Den Gode Smag, Nyborg

A cozy culinary hub on Nyborg’s central square

Den Gode Smag sits right on Torvet, Nyborg’s main square, and feels woven into the daily life of the old market town. Inside, the atmosphere is informal and warm: wooden tables, soft lighting, shelves lined with bottles and delicacies, and the low murmur of conversations over coffee or wine. Large windows connect the dining room to the life of the square, while in good weather small tables outside give you a front-row seat on Nyborg’s historic heart. The café is just a short stroll from Nyborg Castle, so it naturally attracts people before or after a walk among the ramparts. Yet it still feels like a local living room, equally suited to a quiet solo lunch with a book or a convivial evening with friends. The name, which translates as “The Good Taste,” signals the focus: uncomplicated dishes prepared with care and a keen eye for flavor.

Tapas plates, classic favorites and Scandinavian comfort

The kitchen leans toward a relaxed brasserie style, mixing international inspiration with Danish comfort food. Tapas-style boards with charcuterie, cheeses and small warm bites are a signature, ideal for sharing over a bottle of wine. At lunchtime, you might find hearty open-faced sandwiches, salads layered with seasonal greens, or a generous burger or steak served with crisp fries. Warm dishes often echo Nordic simplicity: pasta with a few carefully chosen ingredients, fish or chicken served with local vegetables, and daily cakes or desserts that pair naturally with good coffee. Portions are generally satisfying rather than fussy, with plating that aims to be appetizing rather than elaborate. The menu changes over time, but the red thread is bistro comfort and straightforward, well-balanced flavors.

Café culture from morning coffee to late-afternoon wine

From midday opening until early evening, Den Gode Smag is as much a café as a restaurant. Freshly brewed coffee and specialty teas anchor the drinks list, accompanied by pastries or house cakes that invite a slow break in the middle of the day. The square-facing tables make a pleasant base to watch bicycles roll past and listen to the regular chime of church bells. Later in the day, the mood subtly shifts as more guests order wine, beer or perhaps a cocktail to match tapas or a full meal. The wine selection is a point of pride, with both by-the-glass options and bottles chosen to accompany the varied menu. Whether you stop in for a single espresso or linger across several courses, the space is designed to feel welcoming rather than formal.

Family-friendly details and a social setting

Despite its brasserie touches, Den Gode Smag remains very much a casual, family-friendly spot. A children’s menu and simple favorites like nachos or pasta make it easy to bring younger diners along. Highchairs and flexible portion sizes help mixed-age groups share a relaxed meal without ceremony. Because of its position on Torvet, the café often feels like an extension of Nyborg’s public life. On market days and during seasonal events, the hum of the square drifts onto the terrace, while in colder months the interior becomes a cozy refuge from wind off the Great Belt. Couples tend to gravitate to the candlelit tables inside, while larger groups make use of the more spacious corners or outdoor seating in summer.

In the context of Nyborg’s broader food scene

Nyborg punches above its weight when it comes to food, with everything from gourmet restaurants to farm shops and ice-cream stands in easy reach. Den Gode Smag fills the niche between fine dining and simple takeaway: a centrally located café-restaurant where you can sit down for quality food at mid-range prices without needing a special occasion. Its location makes it a natural stop on a day exploring the castle, old streets and waterfront. You might begin with lunch and coffee here before walking to the sea, or return later for tapas and a glass of wine after an afternoon among the town’s historic buildings. For many visitors, it functions as a reliable culinary anchor in the heart of Nyborg, bridging everyday café culture and evening brasserie charm.