Restaurant Puk
Historic Copenhagen tavern-restaurant serving classic Danish smørrebrød and hearty mains in a candlelit 18th-century setting by a charming city fountain.
Tucked into a cobbled square in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By, Restaurant Puk is one of the city’s oldest dining rooms, with roots reaching back to around 1750. Inside, low ceilings, wooden beams and candlelit tables set the stage for hearty traditional Danish cuisine, from smørrebrød and pork roast to modern Nordic–French plates and indulgent desserts. In warmer months, outdoor tables overlook a graceful fountain, blending old-town atmosphere with relaxed city-centre convenience.
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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Indoor
- 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 ahead for evening or weekend visits, especially if you want a table outside by the fountain or one of the more intimate indoor corners.
- Come at lunchtime to explore the full range of smørrebrød; mixing fish, meat and vegetarian toppings gives a good introduction to Danish lunch culture.
- If you enjoy spirits, pair herring or pork dishes with a chilled Danish aquavit to experience a traditional local combination.
- Expect city-centre prices and note that some drinks, including filtered tap water, may be charged; checking the drinks list before ordering helps avoid surprises.
- Allow extra time around Christmas and New Year, when seasonal menus and multi-course celebrations showcase the kitchen’s festive specialties.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
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
Centuries of Stories in a Cobblestone Corner
Restaurant Puk occupies a historic building on Vandkunsten square, a pocket of cobblestones and gabled facades that hints at Copenhagen’s past as a bustling mercantile city. The restaurant traces its history back to the mid-18th century, when this district was a hub of trade and taverns, and many details still evoke that era: thick walls, low ceilings and a warren of intimate rooms that feel purpose-built for lingering conversations. Sitting here, you are surrounded by layers of Danish urban history. Nearby courtyards and narrow lanes recall a time when sailors, merchants and officials would have eaten and drunk in similar premises. The square’s sculpted fountain, dating from the early 1900s but replacing an earlier water feature, adds a soft soundtrack of splashing water and ties the present-day restaurant to centuries of public life on this spot.A Cozy Mix of Timber, Candles and City Light
Inside, Restaurant Puk leans into its historic shell with exposed beams, wooden tables and an understated, almost tavern-like warmth. Candlelight and low lamps create pools of soft light, while the thick structure muffles the sounds of the city just beyond the windows, making the rooms feel snug even when every chair is taken. In fine weather, the restaurant spills out onto the square, where tables ring the fountain. Out here you dine against a backdrop of old town façades, bicycles rolling over cobbles and the distant murmur from the pedestrian streets of Strøget. The overall impression is of a traditional Danish eatery that has embraced its surroundings rather than modernised them away, giving the place a distinctly local character.Smørrebrød Traditions and Danish Comfort Classics
The kitchen is rooted in classic Danish cooking, with a strong emphasis on smørrebrød at lunchtime and heartier plates in the evening. Open sandwiches arrive on dense rye or toasted sourdough, topped with familiar local favourites: herring prepared in several styles, hand-peeled cold-water shrimps with egg and mayonnaise, roast pork with red cabbage, creamy chicken salad or beef tartare with crisp onions and pickles. Later in the day, the menu broadens into warm dishes that blend traditional recipes with French technique. Butter-fried plaice with remoulade and lemon sits alongside cod with mustard sauce, veal schnitzel, chateaubriand with bearnaise or pepper sauce, and slow-cooked brisket or stews rich with onions and root vegetables. Seasonal specials, festive Christmas plates and multi-course New Year’s dinners underline how much the cooking follows the Danish calendar of celebrations.Desserts, Aquavit and Long Evenings at the Table
Desserts continue the theme of Danish comfort: risalamande rice pudding with warm cherry sauce, lemon mousse, and crème brûlée make frequent appearances. Cheese plates with local varieties and house pickles offer a savoury finale for those who prefer to linger with another drink. The bar focuses on wines suited to the hearty, sauce-rich dishes, while aquavit – the spiced spirit that often accompanies herring and pork – gives an unmistakably Scandinavian accent to the experience. Combined with generous portions and an unhurried pace of service, Restaurant Puk lends itself to long lunches and leisurely dinners where the setting, food and atmosphere blend into one extended moment.In the Heart of Indre By’s Everyday Rhythm
Part of the restaurant’s charm lies in its position within Indre By’s daily rhythm. Step outside and you are moments from the city’s main pedestrian artery and major civic buildings, yet the small square feels semi-sheltered from the busiest flows. Office workers slip in for lunch, locals gather for evening meals, and visitors use it as a culinary pause between museum visits and walks along the harbour. The combination of central location, deep-rooted history and distinctively Danish menu makes Restaurant Puk a natural stop for anyone wanting to taste classic local dishes in surroundings that feel firmly tied to Copenhagen rather than anywhere else.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
0.0 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant 1733
0.1 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.2 km
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
0.2 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Københavner Cafeen
0.2 km
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
0.2 km
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
0.3 km
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
0.3 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Kanal-Caféen
0.3 km
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
0.4 km
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
0.4 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Restaurant Noi
0.4 km
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
0.1 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Centralhjørnet
0.1 km
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
0.1 km
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
0.3 km
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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.2 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Chateau Motel
0.2 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
0.3 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Hive
0.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Miami Bar
0.3 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
0.3 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.3 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
La Terraza
0.4 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Cosy Bar
0.4 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.4 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Module
0.5 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Never Mind
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Arch
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.6 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Den Anden Side
0.7 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
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
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
