Frankel 5, Rømø

Seaside dining on the edge of the Wadden Sea

Frankel 5 sits at the quiet end of Sønder Frankel in Havneby, close to the harbour where ferries and fishing boats define the rhythm of the day. From many tables you can look across the wide tidal flats of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO-listed landscape of shifting light, sandbanks and seabirds. On clear evenings, the low western sun drapes the mudflats and wind turbines in warm gold, making the restaurant as much a viewing point as a place to eat. The building itself is low and unpretentious, with large windows that pull the outside in. Step inside on a windy Rømø day and you move instantly from salt-laced air and gull calls to the hum of conversation, the clink of cutlery and the smell of butter, herbs and grilled fish drifting from the open pass.

Warm, casual interiors with a coastal soul

The interior design leans towards modern Scandinavian comfort rather than formality. Expect light woods, simple chairs and tables, nautical details and soft lighting that makes even a corner table feel inviting. There is usually a mixture of couples, small groups and families, which gives the room a friendly, lived-in character. When the weather turns, the café side of Frankel 5 comes into its own. This is the time to linger over coffee and a slice of cake, sheltered from Atlantic winds yet still in visual touch with the sea through broad panes of glass. In summer, the terrace expands the space outdoors and becomes a natural pause point for cyclists and walkers exploring the island.

From fresh fish to classic Danish comfort

The menu focuses on straightforward, flavour-driven cooking rooted in Danish and broader European traditions. Freshly fried fish fillets, often sourced from nearby waters, are a staple, typically served with crisp potatoes, remoulade and lemon. You are likely to find open-faced sandwiches with fish, meat or vegetarian toppings, as well as hearty dishes suited to a day in the coastal wind. There is usually a selection of lighter plates and salads for lunch, then more substantial mains later in the day. Desserts often lean into homely favourites: ice cream, cakes or puddings that match a second coffee or a small glass of something local. Portions tend to be generous, which makes Frankel 5 a practical choice after long walks on the beach or excursions into the marshes.

Café rhythms and island pace

Frankel 5 operates on café hours rather than late-night schedules, opening around midday and closing its kitchen in the early evening. This fits the tempo of Rømø, where days are defined by tides, outdoor activities and long stretches of daylight in summer. Guests drift in for lunch after exploring the island, or treat the restaurant as the main meal stop before settling back at holiday homes and campsites. The mood is relaxed and unhurried. Staff move comfortably between tables, answering questions about ingredients and suggesting dishes for those unfamiliar with Danish classics. English is widely spoken, which helps international visitors navigate the menu without fuss.

Part of the wider Rømø experience

Frankel 5 is woven into the island’s broader appeal rather than standing apart from it. Many visitors pair a meal here with walks along the dike trails, birdwatching on the tidal flats or a day spent on Rømø’s famously wide sandy beaches. The restaurant’s location also makes it a convenient stop before or after ferry journeys, adding a sense of arrival or farewell to a stay on the island. Because it functions both as a café and a restaurant, it works equally well for a quick drink and cake, a relaxed lunch, or a full early dinner. In cooler months it becomes a cosy indoor anchor when outdoor options shrink, while in the brighter seasons it feels like an open door between Havneby’s human bustle and the expansive Wadden Sea landscape beyond.