The Italian, Næstved
Authentic southern Italian cooking, charcoal-grilled specialities and a warm, candlelit atmosphere on Næstved’s historic Kvægtorvet square.
The Italian is an atmospheric Italian restaurant in the heart of Næstved, set on Kvægtorvet in a former market area that now buzzes with cafés and shops. Inside, candlelit tables, dark wood and soft lighting create a warm, intimate feel, while an open charcoal grill and open kitchen hint at the culinary focus: handmade pasta, long-fermented house bread, and seasonal dishes rooted in southern Italian traditions. With around 85 indoor seats and a heated terrace, it’s as suited to date nights as to relaxed dinners with friends.
A brief summary to The Italian
- Kvægtorvet 5, Næstved, 4700, DK
- +4531315329
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 4 pm-9:30 pm
- Wednesday 4 pm-9:30 pm
- Thursday 4 pm-9:30 pm
- Friday 4 pm-10 pm
- Saturday 4 pm-10 pm
- Sunday 4 pm-9:30 pm
Local tips
- Reserve a table for Friday and Saturday evenings, especially if you want a quieter corner or plan a longer multi-course dinner.
- Ask about seasonal specials based on the Italian charcoal grill; slow-braised meats and grilled cuts often appear off the main printed menu.
- If you enjoy wine, let the sommelier suggest pairings by the glass to match each course rather than choosing a single bottle.
- The heated terrace is comfortable well into the cooler months, but bring an extra layer if you tend to feel the cold.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
The Italian location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Italian
Southern Italian warmth in a Danish market square
The Italian sits on Kvægtorvet, once a cattle market and now a central square in Næstved, bringing the flavours of southern Italy into a historic Danish setting. Step through the door and the mood shifts from open plaza to intimate dining room: low lighting, close-set tables and the gentle hum of conversation create an atmosphere that feels more neighbourhood trattoria than formal restaurant. Owner and chef Bartolo Trunfio grew up in Reggio Calabria in Italy’s deep south, and his roots show in a menu that favours bold, honest flavours over showy plating. Together with his sommelier wife, he has shaped a place where the focus is firmly on the table – good ingredients, generous plates and wines that invite lingering rather than rushing.Cuisine built on handmade craft and charcoal fire
In the kitchen, almost everything is made from scratch. The house bread is baked daily after a long, slow rise, emerging with a crisp crust and open crumb that pairs naturally with peppery olive oil or rich sauces. Fresh pasta is rolled, cut and shaped in-house, appearing on the menu as silky ribbons, filled parcels or sturdy short cuts that cling to slow-cooked ragù. A defining feature is the Italian charcoal grill, which adds a gentle smokiness to meats and seasonal vegetables. You might encounter braised pork cheek finished on the grill, a slow-roasted leg of lamb or marinated cuts seared over glowing coals. The menu shifts with the seasons, weaving in Nordic produce while staying faithful to Italian techniques and flavour profiles.Wine, aperitifs and the rhythm of an evening
Wine plays a central role in the experience. The list leans Italian, from sun-drenched southern reds to crisp northern whites, alongside a selection by the glass for those who like to explore. The sommelier’s influence is felt in thoughtful pairings that match structure and acidity to the richness of the kitchen’s sauces and grilled dishes. Evenings typically start slowly, with diners settling in over aperitifs, perhaps a spritz or a bitter-sweet amaro-based cocktail. Courses are paced so that meals stretch comfortably through the evening opening hours, especially from Tuesday to Sunday when the restaurant opens late afternoon and closes around late evening, slightly later on Fridays and Saturdays. Desserts, often house-made classics like tiramisù or panna cotta, round things off on a reassuringly traditional note.Spaces for cosy dates and convivial gatherings
With space for around 85 guests indoors, The Italian feels intimate but not cramped. Tables are close enough to lend the room a sociable buzz, yet there are corners where couples can tuck themselves away. Materials tend toward warm woods and soft finishes rather than stark minimalism, with the occasional Italian detail – a wine crate here, a vintage poster there – hinting at the owner’s heritage. Outside, a terrace overlooking Kvægtorvet adds another dimension. Heated and usable through much of the year, it works for relaxed evenings under blankets as well as summer nights when the square feels almost Mediterranean. The combination of indoor and outdoor seating makes the restaurant as suitable for small celebrations as for a simple midweek meal.A local fixture with an Italian heart
Since opening in 2021, The Italian has settled into its role as a fixture of Næstved’s dining scene, bridging local tastes and Italian tradition. Its central location means it is easy to combine with shopping or cultural visits in the city centre, while the concentrated dinner-only hours make it very much an evening destination. For travellers, it offers a way to experience Italian hospitality without leaving Zealand: the welcome is warm, the food generous, and the setting relaxed enough that you can arrive in casual clothes yet still feel you are treating yourself. Whether you come for a lingering multi-course dinner or a simple plate of pasta and a glass of red, the restaurant’s combination of craftsmanship and atmosphere is what defines the experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Visit Sydsjælland & Møn
0.5 km
Discover the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Sydsjælland & Møn, a unique Danish destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Næstved Station
0.5 km
Explore the evolution of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Hans-Jørgen Færks Plads
2.5 km
Medieval market town square where Danish history, culture, and modern commerce converge in southern Zealand.
Genforeningssten i Saltø Skov
4.8 km
A granite memorial stone marking Denmark's 1920 reunification with South Jutland, standing at a forest crossroads near Næstved.
Genforeningssten i Næstelsø
6.1 km
Experience the vibrant history and charm of Copenhagen's iconic Nyhavn waterfront.
Mindesten for Hans Tausen
30.7 km
A modest granite stone in a quiet Slagelse green, marking the birthplace of Denmark’s Lutheran Reformation story at the former Antvorskov monastery.
Gammeltorv
31.8 km
Copenhagen's 12th-century heart: Renaissance fountain, Neoclassical facades, and Strøget buzz in one timeless square.
Vandtrappen
32.0 km
A small yet compelling ceramic water sculpture in Slagelse’s Rosengården, where stepped cascades and quiet sound turn an everyday square into a contemplative urban pause.
Rytterstatue af Christian IX
32.0 km
Bronze king on horseback surveys Slagelse from Schweizerpladsen—a citizen-honored tribute to Christian IX's enduring reign, sculpted with poised majesty.
Køge Å
33.0 km
Explore Skagen’s maritime history with hands-on exhibits and live marine engines at Maskinrummet, an atmospheric museum in the heart of the harbour.
Kalvehave Labyrintpark
33.1 km
Discover a world of puzzles, illusions, and outdoor fun at Kalvehave Labyrintpark, where getting lost is just the beginning of an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.
Kong Slags Dysse
33.8 km
Ancient stone burial mound with panoramic views, echoing Denmark's Neolithic heritage.
Vallø Slotskro
34.1 km
Explore Denmark's largest private engine collection and maritime heritage at Maskinrummet in Skagen.
Vallø Castle
34.1 km
Discover Vallø Castle in Køge, Denmark – a breathtaking blend of history, beauty, and serene gardens, perfect for every traveler.
Køge Fælles Jord
35.1 km
Experience Denmark’s northernmost lighthouse, spectacular bird migration, maritime history, and sweeping views at Skagen’s iconic Det Grå Fyr—where land meets the wild North Sea.
Unmissable attractions to see
Næstved Museum
0.2 km
Compact town museum in historic Næstved, tracing South Zealand’s journey from archaeological finds and medieval streets to Holmegaard glass and modern everyday life.
Befrielsessten i Næstved
0.2 km
A modest granite liberation stone in Næstved’s former cavalry barracks, framed by cannons and culture, quietly honouring Denmark’s freedom in 1945.
Medicinsk-historisk Museum
0.2 km
A small 1817 hospital turned medical time capsule, showcasing instruments, stories and healing plants that trace the evolution of healthcare in Næstved and beyond.
Vægmaleri
0.3 km
Experience Danish heritage and contemporary art amid tranquil parkland at Rønnebæksholm, Næstved’s historic manor turned vibrant cultural hub.
Rådmandshaven
0.4 km
Tranquil riverside meadows and woodland paths just behind Næstved’s town buildings, offering easy walks, open lawns and calm Suså River views steps from the centre.
The Violin Girl
0.4 km
A life-size bronze musician bringing a moment of quiet poetry to Næstved’s busy Købmagergade, where everyday city life meets intimate public art.
Monument for Krigen i 1864 - Næstved
0.5 km
A modest town-centre memorial where Næstved quietly honours its fallen soldiers from the wars of 1848–50 and 1864 amid a pocket of greenery off Østergade.
Boderne
0.5 km
Medieval merchants’ stalls reborn as an intimate showcase of Kähler ceramics, Holmegaard glass and South Zealand craftsmanship in the heart of old Næstved.
Museum Sydøstdanmark
0.5 km
Regional museum in Næstved’s historic heart, weaving archaeology, medieval town life and design heritage into an accessible story of South-East Zealand.
NæstvedArkiverne
0.5 km
Explore the documentary heart of Næstved, where municipal records, local stories and digital archives preserve centuries of South Zealand’s everyday history.
Slægtsten
0.5 km
Næstved’s former barracks transformed into a dynamic cultural center, hosting concerts, exhibitions, festivals, and community events in historic surroundings.
Mindesten for Peder Bodilsen
0.6 km
Historic military barracks turned bustling cultural center, Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter is Næstved’s hub for arts, music, theater, and creative events all year round.
Slagkilden
0.6 km
A modest memorial stone on Næstved’s edge, Slagkilden turns a former spring and a golden wedding in 1864 into a quiet pause of history in the greenery.
Næstved Automobil, Nostalgi og Samler museum .
0.8 km
Step into 3,400 m² of classic cars, two‑wheelers and 1950s shopfronts at Næstved’s nostalgic automobile museum on the edge of South Zealand.
Councilman Garden / Herlufsholm Forest
0.9 km
Protected Danish woodland sanctuary with riverside trails and 460 years of educational heritage.
Essential places to dine
The Italian
0.0 km
Authentic southern Italian cooking, charcoal-grilled specialities and a warm, candlelit atmosphere on Næstved’s historic Kvægtorvet square.
GuGu Quest
0.1 km
Compact central Næstved sushi spot with generous rolls, flexible combo menus and a strong takeaway focus for easy, modern dining.
Tatami Sushi
0.1 km
Modern, casual sushi in the heart of Næstved, combining classic rolls, warm Asian dishes and easy takeaway from a bright, centrally located dining room.
Foodlovers
0.1 km
Fixed‑price Italian‑inspired buffet with free‑flow drinks and desserts in bright, plant‑filled surroundings on Dania 42 in Næstved.
Kiss the chef
0.3 km
Warm, candlelit bistro in central Næstved, blending Danish, French and Italian flavours with wine, cocktails and a relaxed yet polished neighbourhood feel.
Raadhuskroen
0.3 km
Historic Danish restaurant in a charming 1850s building, serving homemade Scandinavian cuisine with warm hospitality.
Alt Godt
0.3 km
Cosy breakfast and lunch café on Næstved’s main square, serving well-made brunch, coffee and tapas-style plates with indoor comfort and sunny outdoor seating.
Café Korn - Næstved
0.3 km
Sunny square café on Axeltorv serving hearty brunches, modern brasserie classics and good coffee in a warm, Scandinavian-style setting.
Konya Kebab
0.3 km
Casual Turkish kebabs and pizzas in central Næstved, open late and ideal for a quick, budget‑friendly bite between shopping, sightseeing or a night out.
Balkan Gril Næstved
0.3 km
Unfussy Balkan-style grilling and hearty plates served in a relaxed, town-centre restaurant on Ramsherred in Næstved.
MA TEO Madbar Næstved
0.4 km
Authentic Neapolitan pizza and Italian cuisine in the heart of Næstved's dining scene.
WOK & CHOPSTICKS
0.4 km
Casual Chinese cooking on Næstved’s central square, serving generous wok dishes, noodles and rice in a bright, unpretentious setting with dine-in and takeaway.
Sushi Takumi
0.4 km
Modern Japanese all‑you‑can‑eat sushi in the heart of Næstved, with fresh rolls, hot bites and a casual, lively atmosphere from lunch through late evening.
Pizza Special
0.4 km
Authentic pizzas and grilled favorites in casual Næstved comfort.
Crazy Sushi
0.4 km
Colorful conveyor‑belt sushi and warm Asian bites in a casual all‑you‑can‑eat setting right on Næstved’s central Jernbanegade.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
INTERSPORT Seiffert Næstved
0.2 km
Central Næstved sports store on Hjultorv, offering practical gear, expert shoe fitting and everyday activewear for locals and visitors alike.
Johs. Clausen Næstved
0.3 km
Classic women’s fashion and lingerie on Næstved’s central square, offering quality European brands, attentive service, and a relaxed boutique atmosphere on Hjultorv.
Butik ØLUND
0.3 km
Slow fashion boutique in central Næstved with curated Scandinavian brands, timeless designs and personal styling in an intimate, minimalist setting.
Kræmmerhus ApS
0.3 km
A cosy Næstved specialty shop where fine coffee, tea, chocolates and delicacies meet beautifully wrapped gifts and personalised, old-fashioned service.
come OUT LETs shop - Næstved
0.3 km
Compact central Næstved outlet where changing stock, simple surroundings and everyday prices turn a quick browse into a small-town treasure hunt.
World Of Danish Design Aps
0.3 km
A compact, curated showroom in central Næstved dedicated to classic and contemporary Danish furniture, blending vintage originals with thoughtfully chosen new design.
Marie-Lou Næstved
0.4 km
Intimate women’s fashion boutique in central Næstved, blending Scandinavian style, curated brands and a relaxed, personal shopping experience on Torvestræde.
Bog & idé Langes Boghandel - Næstved
0.4 km
Generations of books, games, and gifts in the heart of historic Næstved.
Karabulut
0.4 km
A compact, no‑frills neighborhood store on Torvestræde in central Næstved, ideal for quick snacks and everyday essentials between sights and errands.
Arabisk Butik
0.4 km
Compact Middle Eastern–inspired grocery in central Næstved, packed with spices, rice, fresh produce and everyday essentials for curious cooks and locals alike.
TIPPY NÆSTVED
0.4 km
Contemporary women's fashion in the heart of Næstved's downtown shopping district.
Femilet
0.4 km
Specialist lingerie and loungewear boutique in central Næstved, offering expert fitting, Scandinavian comfort and elegant essentials for everyday wear.
A-Antik.dk
0.4 km
A compact Næstved antique shop where Danish porcelain, glass and vintage homeware bring everyday design history to life on a quietly curated high-street shelf.
Antikvariatet I Næstved v/Steffen Jensen
0.4 km
South Zealand's premier antiquarian bookshop with 10,000 rare volumes and expert guidance.
Frelsens Hær Næstved
0.4 km
A modest, community-focused Salvation Army thrift shop in central Næstved, where second-hand finds support local social work and everyday Danish life.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Sct. Jørgens Jazzklub
0.2 km
Volunteer-run jazz club in Næstved’s historic barracks courtyard, hosting intimate live concerts in the cosy Musikstalden hall at Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter.
The Beach
0.2 km
Næstved's vibrant karaoke bar where everyone becomes a star in a tropical-themed celebration of music and community.
The Old Irish Pub
0.3 km
Authentic Irish pub energy in central Næstved, open late Friday and Saturday with live music and draught beer.
Landsby Pubben
0.3 km
A classic Næstved "værtshus" with cold beer, billiards and a lived-in charm that turns a simple drink into a slice of local everyday life.
Bar z
0.3 km
Cosy late-night bar in central Næstved, blending easygoing drinks, music and a compact club vibe on weekend evenings along historic Ramsherred.
Step Inn I / S
0.3 km
Long‑running Irish pub in central Næstved, blending cosy wooden interiors, sociable pints and late‑night weekend vibes on historic Ramsherred.
Cheers
0.3 km
Næstved's cozy social hub where genuine Danish hospitality meets lively evening atmosphere.
Underhuset
0.3 km
A classic Danish bodega on Næstved’s Axeltorv, blending cosy wood-panel charm, cold beer and local live music into a friendly town-square living room.
La Boutique
0.4 km
Elegant wine bar and bottle shop on Næstved’s Axeltorv, where curated wines, fine spirits and gourmet details turn a simple drink into a small celebration.
Champagne Riget
0.4 km
Næstved's premier champagne bar where curated bubbles meet refined gastronomy in elegant surroundings.
Sluk Efter
0.4 km
Unpretentious local pub on Kindhestegade in central Næstved, pouring cold beers and simple drinks in a cozy, social setting from midday to late night.
Humle Ølbar
0.4 km
Cosy craft beer bar in central Næstved, pairing a rotating selection of Danish and international brews with intimate, hygge‑rich surroundings.
Birk´s Bar
0.4 km
Næstved's authentic neighborhood pub where community, billiards, and genuine hospitality thrive.
Bodega Dueslaget
0.8 km
Traditional Danish neighborhood bodega in Næstved, serving cold beers, simple drinks and plenty of local atmosphere from morning until late on weekends.
Grønvej 2 Næstved ApS
0.8 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Næstved serving cold beer, simple spirits and everyday local atmosphere on a quiet side street off the town’s commercial core.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- 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
