Den Rustikke, Mejlgade – Casual Bistro Dining in Central Aarhus
Relaxed French–Italian inspired bistro on atmospheric Mejlgade in Aarhus C, serving generous fixed-price menus in a cosy, candlelit rustic setting.
Tucked into atmospheric Mejlgade in Aarhus C, Den Rustikke is a cosy neighborhood bistro known for its unfussy, generous plates and relaxed charm. The kitchen draws heavily on French and Italian inspiration, often built around a changing three-course menu at an accessible price point. Bare brick walls, candlelit tables and simple black furniture create a warm, rustic setting that feels equally suited to date nights, family lunches or relaxed dinners with friends.
A brief summary to Den Rustikke
- Mejlgade 20, Aarhus, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- +4586120095
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 11:30 am-3 pm
- Wednesday 11:30 am-3 pm
- Thursday 11:30 am-3 pm
- Friday 11:30 am-3 pm
- Saturday 11:30 am-3 pm
Local tips
- Book ahead for Thursday–Saturday evenings, as the compact dining room fills quickly during prime dinner hours.
- If you enjoy lingering, opt for the full three-course menu and allow at least two hours to appreciate the pacing and atmosphere.
- Ask about vegetarian or vegan adaptations when reserving; the kitchen can often adjust the set menu if notified in advance.
- In warmer months, request an outdoor table for street-life views of Mejlgade and a more open, café-like feel.
- Plan your arrival slightly before your booking to enjoy a drink and take in the rustic interior before the room gets busier.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
Den Rustikke 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 Den Rustikke
A Rustic Bistro in the Heart of Mejlgade
Den Rustikke occupies a charming spot on Mejlgade, one of central Aarhus’ most characterful streets, lined with historic townhouses, small shops and cafés. Inside, the restaurant leans into its name: exposed brick, dark wood, sturdy tables and simple place settings set the tone for relaxed, unpretentious dining. It feels like a cross between a classic French bistro and a modern Nordic eatery, with candlelight softening the edges and large windows framing the life of the street outside. Despite the central location, there is a neighbourhood feel to the space. The room is compact without being cramped, and the buzz of conversation tends to blend into a gentle hum rather than a roar. Lighting is warm rather than bright, and details like fresh flowers or a small blackboard with the day’s menu reinforce the impression that this is a place designed for lingering meals rather than rushed bites.French–Italian Flavours with a Nordic Touch
The kitchen looks to Italy and France for inspiration, then filters those ideas through a distinctly Danish lens. Think moules frites, steak tartare, slow-cooked meats, seasonal fish and generous salads, often paired with robust sauces and plenty of butter. A well-loved feature is the structured three-course format, where you typically choose between two options for each course, allowing a balance between guidance and personal preference. At lunch, you might encounter classics such as moules marinières with crisp fries, an omelette made with local eggs, or a ribeye steak with herbs and potatoes. The evening menu leans a touch more indulgent, perhaps opening with a rich soup or tartare, moving to a hearty main and finishing with a simple dessert like panna cotta, chocolate cake or a plate of cheeses. Portions are known for being satisfying, encouraging a leisurely pace and maybe an extra glass of wine.Accessible Menus and Everyday Indulgence
One of Den Rustikke’s defining traits is its approachable price point for a full menu experience. The fixed-price set menu concept keeps decisions easy and budget predictable, while still leaving room for a bottle from the wine list or an aperitif to start. There is usually some flexibility for vegetarian and often vegan adaptations, making it a practical choice for mixed groups. The restaurant’s timetable follows a clear rhythm: lunch service through the early afternoon, a break, then dinner into the evening from Tuesday to Saturday. This lends the place a slightly different character depending on when you visit. Lunchtime tends to be lighter and a bit calmer, popular with people working or shopping in the city centre. Evenings skew more atmospheric, with the interplay of candlelight and low music creating a setting that invites another course or a digestif.Atmosphere, Seating and Street-Life Views
The interior design is deliberately stripped back: no white tablecloths, no elaborate decorations, but well-chosen details that make the room feel warm and honest. Black chairs and tables contrast with the raw walls, and the overall palette stays in earthy tones. This minimalism gives the food and conversation centre stage, while the physical space quietly supports the experience. On warmer days, a few tables often appear outside along Mejlgade, turning Den Rustikke into a relaxed pavement bistro. From here you can watch cyclists glide past, locals heading to nearby bars and galleries, and the changing light over the old rooftops. Indoors or out, the ambience stays casual and welcoming rather than formal, making it the kind of place where you can arrive dressed up for a celebration or simply in everyday clothes and feel equally at home.Planning Your Visit in Aarhus C
Set firmly within Aarhus C, Den Rustikke fits neatly into a day spent exploring the city’s cultural highlights and waterfront. Its address in Mejlgade means you are within easy walking distance of key attractions, shopping streets and the harbour, so combining a meal here with a museum visit or evening performance is straightforward. The surrounding quarter mixes old-town charm with a youthful creative energy, so there is plenty to see before or after your reservation. Most diners spend between one and a half and two hours at the table, longer if taking the full three courses with coffee or digestifs. Reservations are strongly recommended for prime dinner slots later in the week, while lunchtime often has a little more flexibility. With its balance of characterful setting, generous food and central location, Den Rustikke works equally well as a destination meal or an easy, reliable choice in the city centre.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Folkehuset Trøjborg
0.9 km
Folkehuset Trøjborg blends Danish hygge, vibrant community life, and affordable culture, making it a beloved gathering place in the heart of Aarhus’ Trøjborg district.
Agnete og Havmanden
1.0 km
Discover the poetic fusion of Danish folklore and modern sculpture at Aarhus’ Agnete og Havmanden, a landmark bronze fountain embodying myth and emotion.
Den Svangre
1.0 km
A bronze sculpture celebrating the female form in Aarhus's cultural heart.
Frederiks Plads
1.0 km
A vibrant, contemporary city square where modern architecture, open green space, and urban life converge in the heart of Aarhus near Frederiksbjerg.
Møllen i botanisk have Århus
1.2 km
Historic mill at the heart of Aarhus's verdant botanical sanctuary, blending heritage with living gardens.
Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden
1.2 km
Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.
Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden
1.2 km
Step into a vibrant world of exotic plants, interactive exhibits, and striking glass architecture at Aarhus's Greenhouses—a serene escape for nature lovers.
University Park, Aarhus
1.3 km
Explore seven centuries of art at SMK – Denmark’s national gallery, marrying old masters, modern pioneers, and cutting-edge exhibitions in stunning parkland surroundings.
Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg
1.4 km
Experience local Danish cinema culture at Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg—an atmospheric neighborhood movie house blending modern comfort with classic charm in Aarhus.
Trøjborg Beboerhus
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant community spirit of Aarhus at Trøjborg Beboerhus, a hub for cultural events, workshops, and local gatherings.
Udsigtspladsen
1.5 km
Experience breathtaking city, harbor, and bay vistas from one of Aarhus C’s most beloved scenic viewpoints, perfect for relaxation and panoramic photography.
Botanical Garden
1.5 km
Experience Denmark's artistic heritage and international masterpieces at SMK, Copenhagen's dynamic national gallery housed in landmark architecture beside the Kings’ Garden.
Tivoli Friheden
2.6 km
Experience the thrill and magic of Tivoli Friheden, Aarhus' premier amusement park with rides, live music, and family-friendly fun for all ages.
Marselisborgmonumentet
3.2 km
Standing tall in Mindeparken, Marselisborgmonumentet honors Danish World War I volunteers with solemn beauty, monumental sculpture, and panoramic bay views near Aarhus.
Flagpladsen
3.2 km
Historic plaza overlooking Aarhus Bay, gateway to royal heritage and astronomical discovery.
Unmissable attractions to see
Latinerkvarteret
0.1 km
Aarhus’ oldest quarter: cobbled lanes, medieval houses, indie shops and café terraces creating a compact, bohemian neighborhood just behind the cathedral.
The Occupation Museum
0.1 km
Aarhus’ former Gestapo headquarters turned museum, where original cells, local stories and moral dilemmas bring Denmark’s wartime occupation chillingly close.
KØN - Gender Museum Denmark
0.1 km
One of the world's few museums exploring gender, equality, and sexuality through history and contemporary dialogue.
Herman Sallings Plads
0.1 km
Marselisborg Castle offers royal heritage, tranquil gardens, and public art in Aarhus—a unique glimpse into Danish monarchy, all set within lush, accessible parklands.
Aarhus waterfront
0.2 km
Aarhus waterfront blends bold Scandinavian architecture, city beaches, harborside culture, and urban relaxation along the picturesque shores of Denmark’s vibrant second city.
Aarhus Cathedral
0.2 km
Aarhus Cathedral—Denmark’s tallest and longest church, home to medieval frescoes and ornate altarpiece, anchors the city’s vibrant heart with Gothic grace.
Endless Connection
0.2 km
Interactive spiral fountain on Aarhus’ harbourfront where jets of water, inspired by the city’s starry skies, become a playful urban artwork and gathering spot.
Store Torv
0.2 km
Historic Great Square where cathedral spires, elegant façades and everyday city life come together in the pedestrianized heart of Aarhus.
Bishop's Square
0.2 km
Marselisborg Castle offers royal heritage, tranquil English-style gardens, and the dramatic changing of the guard—an essential cultural and green escape south of Aarhus city center.
Aarhus Theatre
0.3 km
Art Nouveau splendour, golden auditoriums and four busy stages make Aarhus Theatre the historic heart of live performance in Denmark’s second-largest city.
History Hunts med Hvem.nu
0.3 km
Hands-on history hunts in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, where Viking traces and town stories turn into clue-driven adventures for curious families and small groups.
Viking Museum
0.3 km
Walk where Vikings founded Aarhus 1,200 years ago in this underground museum beneath the city center.
Lille Torv
0.3 km
Aarhus Waterfront: a vibrant coastal promenade fusing striking modern architecture, rich maritime heritage, and lively urban culture along the city’s scenic bay.
Vadestedet
0.4 km
Historic river crossing turned vibrant canal-side strip, Vadestedet blends cafés, bars and bridges into Aarhus’ cosiest, most atmospheric urban meeting place.
Mindrebæltsbroen
0.4 km
Royal residence on Aarhus Bay with historic gardens, open parkland, classic Danish architecture, and the chance to witness the royal guard—all amidst city green space.
Essential places to dine
Den Rustikke
0.0 km
Discover Den Rustikke in Aarhus - where traditional Danish cuisine meets modern culinary artistry for an unforgettable dining experience.
Pihlkjær Restaurant
0.1 km
Experience exquisite modern Danish cuisine at Pihlkjær Restaurant in Aarhus – where local ingredients meet culinary artistry.
Sct. Oluf Restaurant
0.1 km
A vibrant French-inspired bistro offering creative cuisine and Danish hospitality in the artistic heart of Latinerkvarteret, Aarhus’ oldest and most atmospheric quarter.
OliNico
0.1 km
Cozy Aarhus gastro grillbar on Mejlgade, serving generous modern European comfort food, daily changing menus and bistro classics at pleasantly low prices.
Casablanca Aarhus
0.1 km
French‑style brasserie, famous brunch “Crunch” and cosy café‑bar atmosphere in the heart of Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter.
Lecoq
0.1 km
French-inspired brasserie and bar bringing Southern European warmth, wine and late-night energy to Aarhus’ atmospheric Latin Quarter on Graven.
Restaurant Domestic
0.1 km
Experience exquisite local cuisine at Restaurant Domestic in Aarhus C - where innovation meets tradition for an unforgettable dining experience.
Plant Food
0.1 km
Small, cosy and completely plant-based, Plant Food serves bold umami burgers, bowls and sandwiches in the heart of Aarhus’ atmospheric Latin Quarter.
Mefisto Restaurant & Gårdhave
0.2 km
Aarhus’ beloved seafood restaurant and garden, Mefisto, offers Scandinavian classics, atmospheric courtyard dining, and vibrant local flavor in the city’s oldest quarter.
Slap Af
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant culinary scene at Slap Af in Aarhus – where exquisite dishes meet expertly crafted cocktails.
Piccolina
0.2 km
Authentic Italian pizzeria with exceptional vegan options and warm family hospitality in central Aarhus.
L'estragon
0.2 km
L’estragon serves up refined French cuisine with Danish creativity in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, offering intimate ambiance, seasonal tasting menus, and top-tier wine pairing.
Teater Bodega
0.2 km
Classic Danish inn in central Aarhus, offering authentic smørrebrød, cosy ambiance, and a historic link to the city’s arts and theatre scene.
Café Hack
0.2 km
Theatre-side brasserie in central Aarhus, where candlelit dining, classic European flavours and a touch of broadcast history create an intimate urban evening.
Carlton
0.3 km
A central Aarhus brasserie-style restaurant and bar where polished plates, a strong wine list and warm lighting create an intimate, grown‑up city evening.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
LAKOR Shop Aarhus
0.1 km
Flagship men’s clothing shop in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, blending Danish west coast vibes with graphic, coastal-inspired casual wear in an intimate, design-led space.
Jooma Aarhus
0.2 km
Discover unique Danish crafts and gifts at Jooma Aarhus, nestled in the historic Latinerkvarteret.
Loppegal
0.2 km
Curated secondhand fashion and interiors in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, where Danish design sensibility meets flea-market charm in a cosy, character-filled shop.
LÏST Store
0.2 km
A calm, curated women’s fashion boutique in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, blending Scandinavian simplicity, quality fabrics and timeless silhouettes on charming Volden.
stoy
0.2 km
Minimalist, design-led fashion hub on Aarhus’ main square, blending luxury labels and independent brands in a calm, curated retail space.
Seramikku - Japandi Concept Store
0.2 km
A serene Japandi concept store in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, blending Japanese ceramics and Scandinavian design into a calm, tactile shopping experience.
Badstue Rock
0.2 km
One of Denmark’s oldest independent record stores, Badstue Rock is a cozy Aarhus hub for vinyl, CDs, music books and unhurried crate-digging in the city center.
& Vintage
0.2 km
A boutique in Aarhus' Latin Quarter offering hand-picked vintage treasures, Scandinavian gifts, artisan wares, and a warm, local shopping experience in a creative setting.
Munthe Market
0.2 km
Where timeless fashion finds new purpose through conscious curation and circular design.
Utzon
0.2 km
Independent Aarhus boutique where Scandinavian fashion, leather, fur, and design objects are curated into one coherent, softly luxurious universe of style.
COS
0.2 km
A calm, design-led COS flagship on Aarhus’ historic Store Torv, blending Scandinavian minimalism, quality fabrics and thoughtful silhouettes in the city’s busy heart.
Skagen Clothing
0.2 km
Minimalist Danish fashion where sustainable style meets everyday comfort.
Sophies Tøjhus
0.3 km
A cosy central Aarhus boutique for colourful, Scandinavian‑inspired women’s fashion, perfect for a relaxed browse and a wardrobe refresh between city sights.
Panduro Hobby
0.3 km
A colourful craft haven in the heart of Aarhus, packed with DIY supplies, creative kits and ideas for makers of all ages on atmospheric Badstuegade.
Mads Nørgaard
0.3 km
A Scandinavian multibrand fashion hub in Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter, blending Mads Nørgaard classics with curated contemporary labels for men and women.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ris Ras Filliongongong
0.0 km
Candlelit basement bar on Aarhus’ Mejlgade, blending an extensive beer selection with bohemian, living-room coziness and easygoing late-night conversations.
Mig og Ølsnedkeren
0.1 km
Experience the best of Aarhus's craft beer scene at Mig og Ølsnedkeren, where local and international brews await in a cozy atmosphere.
El Loco
0.1 km
Discover El Loco, a vibrant bar in Aarhus, known for its lively atmosphere, affordable drinks, and unforgettable nightlife experience.
Café Under Masken
0.1 km
Bohemian, art‑lined den in central Aarhus where masks, fish tanks and coffee cups share space with beers, late‑night conversations and an old‑school smoky bar vibe.
ÅBEN Aarhus
0.2 km
Contemporary craft beer, rotating taps and a relaxed neighborhood buzz in a minimalist taproom tucked into Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter.
Cafe Gyden
0.2 km
Aarhus's premier hookah lounge where premium shisha meets craft cocktails in refined urban comfort.
PV (Pustervig) - Kaffe & Cocktails
0.2 km
Cosy central Aarhus hideaway where daytime coffee culture flows seamlessly into a warm, late-night world of candles, chatter and creative cocktails.
Alberts - Cocktailbar i Aarhus
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Alberts Cocktail Bar in Aarhus, featuring innovative cocktails and a lively atmosphere perfect for socializing.
Erlings Jazz- & Ølbar
0.3 km
Intimate Aarhus neighborhood bar mixing live jazz, candlelit charm and 14 rotating craft beers on tap in a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere.
The Old Irish Pub
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant spirit of Ireland at The Old Irish Pub in Aarhus, where great food, drinks, and live entertainment await.
Bar Smil Aarhus
0.3 km
Loud beats, cheap drinks and late-night energy in a compact bar-club right in the centre of Aarhus’ historic heart.
Tokio Bar
0.3 km
Discover the lively ambiance and diverse drink selection at Tokio Bar in Aarhus, where unforgettable nights await every visitor.
Herr Bartels
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Herr Bartels, a premier cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and a lively atmosphere.
Fatter Eskil ApS
0.3 km
Aarhus's cosy live music bar where emerging bands and established Danish artists share the stage.
Clemens Bar
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Clemens Bar, where friendly vibes and delicious drinks await every night.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Lively
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
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
- LGBT Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
