Restaurant Grønttorvet, Odense

A historic inn at the heart of Odense

Restaurant Grønttorvet sits on Sortebrødre Torv, one of the oldest squares in Odense, surrounded by narrow streets that can be traced back more than eight centuries. The building you see today is only the latest chapter in a long story of hospitality on this plot. A registered inn stood here as early as 1761, when early host Poul Hansen welcomed guests under a much simpler signboard and horse-drawn carriages clattered across the cobblestones outside. That long continuity is still part of the restaurant’s identity. The sense of being in a timeworn hostelry, in the very centre of Odense’s historic “fairy-tale” quarter near the childhood home of Hans Christian Andersen, gives Grønttorvet a particularly local flavour. You are very much in the city’s old core, yet sheltered from its busier shopping streets by the small square and its surrounding houses.

Old-world interiors and Danish hygge

Step through the door and the tone changes from busy square to classic Danish hygge. Low ceilings, wooden beams and panelled walls create an intimate feel, while candlelight and soft lamps warm the nooks and corners. Tables are set close enough for a chat yet with enough space to settle into your own conversation, making it feel like a cross between a neighbourhood living room and a traditional inn. The décor leans into its age rather than against it: framed photos, mirrors and small decorative touches recall earlier eras of Odense, and there is a reassuring sense that the room has looked and felt much the same for generations. On cooler days the interior becomes a cocoon of warmth, while in brighter weather light spills in from the square, tying the rooms visually back to the city outside.

Classic Danish flavours from sea and land

The kitchen champions robust, recognisably Danish cooking, prepared from straightforward ingredients with attention to detail. Traditional starters such as marinated herring with curry salad, eggs with shrimp and mayonnaise, or crisp-fried fish fillets with remoulade draw on the country’s coastal larder. They arrive with bread and butter, echoing the open-faced sandwich culture that runs deep in Danish food. Heavier dishes continue the theme of familiar comfort. Tarteletter filled with chicken and asparagus, roast pork with crackling, medister sausage, potatoes, red cabbage and rich pan gravy evoke family celebrations and seasonal gatherings. In winter the kitchen leans naturally into hearty fare; during the festive period special Christmas lunches pair the food with schnapps and beer. Desserts such as creamy risalamande with cherry sauce extend the tradition all the way to the last spoonful.

Seasonal traditions and social gatherings

Because of its long history, Grønttorvet plays a role in local ritual as much as in everyday dining. Seasonal menus appear around major holidays, with the extended Christmas lunch period standing out as a key event. Shared platters, multiple courses and optional add-ons such as smoked salmon, confit duck or cheese plates invite slow, convivial meals that can stretch over several hours. The layout of the restaurant, with several rooms and closely spaced tables, lends itself to groups celebrating birthdays, family get-togethers or office outings, but it also accommodates smaller parties looking for a simple midday plate or early dinner. The atmosphere is informal rather than stiff, more tavern than fine-dining room, which matches the style of food coming out of the kitchen.

Dining rhythm on a lively square

Outside the windows, Sortebrødre Torv acts as a stage set. In daytime, people drift across the cobbles between nearby cultural attractions, bringing a sense of movement to lunch service. As evening falls, the square quiets and the restaurant’s lights become a focal point, drawing diners in for an unhurried meal. The timetable is generous, with food served from late morning through the evening, allowing for both lingering lunches and later dinners. This rhythm, together with its central location in the old town, makes Grønttorvet an easy stop to weave into a day of exploring Odense’s historic core. Whether you sit inside among beams and candles or near a window overlooking the square, the feeling is of being anchored in a long-running local institution that continues to serve the city in much the same spirit as it has for more than two and a half centuries.