Restaurant Jacob A. Riis
Square-side steakhouse and brasserie in Ribe’s historic heart, named after reformer Jacob A. Riis and serving generous, familiar dishes from morning through evening.
Anchoring one side of Ribe’s cobbled main square, Restaurant Jacob A. Riis pairs classic Danish comfort food and crowd-pleasing international dishes with front-row views of Denmark’s oldest town. Named after the famed Ribe-born journalist Jacob A. Riis, the restaurant blends steakhouse-style mains, burgers and generous plates with the atmosphere of a historic market square. It is a convenient, all-day option from late-morning through dinner, ideal for travelers exploring the nearby cathedral, old town hall and museums who want a relaxed, sit-down meal without leaving the heart of the action.
A brief summary to Restaurant Jacob A. Riis
- Torvet 7, Ribe, 6760, DK
- +4521990191
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-10 pm
- Thursday 11 am-10 pm
- Friday 11 am-10 pm
- Saturday 11 am-10 pm
- Sunday 11 am-10 pm
Local tips
- Aim for a table near the windows or outside in good weather to enjoy views of Ribe’s cobbled main square and the cathedral towers while you eat.
- Kitchens in Ribe often close early; use Jacob A. Riis as a reliable late option if you are sightseeing into the evening or arriving back from excursions.
- Portions, especially burgers and steaks with sides, are substantial, so consider sharing extras or skipping starters if you prefer a lighter meal.
- Combine a visit with time at the nearby Jacob A. Riis Museum to connect the menu and name with the life of Ribe’s famous journalist.
- If you have dietary restrictions, mention them clearly when ordering; the kitchen focuses on classic dishes but can often adjust sides or garnishes.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Restaurant Jacob A. Riis location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Restaurant Jacob A. Riis
A namesake of Ribe’s most famous son
Restaurant Jacob A. Riis takes its name from the Ribe-born journalist and social reformer who documented the lives of New York’s poor in the late 19th century. Inside, framed images and references often nod subtly to his story, connecting this modern restaurant to the town’s most famous emigrant. The address on Torvet places you in the symbolic center of Ribe, surrounded by crooked medieval facades and within a short stroll of the cathedral and Jacob A. Riis Museum. The building itself mirrors the mix of old and new that defines Ribe. Traditional Danish architecture, with steep roofs and historic details, frames contemporary signage and large windows that look directly onto the square. It feels more like a lively town dining room than a tucked-away bistro, with an open, accessible frontage that invites both locals and visitors in at most hours of the day.Square-side atmosphere in Denmark’s oldest town
What sets this restaurant apart is its position on Ribe’s main square. From many tables you can look out over cobblestones, the outlines of the cathedral and the everyday rhythm of the town. In fine weather, outdoor seating brings you even closer to the life of Torvet, with the occasional sound of church bells, snippets of Danish conversation and the slow passage of bicycles and pedestrians. Inside, the mood is casual and unpretentious. Tables are arranged to accommodate both couples and small groups, and the layout makes it easy to linger over a longer meal between sightseeing stops. Soft lighting and dark wood details create a comfortable backdrop in cooler months, turning the restaurant into a warm refuge after a windy walk along Ribe’s narrow streets.Hearty plates and familiar flavors
The menu leans toward satisfying, recognizable dishes with a Nordic-leaning steakhouse touch. Expect Angus beef burgers with brioche buns, bacon, cheddar and fries, alongside steaks, grilled meats and simple fish dishes. Portions tend to be generous, making it a good choice if you are looking to replace a skipped lunch or fuel up for an evening stroll with the night watchman. Prices for mains sit in the mid-range for Denmark, with burgers typically around standard casual-dining levels and steaks higher, reflecting cut and weight. Sides such as fries, salads and classic sauces keep things familiar, and there is usually a selection of soft drinks, beers and wines by the glass. It is the kind of place where mixed groups can all find something straightforward that suits their tastes.An all-day option when kitchens close early
Ribe’s compact size means many kitchens close relatively early, particularly outside peak season. Restaurant Jacob A. Riis is an exception, keeping its doors open from late morning until the evening, generally around 11:00 to 22:00 every day of the week. That makes it a practical fallback if you are exploring museums late in the afternoon or returning from the marshes and find other places winding down. Because the kitchen runs through the day, it also works well for later lunches and early dinners that do not fit standard meal times. Solo travelers, families and pairs can drop in without much ceremony, and the relaxed setup suits everything from a quick burger and drink to a more lingering three-course meal.Dining at the crossroads of Ribe’s heritage
Location is the restaurant’s biggest asset. Step outside and you are moments away from Ribe Cathedral, the old town hall, narrow alleys of half-timbered houses and small specialty shops. The square often serves as an informal meeting point for guided walks and town events, turning the restaurant into a convenient base between activities. That centrality also underlines the connection to Jacob A. Riis himself, whose legacy is marked elsewhere in town through plaques, a museum and a statue. Eating here, you are in the middle of the same historic streets he once walked, yet surrounded by the comforts of a contemporary Danish brasserie. It is a fitting spot to pause, look out over the square and reflect on how far Ribe’s most famous emigrant traveled from this quiet corner of Jutland.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
0.5 km
A contemplative statue on Ribe’s former castle hill, honouring the gentle 13th‑century Queen Dagmar where her life and legend became entwined with Denmark’s history.
Kammerslusen Ribe
5.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Sønderho Church
18.9 km
An 18th‑century island church filled with Denmark’s largest flotilla of votive ships, anchoring Sønderho’s seafaring history in a tranquil Wadden Sea village.
Æ Kåver
18.9 km
Reborn wooden seamark on Fanø’s southern edge, Æ Kåver recalls 17th‑century seafaring in a wild Wadden Sea landscape of wind, sand and wide horizons.
Bunker
24.6 km
A concrete relic of World War II occupation, standing silent in Denmark's westernmost forest.
Namaste Esbjerg
24.8 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’ vibrant urban beach, blending sandy coastline, tranquil bay views, and easy access to city highlights and lush forest parks.
Esbjerg Art Museum
24.9 km
Historic bridge control tower reimagined as a creative hub with city views, art events, and cozy cultural experiences in the heart of Copenhagen’s harbor.
Esbjerg Water Tower
24.9 km
Historic red-brick water tower on a Bronze Age mound overlooking Esbjerg’s harbour, blending medieval-inspired architecture with the story of a young, ambitious port city.
Dronning Louise
24.9 km
Urban beachfront serenity meets Danish royal heritage at Marselisborg Strand, Aarhus’ favorite local escape for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside strolls year-round.
Christian IX statue, Esbjerg
24.9 km
Historic equestrian monument and central meeting point on Esbjerg’s main square, celebrating the king who founded Denmark’s youngest major North Sea port.
Vadehavskysten
25.0 km
An iconic copper bridge tower turned cultural gem, offering harbor panoramas, intimate events, and a taste of Copenhagen’s creative spirit on Knippelsbro.
Landgangen
25.0 km
Step inside a piece of Copenhagen’s iconic bridge architecture, now transformed into a creative hub for art, music, café culture, and panoramic city views.
Gangbroen over Toldbodvej, Esbjerg Havn
25.0 km
A converted harbor tower blending industrial heritage with contemporary art, panoramic views, and creative events on Copenhagen’s iconic Knippels Bridge.
Denmark
25.0 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’s urban beach escape, offering sandy shores, a classic pier, family-friendly facilities, and beautiful views right at the city’s edge.
Esbjerg Museum
25.1 km
Iconic harbor-view cultural tower on Knippelsbro, blending Copenhagen’s bridge heritage with art, events, and sweeping views across Indre By and Christianshavn.
Unmissable attractions to see
Den Gamle Arrest, Ribe
0.0 km
Stay the night in Ribe’s old town prison, a 16th‑century listed house on the cathedral square where chaplains, schoolgirls and inmates once shared the same walls.
P Dovns Slippe
0.1 km
Explore the Wadden Sea's unique ecosystem and cultural heritage at Vadehavscentret near Ribe, Denmark.
Ribe Cathedral
0.1 km
Explore Denmark's rich glass and ceramic heritage at Holmegaard Værk, featuring live demonstrations and interactive workshops.
Ribe Domkirkeplads
0.1 km
Tiny but central parking right on Ribe’s cathedral square, putting you only steps from Denmark’s oldest town’s historic heart, shops and cobbled lanes.
Jacob A. Riis Museum
0.1 km
The childhood home of a Danish-American reformer who documented poverty and changed a nation.
Kannikegaarden
0.1 km
Award-winning parish hall and archaeological showcase where contemporary Nordic architecture hovers above Ribe’s oldest brick ruins beside the cathedral.
Hex! Museum of Witch Hunt
0.1 km
Explore the chilling history of witch hunts in 16th–17th century Denmark through immersive audio and artifacts in historic Ribe.
Taarnborg
0.1 km
A contemplative Renaissance townhouse in Ribe’s cobbled centre, where historic clergy once lived and today’s cultural life unfolds in quietly atmospheric rooms.
Faldne fra Sønderjyske Krige, Ribe
0.2 km
Step into Viking-era life at Vikingborg near Ribe, where interactive exhibits, reconstructed buildings, and live reenactments reveal Denmark’s ancient Norse heritage.
St. Catherine's Priory, Ribe
0.2 km
A beautifully preserved Dominican priory in Ribe, where brick cloisters, a serene church and a quiet garden reveal nearly eight centuries of Danish monastic history.
Ribe Kloster
0.2 km
A serene former convent tucked into Ribe’s cobbled centre, where brick Gothic walls, quiet courtyards and layered history evoke centuries of monastic life.
Buste af Jacob A. Riis
0.2 km
A modest bronze bust in Ribe’s old town honouring Jacob A. Riis, the local boy whose New York photographs and journalism helped change urban social history.
Wooden bridges
0.2 km
Simple timber footbridges over Ribe’s quiet river, offering gentle views, soft light and a tranquil pause just beyond the medieval streets.
Stormflodssøjlen
0.2 km
Experience Danish creativity at Holmegaard Værk, where heritage glassmaking, live demonstrations, and cutting-edge design exhibitions come together in a vibrant historic setting.
Flood column in Ribe
0.2 km
A slender wooden column on Ribe’s harbour that turns tranquil waterfront views into a powerful, six-metre-high lesson in storm surges, memory and resilience.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Jacob A. Riis
0.0 km
Square-side steakhouse and brasserie in Ribe’s historic heart, named after reformer Jacob A. Riis and serving generous, familiar dishes from morning through evening.
Pizza Express
0.0 km
Casual pizzeria on Ribe's main square serving traditional Italian pizzas in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Hotel Dagmar
0.0 km
Denmark's oldest hotel since 1581, blending Renaissance charm with modern hospitality on Ribe's historic square.
Restaurant Vægterkælderen
0.0 km
Hearty steaks and classic Danish flavours served in a candlelit 16th‑century cellar beneath historic Hotel Dagmar on Ribe’s storybook main square.
Weis Stue
0.1 km
Centuries-old timber inn and restaurant on Ribe’s main square, serving classic Danish dishes and simple rooms in a wonderfully crooked historic house.
BØFFEN Restaurant
0.1 km
Homemade burgers and ice cream on Ribe's historic square—casual comfort food at unbeatable prices.
Pinocchio
0.1 km
Casual Italian pizzas and pastas served all day in a cosy, family-friendly restaurant right in the historic heart of Ribe’s medieval old town.
Quedensgård Cafe Og Krambod
0.1 km
Historic café and krambod in a crooked old merchant’s house in Ribe, blending Danish comfort food, a leafy courtyard and shelves of characterful curios.
Monza Pizza
0.1 km
Authentic Italian pizza handcrafted on Ribe's historic main square
Kolvig - by Skovmose
0.1 km
Historic riverside dining in Denmark's oldest city, where Nordic cuisine meets industrial heritage.
Terpager & Co
0.2 km
Historic 16th‑century café, wine bar and deli in Ribe’s old town, blending Nordic hygge, plant‑forward cooking and small‑producer wines in a cozy courtyard setting.
Restaurant Backhaus ApS
0.2 km
Hearty Danish classics, crooked floors and cathedral views come together in this cosy Ribe townhouse restaurant with a charming courtyard and rooms upstairs.
Restaurant Sælhunden
0.2 km
Historic riverside dining in Denmark's oldest town, where 400 years of character meet fresh Danish cuisine.
Mad Ud Af Huset
0.2 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine in the heart of Ribe at Mad Ud Af Huset.
Peking House Restaurant
0.2 km
Authentic Chinese buffet in historic Ribe's pedestrian heart—diverse flavors, fresh ingredients, family-friendly.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Habengood
0.1 km
Ribe's intimate vintage and vinyl destination where personal service meets curated second-hand treasures.
Biti v/Tina Haugsted Larsen
0.1 km
Long-established Ribe corner boutique mixing Scandinavian-inspired women’s fashion, gifts and souvenirs in the atmospheric setting of the town’s central square.
NEW FORM Ribe
0.1 km
Sporty, pet-friendly clothing store in Ribe’s historic center, stocking practical outdoor and casual wear for the whole family near the Wadden Sea coast.
Overdammens Idebutik
0.1 km
A cosy Ribe gift shop where Scandinavian homewares, seasonal decorations and thoughtful souvenirs are tucked into a warm, cobbled-street setting.
Janne K Ribe
0.1 km
Bright, comfortable women’s fashion in inclusive sizes, tucked into a historic townhouse on Ribe’s cobbled main street.
Ribes Embroidery And Yarn (M Svendsen)
0.1 km
A cozy, floor‑to‑ceiling yarn and embroidery cave in Ribe’s historic center, where more than fifty years of color, fiber and patterns invite you to start a new project.
Det Gamle Apothek
0.1 km
A historic former pharmacy in the heart of Ribe, now a cosy Nordic shop filled with atmospheric décor, seasonal treasures and a touch of old-town magic.
Garnslusen
0.1 km
Specialty yarn and embroidery shop in the heart of Denmark's oldest city
Den Lille Ravbutik
0.1 km
A cosy amber specialty shop in Ribe’s medieval heart, where warm golden stones, Scandinavian design and coastal heritage come together in wearable souvenirs.
Made in Ribe
0.1 km
Independent clothing and fabric boutique in Ribe’s medieval center, pairing Scandinavian style with personal tailoring and find-it-here-only souvenirs.
CHANGE Lingerie
0.2 km
Scandinavian fit-focused lingerie and loungewear in a cosy boutique on Ribe’s historic Mellemdammen, blending everyday comfort with a touch of indulgent elegance.
Imerco
0.2 km
Denmark's premier homeware destination offering Scandinavian design, kitchen essentials, and exclusive collections in historic Ribe.
Tøjeksperten
0.2 km
Contemporary menswear in Ribe's historic pedestrian district, backed by Denmark's most generous return policy.
Butik B
0.2 km
Inviting women’s fashion boutique in Ribe’s historic center, blending Scandinavian style, everyday practicality and a relaxed, personal shopping atmosphere.
Tip Top I/S
0.2 km
A small, local clothing shop on Ribe’s historic Nederdammen, offering practical Scandinavian-style fashion in the heart of Denmark’s oldest town.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Stenbohus
0.0 km
Cosy, timeworn bar in the heart of Ribe, blending historic surroundings with easygoing drinks, local character and relaxed late‑night atmosphere.
Strygejernet
0.1 km
Intimate corner pub in Ribe’s old town, pairing rustic coziness, smoke-free comfort and friendly bar life with simple drinks, games and unhurried evenings.
Termansens
0.1 km
Intimate jazz and live music in a centuries-old townhouse, where Ribe’s historic charm meets cozy, small-scale culture house vibes after dark.
Klubben 1811
0.1 km
Casual, spacious bar in Ribe’s old town, mixing sports, pool and cold beer in a bright, easygoing setting just steps from the city’s medieval streets.
Café Valdemar
0.3 km
A compact late‑night bar and disco in the heart of historic Ribe, blending casual drinks, chart‑driven beats and a friendly weekend crowd on Sct Nicolaj Gade.
Vin For Dig Ribe
0.4 km
Cosy neighbourhood wine shop and intimate vinbar in Ribe, pairing curated bottles with generous takeaway tapas and relaxed Danish hygge.
Grosmann's
7.8 km
Small-town Danish hygge in a tiny cocktail bar on Kirkegade, where classic drinks, warm lighting and everyday village life meet in laid-back South Jutland style.
Mødestedet
18.9 km
Cozy wine bar on Skærbæk’s main street, where locals and visitors share unhurried glasses of wine, simple snacks and relaxed conversation from day to evening.
Bodega Pubs v/ Kim
18.9 km
Cozy local bodega in Skærbæk serving cold beer, simple drinks, and laid-back Danish bar culture in a friendly, down-to-earth neighborhood setting.
Dowdi Pub Bar
24.8 km
Old-school brown pub in central Esbjerg with inexpensive beers, wood‑panelled charm and a relaxed, local crowd from daytime regulars to late‑night lingerers.
Pappi's pub
24.8 km
Unpretentious, drinks-first bar on Kongensgade offering a simple Danish pub vibe, easy prices and a central stop-off point in the heart of Esbjerg.
Bjælkehytten - En Vestjysk BierBar
24.8 km
Timber-clad, late-opening beer hut on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, serving easygoing brews and shots in a cosy, West Jutland party atmosphere at the heart of nightlife.
Rustik - Bar & Natklub
24.8 km
High‑energy bar and nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, mixing industrial style, cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor late into the night.
SoHo - Bar & Cocktails
24.8 km
Adults-focused cocktail bar tucked inside Esbjerg Street Food’s old theatre hall, pairing crafted drinks, modern design and a lively, central city atmosphere.
King George
24.8 km
Esbjerg's beloved beer hall where Danish tradition, lively atmosphere, and authentic hospitality converge on Skolegade.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
No.31 - Bar & Natklub
24.9 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, blending late-night bar vibes, loud DJ sets and a youthful dance floor in the heart of the city.
Club Fanø Rindby
26.1 km
Vital hub for kite sports, fatbiking, and Nordic coastal adventure on Fanø, pairing local expertise with welcoming spirit in the island’s scenic Rindby beach area.
Bilka-søen
28.2 km
Esbjerg's energetic nightclub delivering vibrant music, dancing, and social entertainment in a lively atmosphere.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
28.7 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
Romo Golf Links
30.2 km
Romo Golf Links offers an authentic coastal golf experience amid the windswept dunes and wild beauty of Rømø, blending challenging play with stunning North Sea views.
Fishi
35.5 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub in Vejen with loud beats, simple drinks and a friendly small-town crowd that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.
Al Capone
44.2 km
Tønder’s sole nightclub, Al Capone blends a rustic 1920s‑inspired mood, late‑night beats and strong drinks into an intimate speakeasy‑style party den.
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
44.2 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Koldingtivet Engen
47.9 km
Compact Kolding disco where locals pack the dance floor, mainstream hits fill the speakers and late-night energy turns a modest venue into a full-bodied club night.
Discoteque Tordenskiold
48.4 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
48.5 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Pitstop
48.8 km
Small, central and loud, Pitstop is Kolding’s alternative live music stronghold, blending intimate gigs, late-night dancing and laid-back bar vibes in a historic building.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
48.8 km
Compact late-night club on Grindsted’s main street, mixing local vibes, DJs and simple drinks for weekend nights that run into the early hours.
Jazz 6000
49.0 km
An essential stop in Kolding for jazz lovers, Jazz 6000 brings world-class live music, community spirit, and a cozy club atmosphere to southern Denmark.
Rotes Kliff
49.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Rotes Kliff in Sylt, a premier disco club and cocktail bar perfect for unforgettable evenings.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Casual
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Business Friendly