Restaurant Puk
Historic Copenhagen cellar restaurant serving hearty smørrebrød and classic Danish‑French comfort food beside a charming courtyard fountain.
Tucked into a historic courtyard in Copenhagen’s inner city, Restaurant Puk pairs 18th‑century charm with hearty traditional Danish cooking. One of the capital’s oldest restaurants, it is known for generous smørrebrød at lunch, robust classics like pork roast, plaice and pepper steak at dinner, and a warm, candlelit atmosphere in its low‑ceilinged cellar rooms. In summer, tables spill into the cobbled square beside a graceful old fountain.
A brief summary to Restaurant Puk
- Vandkunsten 8, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1467, DK
- +4533111417
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-12 am
- Tuesday 12 pm-12 am
- Wednesday 12 pm-12 am
- Thursday 12 pm-12 am
- Friday 12 pm-12 am
- Saturday 12 pm-12 am
- Sunday 12 pm-12 am
Local tips
- Reserve in advance for dinner, especially on weekends and during holidays, as the low‑ceilinged cellar rooms and courtyard tables fill quickly.
- Come at lunchtime for a broad choice of traditional smørrebrød; it is one of the most convenient moments to sample several classic toppings in one meal.
- If the weather is pleasant, ask for an outdoor table to enjoy views of the historic fountain and surrounding buildings in the cobbled square.
- Expect Copenhagen‑level prices and hearty portions; sharing starters or dessert is a good way to experience more of the menu without overordering.
- Dress in layers: the cellar can feel warm and cozy, while outdoor seating benefits from an extra sweater or scarf once the evening cools.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Restaurant Puk location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Restaurant Puk
Historic cellar in the heart of old Copenhagen
Restaurant Puk sits in a small cobbled square just off Copenhagen’s central streets, housed in a building with roots reaching back to the mid‑18th century. Step inside and you enter a warren of low, vaulted rooms with thick walls, timber details and flickering candles that immediately feel older than the busy city outside. The name Puk is tied to local tradition, and the house has long served as a gathering place in the historic Indre By district. The setting is intimate and slightly rustic rather than polished, with wooden tables close together and the gentle murmur of conversations carrying between rooms. In colder months it feels like a shelter from the northern weather; in warmer seasons the doors stay open to the courtyard, and the border between inside and out blurs pleasantly.Classic Danish flavors with a French accent
The kitchen focuses on traditional Danish cooking, but with clear influences from French bistro and brasserie cuisine. At lunch, smørrebrød – open‑faced rye‑bread sandwiches – are the main event, topped with classics such as pickled or curried herrings, butter‑fried plaice with remoulade and lemon, smoked salmon with egg and spinach, chicken salad with bacon, or rich roast pork with red cabbage and pickles. In the evening, the menu grows heartier. You might find langoustine bisque, moules frites, veal schnitzel with traditional garnish, Danish pork roast, or chateaubriand in pepper sauce served on heavy wooden boards. Seasonal specials and reduced menus appear around holidays, including Christmas and New Year, when multi‑course dinners showcase Nordic produce through a French lens.Courtyard fountain and atmospheric outdoor tables
One of Puk’s great pleasures is its location on a small square centered on a historic fountain from the early 20th century. When the weather allows, tables are arranged outside so you can sit with a view of stone facades, trickling water and narrow lanes leading towards Strøget and the old courthouse area. The atmosphere is particularly charming in late afternoon and on long summer evenings, when the light lingers over the rooftops. Even if you dine indoors, the courtyard sets the tone as you arrive. The transition from city noise into this sheltered pocket of cobbles and water gives a feeling of entering a little stage set for Danish hygge: candles, blankets on chair backs and hearty plates emerging from the kitchen.What to expect from a meal at Puk
Portions tend to be substantial, with plenty of potatoes, rich sauces and garnishes like crispy onions, bacon, pickled beetroot and capers. Traditional desserts such as creamy Danish lemon fromage, rice pudding with warm cherry sauce, or crème brûlée often finish the meal. The drinks list leans on beer, aquavit and a solid selection of wines by the glass and bottle. Service follows a relaxed brasserie style: efficient but informal, with staff used to guiding first‑timers through the smørrebrød rituals or explaining the difference between the various herrings on offer. Many guests plan on a leisurely visit rather than a quick bite, making this an easy place to linger over several courses.When to visit and who will enjoy it most
Restaurant Puk is open daily from midday until late evening, making it just as suitable for a traditional lunch as for a full three‑course dinner. Early afternoon is often calmer, while the early and mid‑evening hours feel more animated and convivial. The cellar rooms suit couples and small groups, and highchairs and hearty, straightforward dishes make it workable for families as well. It is particularly appealing if you want a single stop that combines local history, a sense of place and a broad introduction to Danish flavors in one sitting. Whether you sit outside by the fountain on a sunny day or tuck into a corner table downstairs on a winter night, the focus is on generous, old‑fashioned comfort rather than cutting‑edge cuisine.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Lur Blowers
0.2 km
Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.3 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Jorcks Passage
0.3 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.3 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
The Danish Parliament
0.4 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Højbro
0.4 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Gråbrødretorv
0.4 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.4 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Bishop Absalon
0.4 km
Dynamic equestrian monument to Copenhagen’s warrior-bishop founder, rising over central Højbro Plads with rich maritime symbolism and a direct visual link to Christiansborg.
Højbro Plads
0.4 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Højbro Pl.
0.4 km
Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Stork Fountain
0.4 km
A trio of bronze storks, royal history and everyday city life meet at this elegant fountain in Copenhagen’s Amagertorv square on the Strøget pedestrian street.
Unmissable attractions to see
Magstræde
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s cobbled time capsule: a gently curving lane of colorful old houses, harbor history and quiet charm in the heart of the Old Town.
Nytorv
0.2 km
Cobbled, compact and quietly dramatic, Nytorv blends royal-era markets, grim judicial history and Neoclassical authority at the pedestrian heart of old Copenhagen.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
0.2 km
Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.2 km
Discover masterpieces from the Danish Golden Age and European classics to contemporary art in Denmark’s largest art museum, set by Copenhagen’s serene city park.
National Museum of Denmark
0.2 km
Denmark’s past comes alive in a grand city palace, where Vikings, royal salons and playful children’s galleries tell 14,000 years of stories under one roof.
Rainbow Square
0.2 km
A small city-centre plaza with a powerful rainbow dedication, Rainbow Square turns everyday pavement beside Copenhagen City Hall into a quiet landmark for LGBTQ+ equality.
Nytorv 2
0.2 km
An everyday address on Copenhagen’s historic Nytorv, placing you between grand courthouse columns, cobbled markets of old and the pulse of the Strøget pedestrian zone.
Marmorbroen
0.2 km
An 18th‑century Rococo bridge that once formed the grand entrance to Christiansborg Palace, Marmorbroen quietly unites royal history, canal views and everyday city life.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.2 km
Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.2 km
Descend beneath Søndermarken Park to discover Copenhagen’s historic water cisterns, now transformed into a mesmerizing underground art museum unlike any other in Denmark.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.3 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.3 km
Frederiksholms Kanal—a historic waterway offering tranquil walks, classic canal views, and a journey through the heart of Copenhagen’s regal past.
Hans Christian Andersen Experience
0.3 km
Step off bustling City Hall Square into a multisensory world where Hans Christian Andersen’s life and fairy tales unfold through atmospheric sets, light, sound and scent.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.3 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.3 km
Explore Denmark's Viking heritage along the scenic Skjoldungestien trail.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Puk
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Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant 1733
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Restaurant Kronborg
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Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Marv & Ben
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Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Københavner Cafeen
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Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Rio Bravo
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Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Restaurant Tight
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Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Restaurant Karla
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Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Kanal-Caféen
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Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.3 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.3 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Krebsegaarden
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An intimate art-filled townhouse in central Copenhagen where creative tasting menus, warm storytelling service and an epic cheese course turn dinner into an evening-long occasion.
ferment, ramen izakaya
0.4 km
Intimate basement izakaya where fermentation, organic ingredients, and Nordic sensibility transform ramen and bao into deeply satisfying art.
Wining and Dining
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French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Restaurant Noi
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Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.2 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Souvenir Shop
0.2 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.2 km
Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Viking Souvenirs
0.2 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Audrey Vintage
0.3 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Danish Souvenirs
0.3 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Duck Haven
0.3 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.3 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Akimbo
0.3 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.3 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
& Other Stories
0.3 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Notre Dame
0.3 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Carmen Copenhagen
0.3 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Hygge Original
0.4 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Quirky Lane
0.4 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Zefside
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Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Centralhjørnet
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One of Copenhagen’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet is a cosy, festive corner pub where historic LGBTQ+ heritage meets camp décor and easy-going charm.
Godt Øl
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Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
Southern Cross Pub
0.2 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.2 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Taphouse
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
Ruby
0.2 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
The Rooftop Bar
0.2 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.2 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.3 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Musen & Elefanten
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Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
Floss Bar
0.4 km
Copenhagen's legendary dive bar: punk rock heritage, cheap beer, and authentic character until 2 AM.
Luke's Bar
0.4 km
Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
