Restaurant 1733

Canal-Side Dining in a Historic Townhouse

Restaurant 1733 sits on Nybrogade, right by Slotsholmen’s canal, in a building reconstructed in 1773 after a devastating fire. Inside, the space feels distinctly old Copenhagen: slightly uneven wooden floors, low ceilings and an intimate series of rooms that make you feel more like a guest in a townhouse than a customer in a large restaurant. From many tables you glimpse the water outside and, across it, the silhouettes of Christiansborg Palace and Thorvaldsens Museum. The interior leans into a gently maritime look, with warm timber, nautical details and soft lighting that keeps things relaxed rather than formal. It suits the building’s age and location perfectly, turning a meal here into as much an atmospheric pause in the city’s historic core as a culinary stop.

Classic Danish Flavours with a Homely Touch

The kitchen at Restaurant 1733 is dedicated to the traditional Danish repertoire, prepared with fresh ingredients and a few modern touches. At lunch, the focus is on smørrebrød: generous open-faced sandwiches layered high with herring, roast beef, fish fillets or seasonal toppings, often accompanied by pickles, onions and creamy dressings. Portions are substantial, so even a couple of pieces can feel like a full meal. Later in the day, the menu shifts toward hot plates such as frikadeller (meatballs), roast pork with crisp crackling, chopped steak, and comforting stews served with potatoes, rich gravy and classic garnishes. Fish options, including fried fillets and marinated herring, echo Denmark’s coastal traditions while keeping things straightforward and unfussy.

Atmosphere, Service and Local Character

Beyond the food, the character of Restaurant 1733 comes through in its informal, convivial mood. Staff are generally quick with explanations of unfamiliar dishes and happy to guide you toward combinations that work well together, from suggested schnapps pairings with smørrebrød to which mains best suit a hearty appetite. The rooms tend to feel lively without tipping into loud; it is easy to settle in for a long lunch or early dinner while watching life move along the canal just outside. The setting along Nybrogade, an elegant street that once housed workshops and merchants, reinforces the sense of eating somewhere with deep roots in the city rather than in a generic modern dining room.

Drinks, Schnapps and Seasonal Traditions

The drinks list plays a supporting role to the food, with Danish beers on tap, a concise wine selection and, importantly, aquavit and schnapps that pair naturally with the kitchen’s salty, rich flavours. Enjoying a small glass alongside herring or cured fish follows a long-standing local custom and adds welcome ritual to the meal. Around traditional Danish festive periods, the restaurant often leans into seasonal specialities, from hearty winter dishes to classic components of celebratory lunches. Even outside the holidays, the menu’s focus on comforting, sauce-rich plates and robust smørrebrød makes it a good match for Copenhagen’s often cool, windy weather.

Planning Your Visit and Making the Most of It

Restaurant 1733 is open daily from late morning through the evening, which makes it flexible whether you want a substantial midday break or a relaxed dinner after exploring the nearby historic quarter. Its central position near major sights means it can serve as a natural pause between museums and palace visits. Given the cosy rooms and its popularity with both locals and visitors, tables can fill, particularly for lunch and early evening. Reservations are wise if you are set on a specific time or visiting in peak travel months, though walk-ins sometimes find space during quieter periods. Plan enough time to linger over multiple courses rather than rushing, as the setting, canal views and carefully prepared plates all reward a slower pace.