Den Gamle Vingaard, Marstal

A maritime courtyard hideaway in old Marstal

In the centre of Marstal’s compact old town, Den Gamle Vingaard occupies a traditional property that once formed part of a working courtyard. Today it feels like a tucked-away enclave: step through the entrance and the street noise fades, replaced by the murmur of conversation and the clink of glasses. The low buildings and cobbled surfaces frame a space that still hints at the island’s trading and seafaring past. Inside, the restaurant leans into Marstal’s maritime heritage. Nautical details, timber beams and warm colours give the rooms the character of a sailor’s inn rather than a polished fine-dining room. It is atmospheric without being formal, equally suited to couples lingering over a bottle of wine and small groups relaxing after a day on the water or the cycle routes criss-crossing Ærø.

Garden dining under vines and open sky

The heart of Den Gamle Vingaard is its sheltered garden. Old vines climb the walls and pergolas, softening the brick and plaster with greenery and dappled shade. On calm evenings, tables are laid outside, transforming the courtyard into an open-air dining room lit by the last of the daylight and, later, by candles and gentle fixtures. A small pond stocked with koi carp adds gentle movement and sound, the occasional splash mingling with laughter from the bar area. The garden is naturally wind-protected by surrounding buildings, making it a pleasant place to linger even when the sea breeze picks up along Marstal’s harbourfront. In summer, it becomes one of the town’s most inviting spots for an unhurried dinner.

Flavours where Mediterranean warmth meets Nordic produce

The kitchen takes its cue from southern Europe but builds on Scandinavian ingredients. Expect a menu that highlights fish from surrounding waters alongside meat dishes treated with care, often using slow cooking and classic sauces. Plates tend to balance richness with fresher elements, reflecting a Mediterranean style reimagined for a Danish island setting. Starters might feature seafood, seasonal vegetables or soups with depth, while mains often centre on well-prepared cuts of veal, beef or the catch of the day. Desserts lean toward timeless favourites, sometimes with tableside flair. Portions are satisfying rather than minimalist, aiming to complement a relaxed evening with wine rather than a rushed meal between activities.

A bar, a beer garden and an easygoing evening rhythm

Beyond the main restaurant space, Den Gamle Vingaard also functions as a convivial bar and beer garden. The atmosphere shifts gently as the evening progresses: early on, it suits families and multi-generational groups, while later the mood becomes more intimate, with low lighting and a softer soundtrack. The drinks list spans wines chosen to match the kitchen’s Mediterranean leanings and a rotation of beers suited to casual courtyard sipping. The layout makes it easy to move between spaces: begin with an aperitif in the bar, dine in the restaurant or garden, then stay on for a final drink without feeling the need to rush off. It is the kind of place that encourages you to stretch an evening, especially on long summer nights when the sky darkens slowly over the rooftops.

Seasonal rhythm and island-time dining

Den Gamle Vingaard’s opening hours reflect both the island’s visitor seasons and the desire to create an unhurried dining experience. Evenings from Sunday through Friday are focused on dinner service, with Saturdays adding a lunchtime window for those exploring Marstal in the middle of the day. Reservations are recommended in high season, when the dining room and courtyard fill with a mix of locals and visitors. Service aims to be attentive yet informal, the kind you would expect in a locally run island restaurant. Staff can usually guide guests through the menu and recommend wine pairings, making it easy to settle in even if you arrive straight from a ferry or a day outdoors. Taken together, the maritime setting, leafy courtyard and carefully prepared food make Den Gamle Vingaard a rewarding anchor point in any stay on Ærø.