Husmanns Vinstue

A cellar steeped in Copenhagen lunch tradition

Hidden below street level on Larsbjørnsstræde, Husmanns Vinstue occupies a historic basement space with low ceilings, wooden beams and closely spaced tables that instantly set a cosy, old-world tone. Soft lighting and candles bounce off whitewashed vaults, while framed prints and bottles lining the walls hint at decades of lunch gatherings. This is a daytime-only institution, focused almost entirely on the Danish art of the midday meal rather than dinner service. The setting feels intimate without being formal. There is a gentle buzz of conversation, coats hanging on wall hooks and the comforting clink of cutlery rather than loud music. It is the kind of room where business lunches, family celebrations and leisurely meetups all feel equally at home, giving a sense of continuity between past and present Copenhagen.

The art of smørrebrød, from herring to strong cheese

The star attraction here is smørrebrød, the classic open-faced sandwich built on dense rye bread. Platters showcase an array of toppings: marinated and fried herring, shrimp with lemon and dill, roast beef with crispy onions and remoulade, warm liver pâté with bacon and mushrooms, and assertive cheeses served with tangy accompaniments. Seasonal specials often appear on a board, encouraging you to mix familiar flavours with more traditional choices. Portions are satisfyingly generous but designed to be ordered in sequence, allowing you to build a meal of two or three different sandwiches or supplement with small hot dishes. Staff are well-versed in guiding you through combinations, explaining ingredients and suggesting a progression from lighter fish to richer meats and cheese, much like a tasting menu in miniature.

Beer, snaps and the rhythm of a Danish lunch

To drink, Husmanns Vinstue leans into the time-honoured partnership between smørrebrød, beer and aquavit. A compact but thoughtful beer list highlights local lagers and ales that stand up to salty, pickled flavours. Aquavit – the spiced Scandinavian spirit – is offered in chilled shots, often recommended to accompany herring or stronger toppings. The pace of a meal here is intentionally unhurried. Lunch can easily stretch over several hours as new plates and fresh drinks arrive at the table. Rather than rushing, the service encourages you to linger, toast, share bites across plates and treat lunch as the main event of the day. It is an ideal place to understand why the Danish midday table has long been a cornerstone of social life.

Welcoming atmosphere for families and small groups

Although the restaurant does not operate as a dedicated family venue, children are generally made to feel welcome. The relaxed, conversational mood and the option to choose simple toppings – such as mild cheeses, shrimp or sliced meats – make it easy to assemble child-friendly plates from the regular menu. There is no play area or special list for kids, but the staff’s calm, attentive approach helps families settle in for an unhurried lunch. The compact, cave-like room lends itself especially well to small groups. Long tables in the back and side areas are suitable for gatherings where shared trays of smørrebrød, beer jugs and bottles of snaps can turn lunch into a small celebration. The setting remains intimate enough that even a two-person meal still feels personal and cosy.

A central, characterful stop in the Latin Quarter

Located in Copenhagen’s inner city, Husmanns Vinstue sits amid narrow streets, boutiques and historic façades. Many of the city’s key sights lie within a comfortable walk, making it an appealing midday anchor between cultural stops. The basement entrance adds a slight sense of discovery: stepping down from the street, you move from modern bustle into a pocket of traditional Danish atmosphere. Because opening hours are limited to lunchtime on most days, planning is essential. The restaurant is popular with locals, office workers and visitors who favour a late, lingering meal over a quick bite. For travellers keen to understand Copenhagen beyond its headline attractions, a table here offers insight into local flavours, customs and the leisurely tempo of a classic Danish lunch.