Kiss the chef (Kys Kokken), Næstved

A cosy dining room in the heart of Næstved

Kiss the chef sits on Kindhestegade, one of central Næstved’s most walkable streets, where older facades and shopfronts create a small-town atmosphere despite the city’s regional importance. Step inside and the mood shifts to an intimate, softly lit dining room: low hum of conversation, candlelight bouncing off glassware, and neatly laid tables set close enough for buzz but far enough for privacy. The space feels deliberately uncluttered, with clean lines, dark woods and warm tones that lean more towards modern bistro than formal fine dining. You notice small details – cloth napkins, simple but well-chosen tableware, and a bar area where wine bottles and spirits form a backdrop to the open service.

Flavours that move between Denmark, France and Italy

The kitchen takes classic European comfort as its base and refines it with a light hand. Expect dishes rooted in Danish, French and Italian traditions: perhaps slow-cooked meats with rich sauces, fresh fish with bright accompaniments, and pasta or risotto punctuating the menu. Sauces are reduced rather than heavy, vegetables are treated with respect, and presentation is polished without feeling showy. Portions tend to favour balance over sheer size, encouraging a progression from starters through dessert. You might start with something like a tartare, carpaccio or seasonal vegetable dish, move to a mains selection where steak, pork, or a fish-of-the-day share space with more Mediterranean-leaning plates, and finish with a classic sweet, reimagined just enough to feel special.

Wine, cocktails and long conversations

At the back or along the side of the room, the bar anchors the social life of Kiss the chef. Here, a compact but thoughtful wine list leans towards European bottles, with both well-known labels and a few lesser-known regions. Wines are usually available by the glass as well as by the bottle, making it easy to match different courses. Cocktails add another layer to the experience, from pre-dinner aperitifs to end-of-evening digestifs. The emphasis is on clear flavours rather than theatrical presentation, fitting the restaurant’s understated aesthetic. It is the kind of place where people linger over a final drink, finishing conversations long after plates have been cleared.

Lunch, takeaway and flexible dining

On selected days the kitchen opens from lunchtime, offering a more casual way to experience its cooking. Midday menus may feature lighter dishes, classic bistro plates or pared-back versions of evening favourites, making it a pleasant option for a break between shopping or sightseeing in Næstved. Takeaway has become a significant part of the restaurant’s identity. Carefully packed dishes allow you to bring restaurant-style dining home, from mains that travel well to menus designed for sharing. This flexibility makes Kiss the chef a useful choice whether you are dressing up for a night out or planning an easy but high-quality meal in a nearby rental.

Atmosphere, occasions and who it suits

The overall feel is relaxed yet polished – smart-casual clothing fits naturally here, and the mood shifts from laid-back at lunch to more intimate and candlelit in the evening. Couples gravitate to the smaller tables, while groups and families can settle into the larger settings without feeling out of place. Because the restaurant balances quality cooking with a welcoming tone, it works for date nights, small celebrations or simply a good meal at the end of a day exploring South Zealand. The central location means it can be part of a broader evening in town, whether you arrive for a full multi-course dinner or just a drink and a couple of plates at the bar.