The Olive Kitchen & Bar

Intimate dining in Copenhagen’s old town streets

The Olive Kitchen & Bar sits on Nørregade in the heart of Copenhagen’s Indre By, a short stroll from landmarks like the Round Tower and the city’s main shopping arteries. Step inside from the cobbled street and you move into a low-lit room framed by exposed brick, wooden details and closely spaced tables that make the space feel more like a neighbourhood living room than a formal restaurant. It is an evening-only spot, opening from late afternoon, so the scene is almost always set by candlelight and soft background conversation. A compact bar anchors one side of the room, with bartenders shaking seasonal cocktails while the kitchen sends out plates at a steady rhythm. The design leans stylish but unfussy: simple table settings, warm tones and just enough decorative touches to feel considered without tipping into formality.

Comfort cooking with a Mediterranean accent

The menu is short and focused, built around modern European comfort food with clear Mediterranean notes. You might begin with Norwegian salmon tartare dressed with avocado cream and capers, a bowl of creamy mushroom soup scented with truffle oil, or a pot of blue mussels steamed with white wine, garlic and cream. Beef carpaccio with parmesan cream and pickled onions or a baked goat cheese salad add richer options for sharing. Mains continue the theme of familiar dishes elevated by careful seasoning and sauces. Peppercorn steak comes with garlic mash, braised vegetables and a glossy peppercorn sauce; duck confit is paired with red cabbage and roast potatoes; panko-parmesan chicken arrives with crisp roast potatoes and salad, while seared salmon or sea bass are matched with pea purée, baby potatoes and light wine reductions. A vegetarian asparagus and green apple risotto rounds things out, and much of the menu can be adapted for gluten-free diners.

Sweet finishes and considered drinks

Desserts play a central role here, turning dinner into a lingering evening. The self-saucing chocolate biscuit comes with mocha or vanilla ice cream, while a classic French vanilla crème brûlée offers a lighter finale alongside sorbets, a mixed cheese plate or a berry-topped cheesecake. Portions are generous without being overwhelming, designed so three courses still feel comfortable. The drinks list balances classic wines with cocktails that often feature fresh herbs and fruit. A strawberry and basil rum sour might open the evening, while crisp whites pair naturally with seafood and richer reds complement steak and duck. Staff are used to suggesting pairings for both the à la carte and the four-course set menu, which offers a structured way to explore the kitchen’s range.

Atmosphere, service and dietary awareness

Even on busy nights, the room keeps its relaxed, almost domestic feel. Tables are close enough for a gentle buzz but separated just enough for private conversation. Service tends toward attentive and informal, with staff explaining dishes in fluent English and happy to accommodate pacing requests for multiple courses. The restaurant has become known for handling gluten-free needs with care, indicating adaptable dishes on the menu and offering alternatives like gluten-free bread when available. This combination of atmosphere and flexibility makes it well suited to a mix of occasions: early dinners after a day of museum visits, low-key celebrations, or a more affordable alternative to Copenhagen’s high-end tasting menus. It is not a place of theatrical experimentation but of reliably well-cooked plates delivered with warmth.

Planning your evening at The Olive

The Olive operates as a dinner venue only, with the kitchen serving from early evening until around 21:15 on most nights and slightly later on Fridays and Saturdays. The dining room is relatively small, so tables are limited and the space can feel lively at peak hours. Allow at least two hours if you plan on a three- or four-course meal with drinks, especially at weekends. Its central location means it pairs easily with an afternoon exploring nearby churches, towers and pedestrian streets, followed by a leisurely walk to the restaurant as the city lights come on. With moderate pricing for Copenhagen standards, it sits comfortably in the mid-range bracket: refined enough for a special evening, but relaxed enough to drop in after a day in casual clothes, provided you have secured a reservation.