Café Wilder
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
A beloved French bistro tucked into the cobbled streets of Christianshavn, Café Wilder has been a cornerstone of Copenhagen's dining scene for decades. This intimate venue serves classic French cuisine with Danish sensibility—think steak frites, smørrebrød, and fresh oysters—in a relaxed, authentically Parisian atmosphere filled with regulars and travelers alike. The cozy interior and heated outdoor seating create the perfect setting for everything from casual lunch to leisurely dinner.
A brief summary to Cafe Wilder
- Wildersgade 56, Copenhagen, København K, 1408, DK
- +4532547183
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11:30 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 11:30 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 11:30 am-11 pm
- Thursday 11:30 am-11 pm
- Friday 11:30 am-12 am
- Saturday 11:30 am-12 am
- Sunday 11:30 am-10 pm
Local tips
- Book a table in advance, particularly for lunch and weekend dining. The restaurant fills quickly due to its popularity with both locals and visitors.
- Arrive early to secure outdoor seating under the heat lamps for views of the cobbled street and canal-side architecture, especially during pleasant weather.
- Try the fresh oysters to start and the steak frites or house specials like Lapin à la Moutarde. The 3-course menu offers exceptional value at approximately 375 DKK.
- Plan for a leisurely meal rather than a quick bite. The relaxed pace and conversational atmosphere are central to the Café Wilder experience.
- Visit during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon or early evening) if you prefer a quieter atmosphere while still experiencing the venue's authentic character.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
Cafe Wilder location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Cafe Wilder
A Timeless Parisian Spirit in Christianshavn
Café Wilder is an institution on the cobbled streets of Christianshavn, embodying the spirit of a classic Parisian bistro transplanted to Copenhagen. For over four decades, this intimate venue has remained a gathering place for locals and discerning travelers seeking authentic, unpretentious dining. The restaurant's philosophy centers on simplicity and warmth—no rigid formality, only genuine hospitality and an atmosphere that invites lingering conversation over an extra pastis or cold beer. The setting itself tells a story of old Copenhagen. Housed in a historic warehouse building overlooking the canals, Café Wilder occupies a prime position on Wildersgade, surrounded by the architectural character that defines Christianshavn. The interior is thoughtfully curated with vintage touches, including a famous nude portrait by photographer Lars Helweg of actress Anita Ekberg, a piece that has graced the walls for years.French Bistro Cuisine with Danish Practicality
The menu draws inspiration from French and Italian traditions, executed with what the restaurant describes as "a good handful of Danish common sense." Dishes are simple, flavorful, and reasonably priced—a philosophy that has earned consistent praise from both casual diners and food critics. Signature offerings include perfectly prepared steak frites, fresh oysters, traditional smørrebrød (Danish open sandwiches), and French classics like Lapin à la Moutarde à l'Ancienne (rabbit with mustard sauce). The kitchen demonstrates particular skill with house-made preparations and seasonal ingredients, delivering dishes that balance refinement with approachability. The wine and beer selection complements the food thoughtfully, with an emphasis on French wines and quality Danish beers. The bar itself serves as a social hub, where solo diners and groups alike feel equally welcome.Atmosphere and the Christianshavn Experience
What distinguishes Café Wilder is its genuine, multicultural atmosphere. The restaurant thrives on conversation and connection—the kind of place where strangers become friends over shared meals. The space feels lived-in rather than designed, with warmth emanating from every corner. The informal spirit that owner Henrik Faxholm has cultivated ensures that the venue never feels pretentious or overly polished, yet maintains undeniable charm and sophistication. Outdoor seating under heat lamps extends the dining experience into Copenhagen's cooler months, offering views of the historic streetscape and canal-side architecture. This is where much of Christianshavn's social life unfolds, particularly during warmer seasons.Practical Considerations for Visitors
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during lunch hours and weekends, as the restaurant's popularity means tables fill quickly. The venue operates with table service and accepts credit cards, with free WiFi available. Wheelchair accessibility is provided, and the restaurant accommodates vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dietary requirements. Note that there is no dedicated children's menu, though the quality and variety of offerings typically satisfy diverse palates. Service is notably attentive and warm, with staff demonstrating genuine care for guest experience. During peak times, waits can extend, so managing expectations and allowing time for a leisurely meal is advisable.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
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Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
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A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Circle Bridge
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A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Holmens Bro
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A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Frederik VII
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Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Kopenhagen
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Spectacular palace at Copenhagen’s core, blending royal grandeur, political intrigue, and centuries of Danish history—home to Parliament, the courts, and the monarchy.
The Danish Parliament
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Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Kongens Nytorv
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Historic observatory in Aarhus combining hands-on stargazing, interactive astronomy exhibits, and tranquil parkland with panoramic city views.
Christiansborg Palace
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Explore the majestic Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that captivates all who visit.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.8 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Ofelia Plads
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Copenhagen's iconic waterfront plaza where culture, harbor views, and the famous kissing stairs meet the sea.
Memorial Anchor
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A historic anchor monument honoring Danish WWII sailors, set at the heart of scenic Nyhavn, blending maritime history with Copenhagen’s lively canal atmosphere.
Lille Langebro
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Explore Kronborg Castle, the iconic setting of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' and delve into Denmark's Renaissance history.
Danish Architecture Centre
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Explore Danish and international architecture, urban development, and design at Copenhagen's premier cultural center, the Danish Architecture Centre, located in the iconic BLOX building.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.8 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Christianshavn
0.2 km
Experience the lively heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, a vibrant square near the Northern Harbour.
Christianshavns Kanal
0.2 km
A 17th‑century canal of cobbles, gables and sailboats, Christianshavns Kanal is Copenhagen’s quietly cinematic waterway at the heart of island life.
Church of Our Saviour
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s iconic spiral‑tower church, where Baroque art, ringing carillon bells, and a vertiginous 400‑step climb reveal sweeping views over canals and harbor.
Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge
0.3 km
Innovative cocktails and cozy ambiance in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Knippelsbro
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s copper-towered bascule bridge, where four centuries of harbour crossings, functionalist design and everyday city life meet above the Inner Harbour.
Christiania
0.3 km
A self-governing “freetown” of murals, lakeside paths and experimental living, tucked behind Copenhagen’s old ramparts in the heart of Christianshavn.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.3 km
Slottsträdgården is Malmö’s central organic garden retreat, blending vibrant themed gardens, historic castle views, and lively year-round events in a lush urban oasis.
Havnepromenade
0.4 km
Discover Copenhagen’s Garden of the Royal Library: an elegant and tranquil retreat bridging royal heritage and modern design in the heart of the Danish capital.
Green George af Thomas Dambo - Trold nr. 50
0.4 km
A towering recycled-wood troll at Christiania’s entrance, Green George blends street art, sustainability and playful storytelling in the heart of Copenhagen.
Lille Mølle
0.4 km
A compact windmill on Christianshavn’s ramparts, Lille Mølle blends defensive history, domestic interiors and gentle canal‑side views in one atmospheric museum.
Operaen
0.5 km
Innovative cocktails in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Børsen
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Explore Copenhagen’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—an imaginative museum of fascinating oddities, curiosities, and interactive wonders at City Hall Square.
North Atlantic House
0.5 km
A 1767 waterfront warehouse transformed into Copenhagen’s vibrant gateway to the art, stories and flavors of Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Inderhavnsbroen
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Explore the evolution of Danish design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Black Diamond
0.6 km
Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent 18th-century royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for its baroque architecture, exquisite gardens, and regal Danish history.
Essential places to dine
Cafe Wilder
0.0 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Restaurant Kanalen
0.2 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
Kadeau
0.2 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Restaurant Lola
0.4 km
Bold, travel-inspired cooking and inventive smørrebrød served in a sunny 17th‑century house with a leafy garden hideaway on Christianshavn’s historic ramparts.
No. 2
0.5 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Restaurant Barr
0.5 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
à terre
0.6 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Khun Juk
0.7 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
King Hans Cellar
0.7 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Skipperkroen
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Cap Horn
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Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Nyhavns Færgekro
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Llama
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Restaurant Maven
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Marchal
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Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagenglass
0.7 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Maritime Antiques &
0.7 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Magasin du Nord
0.7 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.8 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Viking Souvenirs
0.8 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.8 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Zane
0.8 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.8 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Danish Souvenirs
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Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Urban Outfitters
0.9 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
ILLUM
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ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Læderstræde
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Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
1.0 km
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The Wilde Shop
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A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Magnolias
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A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Eiffel bar
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Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
TATA Cocktail Bar
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Brønnum
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An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Ved Stranden
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Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
K-Bar
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Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Balthazar
0.9 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
1105
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Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Bar Deco
0.9 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
The Dubliner
0.9 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
Aloha Beach Bar
1.0 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Ruby
1.0 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Godt Øl
1.0 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
Lord Nelson Bar
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Charlie's Bar
1.0 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Casual
- Lively
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly