Café Olai
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty comfort food served with true Helsingør hygge in a snug, family-run restaurant on atmospheric Sct Olai Gade.
Café Olai is a warmly traditional, family-run restaurant in the cobbled heart of Helsingør, housed in an old-town building that channels classic Danish hygge. Since the late 1980s it has specialised in generous plates of smørrebrød, hearty steaks and comfort-food classics, paired with draft beer, snaps and a solid wine list. Low ceilings, wood details and candlelit tables create an inviting, convivial feel that suits everything from relaxed lunches after sightseeing to unhurried dinners with friends.
A brief summary to Café Olai
- Sct Olai Gade 19, Helsingør, 3000, DK
- +4549201607
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-9:30 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-9:30 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-9:30 pm
- Thursday 11 am-9:30 pm
- Friday 11 am-10 pm
- Saturday 11 am-10 pm
Local tips
- Aim for an early or slightly late lunch on weekends, as midday periods can be particularly busy and the cosy interior fills quickly.
- Order two different pieces of smørrebrød to sample contrasting flavours; one fish-based and one meat or vegetarian option make a satisfying combo.
- If the weather is cool, ask about heaters or blankets for outdoor tables to enjoy the street atmosphere without getting chilled.
- Pair traditional dishes with a draft beer or a small snaps to experience a classic Danish lunch style common in this part of Zealand.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Restrooms
- Trash Bins
Café Olai 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
Discover more about Café Olai
Old-town Helsingør with a side of hygge
Café Olai sits on narrow Sct Olai Gade in Helsingør’s historic centre, surrounded by crooked facades, cobblestones and glimpses of the harbour between rooftops. Step through the door and the street noise fades into a hum of conversation, clinking cutlery and the soft crackle of candles on closely set tables. The room is compact and cosy rather than grand, with low ceilings, wooden beams and small-paned windows that make it feel a little like slipping into an old ship’s cabin. The restaurant has been family-run since the 1980s and still feels firmly rooted in local daily life. Lunchtime fills with a mix of shoppers, workers and day-trippers from Sweden, while evenings skew more towards lingering meals and slow rounds of beer and snaps. Despite the busy turnover, staff move at an easy rhythm, and there is a reassuring sense that this place has been doing much the same thing for decades—and sees no reason to rush.Classic Danish flavours on generous plates
The menu leans into traditional Danish cooking with a particular emphasis on smørrebrød, the open-faced rye-bread sandwiches that are a national staple. Expect richly topped combinations: herring with onions and capers, roast beef under a drift of remoulade and crisp onions, or shrimp and egg brightened with fresh herbs. Portions tend to be hearty, and two or three pieces easily make a full meal. Beyond smørrebrød, Café Olai serves warming dishes such as pan-fried fish fillets, steaks with house-made sauces and seasonal comfort foods that suit the often-brisk sea air outside. There are lighter salads and some vegetarian-friendly options, plus a drinks list that runs from foaming draft lagers to snaps and an approachable selection of wines. It is the sort of place where you can come in simply for a beer and a snack or settle in for a multi-course dinner without feeling out of place either way.Atmosphere steeped in local character
Part of Café Olai’s charm lies in how closely it reflects its surroundings. Helsingør’s history as a busy harbour town lives on in the nautical hints scattered through the decor, the solid wooden furniture and the slightly time-worn details that give the room character. On cooler days, heaters and blankets on the outdoor chairs extend the season, letting guests linger under the open sky while still feeling cocooned. Inside, the lighting stays low and golden well into the afternoon, turning rain showers and early winter sunsets into a backdrop rather than a nuisance. Tables are placed close enough that conversations and laughter blend into a single pleasant buzz, yet it rarely feels intrusive. Solo diners can tuck into a corner with a book; families and groups slide into banquettes that easily absorb extra chairs.A convenient pause between sights
The restaurant’s central location makes it an easy stop between visits to Kronborg Castle, the harbourfront or the cultural quarter by the shipyard. Many guests drop in for a late lunch after a morning of sightseeing or use it as a final stop before catching the ferry across the Øresund. The kitchen focuses on honest, recognisable dishes rather than elaborate tasting menus, which keeps things straightforward when you are tired, hungry and perhaps juggling different appetites in one group. Service is informal and efficient, with staff used to switching languages and walking first-timers through the smørrebrød choices. The space is compact and can feel lively at traditional Danish meal times, but turnover is steady enough that tables open regularly. It works just as well for a quick bite and a single drink as for an unhurried evening with multiple courses.When to visit and how long to stay
Café Olai opens from late morning, and midweek lunchtimes are often the calmest moments to appreciate the surroundings. Later afternoon can be pleasantly mellow for coffee, beer or a snack, while Friday and Saturday evenings become more animated as locals and visitors settle in. On bright days the outdoor seats offer enjoyable people-watching along Sct Olai Gade, especially when the pedestrian streets are busy. Most visits last from an hour for a simple lunch to two hours or more for a full dinner, particularly if you stretch things with dessert or an extra round of drinks. Because the menu is broad and the setting comfortable, it is easy to improvise—adding another smørrebrød, sharing a plate of fries or lingering over a final snaps before stepping back into the narrow old-town streets.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural
0.2 km
A vivid gable mural that turns Helsingør’s medieval tolls and ship traffic into a richly detailed open-air history lesson in the heart of the old town.
Helsingor
0.3 km
Dynamic exhibitions, daring performances, and boundary-pushing installations in Roskilde’s historic royal palace—discover Denmark’s vibrant contemporary art scene.
Odd Fellow Logerne Helsingør
0.3 km
A dynamic hub for contemporary and experimental art in the heart of Roskilde, showcasing thought-provoking exhibitions and interactive creative experiences.
'Time of the shipyard' mural
0.4 km
A hyper-realistic tribute to Helsingør's legendary shipyard, painted by American master Garin Baker.
Helsingør harbour
0.4 km
Where maritime heritage meets Shakespeare's legacy at Denmark's gateway to Sweden.
Elsinore Cemetery
0.4 km
Historic burial ground where 16th-century roots meet artistic legacy in Denmark's literary heartland.
Heracles and the Hydra
0.6 km
Mythological bronze warrior frozen in eternal combat on Helsingør's historic waterfront.
Kronborg Castle Church
0.9 km
Renaissance sanctuary that miraculously survived fire, preserving royal religious heritage within Hamlet's legendary castle.
Helsingborg City Hall
5.3 km
A monumental red-brick city hall and coastal gateway, where neo-Gothic towers, National Romantic detail and civic stories overlook the Øresund in central Helsingborg.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
8.4 km
Experience world-class modern art where architecture and nature meet in perfect harmony, offering breathtaking views and a serene escape just north of Copenhagen.
Hornbæk Batteri
10.3 km
WWII coastal fortress commanding the Øresund strait from Denmark's dramatic northern cliffs.
Hornbaek beach
11.8 km
Discover Hornbæk Beach, the gem of the Danish Riviera, offering pristine sands, clear waters, and a charming seaside atmosphere perfect for relaxation and unforgettable summer memories.
Observationsvärn nr 741
12.4 km
Explore the historical significance and scenic beauty of Observationsvärn nr 741 in Viken, a captivating landmark steeped in military history and stunning views.
Falkonergården
12.8 km
Explore the enchanting Falkonergården Zoo in Fredensborg, a captivating destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families seeking adventure in nature.
Ven
14.5 km
Discover Ven: A Swedish island gem in the Öresund Strait, blending history, nature, and tranquility for an unforgettable escape between Sweden and Denmark, steeped in astronomical history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Erik af Pommerns Mindebrønd
0.2 km
Compact yet grand, this memorial fountain on Axeltorv turns a busy Helsingør square into a vivid snapshot of royal power, maritime trade and urban ambition.
Saint Olai Church
0.3 km
Discover Saint Olai Church, Helsingør's majestic cathedral, where centuries of Danish history and Gothic elegance meet amid soaring vaults and maritime heritage.
History of the churches
0.3 km
A storytelling gable in Helsingør’s old town, this mural compresses centuries of church history into a single vivid scene between two medieval sanctuaries.
Gl.Færgestræde
0.3 km
Iconic bronze sculpture of Heracles battling the Hydra, set beside Kronborg Castle, connecting ancient mythology with Helsingør’s dramatic seaside history.
SOUL OF THE WALLS
0.3 km
Immersive bronze sculpture depicting Greek mythology at the gates of Kronborg Castle, offering a unique photo spot and cultural layer to Helsingør’s historic landscape.
Memorial stone for fallen Helsingorans
0.3 km
A modest harbor-side monument in Helsingør honoring local lives lost in World War II, quietly linking the busy waterfront to the town’s stories of resistance and sacrifice.
St. Mary's Church
0.3 km
Historic public square at the heart of Roskilde, home to markets, festivals, and community life, framed by centuries-old buildings and vibrant Danish tradition.
Skibsklarerergaarden
0.3 km
Step into an 18th‑century ship handler’s home in Helsingør and experience the intimate world of Øresund tolls, merchant families and maritime trade.
St. Vincent's Church
0.3 km
North Zealand’s only Roman Catholic church, a white-towered 1930 sanctuary in Helsingør offering quiet reflection, modest Romanesque-inspired architecture and living parish life.
Wibroe Plads
0.3 km
A modest harbourfront square where merchant mansions, cobbled edges and Øresund views quietly reveal Helsingør’s long maritime story.
Helsingør harbor promenade
0.4 km
A breezy waterfront ribbon along the Øresund, linking Helsingør’s working harbor, cultural quarter and Kronborg Castle with open sea views and everyday local life.
Elsinore Public Museums
0.4 km
Three interconnected museums preserving 600 years of Elsinore's maritime, commercial, and industrial heritage in Denmark's historic city center.
'The maritime history' mural
0.4 km
A harbour gable transformed into a sweeping, collage-like tribute to 300 years of Danish seafaring, anchoring Helsingør’s shipyard era in vivid colour and form.
Arte callejero
0.4 km
Industrial-era Helsingør splashed across a gable wall: a bold shipyard mural that fuses street art style with the town’s maritime past on Allegade 7B.
Helsingor Statshavn
0.4 km
A compact working harbor at the narrowest point of the Øresund, where everyday port life unfolds against big-sky views toward the Swedish coast.
Essential places to dine
Café Olai
0.0 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty comfort food served with true Helsingør hygge in a snug, family-run restaurant on atmospheric Sct Olai Gade.
Sachi Sushi
0.1 km
Cozy Japanese fusion spot in Helsingør’s old town, serving colorful sushi rolls, generous combo menus and convenient takeaway from a central Stjernegade address.
Appetit
0.1 km
Modern French fine dining with seasonal flair and passionate craftsmanship in charming Helsingør.
Rib House
0.1 km
Casual steakhouse on Helsingør’s main street, serving generous spareribs and grills in a relaxed, family‑friendly setting close to the town’s historic sights.
Om Indian
0.1 km
Authentic Indian home cooking with family recipes, open kitchen views, and genuine hospitality in cozy Helsingør.
Zilleri
0.1 km
Compact Italian trattoria and deli in Helsingør’s old town, serving homemade pasta and classic specialties among shelves of wines and pantry staples.
Martinellis
0.1 km
Neighbourhood-style Italian deli and pizzeria in central Helsingør, serving crisp-based pizzas, classic pasta and hearty sandwiches in a relaxed, takeaway-friendly setting.
Café Kaiser
0.1 km
Homemade Danish café on Helsingør's main street, serving quality brunch, smørrebrød, and warm dishes in a welcoming neighborhood setting.
Bao Takeaway
0.1 km
Fast, flavourful Asian takeaway in the heart of Helsingør’s old town, serving budget-friendly Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese-style comfort food for easy evenings.
joud alsham
0.1 km
Unpretentious Syrian shawarma, falafel and grills served with Levantine warmth on a cozy corner of Helsingør’s historic Torvegade.
San Remo
0.1 km
Authentic Danish comfort food in a historic old-town cafeteria where tradition meets genuine hospitality.
Restaurant Torvet
0.2 km
Casual, family-friendly dining in the heart of Helsingør, serving classic comfort dishes and café staples just steps from the town’s historic streets.
Cafe Karisma
0.2 km
Casual coffee and juice bar on Helsingør’s Stengade, serving Illy coffee, fresh-pressed juices, sandwiches and baked potatoes in a relaxed, everyday setting.
Restaurant MOS
0.2 km
Fine-dining Nordic cuisine in an intimate Helsingør setting with gastronomic ambitions and artistic presentation.
Restaurant OE
0.2 km
Modern Asian cooking with a Nordic touch in the heart of Helsingør’s old town, mixing fragrant Thai flavors, cozy design and an intimate, relaxed dining room.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
HL Mode A/S
0.0 km
Contemporary Danish fashion retailer offering curated brands and personalized styling in Helsingør's vibrant shopping district.
Krystallen
0.0 km
Helsingør's premier crystal and mineral shop with expertly curated specimens and atmospheric presentation.
Jutebar Denmark ApS
0.1 km
Small Helsingør boutique specialising in stylish, sustainable jute bags and gifts, blending Scandinavian design sensibility with everyday practicality.
Happy Gifts & Souvenirs
0.1 km
Compact, cheerful and central, Happy Gifts & Souvenirs is Helsingør’s easy stop for Danish-themed keepsakes and Kronborg-inspired mementos after a day of exploring.
Østens Perle
0.1 km
Colourful Indian-inspired gift and handicraft shop in historic Helsingør, filled with hand-picked textiles, spiritual objects and cosy home décor since 2001.
Levende Lys
0.1 km
A cosy, colour-filled fashion and lifestyle boutique in the heart of Helsingør, blending contemporary women’s clothing with playful home décor and gift ideas.
Butik Chaplin
0.1 km
A cosy Helsingør boutique brimming with handmade jewelry, retro interiors and knitwear, where every carefully chosen piece tells a small, colourful story.
Ide Nyt
0.1 km
A contemporary women’s fashion boutique on lively Bjergegade, Ide Nyt blends Scandinavian style, quality brands and a calm atmosphere in Helsingør’s historic heart.
Jørgensen & Co.
0.1 km
Exclusive curated fashion for discerning tastes in historic Helsingør's charming pedestrian district.
Vandkanten Ilse Jacobsen Outlet
0.1 km
Compact Scandinavian outlet where Ilse Jacobsen’s coastal rainwear, rubber boots and relaxed Nordic fashion meet reduced prices in central Helsingør.
Ophelia
0.1 km
Curated Scandinavian boutique in historic Helsingør, where literary heritage meets contemporary design.
Helsingør Kaffe og Thehus ApS
0.2 km
A cosy Helsingør specialty shop where the aroma of freshly roasted coffee, fine tea and Nordic delicacies fills a historic cobbled lane in the heart of the old town.
Imerco
0.2 km
Compact Scandinavian home store on Helsingør’s main street, packed with kitchenware, tableware and cosy design gifts for practical living and stylish souvenirs.
Butik hos Anna & Sofie
0.2 km
A cosy, Nordic-style boutique on Helsingør’s main street, blending women’s fashion, skincare and homewares in a warm, living-room-like setting.
Helsingør Vinhandel
0.2 km
Denmark's premier wine and spirits specialist in historic Helsingør, where expertise meets passion.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Helsingør Musikteater
0.1 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Banana joe
0.1 km
Compact late-night bar above Helsingør’s nightlife strip, serving straightforward drinks, warm lighting and a relaxed local vibe long after the streets quieten.
Pitten Sport Bar
0.1 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Axelhus
0.2 km
Casual bodega and burger bar in Helsingør's old town, open late on weekends with beer and Danish comfort food.
Hold-An
0.2 km
Unfussy beer hall and local bar in central Helsingør, pouring cold brews, simple bites and everyday Danish hygge from late morning to late night.
Axelhus Udeservering
0.2 km
Open-air corner bar on Bjergegade, where simple food, cold beer and Axeltorv’s street life come together in the historic heart of Helsingør.
Strandborg
0.2 km
Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.
Holger
0.2 km
Cozy cellar bodega on Helsingør’s Stengade, pouring inexpensive beers and spirits, with live music nights and a laid-back local crowd deep into the night.
Head/Foam
0.3 km
Modern neighbourhood bar near Helsingør’s historic centre, pouring craft beer and cocktails from midday to the early hours in a lively, social setting.
Joker Bar
1.3 km
Relaxed Danish bar offering casual drinks and friendly conversation in historic Helsingør.
12`er Pubben
1.5 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Helsingør with billiards, sports on TV and cold beers, offering an authentic slice of Danish local bar life.
Gefion Bodega
1.5 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
Kardusen
2.9 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
Oddies Beach Bar
17.4 km
Relaxed beach bar on the sand at Rungsted Havn, blending Nordic coastal charm with a hint of tropical island mood and sweeping Øresund sea views.
Jernstangen
22.2 km
Old-school Hillerød pub opposite the station, with billiards, darts, dice games and live music nights in a laid‑back, locals-first atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Retro
0.1 km
High-energy weekend nightclub in central Helsingør, mixing big-room beats, bright lights and a young crowd in what calls itself the largest club north of Copenhagen.
Rustik
0.3 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Walther's grillkylling og svuppeklub
4.5 km
Intimate neighborhood nightclub in Helsingør with loud music, simple drinks, and a playful local vibe behind an unassuming facade on Rødegårdsvej.
Socialz
22.5 km
Intimate cocktail bar and nightclub in the heart of Hillerød, blending shisha lounge vibes, late-night DJ sets and a compact dance floor on lively Slotsgade.
SIGURD CPH
37.0 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at SIGURD CPH, where vibrant dancing, fine wines, and pachinko gaming come together for an unforgettable experience.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
37.5 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
RUST Natklub
38.3 km
Discover the pulsating heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at RUST Natklub, where eclectic beats and vibrant energy come together for an unforgettable experience.
Temple Bar
38.5 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Culture Box
38.8 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
39.1 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
39.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Mirage
39.3 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
39.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Moon Club
39.4 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
39.4 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Casual
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- 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
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly