Penna’s Restaurant, Frederikshavn

Classic Danish Cooking on the Waterfront

Penna’s Restaurant sits along Nordre Strandvej, just behind the harbour north of central Frederikshavn, in a low-key building that feels more like a seaside home than a formal dining room. Inside, the atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, with simple wooden tables, maritime decor and big windows that pull in the coastal light. It is the kind of place that feels designed for long, lingering lunches rather than hurried bites. The menu is built around Danish and broader European comfort food, with a special focus on the hearty dishes that suit a breezy North Jutland shoreline. You will find classics such as schnitzel, steak sandwiches and burgers alongside plates that showcase local ingredients from sea and land. Portions tend to be generous and unfussy, with sauces, potatoes and accompaniments that speak to traditional home-style cooking.

The Legendary Omelette and Local Favourites

The undisputed signature here is Penna’s famous omelette, a towering Danish-style æggekage that has become something of a regional calling card. It typically arrives in a pan or piled high on a plate, golden on top and soft inside, layered with bacon or ham and brightened with chives or other simple garnishes. Many diners plan their visit specifically to try this dish, which has been celebrated in local tourism guides as a must-taste speciality. Alongside the omelette, the menu often includes other classics such as bøfsandwich loaded with gravy and onions, rosé-fried calf’s liver served with rich pan juices, and pariserbøf, the Danish take on a beef toast. Seafood is another anchor, with dishes like stjerneskud – a platter of fish fillets, shrimp and salad on bread – reflecting Frederikshavn’s strong maritime identity. It is a place where you can explore both the comforting side of Danish cuisine and lighter seaside plates in a single sitting.

Harbour Views and Terrace Life

One of Penna’s quiet advantages is its location close to the water, near Rønnerstrand harbour and within easy reach of Palm Beach and the coastal paths. On calmer days, the terrace becomes the star, with outdoor tables that catch the sun and offer a glimpse of boats, small sheds and the movement of the harbour. The combination of sea air and warm dishes creates a distinctly North Jutland mood. Indoors, large windows frame the maritime surroundings, so even in cooler or windier weather you still feel connected to the coast. The decor leans towards traditional Danish coziness rather than cutting-edge design: expect maritime knick-knacks, simple table settings and the gentle murmur of conversations over plates piled high with food. It feels more like a tried-and-true local hangout than a showy destination restaurant.

A Lunchtime Institution with Limited Hours

Penna’s typically opens for lunch on selected days of the week rather than operating from morning until late night. This rhythm underlines its role as a midday rendezvous point, ideal for travellers breaking up a day of beachgoing, cycling or ferry connections. The focus on daytime service keeps the atmosphere bright, with natural light filling the dining room and terrace. Because of the concentrated opening hours, timings can be important: arriving early in the lunch window is wise if you prefer a quieter table, while later in service the terrace can feel pleasantly bustling on sunny days. The narrower schedule also reflects a deliberate choice to specialise in a solid, well-executed lunch experience rather than stretching into formal evening dining.

Part of Frederikshavn’s Coastal Circuit

Penna’s fits naturally into a wider day out in Frederikshavn. Many visitors pair a meal here with time on the sands of Palm Beach, walks along the coast or exploration of the town’s pedestrian streets. For those arriving by ferry, it offers an introduction to down-to-earth Danish cuisine within a short reach of the harbourfront. Its setting just north of the busier town centre provides a change of pace: you are close enough to feel connected to Frederikshavn’s life, yet far enough to enjoy open skies, sea breezes and the slower tempo of a small harbour. Whether you come specifically for the omelette or simply need a relaxed place to refuel between coastal adventures, Penna’s offers a slice of Jutland’s culinary character beside the water.