Retour Vesterbro
Relaxed French-inspired bistro in the heart of Vesterbro, serving generous steaks, classic comfort dishes and cocktails in a warm, urban Copenhagen setting.
Retour Vesterbro is a modern French-inspired bistro just off Copenhagen’s buzzing Vesterbrogade, combining marble-topped tables, classic bentwood chairs and candlelit coziness with an unfussy, ingredient-focused menu. Known for its steaks, rich sauces and straightforward bistro favourites, it works equally well for an early pre-theatre dinner, a lingering evening with friends or cocktails at the bar. A separate downstairs space hosts private dinners in a more intimate setting, while pavement tables draw in the Vesterbro street life on milder evenings.
A brief summary to Retour Vesterbro
- Trommesalen 5, Copenhagen, Vesterbro/Kongens Enghave, 1614, DK
- +4588630292
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 5 pm-11 pm
- Tuesday 5 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 5 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 5 pm-11 pm
- Friday 5 pm-12 am
- Saturday 5 pm-12 am
- Sunday 5 pm-11 pm
Local tips
- Book ahead for Friday and Saturday evenings, especially if you want a specific time slot or are planning a pre-theatre or pre-cinema dinner.
- Arrive a little early to start with a drink at the bar and look over the menu at a relaxed pace before being seated.
- If you are a group, ask about set menus or the downstairs banquet room, which can make hosting a celebration more straightforward.
- In warmer weather, request one of the outdoor tables when reserving if you enjoy dining with a view of Vesterbro street life.
- Steak dishes are a house specialty; pair them with a classic sauce and frites for the full bistro experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Retour Vesterbro 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
Discover more about Retour Vesterbro
Modern bistro energy in lively Vesterbro
Retour Vesterbro sits on Trommesalen, a side street between Vesterbrogade and Gammel Kongevej, in one of Copenhagen’s most characterful central districts. Step inside and the bustle of the neighborhood softens into a warm bistro glow: tightly spaced tables, soft lighting and the low hum of conversation create an inviting, lived‑in atmosphere that feels casual yet carefully put together. This is one of chef Rasmus Oubæk’s Retour outposts, conceived as a place where you can drop in for a relaxed evening but still expect thoughtful cooking and a solid wine list. The room is designed to feel approachable rather than formal, making it as suitable for a spontaneous mid‑week dinner as for a celebration.French classics with a Copenhagen twist
The kitchen leans heavily on French bistro traditions, with an emphasis on simple dishes built from good produce. Steaks and sauces are a mainstay, often paired with frites and green salads in generous portions. Alongside you might find shellfish starters, rich terrines or seasonal vegetable plates that change with the market. Portions and plating lean towards hearty rather than minimalist. The focus is on flavor and comfort: crisp fries, well‑reduced sauces, creamy accompaniments and desserts such as chocolate fondants or crème brûlée that round off the meal without too much ceremony. There is usually a compact selection of wines by the glass and bottle, plus classic cocktails mixed at the bar.Design details and downstairs dining
The interior takes cues from traditional Parisian brasseries, updated for a Copenhagen audience. Marble table tops, dark wood, mirrors and leather or fabric banquettes set the tone, while French‑style chairs and closely set tables contribute to an intimate, convivial feel. Candles and low lighting keep the mood warm even on darker Nordic evenings. Below street level, a dedicated banquet room known as Retour Downstairs offers a more secluded space for private dinners and small parties. Here the atmosphere is slightly quieter and more cocooned, while the kitchen sends down the same style of bistro dishes as upstairs. For groups, set menus are often used to keep service smooth and sociable.Evenings that stretch into cocktails
Retour Vesterbro opens in the late afternoon and trades through the evening, fitting neatly into the neighborhood’s rhythm. Early seatings work well if you are heading to a show or cinema nearby, with a focused menu that allows for a satisfyingly swift two‑ or three‑course meal. Later in the night, the pace eases and guests linger longer over wine and digestifs. The bar and a handful of outdoor tables extend the experience beyond the dining room. In warmer months, people‑watching from the pavement seating adds another dimension, with Vesterbro’s mix of locals and visitors passing by. Inside, the soundtrack, the clink of glassware and the open movement of staff between tables give the space an easy, urban rhythm.Central, social and distinctly Copenhagen
From Trommesalen it is only a short walk to Copenhagen Central Station and many of the city’s cultural venues, which makes the restaurant a convenient rendezvous point. Its setting in Vesterbro places it at the junction of old residential streets and newer creative businesses, reflected in the mix of diners you are likely to see at any given service. Overall, Retour Vesterbro positions itself as a bistro for city life: somewhere you can share a reliably indulgent steak frites, raise a glass before a night out, or book a long table downstairs for a private gathering. It captures a slice of Copenhagen’s dining personality where French comfort cooking, Danish produce and relaxed design intersect under one compact roof.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Frihedsstøtten
0.2 km
Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
0.3 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Copenhagen Central Station
0.3 km
Historic brick-and-timber rail hub at the heart of Copenhagen, combining grand architecture, everyday convenience and instant access to the city’s main sights.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
0.5 km
A majestic neo-Baroque landmark intertwining Denmark’s postal history with Vesterbro’s vibrant urban fabric, located beside Copenhagen’s bustling central railway station.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.6 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
Lur Blowers
0.6 km
Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.
National Museum of Denmark
0.9 km
Explore Denmark's rich history and cultural heritage at the National Museum in Copenhagen, home to Viking treasures, Bronze Age relics, and captivating exhibits for all ages.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.9 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
Nytorv 2
0.9 km
Where Copenhagen’s Neoclassical courthouse meets a centuries-old market square, blending solemn civic history with the everyday buzz of the old city.
Nytorv
0.9 km
Historic domed observatory in Aarhus offering inspiring stargazing nights, public tours, and a glimpse into Denmark’s astronomical history atop a leafy city hill.
Church of Our Lady
0.9 km
Denmark's neoclassical cathedral, crowned with Thorvaldsen's masterpiece sculptures and centuries of royal ceremony.
Magstræde
1.0 km
Discover the enchanting charm of Magstræde, one of Copenhagen's oldest streets, filled with historic architecture, cozy cafes, and vibrant local culture.
Jorcks Passage
1.0 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Frederiksholms Kanal
1.0 km
Discover the charm of Frederiksholms Kanal, Copenhagen's picturesque canal, perfect for peaceful strolls and cultural exploration.
The Stable Boy's House
1.1 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Unmissable attractions to see
Model train display
0.3 km
Discover the enchanting Model Train Display in Copenhagen, showcasing intricate landscapes and charming miniature railways for all ages.
Mikkeller Bar
0.3 km
Stændertorvet is Roskilde’s historic central square, bustling with markets, events, and iconic views of the UNESCO-listed cathedral at the city’s vibrant core.
Red Sightseeing Copenhagen
0.3 km
Hands-on science, vintage vehicles, and maritime history come together in this interactive, family-friendly branch of Malmö Museum, housed in an iconic industrial building.
The Tube
0.3 km
Step into a World War II bomb shelter transformed into a mind-bending immersive experience with 17 interactive rooms.
Det Ny Teater
0.3 km
Historic Belle Époque playhouse turned musical powerhouse, Det Ny Teater blends gilded grandeur, modern stagecraft and big‑scale productions in the heart of Copenhagen.
Rutschebanen
0.4 km
A century-old wooden roller coaster weaving through a rocky mountain in Tivoli Gardens, where a live brakeman and rattling timber keep Copenhagen’s past in motion.
Tivoli Gardens
0.5 km
Explore enchanting Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, opulent royal halls, lush gardens, and centuries of riveting royal history.
Himmelskibet
0.5 km
Spin 80 meters high on the world's tallest carousel swing for breathtaking Copenhagen views.
Freddys Bar
0.5 km
Discover Denmark’s maritime heritage and cutting-edge architecture at Helsingør’s award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, set in a stunning subterranean dry dock near Kronborg Castle.
Øksnehallen
0.5 km
Vast former cattle hall turned cultural venue, Øksnehallen blends industrial heritage, daylight-filled architecture and flexible space for major fairs, art shows and events.
Istedgade
0.5 km
Gritty, creative and endlessly watchable, Istedgade is Vesterbro’s main strip and Copenhagen’s classic showcase of everyday city life with an edge.
Statue of Andersen
0.6 km
A larger-than-life Hans Christian Andersen sits in bronze on Copenhagen’s City Hall Square, book in hand, gazing toward Tivoli Gardens in the city’s vibrant heart.
City Hall Square
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s grand urban living room: a historic civic square framed by City Hall, whimsical fountains, and the gateway to the pedestrian heart of the city.
Legepladsen i Skydebanehaven
0.6 km
A colourful staffed playground tucked inside a historic walled park in Vesterbro, where giant parrots, paddling pools and lawns turn old shooting grounds into family fun.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.6 km
Explore Denmark's Viking heritage along the scenic Skjoldungestien trail.
Essential places to dine
Retour Vesterbro
0.0 km
Relaxed French-inspired bistro in the heart of Vesterbro, serving generous steaks, classic comfort dishes and cocktails in a warm, urban Copenhagen setting.
Smagsløget
0.1 km
Discover Smagsløget in Copenhagen: where traditional Danish flavors meet innovative culinary experiences in an inviting atmosphere.
LUN restaurant & winebar
0.1 km
Andalusian-inspired tasting menus, serious wine and cocktails, and a warm candlelit atmosphere in the heart of Copenhagen’s Vesterbro district.
Maple Casual Dining
0.2 km
Intimate Copenhagen dinner spot on Vesterbrogade, serving polished home-style dishes, generous desserts and warm service in a cozy, modern neighborhood setting.
L'appetito
0.2 km
Traditional Italian plates, thin-crust pizzas and warm trattoria charm just off Copenhagen’s busy city centre streets.
Cofoco
0.3 km
Cofoco in Vesterbro delights with accessible, innovative Danish and European tasting menus amid warm Scandinavian aesthetics and a true neighborhood spirit.
Ristorante Buono
0.3 km
Cozy Vesterbro Italian with candlelit tables, generous pasta and risotto, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel in the heart of Copenhagen’s evening dining scene.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
0.3 km
Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Delphine
0.3 km
Stylish Mediterranean small plates in a visually stunning Vesterbro setting.
Spisestedet FEED
0.4 km
Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
Madklubben Vesterbro
0.5 km
A buzzing, design-forward restaurant in the heart of Vesterbro, known for great value fixed-price menus and a welcoming slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Restaurant Spuntino
0.5 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Restaurant Spuntino in Copenhagen - where flavors meet ambiance for an unforgettable dining experience.
Paté Paté
0.5 km
Paté Paté offers Mediterranean-inspired dining and expertly curated wines in Vesterbro’s Meatpacking District, blending industrial charm with vibrant Copenhagen culinary culture.
Fleisch
0.6 km
A contemporary restaurant and butcher shop in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, Fleisch combines Nordic meat traditions with creative, communal dining in an atmospheric urban setting.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.6 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
0.2 km
A small Vesterbro boutique where Nordic clothing, cozy textiles and design-led gifts capture the understated charm of contemporary Scandinavian style.
Souvenir Gift Shop
0.3 km
Compact, central and colourful, this Vesterbrogade gift shop is a quick and easy stop for Copenhagen-themed souvenirs between Tivoli, Vesterbro and the Central Station.
Tivoli Gift Shop
0.5 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Artikel København
0.5 km
Family-run Copenhagen atelier where timeless, unisex garments are designed, cut and sewn in an open workshop on historic Gammel Kongevej.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.5 km
Compact, colorful and full of playful Danish design, this Vesterbrogade shop turns everyday essentials, gifts and games into a fun, low-cost treasure hunt.
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.6 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Funky Junky
0.7 km
Discover Vesterbro’s Funky Junky—a vibrant vintage store featuring retro furniture, unique fashion, and Danish design, perfectly reflecting Copenhagen’s creative soul.
København K
0.7 km
Hidden in a Latin Quarter courtyard, København K is a long-standing Copenhagen vintage shop packed with curated second-hand fashion, denim and quirky homeware finds.
Viking Souvenirs
0.7 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Carmen Copenhagen
0.7 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Wasteland
0.8 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
Quirky Lane
0.8 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Souvenir Shop
0.8 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Notre Dame
0.9 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
CUBE bar
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at CUBE Bar, a stylish venue offering exquisite drinks and a lively atmosphere.
Curfew
0.1 km
Discover Curfew in Copenhagen: a chic cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for your night out.
Library Bar
0.3 km
Experience Copenhagen's luxurious Library Bar, where sophisticated cocktails meet an inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Jernbanecafeen
0.3 km
Densely decorated, railway‑themed pub opposite Copenhagen Central Station, where model trains, red carpets and cold beer create a lively Vesterbro living room.
Spunk
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Spunk, a lively bar in Copenhagen offering a diverse drinks menu and an inviting atmosphere for all.
The Shamrock Inn
0.4 km
Experience the lively atmosphere of The Shamrock Inn, Copenhagen's premier Irish pub with live music and sports entertainment.
Proud Mary Pub
0.5 km
Loud, lively and central, Proud Mary Pub brings a British-style pub atmosphere, hearty bar food and big beer nights to Copenhagen’s Vesterbrogade.
1656 Cocktail Bar
0.5 km
Hidden behind an unmarked door in Vesterbro, 1656 serves inventive cocktails in a dimly lit, speakeasy-style hideaway made for slow, late-night conversations.
The Scottish Pub
0.5 km
Lively Scottish‑style pub on Copenhagen’s main square, pouring pints and whisky late into the night with music, sports on TV and an easygoing, social crowd.
Duck and Cover - Cocktailbar
0.6 km
Experience exquisite cocktails in a stylish ambiance at Duck and Cover, Copenhagen's premier cocktail bar for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Lidkoeb
0.6 km
Discover Lidkoeb, a vibrant cocktail bar in Copenhagen, renowned for its innovative drinks and lively atmosphere, perfect for nightlife enthusiasts.
Amigo Bar
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Amigo Bar, where affordable drinks and a friendly atmosphere await you.
Mesteren & Lærlingen
0.7 km
Discover the lively bar scene at Mesteren & Lærlingen, where cocktails meet vibrant DJ beats in the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife.
Musen & Elefanten
0.7 km
Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
Taphouse
0.7 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub
0.3 km
Experience the inclusive spirit and vibrant nightlife at Vela Lesbian LGBTQ+ Nightclub in Copenhagen, where every night is a celebration of love and diversity.
Den Anden Side
0.3 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
Never Mind
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
CristalClubCopenhagen
0.3 km
Dive into Copenhagen's nightlife at Cristal Club, where upscale ambiance meets electrifying music and unforgettable experiences.
Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.
Module
0.4 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.6 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Baggen
0.6 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
The Union
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
Cosy Bar
0.7 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Dorsia
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Club Mambo
0.7 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Miami Bar
0.8 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
KB3
0.9 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
La Terraza
0.9 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
