Restaurant Schønnemann, Copenhagen Travel Guide

Restaurant Schønnemann stands as one of Copenhagen's most authentic guardians of Danish food culture, with roots stretching back to 1877. The restaurant's story begins with Frederik and Marie Henriksen, who opened a café in the basement of Hauser Plads 11, catering to farmers and traders who arrived in the city to sell their produce at nearby markets. When their son Peter Frederiksen took over the operation and relocated it to the basement of Hauser Plads 16 in 1901, the restaurant evolved into a beloved institution. The name changed to Schønnemann when Peter's daughter Erna married Petrus Schønnemann, a cook from nearby Suhmsgade, cementing a legacy that has endured nearly 150 years.

At the heart of Schønnemann's identity lies the smørrebrød—Denmark's iconic open-faced sandwich that represents centuries of culinary ingenuity. The restaurant's menu showcases over 110 varieties of smørrebrød, including 21 different types of herring alone, each prepared with meticulous attention to ingredient quality and traditional technique. Signature offerings include smoked eel with scrambled eggs, freshly breaded fried plaice fillets, long-term matured herring, and the house specialty, Madame Schønnemann, featuring calf tongue, chicken salad, and mustard. All ingredients are organic, with bread baked in-house, cheeses aged in nearby caves, and herring cured and aged by expert chefs. The restaurant's philosophy suggests that two smørrebrød form a good base for lunch, three should suffice, but four leaves you departing with a smile.

Schønnemann's beverage program is equally legendary, featuring over 140 varieties of aquavit and traditional snaps—the potent, chilled schnapps that has flowed through this establishment since its founding. The extensive selection allows diners to explore regional variations and flavor profiles, with waitstaff offering expert guidance on pairings that complement the smørrebrød perfectly. This commitment to Denmark's spirit culture reflects the restaurant's role in preserving authentic Danish hospitality and social ritual.

Descending the stairs into Schønnemann's basement dining room is a deliberate step backward in time. Dark wood paneling, green walls, crisp white tablecloths, and fustian-covered chairs create an ambiance of old-world grandeur that feels both intimate and timeless. Flickering table candles, period photographs adorning the walls, and the brisk efficiency of experienced waiters all contribute to an atmosphere that honors the restaurant's heritage while maintaining genuine hospitality. The informal energy—with diners raising glasses frequently and a mixed crowd of locals, businesspeople, and visitors—captures the democratic spirit that has always defined smørrebrød culture.

In 2015, experienced restaurant couple Juliette and Thomas Gaarn Rasmussen acquired Schønnemann and returned the establishment to its roots, revitalizing smørrebrød as a contemporary dining experience while preserving its historical authenticity. The restaurant has weathered challenges throughout its history—periods in the late 20th century when it nearly closed—yet it has emerged as a celebrated ambassador for Danish culinary heritage. Today, Schønnemann continues to evolve thoughtfully, developing new dishes while maintaining the classical foundations that have made it iconic.

Schønnemann operates exclusively as a lunch destination, a deliberate choice that honors the tradition of smørrebrød as a midday meal. This focus allows the kitchen to maintain exceptional standards and the dining room to preserve its character as a place where the pace of service and the quality of preparation remain paramount. The restaurant's commitment to lunch-only service reflects its role as a working restaurant for Copenhagen's business district and a pilgrimage site for food enthusiasts seeking authentic Danish tradition.