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Restaurant Gl. Daws – Classic Danish Fare in Historic Varde

Relaxed Danish brasserie, wine bar and café in a historic half‑timbered building, with courtyard and rooftop terrace in the centre of Varde.

4.3

Restaurant Gl. Daws in central Varde is a cozy brasserie-style restaurant, café and wine bar housed in old half-timbered premises on Smedegade. Here traditional Danish comfort dishes share the menu with lighter brasserie classics, paired with a well‑curated wine list, draft beer and outdoor seating in a sheltered courtyard and rooftop terrace. Casual, welcoming and unpretentious, it works equally well for relaxed lunches, family dinners and lingering evenings over a bottle of wine.

A brief summary to Restaurant Gl. Daws - Cafe, Restaurant og Vinbar

  • Smedegade 4, Varde, 6800, DK
  • +4581813804
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 11 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-8:30 pm
  • Friday 11 am-8:30 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-8:30 pm

Local tips

  • Reserve a table for weekend dinners or during summer, especially if you want to sit in the courtyard or on the rooftop terrace.
  • If you are a group of six or more, pre‑ordering your food helps the kitchen and reduces waiting time at the table.
  • Ask staff for wine recommendations; the list is broad, and they can suggest pairings for classic Danish dishes and lighter brasserie plates.
  • In colder months, aim for a table in the older timbered rooms, which feel especially cozy on dark evenings.
  • On warm days, bring a light layer; even with heaters and awnings, the rooftop terrace can feel breezy later in the evening.
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A historic setting in the heart of Varde

Restaurant Gl. Daws sits in an old property on Smedegade, one of Varde’s central streets, where crooked beams, low ceilings and visible timber frames set an unmistakably historic tone. Inside, you move between older half‑timbered rooms and brighter, modernised spaces with higher ceilings, giving the restaurant a mix of traditional charm and contemporary comfort. The layout feels open and informal, with room for both intimate tables and larger gatherings. Step further in and you discover a playful side to the building. A relaxed lounge-like "slyngelstue" brings soft seating and a casual bar vibe, while a sheltered courtyard and a rooftop terrace extend the experience outdoors in warmer months. Terrace heaters, awnings and comfortable furniture invite you to linger even when the North Sea breeze makes itself felt, adding to the feeling of a lived‑in local favourite rather than a formal dining room.

Honest Danish cooking with brasserie touches

The kitchen at Gl. Daws focuses on straightforward, well-executed Danish food rather than fine‑dining theatrics. Classic dishes such as schnitzel, steak, burgers and traditional open‑faced sandwiches often appear alongside seasonal specials. Portions tend to be generous, and the cooking leans into rich gravies, crisp pan‑fried meats and familiar garnishes that match the rustic surroundings. Behind the scenes, a sizeable industrial kitchen allows the team to handle everything from quick lunches to larger celebrations. Warm midday service blends café favourites and hearty plates, while evenings shift toward more lingering dinners with starters, mains and desserts. The restaurant’s wine list is a point of pride, with a broad selection of bottles, sparkling wines and champagne, complemented by draft beer and mixed drinks for those more interested in the bar side of the experience.

A social hub for casual gatherings

Beyond the food, Gl. Daws functions as a social space for Varde. The interior’s varied zones make it easy to find a corner that suits your mood, whether you want a quiet table by the window or a spot close to the bar. Families, colleagues and groups of friends all fit naturally into the relaxed setup, and the atmosphere remains informal even when the restaurant is busy. The flexible seating is also well suited to small celebrations, birthdays and casual get‑togethers. Combined with the outdoor courtyard and rooftop terrace, the restaurant can feel almost like a small complex of different venues under one roof: restaurant, café, wine bar and lounge. This versatility is part of its appeal, making it an easy choice when a group wants different things from the same evening.

Seasonal rhythms and local flavour

Gl. Daws’ character shifts subtly with the seasons. In darker months, candlelight and warm interiors come to the fore, turning the timbered rooms into a snug retreat from grey days and early sunsets. When the weather improves, the courtyard and roof terrace become prime spots for long lunches, chilled wine and people‑watching over Smedegade’s rooftops. Though not a themed restaurant, it carries a strong sense of local identity. Danish is the natural first language of the space, but staff are accustomed to helping German and English‑speaking guests navigate the menu, reflecting Varde’s position close to popular holiday areas along the west coast. Traditional dishes, local habits and the easy pace of a provincial town all shape the experience.

Practical notes for planning your visit

Restaurant Gl. Daws generally opens from late morning through the evening on most days, with the busiest periods aligning with lunch and dinner. Booking ahead is advisable if you are a larger group, especially at weekends or in summer, when the outdoor areas are at their most inviting. The dress code is casual, and the atmosphere is welcoming rather than formal, so it fits well into a day of exploring Varde’s shops and streets. It is worth checking current opening information in advance, as the restaurant has undergone periods of renovation to upgrade its kitchen and facilities. Once inside, expect an unfussy experience centred on solid cooking, friendly service and the chance to enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer in surroundings that feel rooted in the town’s history as much as in its present-day everyday life.

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