Restaurant Backhaus, Ribe

Historic walls and a homely Danish welcome

Restaurant Backhaus occupies a characterful old building in the heart of Ribe’s medieval center, only a short stroll from the cathedral’s soaring spires. Step inside and you are met by sloping floors, exposed beams and low ceilings that instantly signal the age of the house and its place in Denmark’s oldest town. The décor leans into this history with warm woods, soft lighting and simple, sturdy furniture, creating the feeling of a traditional Danish living room rather than a formal dining hall. The layout is broken into several snug rooms, which helps the space feel intimate even when busy. Tables are arranged close enough for a gentle hum of conversation, but there are also quieter corners for a slower, more contemplative meal. This blend of history and homeliness makes Backhaus as suitable for a relaxed lunch after sightseeing as it is for an unhurried evening with friends.

Classic Danish flavors in generous portions

Backhaus focuses on the sort of straightforward, satisfying dishes that define everyday Danish cooking. Expect hearty plates such as Danish steaks, schnitzel with rich sauce, fish of the day and traditional specialties like egg-based dishes and seasonal comfort food. Portions are known for being on the larger side, leaning into the idea that a meal here should leave you comfortably full rather than delicately picking at a tasting menu. The kitchen works with seasonal ingredients where possible, updating specials to reflect what is best at different times of year. Lunch often feels a little lighter, while the evening menu leans into more substantial mains and warming sides. There is usually something suitable for families and for those who prefer familiar, unfussy flavors, making it an easy choice when everyone wants a straightforward, tasty meal.

Candlelit corners and a cathedral-view courtyard

One of Backhaus’s distinctive features is its sheltered courtyard tucked behind the main building. In warmer months this becomes a particularly appealing place to sit, surrounded by old brick walls and rooftops with the cathedral rising just beyond. It offers a sense of being hidden in Ribe’s backstreets while still very much in the center of town. Inside, candles and warm tones help to soften the historic interior. You may notice slightly crooked lines in walls and floors, a reminder of the building’s age and a detail that adds to the charm rather than detracts from it. On darker evenings the glow from the windows and courtyard draws you in from the cobbled street outside, making the restaurant feel like a welcoming refuge in changeable West Jutland weather.

A small city hotel above the restaurant

Above the dining rooms, Backhaus also runs a handful of simply furnished rooms. These are not lavish suites but practical, comfortable spaces for travelers who want to stay in the historic core without sacrificing immediate access to a good meal. Waking up here places you right in the old town, with the cathedral and main streets just outside. Staying on-site makes it easy to enjoy a leisurely dinner without watching the clock, then head upstairs when you are ready. In the morning, breakfast in the restaurant connects the overnight side of the property with its culinary heart, reinforcing the sense that this is a small, self-contained world within Ribe’s center.

Year-round reliability in Denmark’s oldest town

Backhaus keeps consistent opening hours across the week, which is particularly useful in a small historic town where some places operate seasonally. Whether you are visiting in high summer or on a stormy autumn day, it is one of the safer bets for finding a full-service restaurant open from late morning through the evening. Its address on Grydergade places it within easy walking distance of most of Ribe’s key sights, from the cathedral to the nearby river and museum streets. That central location, coupled with unfussy cooking and a setting rich in atmosphere, makes Restaurant Backhaus a dependable anchor point in a day of exploring—somewhere you can return to more than once and still feel at home.