Salig Simons Gaard

A historic courtyard turned French bistro

Hidden just off Brogade in Svendborg’s old town, Salig Simons Gaard occupies one of the quarter’s atmospheric merchant courtyards, where timbered facades and cobbles hint at centuries of trade and seafaring. Step through the passageway and the street noise softens, replaced by clinking glasses and the low murmur of conversation around closely spaced tables. Inside, the bistro leans into the building’s age with exposed beams, uneven brickwork and wooden floors, softened by candlelight, fresh flowers and shelves of wine. The name references an old local property, anchoring the restaurant in the town’s history while its culinary heart beats firmly in France.

French flavours with a South Funen accent

The kitchen follows the rhythms of the seasons, with a short à la carte and set menus that change frequently. You might find rich fish soup, steak frites, slow-braised lamb or a classic tart with crisp pastry and silken custard, all underpinned by careful sauces and generous use of butter and herbs. Whenever possible, ingredients are drawn from nearby farms, fishermen and producers on Funen, often called Denmark’s pantry. This local larder gives familiar bistro dishes a regional accent, from fresh seafood landed in nearby harbours to vegetables and cheeses sourced from the countryside around Svendborg.

Courtyard charm and intimate atmosphere

On mild days the cobbled courtyard becomes the restaurant’s most coveted space. Tables spill out beneath old walls and climbing greenery, with blankets on hand when the evening cools. It feels both urban and secluded, a small pocket of warmth sheltered from the wind off the Sound. Indoors, the layout is compact and sociable rather than grand. Tables are close enough for a buzz of shared enjoyment without overwhelming the space. Soft lighting and simple, well-chosen tableware keep the focus on food, wine and company, giving the room the feel of a polished yet unpretentious neighbourhood dining room.

Wine, pacing and the art of lingering

Wine plays a central role, with a list that leans towards France but is not limited to it. Glasses are often suggested to match each course, encouraging diners to take their time and savour the interplay between food and drink. Service tends to be unhurried, allowing an evening here to unfold as a sequence of small pleasures rather than a quick stop. The restaurant’s size means that seats are limited, and a full house adds to the convivial mood. It is the kind of place where long conversations stretch between courses, and where a leisurely lunch can quietly turn into most of the afternoon, especially when the weather invites you to stay in the courtyard.

A Svendborg staple for special yet relaxed meals

Salig Simons Gaard sits comfortably between bistro and fine dining: white-tablecloth attention to flavour and presentation, but with the relaxed energy of a town favourite. It works as well for a lingering lunch as for a celebratory dinner, and its central location makes it easy to fold into a day exploring Svendborg’s harbour, lanes and cultural spots. Whether you drop in for a carefully cooked midday plate or commit to a multi-course evening menu with wine pairings, the common thread is a sense of occasion without stiffness. The historic setting, the French-inspired cooking and the warm, intimate rooms together create a distinctly Svendborg take on the classic European bistro experience.