Ofelia Bar, Helsingør

Tapas and cocktails in the heart of Helsingør

Ofelia Bar sits on lively Stengade, one of Helsingør’s main pedestrian streets, threading through the compact old town just a short stroll from the harbour and Kronborg Castle. Inside, the mood is distinctly intimate: low lighting, closely spaced wooden tables and a pared-back Nordic sensibility make it feel more like a living room than a formal restaurant. It is designed as a place to linger over small plates and conversation rather than rush through a quick meal. The kitchen centres on tapas with a modern, Danish twist. Menus typically feature a mix of Spanish-inspired classics and more inventive plates, from gambas al ajillo and jamón ibérico to tuna tartare, bruschetta-style bites and seasonal vegetable dishes. Portions are sized for sharing, encouraging you to build a table full of contrasting flavours and textures rather than a single main.

Drinks crafted for long evenings

Ofelia Bar’s drinks program gives at least as much attention to the glass as to the plate. A compact but focused wine list spans approachable European bottles, many by the glass, making it easy to match a crisp white or soft red to whatever tapas you happen to order. There is also a solid selection of spirits for those who prefer a simple pour. Cocktails are where the bar leans into creativity. The menu is organised by taste profile – sweet, fresh, sour, strong and spritz – making it straightforward to choose something that suits your mood. Classic serves like an Espresso Martini sit alongside house signatures such as Ofelia Spritz or fruit-forward dessert-like mixes. Drinks are mixed at a pace that suits the relaxed atmosphere, intended to be sipped slowly rather than rushed between bars.

Atmosphere that shifts from lunch to late night

During the day on Wednesdays through Saturdays, the bar functions as a relaxed lunch spot, with daylight filtering in from Stengade and a quieter, café-like feel. By late afternoon and early evening, the space transitions into a warm dinner venue as candles are lit and the hum of conversation rises. On Fridays and Saturdays the opening hours stretch past midnight, and the bar naturally becomes more of a social hub for pre- or post-dinner drinks. In the warmer months, outdoor tables extend the room onto the cobbled street, blurring the boundary between bar and city. On selected weekends there is live music in the square, giving the area around Ofelia Bar a sociable, almost Mediterranean ambience as locals and visitors cluster with glasses in hand.

Design details and setting by the Øresund

The interior pairs rustic materials with minimalist Scandinavian design cues: rough timber, simple lines and uncluttered décor. This keeps the focus on the food, the drinks and the people you are with, while still feeling intentionally styled. It is intimate without being formal, and casual without becoming rough around the edges. Step outside and you are moments from the waterfront, with the Øresund Strait and views across to Sweden at the end of nearby streets. The setting makes Ofelia Bar an easy inclusion in an evening that might also take in Kronborg Castle, Helsingør’s maritime attractions or a simple dusk walk along the harbour. It works equally well as a destination for a full tapas dinner or as a refined stop for one last cocktail.

Who will enjoy Ofelia Bar

Ofelia Bar is particularly well suited to couples, small groups of friends and colleagues looking for a place where food and drinks are equally strong. The shared-plate format and relaxed table service make it versatile for casual date nights, birthday gatherings or informal business meetups. Its central location on Stengade, close to other bars and cultural sights, means it can anchor a broader evening out in Helsingør’s compact centre. With its combination of thoughtful tapas, crafted cocktails and a warmly lit setting, Ofelia Bar offers a polished yet approachable slice of Helsingør nightlife, feeling distinctly local while still welcoming to out-of-town visitors.