Aarhus may be Denmark’s second-largest city, but when it comes to seafood, it plays in the big league. LocalsInsider.com gathered recommendations from Aarhus-based chefs, food journalists, and sources like the Michelin Guide, SmagAarhus, and VisitAarhus to uncover the city’s most exciting seafood and fish restaurants.
The list covers all nice places to eat seafood in Aarhus, from oyster bars with champagne to casual mussel spots, fine-dining restaurants, and trendy new openings like our favorite casual place, Next Door bistro, located a few steps away from the legendary Royal Hotel.
The best places to eat fish, oysters, and mussels in Aarhus
Restaurant Domestic
One of Aarhus’s Michelin-starred gems, Domestic focuses on hyper-local ingredients, including sustainably sourced fish from Danish waters. While the menu changes with the seasons, expect dishes like lightly cured hake with sea buckthorn or smoked trout with horseradish cream.
Opened in 2015 by four friends passionate about New Nordic cooking, the restaurant’s pared-back design—bare wood tables, soft lighting—puts the spotlight firmly on the food. Tasting menus start at 1,200 DKK ($170).
Address: Mejlgade 35B, 8000 Aarhus C
Oysters & Grill Aarhus
This lively spot brings the Copenhagen favourite to Jutland, serving oysters from Limfjorden alongside glasses of chilled champagne. The menu also includes crab claws, langoustines, and a daily fish special. The interior channels French seafood bistros with dark wood, tiled floors, and a long marble bar where you can shuck your own oysters if you like.
You can get half a dozen oysters for around 180 DKK ($26) and a glass of bubbles for 95 DKK ($14).
Address: Banegårdspladsen 4, 8000 Aarhus C
Havnens Fiskehus
A classic in the city’s harbour area, Havnens Fiskehus has been serving freshly caught North Sea fish since 1930. The dining room is simple and unfussy, with much of the focus on the fish counter where you can pick your dinner. You can order platters of cold-water shrimp, steamed mussels, or pan-fried plaice, knowing it came off the boat that morning. They also sell wine by the glass, making it a great choice for a relaxed lunch.
Expect to pay around 180–350 DKK ($26–50) for a main with sides.
Address: Fiskerivej 12, 8000 Aarhus C
Mefisto
Tucked into the historic Latin Quarter, Mefisto has been a go-to for seafood lovers since 1996. The small, candlelit dining room feels intimate, while the heated courtyard is perfect in spring. Known for its generous moules frites, creamy fish soups, and fresh lobster, the kitchen works closely with local fishermen to keep the menu seasonal.
A main runs about 200–350 DKK ($28–50), with lunch deals starting at 145 DKK ($21).
Address: Volden 28, 8000 Aarhus C
Seaside
Opened in 2023, Seaside is Aarhus’s newest seafood-focused restaurant with sweeping harbour views. Its open kitchen turns out plates like pan-seared cod with cauliflower purée, grilled mackerel with pickled cucumbers, and sharing platters of shellfish. The décor blends Scandinavian minimalism with maritime touches—think pale oak, navy leather chairs, and porthole-style mirrors.
Prices start at 175 DKK ($25) for small plates, with larger mains around 295 DKK ($42).
Address: Pier 2, 8000 Aarhus C
Sydhavnen Fiskebar
This trendy seafood hangout in the redeveloped Sydhavnen district mixes raw concrete floors with colourful art and a buzzing open bar. The menu is playful: fish tacos with grilled hake, ceviche with Nordic herbs, and battered monkfish with homemade tartare sauce. Open late on weekends, it attracts a younger crowd and has an impressive natural wine list. Expect to pay 150–250 DKK ($22–36) for most dishes.
Address: Sydhavnsgade 15, 8000 Aarhus C
Havnebaren & Skaldyr
Part wine bar, part seafood shack, Havnebaren & Skaldyr is ideal for a lazy afternoon by the water. You can order champagne with oysters, smoked salmon on rye, or a full shellfish tower for sharing. There’s outdoor seating right on the quay, making it popular in summer. Prices range from 95 DKK ($14) for a light snack to 450 DKK ($64) for the largest seafood platter.
Address: Fiskerivej 10, 8000 Aarhus C
If you are in Aarhus, take the unique water airline Nordic Seaplanes to reach Copenhagen’s city center in just 30 minutes. The Danish capital has many nice places to eat, including top eco-friendly seafood spots, shop, and of course to see.
This is how we found the best seafood restaurants in Aarhus
To create this list, LocalsInsider.com consulted the Michelin Guide, SmagAarhus, and VisitAarhus, and spoke to local chefs and our friends. We visited restaurants across different styles and price points, from long-standing harbour institutions to fresh openings in the city’s trendy districts like the Latin Quarter. Our goal was to show not just the most famous spots but the places locals return to for oysters, mussels, and perfectly cooked fish.
What is the most famous seafood restaurant in Aarhus?
Mefisto in the Latin Quarter is one of the city’s most celebrated seafood restaurants.
Where can I get oysters and champagne in Aarhus?
Oysters & Grill Aarhus and Havnebaren & Skaldyr are both great choices.
Does Aarhus have Michelin-starred seafood restaurants?
Yes, Restaurant Domestic features seafood dishes in its seasonal Michelin-starred menu.
Where can I eat mussels in Aarhus?
Mefisto’s moules frites are a local favourite.
What’s the best new seafood restaurant in Aarhus?
Seaside, opened in 2023, offers fresh fish and harbour views.
