rooms and focused exhibits.
Essential places to dine
Sydvesten ApS
0.0 km
Harbour-side Danish seafood canteen turned local classic, serving hearty fish dishes and open sandwiches beside Esbjerg’s working fishing quay and marina.
Restaurant Plates Esbjerg
0.8 km
Sky-high Nordic dining and cocktails on Esbjerg’s 17th floor, where harbour panoramas meet shareable plates, seasonal flavours and an easygoing, modern buzz.
Kanda's Thai Cuisine
1.0 km
Compact, award‑winning Thai takeaway on Strandbygade, serving wok‑fresh curries and noodles that bring Southeast Asian warmth to the heart of Esbjerg.
Café Danmark
1.0 km
Old-school Danish lunch café in central Esbjerg, serving generous smørrebrød and stjerneskud in a warm, nostalgic dining room with relaxed midday atmosphere.
Spyddet Le Grill
1.1 km
Casual Middle Eastern grill in central Esbjerg, serving juicy skewers, build‑your‑own plates and hearty comfort dishes in a relaxed, family‑friendly setting.
Asia Restaurant Esbjerg
1.5 km
Lively all-you-can-eat Asian buffet in Esbjerg’s northern outskirts, mixing Chinese favourites, sushi and Mongolian grill in a casual, group-friendly setting.
Sand's Restauration ApS
1.6 km
Century-old Esbjerg institution serving hearty Danish classics, local seafood and regional specialties in a cosy, wood-accented setting on lively Skolegade.
Restaurant Lyokoi - Japansk Sushi
1.6 km
Compact, lively Esbjerg hotspot where colorful sushi platters meet sizzling Korean barbecue grills in a relaxed, social Skolegade setting.
La Scala Ristorante Pizzeria
1.6 km
Long-running Italian pizzeria in central Esbjerg, serving stone-baked pizzas, hearty pastas and relaxed, cosy dinners from Tuesday to Sunday evenings.
Hanzō Esbjerg
1.7 km
Colorful pan-Asian sharing plates, bold flavors and a modern, high-ceilinged setting right on lively Skolegade in the very center of Esbjerg.
India Royale - Restaurant Esbjerg
1.7 km
North Indian comfort food and tandoor-baked naan in a warm, central Esbjerg dining room with moderate prices and adaptable spice levels.
Restaurant Madklubben Esbjerg
1.8 km
Modern, value-focused dining in a spacious yet cosy Skolegade restaurant, serving seasonal European comfort food and cocktails from Monday to Saturday evenings.
Restaurant Parken I/S
1.8 km
Classic Danish cooking with park and lakeside views, combining bright modern interiors and a terrace that opens directly onto Esbjerg’s green Vognsbølparken.
Spisestuen, Esbjerg
1.8 km
Old-school Danish comfort food in a former temperance lodge, serving hearty “mormor” classics in a cosy, nostalgia-filled dining room in central Esbjerg.
O-Shi Sushi
1.8 km
Compact, modern sushi spot in central Esbjerg serving fresh rolls and warm Japanese-inspired dishes for both casual dine-in and convenient takeaway.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Gaveshop.nu
0.2 km
Curated corporate gifts delivered with elegance—where business appreciation meets thoughtful selection.
dansk Esbjerg
0.6 km
Curated Danish fashion and Nordic design in the heart of Esbjerg.
Esbjerg Asian Shop
0.9 km
Compact Asian grocery on Strandbygade, stocking noodles, spices, sauces and snacks that bring East and Southeast Asian flavours to everyday life in Esbjerg.
SLIK FOR VOKSNE
1.5 km
Playful by name and refined in taste, SLIK FOR VOKSNE is Esbjerg’s grown‑up candy store for wine, spirits, chocolate and beautifully wrapped gourmet gifts.
Coast Women
1.5 km
A polished multibrand women’s fashion boutique on Esbjerg’s main shopping street, blending Nordic ease, international labels and attentive personal service.
Kongehuset
1.5 km
Curated fashion and quality outerwear in a handsome historic corner store on Esbjerg’s main pedestrian street, blending Scandinavian style with international brands.
Boutique Elenor
1.5 km
A small, stylish clothing boutique on Kronprinsensgade, offering a curated alternative to big-brand shopping in the heart of Esbjerg’s lively city center.
Collabo
1.5 km
Core skateshop and streetwear hub in central Esbjerg, blending Scandinavian simplicity with global board culture, sneakers and subculturally inspired apparel.
Incado City Roholt
1.6 km
Denmark's premier creative supply destination where artists find inspiration, materials, and community.
Kop & Kande
1.7 km
Bright, central Esbjerg homeware and gift shop specialising in practical Scandinavian design, quality kitchen tools and thoughtfully wrapped presents for any occasion.
Samsøe Samsøe - Esbjerg
1.7 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion where timeless design meets contemporary Nordic elegance.
Frandsen
1.7 km
Intimate women’s fashion boutique on Esbjerg’s main shopping street, offering classic Scandinavian-inspired styles, outerwear and coordinated outfits in a relaxed setting.
Kaufmann
1.8 km
Polished menswear and attentive styling advice on Esbjerg’s main pedestrian street, offering everything from sharp suits to coastal-ready casualwear for men.
Greenfriends
1.8 km
Esbjerg's dedicated cannabis retail shop with convenient city-center location and flexible weekend hours.
KORN180
1.8 km
A hidden courtyard workshop in Esbjerg where reuse, upcycling and social enterprise turn ordinary cast-offs into inventive, one-of-a-kind designs.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Corners Pub
0.7 km
A cozy neighborhood pub where cold beers and warm hospitality define the Danish experience.
Horns Rev Bodega & Bar
0.7 km
A no-frills Danish bodega in central Esbjerg, where wood-panelled warmth, affordable drinks, and local camaraderie capture the city’s everyday pub culture.
Havkatten
0.9 km
Old-school Esbjerg harbour bar with 80s tunes, pool, darts and everyday prices, offering a relaxed window into the city’s down-to-earth nightlife.
Vinbaren
1.8 km
Intimate, dimly lit and disarmingly casual, Vinbaren is Esbjerg’s brown-bar style wine hangout for late-night chats, cheap pours and the occasional close-up concert.
Dokken City Beach
1.8 km
A pocket of sand, deckchairs and drinks on Esbjerg Harbour, Dokken City Beach turns the working waterfront into a relaxed urban seaside escape.
HomeRun Esbjerg
1.9 km
Lively gastro sports bar above Esbjerg’s main square, with wall-to-wall screens, bar games, casual bites and late-night energy on weekends.
James Bond Esbjerg
1.9 km
Late-opening dance bar on Skolegade in Esbjerg, where a mature crowd sings along to classic hits and keeps the party going until early morning.
Pioner Bar Esbjerg
1.9 km
Late-night Esbjerg bar on Torvet with cheap cold beer, classic party hits from the ’80s to today, and a lively dance floor packed with locals and visitors.
Kasket Karl
1.9 km
Legendary Esbjerg pub on Skolegade, pouring beer and hosting darts, dice and laid‑back evenings since 1975 in a warmly lit, unpretentious setting.
Industrien
2.0 km
Historic Danish bar where 130+ years of tradition meets contemporary hospitality on Esbjerg's vibrant Skolegade.
Skræddergården Esbjerg ApS
2.0 km
Adult-friendly dance bar in Esbjerg’s Skolegade nightlife strip, mixing DJ sets, live music nights and easygoing drinks in a former tailor’s house.
SoHo - Bar & Cocktails
2.0 km
Adults-focused cocktail bar tucked inside Esbjerg Street Food’s old theatre hall, pairing crafted drinks, modern design and a lively, central city atmosphere.
King George
2.0 km
Esbjerg's beloved beer hall where Danish tradition, lively atmosphere, and authentic hospitality converge on Skolegade.
Rustik - Bar & Natklub
2.0 km
High‑energy bar and nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, mixing industrial style, cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor late into the night.
Pappi's pub
2.0 km
Unpretentious, drinks-first bar on Kongensgade offering a simple Danish pub vibe, easy prices and a central stop-off point in the heart of Esbjerg.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Casual
- Scenic
- Unique
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly