Restaurant Schønnemann
Copenhagen's legendary basement smørrebrød institution since 1877, where tradition meets exceptional Danish cuisine.
A Copenhagen institution since 1877, Restaurant Schønnemann is a basement eatery specializing in smørrebrød—traditional Danish open-faced sandwiches—and an exceptional selection of over 140 aquavits and snaps. Located on Hauser Plads in the city center, this old-world establishment features dark wood paneling, green walls, and period décor that transport diners back to a bygone era. Lunch-only service with organic, freshly-made dishes including herring, smoked eel with scrambled eggs, and locally-sourced fish.
A brief summary to Restaurant Schønnemann
- Hauser Pl. 16, Copenhagen, København K, 1127, DK
- +4533120785
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Luxury
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11:30 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 11:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 11:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 11:30 am-5 pm
- Friday 11:30 am-5 pm
- Saturday 11:30 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11:30 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Reservations are essential—this popular spot books up weeks in advance. Plan ahead to secure your table.
- Order two to three smørrebrød as a good lunch base. The menu offers over 110 varieties, including 21 types of herring—allow the waitstaff to guide your selections.
- Request aquavit pairings from your waiter for an authentic experience. With over 140 varieties available, expert guidance elevates the meal significantly.
- Arrive early in your lunch window (11:30 AM opening) for a more relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant fills quickly with the business crowd.
- This is a lunch-only destination—the restaurant closes at 5 PM daily. Plan your visit accordingly and make it your main meal of the day.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
Restaurant Schønnemann location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Restaurant Schønnemann
A Living Monument to Danish Culinary Tradition
Founded in 1877, Restaurant Schønnemann stands as one of Copenhagen's most enduring culinary institutions. The restaurant's origins trace back to Frederik and Marie Henriksen, who opened a café in the basement of Hauser Plads 11 to serve the farmers, traders, and coalers who flooded the city on market days. When their son Peter Frederiksen took over the operation and relocated it to the basement of Hauser Plads 16 in 1901, the foundation was laid for what would become a legendary establishment. After Peter's death in 1911, his widow Augusta continued the restaurant with their children. When their daughter Erna married Petrus Schønnemann, a cook from nearby Suhmsgade, the restaurant took on the name it carries today—a name that has become synonymous with authentic Danish smørrebrød culture.The Art of Smørrebrød and Aquavit Mastery
At the heart of Schønnemann's identity lies the smørrebrød—the iconic Danish open-faced sandwich that represents centuries of culinary heritage. The restaurant's menu showcases over 110 varieties of these artfully constructed creations, each one a study in balance and quality. The signature dish, Madame Schønnemann, combines calf tongue, chicken salad, and mustard on house-baked rye bread. Other classics include long-term matured herring in numerous preparations, smoked eel tartare, silky smoked salmon, and freshly-breaded fried plaice fillets. The house philosophy suggests that two smørrebrød form a good base for lunch, three should suffice, but four leaves you with a smile. Complementing the food is an extraordinary selection of over 140 varieties of aquavit and traditional snaps—spirits that have been central to Danish hospitality for generations. The restaurant offers 24 beers as well, allowing diners to craft their own pairings or defer to the expertise of the knowledgeable waitstaff.Atmosphere Steeped in Old-World Authenticity
Descending the stairs into Schønnemann's basement dining room is an act of time travel. Dark wood paneling, forest-green walls, crisp white tablecloths, and fustian-covered chairs create an atmosphere of unabashed old-school charm. Flickering table candles cast warm light across the intimate space, while historical photographs adorning the walls tell stories of nearly 150 years of service. The décor has remained largely unchanged, preserving the aesthetic that welcomed businesspeople, laborers, and locals throughout the 20th century. This commitment to authenticity extends to every detail—the bread is baked in-house, many cheeses are aged in nearby caves, and the herring is cured and aged by expert chefs using traditional methods.From Working-Class Refuge to Contemporary Icon
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, smørrebrød restaurants like Schønnemann emerged as gathering places for Copenhagen's working population. Farmers finishing their market day business would leave their horses on Hauser Plads and descend into the cellar for freshly brewed beer, schnapps, and sustenance. As industrial society accelerated and long lunch breaks disappeared, eating smørrebrød became a practical solution for workers with limited time. The restaurant weathered difficult periods, particularly before the 1970s and early 2000s, when it nearly closed several times. The turning point came in 2015 when experienced restaurateurs Juliette and Thomas Gaarn Rasmussen acquired the establishment and recommitted to its roots, helping to spark a broader revival of smørrebrød culture in Copenhagen.Preserving Heritage Through Culinary Excellence
Today, Schønnemann remains a beacon of Danish gastronomic tradition in an era of culinary innovation. The current owners have maintained the restaurant's dedication to quality ingredients and time-honored preparation methods while ensuring that the establishment continues to evolve. The mixed clientele—young and old, businesspeople and hedonists, locals and visitors—reflects the restaurant's enduring appeal. The informal atmosphere encourages conviviality, with diners frequently raising glasses in toasts across the tables. Service is delivered by waiters who are brisk, efficient, and genuinely attentive to their guests, embodying the hospitality standards established over generations. Every element, from the sourcing of ingredients to the presentation of dishes, reinforces Schønnemann's position as a custodian of Danish culinary heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Casual
- Lively
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Retro Vibes
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
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- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Business Friendly
