Cafe Nord, Fanø

Harbourfront dining at the gateway to Fanø

Cafe Nord occupies a prime spot in Nordby, just steps from the ferry landing, where island life begins for most visitors to Fanø. From its windows and terrace you look out over the harbour, watching ferries glide in and fishing boats bob with the tide. The setting immediately signals that you are on a North Sea island: salty air, gulls calling overhead and a constant sense of movement on the water. Inside, the atmosphere is unpretentious and relaxed. Simple wooden tables, maritime touches and a straightforward layout keep the focus on the food and the view rather than elaborate décor. It feels more like a classic Danish café-restaurant than a polished fine-dining venue, which suits its role as a casual meeting point for locals and visitors passing through Nordby.

Classic Danish flavours with a Fanø twist

The kitchen centres on traditional Danish cooking, the kind that is hearty, familiar and comforting. Fish is a natural star here, with dishes such as pan-fried plaice served with potatoes and parsley sauce, or the famous stjerneskud: plaice prepared in different ways, typically combining steamed and fried fillets, garnished with shrimp and dressing on bread. These plates highlight the proximity of the sea and the island’s long relationship with fishing. Alongside the fish, you can expect staples like wiener schnitzel with browned potatoes, smørrebrød layered with cold cuts and toppings, and seasonal variations on classic café fare. Portions tend to be generous, more in line with traditional Danish lunch restaurants than minimalist modern bistros. There is usually a selection of cakes and simple desserts, accompanied by basic coffee and other hot drinks for an afternoon pause.

A relaxed stop in the rhythm of Nordby

Because of its location, Cafe Nord naturally becomes part of the rhythm of arrivals and departures on Fanø. Around lunchtime the dining room can fill with a mix of day-trippers, families and islanders taking a midday break. The mood remains informal: people linger over their plates, watching the harbour through the windows or stepping outside between courses to feel the sea breeze. The terrace and outdoor tables are particularly appealing on bright days, when the low northern light reflects off the water and the harbour becomes a living backdrop. In cooler or windier weather, the interior provides shelter without losing the connection to the outside; the large windows still frame the coming and going of ferries and the changes in the sky over the Wadden Sea.

From everyday meals to small celebrations

Beyond individual diners, Cafe Nord can host small gatherings and group meals. The layout and seating capacity make it suitable for intimate celebrations, birthday lunches or club outings, especially for those who want something straightforward and local rather than elaborate banquet halls. The kitchen can prepare set menus built around Danish specialties, and the staff are accustomed to handling groups within the constraints of the café’s size. The restaurant also offers catering for events on the island, supplying dishes in ready-to-serve containers. This allows guests staying in rented houses or organising private functions to enjoy the same traditional recipes in their own setting, while the café handles the cooking and preparation.

Part of Fanø’s everyday food scene

Cafe Nord is woven into the daily life of Nordby as one of several local places serving familiar Danish dishes. It is not a themed destination, but rather a representation of everyday island dining: straightforward plates, a harbour view, and a setting where people drop in before catching the ferry or after a walk through the village streets. For travellers, it offers a convenient and characterful option to sample local-style cooking without leaving the main hub of Fanø. Whether you come for a full fish lunch, a plate of smørrebrød or simply coffee and cake with a view of the harbour, the experience combines the flavours of Danish home cooking with the maritime atmosphere that defines this small North Sea island.