Ristorante Buono

Italian warmth in a Vesterbro side street

Ristorante Buono sits just off Vesterbro’s main drag, on a narrow residential street that immediately feels calmer than the nearby bustle. From the outside it looks modest, with soft light glowing through the windows and a simple sign over the door. Step inside and the mood shifts to something unmistakably Italian: clinking glasses, low conversation, and the aroma of garlic, wine and slow-simmered sauces drifting from the open kitchen. The dining room is compact and intimate, with tables set close together, white or dark wooden furnishings, and just enough candlelight to make everything feel cozy without being formal. It has the feel of a neighbourhood place where the focus is squarely on food and conversation rather than showy decor. Italian is often heard between staff, reinforcing the sense that this is a kitchen firmly rooted in Italy even if the postcodes say Copenhagen.

Classic menu with a focus on pasta and risotto

The menu reads like a roll call of Italian staples, with a clear structure that makes ordering straightforward even if you do not know where to start. Antipasti might include cured meats, bruschetta or simple salads, followed by a generous selection of pastas: creamy carbonara, seafood tagliatelle, slow-cooked ragù or chicken tagliatelle are typical examples. A dedicated risotto section provides hearty, comforting bowls that often work as either starter or main, depending on appetite. For those looking beyond pasta, there are meat and fish dishes such as grilled salmon, veal with mushroom sauce or saltimbocca, usually presented simply with a focus on flavour rather than elaborate plating. Desserts tend to stick to Italian classics – tiramisu, panna cotta or a trio of sweets – ideal with an espresso or a glass of dessert wine. Portions are generally satisfying without being overwhelming, making a three-course dinner realistic if you arrive hungry.

Wine, price level and dietary options

Buono’s drinks list is compact but Italian-led, with familiar grapes such as Pinot Grigio and Ripasso alongside house reds and whites that pair easily with pasta and meat dishes. The restaurant sits comfortably in the mid-range bracket by Copenhagen standards: it is neither a budget choice nor a splurge, and set menus or combinations often offer good value if you plan on several courses. Vegetarian diners will find a number of suitable options, especially among the pastas, risottos and salads, and there are usually a few choices that can work for vegans. This is very much a dinner destination; opening hours focus on evening service, and many guests settle in for a lingering meal rather than a quick bite.

Atmosphere and service style

The atmosphere leans relaxed and unpretentious, making it a comfortable choice for couples, small groups of friends or families with older children. Candlelight and closely spaced tables create a sense of intimacy that suits date nights, yet the room rarely feels stiff or overly formal. Staff tend to be attentive without hovering, moving easily between Danish, English and Italian as needed. Because the space is relatively small, it can feel lively at peak hours, with a background hum of conversation and the occasional burst of laughter from neighbouring tables. That same compact size means it is wise to plan ahead if you are set on dining at a particular time, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings when Copenhagen’s restaurant scene is at its busiest.

Private dining and special occasions

Beyond the main dining room, Ristorante Buono also offers a private dining option that can be tailored for celebrations, company dinners or other gatherings. Set menus built around antipasti, risotto, pasta and dessert are common, often paired with selected wines to keep decisions simple for larger parties. The emphasis, as in the main restaurant, remains on honest Italian cooking made with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. This combination of neighbourhood setting, familiar dishes and considered pricing makes Buono a useful address to have in mind when you want an Italian evening in Copenhagen that feels both welcoming and reassuringly straightforward.