Drewsens Spisehus, Silkeborg

Historic town hall setting on Silkeborg’s main square

Drewsens Spisehus is housed in Silkeborg’s old town hall, an imposing brick landmark that looks out over Torvet, the city’s central square. Step inside and up to the first floor and you move from the bustle of the plaza into a lofty space of tall windows, restored details and clean-lined Scandinavian furnishings. The combination of historic architecture and contemporary interiors gives the restaurant a quietly grand feel without ever becoming formal. From many tables you can look down across the square, watching everyday life unfold between city hall, shops and market stalls. In the evening, the warm interior lighting and glimpses of the illuminated facades outside make the room feel cocooned yet connected to the city beyond. It is very much a part of Silkeborg’s civic heart, and the building’s past adds a subtle layer of atmosphere to any meal here.

Delemad, brunch plates and modern Danish flavors

The kitchen focuses on Nordic-inspired delemad, a sharing concept where you combine several smaller dishes into a personalised feast. Menus change with the seasons, but you can expect things like slow-cooked meats, fish with bright herb dressings, roasted vegetables, well-aged cheeses and small bites designed to circulate around the table. The idea is relaxed, sociable dining with plenty of variety rather than a rigid three-course structure. Earlier in the day, the restaurant leans into its café side. Breakfast and brunch options might include open-faced rye bread creations, eggs, yoghurt with seasonal toppings and sweet pastries, all paired with carefully brewed coffee. Lunchtime brings hearty plates and lighter salads, making it as suitable for an unhurried midday break as for a quick bite between errands on Torvet.

Coffee house warmth and lifestyle touches

Drewsens has its roots in a broader lifestyle concept, and you feel that in the details. The coffee bar is a focal point, with the smell of freshly ground beans greeting you as you arrive. Speciality brews, from espresso-based drinks to slow coffee, are treated with the same care as the food, making the place as appealing for an afternoon pick-me-up as for a full meal. Design elements are carefully chosen: comfortable chairs, soft textiles, and an interplay of wood, metal and warm tones that nod to modern Danish interiors. The setting invites you to linger with a glass of wine, catch up on conversations or even leaf through a magazine while people-watching over the square. Despite its central location, the room keeps a cosy, intimate feel.

Atmosphere for every occasion

Because it merges café, restaurant and wine bar under one roof, Drewsens Spisehus adapts easily to different occasions. In the morning, it can feel like a calm workspace with quiet background music and soft daylight pouring through the windows. By late afternoon, groups of friends and families start to gather around sharing plates and snacks, and the energy in the room gently builds. In the evenings, candlelight and city views add a more romantic tone without losing the casual edge. It works as well for a date night as for a small celebration or business dinner, helped by the flexible menu and the option to order a range of dishes for the table. The bar side keeps things convivial with local beers and a wine list chosen to complement the delemad concept.

Part of a wider Silkeborg lifestyle story

Drewsens Spisehus is closely linked to Silkeborg’s broader lifestyle scene. The brand also appears in Odense, always in architecturally interesting buildings, and is associated with Danish design through its connection to Bang & Olufsen showrooms. In Silkeborg that means you are dining in a space that deliberately blends gastronomy with a sense of design and place. This location on Torvet makes the restaurant easy to combine with a day exploring the town’s lakes, galleries and riverside paths. Whether you come for a quick coffee, a brunch with a view of the square or a lingering evening of shared plates and conversation, Drewsens anchors the experience in a setting that feels distinctly local and quietly stylish.