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Restaurant Kronborg

Authentic Danish smørrebrød and homemade comfort food in a historic 1600s basement, where tradition meets impeccable service.

4.5

A beloved Copenhagen institution specializing in traditional Danish smørrebrød and classic homemade dishes served in a cosy, old-fashioned basement setting. Located in one of the city's oldest buildings dating to the 1600s, Restaurant Kronborg captures the essence of Danish hygge with impeccable service, seasonal menus, and an impressive selection of aquavit and schnapps. Perfect for experiencing authentic Danish lunch culture in the heart of the Inner City.

A brief summary to Restaurant Kronborg

  • Brolæggerstræde 12, Copenhagen, København K, 1211, DK
  • +4533130708
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 11 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-5 pm
  • Friday 11 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Order multiple smørrebrød to sample the kitchen's range—the small, artfully composed sandwiches are designed for tasting several varieties in one meal, much like Spanish tapas.
  • Try a shot of aquavit or homemade schnapps with your meal; the restaurant's curated selection pairs beautifully with the traditional dishes and aids digestion in true Danish fashion.
  • Book a table in advance, especially for weekends and holidays when the restaurant operates two seatings to maintain quality. Weekend reservations are typically 12:00–14:15 or 14:15 onwards with a two-hour table limit.
  • Ask your server about seasonal specials and the current menu rotation—dishes change every three months to reflect the best available ingredients.
  • Don't miss the pan-fried plaice fillet or the seasonal herring preparations; these are signature dishes executed with particular finesse and represent the restaurant's mastery of classic Danish cuisine.
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Discover more about Restaurant Kronborg

A Living Piece of Copenhagen's Heritage

Restaurant Kronborg occupies one of Copenhagen's oldest surviving buildings, constructed in the 1600s and remarkably still standing after the city's bombing by England during World War II. A cannonball embedded in the stone wall near the men's restroom serves as a tangible reminder of this turbulent history. The restaurant's basement location adds to its authentic charm, creating an intimate atmosphere that transports diners back to a simpler era of Danish dining culture.

The Art of Smørrebrød Mastery

Smørrebrød—traditional open-faced sandwiches on buttered rye bread—forms the heart of Restaurant Kronborg's culinary identity. The kitchen offers over 40 variations, each crafted with meticulous attention to quality ingredients and technique. Classic offerings include pan-fried plaice fillet with remoulade, smoked salmon with crisp fennel and smoked cheese cream, seasonal herring preparations, and tartlets filled with chicken in asparagus. The restaurant's approach to smørrebrød reflects what food critics describe as "razor-sharp execution of classic smørrebrød" with no unnecessary embellishment—just perfectly prepared traditional Danish fare.

Seasonal Menus and Homemade Excellence

The menu transforms every three months to showcase the season's finest produce, ensuring that every visit offers fresh discoveries. Beyond smørrebrød, the kitchen excels at traditional Danish comfort dishes: warm rib roast with red cabbage and sauerkraut, Danish meatballs, roast pork, and pan-fried veal liver—a once-traditional dish experiencing renewed popularity among younger diners. The restaurant's philosophy centers on serving the kind of homemade food that owner Leonard Børger describes as what customers would find in Danish homes. Gentlemen's lunch menus present smørrebrød family-style, featuring fish dishes paired with aquavit, robust meat selections with dark specialty beer, and aged cheeses, creating a leisurely multi-course experience.

Drinks and the Danish Tradition

Restaurant Kronborg maintains an impressive selection of homemade schnapps and aquavit, carefully curated to complement the smørrebrød menu. The restaurant happily composes beer and schnapps pairings tailored to specific menus, honoring the traditional Danish approach to dining. Coffee is brewed with particular care, and the selection of beverages reflects the restaurant's commitment to quality in every aspect of the experience.

Atmosphere and Service Philosophy

The restaurant's interior embodies old-fashioned coziness—what Danes call hygge—with warm, welcoming spaces where guests genuinely feel at home. The staff represents a cornerstone of the Kronborg experience, known for professional competence combined with genuine warmth and personality. Service is attentive and humorous without being intrusive, reflecting staff members who have often worked at the restaurant for years. The philosophy is simple: create a place where the restaurant's own team would want to dine during their free time, with customers always at the center of the experience.

A Copenhagen Institution for All Occasions

Whether dining solo for a quick lunch, gathering with family and friends, or hosting a larger celebration, Restaurant Kronborg adapts to every need. The restaurant operates two seatings on weekends and holidays to maintain quality standards, with tables typically reserved for two hours. The venue accommodates groups of up to eight through online booking, with larger parties welcome by special arrangement. From casual weekday lunches to festive Christmas celebrations, the restaurant has earned its reputation as one of Copenhagen's finest destinations for traditional Danish dining.

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