This terrific harbor restaurant serves seafood seasonally smoked daily from April to October, to…read moreeat in, packed for short excursions or sealed for longer travel. Conveniently near the Ærøskøbing ferry landing, it's perfect whether arriving or leaving from Ærø, or visiting from other parts of the island.
The extensive menu has multiple types of fish, including herring, halibut, mackerel, eel, trout, and salmon, some shellfish such as shrimp and mussels, and fish cakes (fiskefrikadeller). There doesn't seem to be a bad choice, the seafood is well smoked and delicious, just a matter of preference. Halibut is decadently rich, smooth, almost buttery. The trout is smoked whole and (largely) boneless, the meat flaky. Mackerel with dill is deeply flavorful. North Sea shrimps are interesting smoked, which tempers their natural sweetness. They call themselves a "no-fry" zone so fish and chips, and fish cakes are baked. The fiskefrikadeller are light and tasty.
Although none are particularly salty, the smoked foods can be accompanied with bread and butter, a gently tart dill potato salad, or plain Jane lettuce salad. And in typical Danish fashion, virtually any beverage type can be had: draft and bottled beer, wine, aquavit, coffee, or natural apple juice. The obvious choices are an Ærø beer from island brewer Rise Bryggeri, or a local specialty aquavit, Riga.
A must visit while in Ærøskøbing. Enjoy the smoked seafood at one of their outdoor tables, or indoors if rainy.
