Det Lille Apotek
Historic 1720 restaurant in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter serving classic Danish dishes in low‑ceilinged parlours filled with lamplight, paintings and genuine hygge.
Det Lille Apotek is Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, dating back to 1720 and tucked into the cobbled streets of the Latin Quarter. Behind its modest facade you step into low‑ceilinged dining rooms lit by lamps and surrounded by paintings and dark wood. Here, traditional Danish dishes – from smørrebrød and æggekage to wienerschnitzel, roast duck and the signature Apotekergryde – are served with a sense of history and cosy hygge that feels like dining in a time capsule.
A brief summary to Det Lille Apotek
- Store Kannikestræde 15, Copenhagen, København K, 1169, DK
- +4533125606
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11:30 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 11:30 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 11:30 am-11 pm
- Thursday 11:30 am-11 pm
- Friday 11:30 am-11 pm
- Saturday 11:30 am-11 pm
- Sunday 11:30 am-11 pm
Local tips
- Reserve in advance for dinner and especially for December visits, when traditional Danish holiday meals make tables scarce in the small parlours.
- Arrive at lunchtime if you want to try the full smørrebrød selection, which is served only during the midday service.
- Allow extra time to navigate the steps at the entrance if you have limited mobility, as the historic building has no lift or accessible restroom.
- Pair classic dishes with Danish beer or snaps; ask staff about the restaurant’s own house brew and traditional aquavit pairings.
- Plan for one combined bill if dining as a group, as the restaurant generally does not split card payments per person.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Det Lille Apotek 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 Det Lille Apotek
Copenhagen’s Oldest Restaurant in the Latin Quarter
Det Lille Apotek sits on Store Kannikestræde in the heart of Copenhagen’s old Latin Quarter, just a short stroll from the city’s main sights yet slightly tucked away on a quieter cobbled street. Founded in 1720, it is recognised as the city’s oldest restaurant, and much of its charm lies in how little it seems to have changed over the centuries. Step through the door and you immediately leave modern Copenhagen behind. The entrance leads you down a few steps into a warren of intimate rooms where the ceilings feel low, the light is warm and the atmosphere hushed but convivial. It feels less like a commercial dining room and more like being invited into an old town house that has accumulated layers of stories over 300 years.Historic Dining Rooms Steeped in Hygge
The interior is divided into four separate stuer, or parlours, each with its own character. Dark wooden panelling, creaking floorboards and small-paned windows frame the space, while shelves of books and old lamp fixtures soften what was once a more tavern-like room into something closer to a living room. On the walls you notice paintings of woodland gods and water nymphs glowing in the light of petroleum-style lamps, a deliberate nod to a time when the city still depended on oil and candlelight. Details such as brass hooks, framed prints and slightly uneven tables add to the feeling that nothing here is merely decorative; everything has simply remained.Classic Danish Kitchen from Smørrebrød to Apotekergryde
Det Lille Apotek’s menu is devoted to traditional Danish cooking, prepared from old recipes that focus on hearty flavours rather than experimentation. At lunchtime smørrebrød is the star: generous slices of rugbrød topped with pickled herring, fried plaice with remoulade, creamy chicken salad, warm liver pâté with bacon or delicate piles of shrimp with homemade lemon mayonnaise. Later in the day the kitchen turns to warm dishes such as æggekage, a thick oven-baked omelette served in a pan, wienerschnitzel with capers and anchovies, roast duck with caramelised potatoes, and the house speciality, Apotekergryde, a rich meat stew served in a pot. Danish beer, snaps and the restaurant’s own house brew pair naturally with the food, rounding out the feeling of a classic Copenhagen meal.From Old Pharmacy to Beloved Institution
The name, which translates as “The Little Pharmacy”, hints at the building’s early role in city life, when apothecaries were central gathering places for both remedies and gossip. Over the centuries the space evolved into a restaurant, serving simple dishes to locals and students from the surrounding university streets. Among its small claims to culinary history is introducing Copenhagen’s first grilled chicken dish, served as “Chicken in Basket” with fries and beer. Later, a playful metre-long beer serving became another house trademark. Ownership has changed hands, but each generation has kept alterations minimal, updating comfort while preserving the essential character of the rooms.Atmosphere, Occasions and Practical Details
Today, Det Lille Apotek functions as both an everyday lunch spot and a setting for more ceremonial meals, from family gatherings to small company dinners. The separate parlours lend themselves well to groups, yet the space still feels intimate enough for couples or solo diners seeking a quiet corner. The restaurant operates daily from late morning until late evening, with the kitchen observing a short break between the lunch and dinner services. Bookings are strongly recommended for evenings and busy seasons, particularly in December when traditional Danish Christmas dishes are in high demand. While the entrance involves a few steps and there is no dedicated accessible restroom, staff are accustomed to helping guests navigate the old building as best as its historic structure allows.Experiencing Hygge at a Slow Copenhagen Pace
A meal here is best approached unhurried. The layered flavours of long-simmered sauces, pickled garnishes and rich gravies invite slow enjoyment, as does the subdued, almost theatrical lighting of the rooms. Between courses, many guests linger over a beer or snaps, letting conversations stretch out as the murmur of other tables blends with the quiet clink of cutlery. Because the restaurant is so central, it also works well as a pause in a day of sightseeing: lunch between museums, or an early dinner before an evening performance. Yet the most rewarding aspect is not its convenience, but the sense that you are stepping briefly into a preserved corner of old Copenhagen, where the tempo is measured and the concept of hygge is not a slogan but the natural state of the room.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- 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
- Business Friendly
