Den Lille Fede

A playful Nordic kitchen in the heart of Copenhagen

Den Lille Fede sits just off Kongens Nytorv on Store Kongensgade, in the dense, historic core of Copenhagen’s inner city. Behind the discreet façade you step into a warm, low-lit dining room where small tables, candles and close-set seating create an intimate, almost living-room feeling. The name loosely translates as “The Little Fat One”, a hint that this is a place to indulge and have fun rather than take gastronomy too seriously. Since the early 2000s the restaurant has focused on multi-course menus built around seasonal Danish and Nordic ingredients, often with ideas borrowed from across Europe and beyond. The result is a style that feels rooted in the new Nordic movement but not bound by it, with classic techniques and playful flourishes appearing side by side.

Seasonal tasting menus that change with the calendar

Den Lille Fede works almost exclusively with set menus. You choose between a five- or seven-course line-up, and from there the kitchen leads the way through a progression of dishes that changes roughly every four weeks. In one season that might mean a chilled nut or vegetable soup as an opening act, followed by seared fish with bright, herb-driven garnishes, then slow-cooked meats paired with earthy roots and foraged mushrooms. The menus lean heavily on what is best in Danish markets at the time: spring greens and shellfish, summer berries and light sauces, autumn game and forest flavours, and richer, comforting combinations in winter. Sauces are often finely tuned, and textures are layered, with pickles, purees and crunchy elements balancing the softer components on the plate.

Wine pairings and a relaxed approach to fine dining

To go with the food, Den Lille Fede offers curated wine menus that can be added to either tasting option. Rather than chase prestige labels, the selection tends to focus on characterful, good-value bottles from Europe and the New World, poured generously across the evening. Glass by glass, the pairings are designed to support the food rather than overshadow it, moving from crisp whites and sparkling wines into fuller reds and a sweet or fortified finish. Despite the multi-course format, the atmosphere remains unformal. Staff introduce each dish and wine with just enough explanation to give context, often with a touch of humour. The pacing is considered, especially for guests heading to nearby performances, so a meal can feel both leisurely and well-organised.

Romantic city-centre setting with historic surroundings

The restaurant’s location in Copenhagen K places it amid narrow streets, classical facades and historic courtyards. Inside, the decor is understated and contemporary: clean lines, warm woods, simple table settings and soft lighting that flatters both plates and people. The close proximity to the Royal Theatre and Kongens Nytorv makes it a popular choice for a pre- or post-theatre dinner, and the central setting allows the evening to spill easily into a stroll through the old town. Although the dining room is compact, the layout allows for a degree of privacy, with tables positioned to encourage conversation at a gentle murmur rather than a loud buzz. This scale reinforces the sense of being welcomed into a neighbourhood favourite rather than a grand, formal institution.

Lingering over the full evening experience

Eating at Den Lille Fede is designed as an unhurried experience. Even the five-course option typically stretches over several hours when combined with wines and coffee or a digestif. Courses arrive with a rhythm that encourages you to pay attention to each plate, notice recurring ingredients across the menu, and observe how the kitchen builds flavour from course to course. Desserts often echo earlier elements—a fruit or spice reappearing in a new form—creating a sense of closure to the meal. By the time you step back out onto Store Kongensgade, the city’s lights and cobblestones feel like a natural extension of the evening, making it a memorable stop in a broader Copenhagen itinerary.