Bedstes Hus, Stillinge Strand

A cosy country restaurant by the Danish coast

Tucked along Drøsselbjergvej just inland from Stillinge Strand, Bedstes Hus feels more like a visit to a relative’s home than a formal restaurant. The low-key building sits in a rural stretch of West Zealand, surrounded by fields and holiday cottages, with the sea only a short way off. In summer, the light spilling in from the coast and the hum of holiday traffic give the place a relaxed, seasonal rhythm that fits its beachside setting. The restaurant opens mainly for lunch and dinner on selected days, with long, unhurried services that invite you to settle in rather than rush through a meal. It has become a fixture for locals from Slagelse and for families staying at nearby summer houses, and it often doubles as a venue for celebrations, from birthdays to holiday feasts.

Grandma-inspired interiors and homely details

Inside, the name “Bedstes Hus” – literally “Grandma’s House” – is taken seriously. Rooms are filled with home-style furniture, patterned tablecloths and small decorative pieces that recall a Danish farmhouse living room. Expect soft lighting, framed pictures and the comforting sense that nothing here is overly polished or pretentious. Tables are arranged to accommodate both intimate meals and large groups, with plenty of space for multi-generational family outings. During the warmer months, there is the possibility of outdoor seating, bringing the countryside air and coastal breeze into the experience. The overall atmosphere is unhurried and personal, with staff focusing on a welcoming, familiar style of service.

Classic Danish cooking and generous buffets

The kitchen at Bedstes Hus is firmly rooted in traditional Danish cuisine. Menus often feature well-known comfort dishes: stegt flæsk with parsley sauce, roast pork, spare ribs, fish, potatoes and a variety of hot and cold sides. Emphasis is on hearty, homemade food rather than cutting-edge gastronomy, with recipes that would feel at home on a family dining table. Buffets are a cornerstone of the experience. Seasonal lunch spreads, theme evenings and special-occasion menus showcase multiple meats, salads, warm side dishes and a generous dessert selection, frequently including an extensive ice cream bar. Portions lean towards the plentiful, encouraging leisurely second helpings and long conversations around the table.

Seasonal celebrations and special occasions

Bedstes Hus runs on a pronounced seasonal calendar. The restaurant typically opens for the main season in spring and marks key Danish holidays with special buffets. Easter, Mother’s Day, Pentecost and Sankt Hans Aften are highlighted with set menus that bring together families and groups of friends for festive lunches and evening grills. Throughout the season, selected weekends and holidays feature themed events with fixed prices, making it easy to plan a celebratory meal. The space adapts well to gatherings, with the cosy décor creating a relaxed setting for both small and large parties, and advance bookings are common for these popular dates.

Practicalities, pricing and who it suits best

Prices sit in a mid-range bracket by Danish standards, with buffets and set meals designed to offer solid value for the amount and variety of food. The location along a country road near Stillinge Strand makes it convenient as a lunch stop during a day by the coast or as an evening destination after time spent on the beach. Bedstes Hus particularly suits families, multi-generational groups and travellers looking for an unfussy taste of Danish home cooking in a cosy setting. It is a relaxed, informal place where children are welcomed, time moves slowly and the experience is less about fine dining and more about feeling well-fed and looked after in a space that lives up to its “grandma’s house” name.