The Italian, Næstved

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.