Café Divino in Espergærde – Italian food and a jazz atmosphere by the harbour

For many years, Café Divino has been our regular Italian refuge in Espergærde. We come here on ordinary weekdays, for celebrations – and even for special occasions such as my book launches. For us, Divino has become a place that brings together food, wine and music in a way we rarely experience anywhere else.

Atmosphere and jazz

The restaurant sits right by Espergærde harbour, where in summer you can sit out on the square with the sun on your face and a glass of wine in hand. Indoors, the mood is intimate, cosy and full of soul. Divino is closely tied to jazz, and we are in fact sponsors of their jazz club, where we have our own table with a brass plaque bearing the Gourministeriet name. When there is live music, the place is transformed into a little piece of Italy – with jazz as the backdrop to the pasta and the wine.

The food – classic Italian, no pizza

At Divino, it is pasta, antipasti and house specialities that take centre stage. Pizza can be had at the sister restaurant Divina across the street, but Divino sticks to the classic Italian dishes. The portions are generous, the ingredients first-rate, and the flavours genuinely Italian.

Two dishes in particular have stayed with us: the lasagne with gorgonzola – rich, creamy and full of flavour – and their rigatoni, a textbook example of how pasta should be made. They are so good that I am planning to create my own versions here on the website.

Wine and brunch

Café Divino is as much a wine bar as a restaurant, with an impressive selection of Italian wines at very sensible prices. There are always good bottles to choose from, and it is clear the list has been curated with real love for Italy.

Beyond the evening menu, Divino also offers a popular brunch and Italian buffet – especially at weekends, when you can combine it with the music events. That makes it an obvious choice both for a festive evening and a relaxed Sunday morning.

Price and rating

We have been coming to Café Divino for many years, and it is a place we always look forward to returning to. The food is well cooked, the wine well chosen, and the atmosphere quite unique – especially when the jazz is playing. Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars.