Imagine a place where you can just be yourself. A space that makes room for the things that matter to you and that you can share with like-minded people. It’s an unconventional concept—a place focused on the common good, on social exchange, sharing, and serving as a habitat for things that typically have lesser place in our society. Now, if you combine that with a passion for hospitality, community, and unbridled enjoyment, you’ll find yourself at Café Carlos & Diego’s in Odense, Denmark.
A Living Room for Food, Wine, and Genuine Connections
Dennis Juhl Hansen brought this concept to life a year ago. Once or twice a week, he opens the doors to Café Carlos & Diego’s (more on the name later...). At first glance, it might seem like a cozy bar or restaurant—like an extended living room, with a mix of colorful French bistro tables. Once a week, they serve seriously creative small plates in a tapas style, paired with a curated selection of natural wines and Dennis’s personal obsession: Vermouth and Sherry, served Pincho-style.
The basic idea: bringing people together to have a good time. To enjoy themselves. No profit, no margins, no overpriced and impersonal gastro concept—just a place that thrives on the energy of the people in it. His team works voluntarily, and the revenue simply covers the costs. For Dennis, Café Carlos & Diego’s, named after his two sons, is a passion project. It’s meant to be more than just a bar—it’s a place for people to connect. It's all about making a positive impact in the local community. The café hosts a range of social events, from festive Christmas evenings for those feeling a bit lonely to poetry readings, and wine tastings. A space full of possibilities—but Dennis can tell you much more about it himself when you visit. Reservations are a must.
“You walk in, not knowing what to drink, but I’ll take you by the hand, show you a few great things you might like—or maybe not—and then you can pick something else. But what I really want to achieve here is to let you forget about everything for a few hours, lean back, and just enjoy yourself.”
– Dennis Juhl Hansen
An Unexpected Find That Was Worth Every Mile
I stumbled upon Café Carlos & Diego’s by chance on Instagram, read a quick blurb about it, and since I love places like this, I thought: I have to go! So, we just jumped in the car. Three hours from Hamburg to Odense, just before Copenhagen. I double-checked that they were open, sent a quick message, and actually scored an extra table at the otherwise fully booked café—because we’d made the trip especially to visit. Thank you for that, Dennis!
We were greeted with a delicious Vermouth on the Rocks, the house specialty. There are 30 different Vermouths on the menu—both white and red. Just as many Sherries, too. I went straight for the accompanying Sherry tasting menu. And throughout the evening, my glass was topped up way more than the menu suggested. Thanks again, Dennis! According to them, Café Carlos & Diego’s offers the largest Sherry selection in the entire country.




A Journey of Pinchos, Sherry, and Natural Wine
Dennis drew his inspiration for this concept from Valencia, San Sebastian and Sevilla —those countless Pincho bars, the casual gatherings, and a little something to eat on the side. Chilled Sherry, Vermouth on the Rocks, and nothing more. The best way to go about it is to choose the set menu—a little bit of everything—because you’ll end up spending the entire evening at Café Carlos & Diego’s, with new dishes being served again and again. There are, for example, caper leaves that taste intensely of the sea and salt, various types of sardines, mussels, and tuna ceviche with coriander and lime dressing. Simply delightful. And to go with it, wines from Koppitsch, Tschida, Les Quatre Piliers, and Rudolf Trossen, whose entire lineup used to be featured at the famous Noma Restaurant. Plus, of course: Sherries from Williams & Humbert, Bodegas Tradición, and Vermouths from Cocchi and Bodegas Barbadillo!
Impeccable Flavors and Unmatched Hospitality
The food is truly fantastic, and we lingered there for hours, with new small plates arriving almost non-stop. The dishes at Café Carlos & Diego’s are incredibly detailed and carefully chosen. Each course was served and explained by different staff members—each in their own unique, kind, and caring way. Dennis’s team seems to get along well, and now and then, a little boy would run through the room, his dad chasing after him. Between courses, the team would sometimes step outside for a quick beer before serving the next round. Everything feels so relaxed and simple, like the team itself were guests that evening. Fun fact: they even play boy band music from 9 to 10 PM (and they assure us it’s worth a listen!)
I’m genuinely impressed and inspired by the attention to detail and the quality of the food served. The Barolo Chinate, the various Sherry styles, the open bottles being passed around, and the generosity of the host really struck a chord with me. It’s truly a fantastic place—something you have to experience for yourself! And I’m sure we won’t be visiting for the last time!