VIVI Mad- & Vinbar

A cosy hideaway in the heart of Silkeborg

VIVI Mad- & Vinbar sits on Nygade, one of Silkeborg’s central streets, and feels like a small urban living room tucked into the middle of town. Step inside and you leave the bustle of the pedestrian streets behind for soft lighting, clinking glassware and the low murmur of conversation. Tables are set close enough for atmosphere but far enough apart to keep things relaxed, giving the room a personable, convivial feel. The interior leans into warm Scandinavian comfort, with simple wooden furniture, shelves of bottles and small design touches that keep it stylish rather than formal. It works equally well as a place to linger over a long meal or just slip in for a single glass of wine at the bar before moving on.

Wine-first mindset with a welcoming bar

As the name suggests, wine is central at VIVI Mad- & Vinbar. The list typically spans approachable European favourites alongside a changing selection of bottles by the glass, encouraging you to try something new without committing to a full bottle. Staff are used to guiding guests towards a good match, whether you prefer crisp whites, bold reds or something sparkling to start the evening. Although the focus is on wine, the bar also mixes classic cocktails and serves beers and non-alcoholic options, making it a flexible meeting point for mixed groups. Perching at the counter gives you a front-row seat to the rhythm of the bar, from the quiet early hours to the livelier weekend evenings.

Danish–Italian dishes made for sharing

The kitchen draws inspiration from both Danish and Italian traditions, resulting in a menu built around simple, flavour-driven plates. You can expect stone-baked pizzas, seasonal salads and small bites suited to sharing, alongside more substantial mains for a full dinner. The style is informal: this is food designed to pair well with wine rather than a multi-course fine-dining performance. Lunch and early evening are popular times for lighter meals, while later service shifts naturally into a more bar-like mood with snacks and a bottle between friends. Takeaway is sometimes available, but the room itself is a major part of the experience, from the aroma of baking dough to the sound of corks being pulled.

Evenings that stretch late into the night

Opening hours tilt towards the later part of the day, with activity really building from mid-afternoon on Thursdays and from midday on Fridays and Saturdays. As the evening goes on, the atmosphere gently intensifies: conversations grow louder, music picks up slightly and the place begins to feel more like a lively wine bar than a sit-down restaurant. Despite the later closing times on weekends, the mood remains laid-back rather than wild. It is the kind of spot where couples settle into a corner table, small groups toast a special occasion and locals drop by for a final glass after dinner elsewhere in town.

In the middle of Silkeborg’s compact centre

One of VIVI Mad- & Vinbar’s charms is its location within Silkeborg’s compact, walkable centre. Before or after a visit, you are within easy strolling distance of the town’s lakeside paths, cultural attractions and other eateries and bars. That makes it a natural stop on an evening out, whether you plan to stay for a full meal or just use it as an atmospheric starting point. Because the venue is not huge, it can feel pleasantly intimate when busy, so planning ahead for peak evenings is wise if you have a specific time in mind or are arriving as a larger group.

Who it suits best

VIVI Mad- & Vinbar is particularly appealing to couples, small groups of friends and wine enthusiasts looking for a relaxed yet stylish setting. The menu’s mix of pizzas, snacks and mains also works well for families with older children or teens who enjoy eating out in a grown-up, but not stiff, environment. Solo diners can feel comfortable at the bar, where a glass and a plate of food never look out of place. Whether you are a Silkeborg local or just staying in town for a night, it offers an easy-going way to experience the city’s food and wine scene in one compact, characterful room.