Bistro Francophile, Helsingør
Cozy French-inspired bistro by Helsingør’s harborfront, pairing classic Gallic comfort dishes with a focused wine list and intimate, candlelit atmosphere.
Tucked close to Helsingør’s harborfront on Stengade, Bistro Francophile is an intimate French-inspired bistro and café where classic Gallic comfort cooking meets Danish coastal charm. Expect candlelit tables, chalkboard menus and a concise selection of wines by the glass, paired with seasonal dishes such as steak-frites, fish of the day and well-crafted desserts. It’s a relaxed but polished spot for lunch, an early evening apéritif, or a lingered-over dinner before or after exploring Kronborg and the historic old town streets.
A brief summary to Bistro Francophile
- Stengade 81, Helsingør, 3000, DK
- +4540468767
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 12 pm-9:30 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-9:30 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-11:30 pm
- Friday 12 pm-11:30 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-11:30 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-8 pm
Local tips
- Reserve ahead for Friday and Saturday evenings, as the bistro’s compact size means tables can be fully booked during peak dining hours.
- Plan on a full three-course bistro menu with wine; it offers good value at this price level and showcases the kitchen’s strengths across starters, mains and desserts.
- If you enjoy wine, ask staff for pairings by the glass instead of ordering a single bottle; the list is curated to match the menu and changes seasonally.
- Combine an early dinner with a walk along Helsingør’s harborfront or a late visit to Kronborg’s exterior ramparts for a memorable evening in the old town.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Restrooms
- Trash Bins
Bistro Francophile location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Bistro Francophile
A slice of Paris by the Øresund
Bistro Francophile brings a distinctly French mood to Helsingør’s historic center, a short stroll from the harbor and the atmospheric old streets around Stengade. Step inside and you move from the coastal light of North Zealand into a warm, low-key room of small tables, soft lighting and the gentle clink of glasses. The name is not just a flourish: this is a place built around a love of French bistro culture, translated to a Danish port town with a strong maritime past. The space is intimate rather than grand, with just enough bustle to feel lively without losing its cozy scale. Floors, tabletops and bar counter lean towards simple, honest materials, and the décor is more about mood than showmanship. It feels like somewhere you might duck into on a rainy afternoon for a glass of wine, as much as a destination for a full evening out.Classic bistro flavors with a coastal twist
The kitchen follows the rhythm of a traditional bistro: focused menus, familiar dishes and an emphasis on technique over trends. Expect staples such as steak-frites, slow-cooked meats, rich sauces and carefully constructed starters, alongside a fish of the day that nods to Helsingør’s seafront setting. Starters might lean on terrines, seasonal vegetables or seafood, while desserts often return to French comfort standbys like crème brûlée or chocolate-based plates. Portions tend towards satisfying rather than dainty, with the sort of plating that invites you to mop up every last drop of sauce. While the cooking stays close to French roots, ingredients frequently reflect Nordic seasonality, so details on the plate change through the year even when the dish names remain familiar.Wine at the heart of the experience
True to its name, Francophile gives particular attention to what is poured into the glass. The wine list is compact but curated, skewing heavily towards France with room for both classic regions and lesser-known appellations. By-the-glass options are designed to match key dishes, making it easy to build a simple pairing across three courses without studying a thick book. Service is generally informal and conversational, with staff ready to guide guests towards a crisp white for fish, a supple red for richer mains or a sparkling apéritif to start the evening. For many visitors, the pleasure here lies as much in lingering over another glass as in the food itself, making the bistro feel as much bar as restaurant as the night wears on.Atmosphere from lunch until late evening
From midday, natural light spills in and the room takes on a café-like character, with lunch plates, coffees and lighter glasses of wine suiting a break from sightseeing or shopping along Stengade. As afternoon slides into evening, candles and lower lighting transform the same space into something more intimate, ideal for dates, small groups and relaxed celebrations. The soundtrack tends to be unobtrusive, leaving room for conversation, and the compact size keeps things human-scaled even when every table is taken. In colder months, the coziness is a draw in itself; in lighter seasons, you step back out into the glow of the harborfront, making it a natural stop before a walk along the water or a performance at nearby venues.Part of Helsingør’s culinary and cultural stroll
Bistro Francophile fits neatly into a wider experience of Helsingør’s compact center. Its location makes it easy to combine with a visit to Kronborg Castle, a wander through the cobbled streets or a look at the quay and shipyard heritage. The bistro works equally well as a leisurely main event or as the centerpiece in an evening that might begin with a harbor walk and end with a nightcap elsewhere. With a price level that sits mid-range for Denmark, it aims at making classic French dining approachable rather than rarefied. The focus remains on simple pleasures done properly: well-seasoned food, thoughtfully chosen wines and an atmosphere that encourages you to stay just a little longer than planned.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Odd Fellow Logerne Helsingør
0.1 km
A dynamic hub for contemporary and experimental art in the heart of Roskilde, showcasing thought-provoking exhibitions and interactive creative experiences.
'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural
0.1 km
A vivid gable mural that turns Helsingør’s medieval tolls and ship traffic into a richly detailed open-air history lesson in the heart of the old town.
Helsingør harbour
0.2 km
Where maritime heritage meets Shakespeare's legacy at Denmark's gateway to Sweden.
Helsingor
0.3 km
Dynamic exhibitions, daring performances, and boundary-pushing installations in Roskilde’s historic royal palace—discover Denmark’s vibrant contemporary art scene.
Heracles and the Hydra
0.3 km
Mythological bronze warrior frozen in eternal combat on Helsingør's historic waterfront.
'Time of the shipyard' mural
0.3 km
A hyper-realistic tribute to Helsingør's legendary shipyard, painted by American master Garin Baker.
Kronborg Castle Church
0.5 km
Renaissance sanctuary that miraculously survived fire, preserving royal religious heritage within Hamlet's legendary castle.
Elsinore Cemetery
0.7 km
Historic burial ground where 16th-century roots meet artistic legacy in Denmark's literary heartland.
Helsingborg City Hall
5.0 km
A monumental red-brick city hall and coastal gateway, where neo-Gothic towers, National Romantic detail and civic stories overlook the Øresund in central Helsingborg.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
8.6 km
Experience world-class modern art where architecture and nature meet in perfect harmony, offering breathtaking views and a serene escape just north of Copenhagen.
Hornbæk Batteri
10.5 km
WWII coastal fortress commanding the Øresund strait from Denmark's dramatic northern cliffs.
Hornbaek beach
12.1 km
Discover Hornbæk Beach, the gem of the Danish Riviera, offering pristine sands, clear waters, and a charming seaside atmosphere perfect for relaxation and unforgettable summer memories.
Observationsvärn nr 741
12.4 km
Explore the historical significance and scenic beauty of Observationsvärn nr 741 in Viken, a captivating landmark steeped in military history and stunning views.
Falkonergården
13.2 km
Explore the enchanting Falkonergården Zoo in Fredensborg, a captivating destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families seeking adventure in nature.
Ven
14.5 km
Discover Ven: A Swedish island gem in the Öresund Strait, blending history, nature, and tranquility for an unforgettable escape between Sweden and Denmark, steeped in astronomical history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Helsingør harbor promenade
0.1 km
A breezy waterfront ribbon along the Øresund, linking Helsingør’s working harbor, cultural quarter and Kronborg Castle with open sea views and everyday local life.
Saint Olai Church
0.1 km
Discover Saint Olai Church, Helsingør's majestic cathedral, where centuries of Danish history and Gothic elegance meet amid soaring vaults and maritime heritage.
Skibsklarerergaarden
0.1 km
Step into an 18th‑century ship handler’s home in Helsingør and experience the intimate world of Øresund tolls, merchant families and maritime trade.
SOUL OF THE WALLS
0.2 km
Immersive bronze sculpture depicting Greek mythology at the gates of Kronborg Castle, offering a unique photo spot and cultural layer to Helsingør’s historic landscape.
History of the churches
0.2 km
A storytelling gable in Helsingør’s old town, this mural compresses centuries of church history into a single vivid scene between two medieval sanctuaries.
Gl.Færgestræde
0.2 km
Iconic bronze sculpture of Heracles battling the Hydra, set beside Kronborg Castle, connecting ancient mythology with Helsingør’s dramatic seaside history.
Fyrskibet nr. XVII
0.2 km
A 19th-century Danish lightship turned floating monument, Fyrskibet nr. XVII “Gedser Rev” brings Helsingør’s maritime and Cold War history vividly to life on the harbor.
Memorial stone for fallen Helsingorans
0.2 km
A modest harbor-side monument in Helsingør honoring local lives lost in World War II, quietly linking the busy waterfront to the town’s stories of resistance and sacrifice.
St. Mary's Church
0.2 km
Historic public square at the heart of Roskilde, home to markets, festivals, and community life, framed by centuries-old buildings and vibrant Danish tradition.
Elsinore Public Museums
0.2 km
Three interconnected museums preserving 600 years of Elsinore's maritime, commercial, and industrial heritage in Denmark's historic city center.
Helsingor Statshavn
0.3 km
A compact working harbor at the narrowest point of the Øresund, where everyday port life unfolds against big-sky views toward the Swedish coast.
The Culture Yard
0.3 km
Glittering glass sails over an old shipyard, The Culture Yard fuses award‑winning library, stages and harbourfront café with unforgettable views of Kronborg Castle.
i Helsingør
0.3 km
Compact tourist information hub on historic Stjernegade, perfectly placed to plan your exploration of Helsingør’s old town, harbour culture sites and North Zealand.
Erik af Pommerns Mindebrønd
0.3 km
Compact yet grand, this memorial fountain on Axeltorv turns a busy Helsingør square into a vivid snapshot of royal power, maritime trade and urban ambition.
'The maritime history' mural
0.4 km
A harbour gable transformed into a sweeping, collage-like tribute to 300 years of Danish seafaring, anchoring Helsingør’s shipyard era in vivid colour and form.
Essential places to dine
Bistro Francophile
0.0 km
Cozy French-inspired bistro by Helsingør’s harborfront, pairing classic Gallic comfort dishes with a focused wine list and intimate, candlelit atmosphere.
Ofelia Bar
0.0 km
Stylish tapas bar and cocktail lounge offering inventive bites, curated drinks, and lively atmosphere—an essential stop for food and nightlife lovers in central Helsingør.
The Copenhagener
0.2 km
Hearty smørrebrød, local Wiibroe beer and down‑to‑earth hygge in a tucked‑away Helsingør pub with a summery courtyard beer garden.
Borgerkroen
0.2 km
Historic Danish bodega where centuries of harbor culture meet smørrebrød and live music.
Cafe Karisma
0.2 km
Casual coffee and juice bar on Helsingør’s Stengade, serving Illy coffee, fresh-pressed juices, sandwiches and baked potatoes in a relaxed, everyday setting.
Ramen world
0.2 km
Handcrafted Japanese ramen in the heart of Helsingør—authentic flavors, warm hospitality, exceptional value.
San Remo
0.2 km
Authentic Danish comfort food in a historic old-town cafeteria where tradition meets genuine hospitality.
Jellyfish
0.2 km
Intimate Nordic seafood restaurant in Helsingør’s old town, pairing fresh Danish ingredients with modern, minimalist design and a relaxed, coastal atmosphere.
Zilleri
0.2 km
Compact Italian trattoria and deli in Helsingør’s old town, serving homemade pasta and classic specialties among shelves of wines and pantry staples.
Strejf
0.3 km
Seasonal Nordic cooking and harbour views in Helsingør’s old station building, where seafood, steaks, wine and cocktails meet the maritime buzz of Øresund.
Sundkroen
0.3 km
Cozy Danish brasserie-style dining in the historic Madam Sprunck building, steps from Helsingør Station and the Øresund waterfront.
Rådmand Davids Hus
0.3 km
Historic 1694 café serving authentic Danish smørrebrød in cozy, timeless surroundings.
Restaurant Torvet
0.3 km
Casual, family-friendly dining in the heart of Helsingør, serving classic comfort dishes and café staples just steps from the town’s historic streets.
Appetit
0.3 km
Modern French fine dining with seasonal flair and passionate craftsmanship in charming Helsingør.
Spisehuset i Kulturværftet
0.3 km
Bright, harbourfront café-restaurant in Helsingør’s Culture Yard, serving organic-leaning Nordic comfort food, brunch and cakes with views over the busy Øresund.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Butik hos Anna & Sofie
0.2 km
A cosy, Nordic-style boutique on Helsingør’s main street, blending women’s fashion, skincare and homewares in a warm, living-room-like setting.
Helsingør Kaffe og Thehus ApS
0.2 km
A cosy Helsingør specialty shop where the aroma of freshly roasted coffee, fine tea and Nordic delicacies fills a historic cobbled lane in the heart of the old town.
Helsingør Vinhandel
0.2 km
Denmark's premier wine and spirits specialist in historic Helsingør, where expertise meets passion.
Ide Nyt
0.2 km
A contemporary women’s fashion boutique on lively Bjergegade, Ide Nyt blends Scandinavian style, quality brands and a calm atmosphere in Helsingør’s historic heart.
Levende Lys
0.3 km
A cosy, colour-filled fashion and lifestyle boutique in the heart of Helsingør, blending contemporary women’s clothing with playful home décor and gift ideas.
Jørgensen & Co.
0.3 km
Exclusive curated fashion for discerning tastes in historic Helsingør's charming pedestrian district.
Østens Perle
0.3 km
Colourful Indian-inspired gift and handicraft shop in historic Helsingør, filled with hand-picked textiles, spiritual objects and cosy home décor since 2001.
Jutebar Denmark ApS
0.3 km
Small Helsingør boutique specialising in stylish, sustainable jute bags and gifts, blending Scandinavian design sensibility with everyday practicality.
Happy Gifts & Souvenirs
0.3 km
Compact, cheerful and central, Happy Gifts & Souvenirs is Helsingør’s easy stop for Danish-themed keepsakes and Kronborg-inspired mementos after a day of exploring.
Vandkanten Ilse Jacobsen Outlet
0.3 km
Compact Scandinavian outlet where Ilse Jacobsen’s coastal rainwear, rubber boots and relaxed Nordic fashion meet reduced prices in central Helsingør.
HL Mode A/S
0.3 km
Contemporary Danish fashion retailer offering curated brands and personalized styling in Helsingør's vibrant shopping district.
Krystallen
0.3 km
Helsingør's premier crystal and mineral shop with expertly curated specimens and atmospheric presentation.
Butik Chaplin
0.3 km
A cosy Helsingør boutique brimming with handmade jewelry, retro interiors and knitwear, where every carefully chosen piece tells a small, colourful story.
Ophelia
0.4 km
Curated Scandinavian boutique in historic Helsingør, where literary heritage meets contemporary design.
Imerco
0.5 km
Compact Scandinavian home store on Helsingør’s main street, packed with kitchenware, tableware and cosy design gifts for practical living and stylish souvenirs.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Holger
0.1 km
Cozy cellar bodega on Helsingør’s Stengade, pouring inexpensive beers and spirits, with live music nights and a laid-back local crowd deep into the night.
Strandborg
0.2 km
Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.
Banana joe
0.2 km
Compact late-night bar above Helsingør’s nightlife strip, serving straightforward drinks, warm lighting and a relaxed local vibe long after the streets quieten.
Pitten Sport Bar
0.3 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Axelhus
0.3 km
Casual bodega and burger bar in Helsingør's old town, open late on weekends with beer and Danish comfort food.
Hold-An
0.3 km
Unfussy beer hall and local bar in central Helsingør, pouring cold brews, simple bites and everyday Danish hygge from late morning to late night.
Axelhus Udeservering
0.3 km
Open-air corner bar on Bjergegade, where simple food, cold beer and Axeltorv’s street life come together in the historic heart of Helsingør.
Helsingør Musikteater
0.4 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Head/Foam
0.6 km
Modern neighbourhood bar near Helsingør’s historic centre, pouring craft beer and cocktails from midday to the early hours in a lively, social setting.
Joker Bar
1.3 km
Relaxed Danish bar offering casual drinks and friendly conversation in historic Helsingør.
12`er Pubben
1.8 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Helsingør with billiards, sports on TV and cold beers, offering an authentic slice of Danish local bar life.
Gefion Bodega
1.8 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
Kardusen
3.2 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
Oddies Beach Bar
17.5 km
Relaxed beach bar on the sand at Rungsted Havn, blending Nordic coastal charm with a hint of tropical island mood and sweeping Øresund sea views.
Jernstangen
22.5 km
Old-school Hillerød pub opposite the station, with billiards, darts, dice games and live music nights in a laid‑back, locals-first atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Retro
0.2 km
High-energy weekend nightclub in central Helsingør, mixing big-room beats, bright lights and a young crowd in what calls itself the largest club north of Copenhagen.
Rustik
0.6 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Walther's grillkylling og svuppeklub
4.8 km
Intimate neighborhood nightclub in Helsingør with loud music, simple drinks, and a playful local vibe behind an unassuming facade on Rødegårdsvej.
Socialz
22.8 km
Intimate cocktail bar and nightclub in the heart of Hillerød, blending shisha lounge vibes, late-night DJ sets and a compact dance floor on lively Slotsgade.
SIGURD CPH
37.1 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at SIGURD CPH, where vibrant dancing, fine wines, and pachinko gaming come together for an unforgettable experience.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
37.6 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
RUST Natklub
38.5 km
Discover the pulsating heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at RUST Natklub, where eclectic beats and vibrant energy come together for an unforgettable experience.
Temple Bar
38.7 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Culture Box
38.9 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
39.2 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
39.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Mirage
39.5 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
39.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
The Zoo
39.5 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Moon Club
39.5 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Lively
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly