Chums Vinbar & Bistro, Helsingør

Wine-focused hideaway in Helsingør’s old streets

Chums Vinbar & Bistro sits on Kampergade, one of Helsingør’s characterful streets just behind the town square, in a ground-floor space that feels more like a neighbourhood living room than a formal restaurant. Inside, small tables are tucked close together, candles flicker in the windows and mellow music hums in the background. The ambience is warm and informal, somewhere between a classic European wine bar and a modern bistro. Natural tones, wooden furniture and simple Nordic design details keep the room understated, letting the clink of glasses and low conversation set the mood. In colder months, the interior becomes a snug refuge after a walk around Kronborg or the harbour, while on brighter days the light from the street adds an easy, summery feel to the compact dining room.

Cheese, tarte flambée and generous small plates

The kitchen leans into rich, comforting flavours built for pairing with wine. Baked cheeses are a signature, arriving soft, bubbling and ready to be scooped up with bread or shared across the table. You often find variations on fondue-style dishes or whole oven-baked rounds of cheese accompanied by simple sides. Alongside this, the menu typically features thin, crisp tarte flambée topped with bacon or seasonal ingredients, plus tapas-inspired small plates, charcuterie and cheese boards. Portions are designed for sharing, making it easy to build a leisurely meal out of several dishes. The style is relaxed rather than haute cuisine, with a focus on quality ingredients and straightforward, indulgent combinations that match the wines.

Glasses raised to European vineyards

As the name suggests, wine is at the heart of the experience. The list tends to highlight European regions, with classics from France, Italy and Spain alongside bottles from other parts of the continent. Many options are poured by the glass, allowing you to explore styles over the course of an afternoon or evening rather than committing to a single bottle. Staff are generally happy to talk through the selection, suggest pairings for whatever you are eating or steer you toward something new if you are curious. Expect a mix of approachable favourites and more characterful bottles, with an emphasis on drinking well rather than collecting labels. Beer and a few non-wine options are usually available, but this is first and foremost a place for people who enjoy the ritual of a good glass.

Central setting for slow afternoons and long evenings

The bistro’s location just off Helsingør’s main square makes it an easy stop before or after exploring the town’s cultural landmarks. It works as well for a civilised lunch break as it does for an early pre-dinner glass or a full evening of grazing. The compact size means the atmosphere can shift from quiet and intimate on slower afternoons to gently buzzing later in the day. Lighting stays soft and conversation-friendly, so it suits couples, small groups of friends and solo visitors who like to sit at a table with a book or simply watch the room. It is more of an adult environment than a family attraction, with the focus on wine, cheese and conversation rather than entertainment.

Casual service and practical details

Service follows the wine bar spirit: informal but attentive, with time given to explaining the menu or helping with choices. There is no dress code; people drop in wrapped against the coastal weather or dressed up for an evening out. Reservations may be advisable on busy evenings due to the modest number of tables. Prices sit in the mid-range by Danish standards. You can stop for a single glass and a snack or build a longer meal with multiple dishes and bottles. The overall feel is of a local spot that treats wine and cheese seriously without feeling stiff, offering a cosy corner of Helsingør where you can settle in and let the hours slip by.