Restaurant Puk

Centuries of Dining in a Hidden Copenhagen Courtyard

Restaurant Puk occupies one of central Copenhagen’s most atmospheric corners, just off Strøget yet tucked away enough to feel like a discovery. The building traces its hospitality history back to the mid‑18th century, when this part of the city buzzed with merchants, officials and seafarers. Step through the entrance and you move from the city’s bustle into a warren of low rooms, creaking floors and thick walls that speak of candlelit evenings long before electricity. The restaurant opens onto Vandkunsten square, where a fountain from the early 20th century provides a gentle soundtrack of splashing water. In summer, tables spill into the cobbled courtyard, framed by tall townhouses and the nearby courthouse facades. In winter, the focus turns inward: wooden beams, simple tables and close‑set seating create the feel of a traditional Danish inn updated for modern Copenhagen.

Smørrebrød Traditions at Lunchtime

At midday, Restaurant Puk leans fully into Denmark’s smørrebrød heritage. Open sandwiches arrive on dense rye or toasted sourdough, built with layers of texture and salty‑sweet contrasts. Classic pairings include herring in various marinades, roast pork with red cabbage and cucumber, or butter‑fried plaice topped with remoulade, lemon and dill. More contemporary toppings bring in avocado, poached eggs and French‑style dressings without losing the Nordic backbone. Alongside the sandwiches, there are warm plates for those who prefer a more substantial lunch: brisket with horseradish and apple, seared tartare with beetroot and capers, or moules frites steamed with herbs and served with crisp fries. Cheese plates, Camembert with blackcurrant jam and traditional Danish desserts round off the menu for a leisurely midday break.

Hearty Nordic–French Plates in the Evening

As the day fades, the menu broadens from smørrebrød into bistro‑style starters and mains. There is a clear French influence in dishes such as langoustine bisque, steak au poivre and sole in brown butter, yet the produce and spirit remain firmly Danish. Cod loins with mustard sauce, schnitzel with butter‑fried potatoes and chateaubriand with bearnaise share space with Puk’s signature cauliflower and seasonal vegetables. Desserts keep things comfortingly classic. Crème brûlée arrives with a glassy sugar crust, while lemon fromage and rice pudding with warm cherry sauce echo holiday traditions. On special evenings, such as New Year’s, the kitchen pushes further into multi‑course tasting menus with carefully matched wines, showcasing the full range of Nordic seafood and meats prepared with precise French techniques.

Atmosphere Between Fountain and Timbered Rooms

The ambience at Restaurant Puk changes with the table you choose. Outside, the setting is open and bright, with the sound of the fountain, the clink of glasses and the occasional bell from nearby churches drifting across Vandkunsten. It is an inviting spot for a lingering lunch in mild weather or an early evening drink as the light stretches over the old roofs. Inside, the atmosphere turns more intimate. Low ceilings, close tables and warm lighting make conversations feel contained and cozy. The decor is unpretentious rather than polished luxe; the charm lies in the sense of continuity, of a place that has served food and drink for generations and gently adapted rather than reinvented itself.

A Practical Stop Between Sightseeing Highlights

Given its position in Indre By, Restaurant Puk easily fits into a day of exploring Copenhagen’s historic core. It sits within walking distance of the city’s main pedestrian arteries, cultural institutions and waterfront promenades, making it an appealing pause between museums, shopping and canal views. Many visitors time their meal here around other plans, choosing a shorter lunch of smørrebrød or a slower evening sitting with multiple courses. Though the setting feels old‑world, the operation is modern: all‑day opening hours, card payments and the option to dine indoors or out lend flexibility. Whether you are seeking a first encounter with Danish classics or a familiar plate of roast pork and herring in atmospheric surroundings, Puk offers a grounded, quietly historic slice of Copenhagen life.