Kanal-Caféen
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Kanal-Caféen is a classic Copenhagen lunch restaurant set right on Frederiksholms Kanal, a short stroll from Christiansborg Palace. Operating since 1852, it specialises in traditional Danish smørrebrød, from herring prepared to a secret house recipe to generous fish fillets and cold cuts, served in wood‑panelled rooms and on a charming canal-side terrace. Open only for lunch Monday to Saturday, it’s a cosy, atmospheric spot to linger over the Danish kitchen with a beer or schnapps.
A brief summary to Kanal-Caféen
- Frederiksholms Kanal 18, Copenhagen, København K, 1220, DK
- +4533115770
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
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
Local tips
- Reserve a table for lunch, especially on weekdays around 12:00–14:00 and Saturdays, as the small rooms and canal terrace fill quickly.
- Try one of the mixed lunch platters if you want to sample several kinds of herring, fish and cold cuts without having to choose individual smørrebrød.
- Plan your visit around lunch only; the restaurant closes by late afternoon and remains shut on Sundays.
- If you sit outside by the canal, bring an extra layer in cooler months—the waterfront can feel breezy even on sunny days.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
Kanal-Caféen location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
-
Hot Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Kanal-Caféen
Canal-side institution in the heart of old Copenhagen
Kanal-Caféen sits on the quiet curve of Frederiksholms Kanal, its low building tucked between government offices, historic townhouses and the water. Inside, the restaurant feels like a time capsule of traditional Copenhagen: creaking floors, closely set tables, maritime details and framed prints lining the walls. The rooms are compact and intimate, divided into smaller sections that make even a busy lunch service feel cosy rather than cavernous. Step outside and the city opens up again. In good weather, tables spill onto the quayside, with views across the canal to the stately façades of Slotsholmen. Boats pass within a few metres, and the muted sounds of bicycles and church bells drift over from the surrounding streets. It is both central and slightly tucked away, a place that feels woven into the daily rhythm of the old town.A living showcase of the Danish lunch table
The kitchen is dedicated to the midday meal, with opening hours built firmly around lunch from Monday to Saturday. The menu focuses on smørrebrød, the elaborate open-faced sandwiches that are a cornerstone of Danish food culture. Here they arrive on dense rye bread, layered with pickled herring, fried plaice fillets, shrimp, cold cuts, cheeses and seasonal garnishes. One of the house signatures is cooked pickled herring made to a closely guarded recipe, served alongside other classic preparations of the fish. Generous platters bring together several kinds of herring, warm fish, smoked salmon, chicken salad and shrimp, giving a full tour of the Danish lunch repertoire on one board. Beer from local breweries and small glasses of schnapps complete the picture, inviting a leisurely meal rather than a quick bite.Historic roots and enduring character
Founded in 1852, Kanal-Caféen has watched modern Copenhagen grow up around it. Its long history can be felt in the patina of the woodwork and the slightly labyrinthine layout of its rooms. While the city’s food scene has become known for cutting-edge gastronomy, this address maintains a more old-fashioned charm, keeping faith with recipes and serving styles that have changed little over generations. The clientele often reflects the area’s role as Denmark’s political and administrative centre. Office workers, officials and locals mix with visitors drawn by the restaurant’s reputation and location near major cultural institutions. White tablecloths, traditional table settings and the gentle clink of cutlery on porcelain give lunch here a quietly ceremonial feel, even though the atmosphere remains relaxed and informal.Seasonal rhythms and daily rituals
Kanal-Caféen’s routine follows the working week. It opens around 11:30 in the morning and closes by late afternoon, with Sunday kept as a rest day. Weekdays and Saturdays see a clear peak in early to mid-afternoon, when tables fill quickly and reservations are prudent. The focus on daylight hours suits the canal-side setting, making the most of natural light streaming through the windows and across the terrace. Over the course of a year, the experience shifts with the seasons. In summer, the canal can feel almost Mediterranean, with bright reflections on the water and a soft breeze funnelling between the buildings. In winter, the mood turns inward: candles on the tables, heavier dishes, and guests shrugging off scarves and coats as they settle in for a warming meal far from the chill outside.Planning a relaxed Danish lunch visit
Because it serves only lunch, Kanal-Caféen works best when you allow time to linger. Many diners spend one to two hours, moving from herring and fish through meat toppings or sharing platters, and finishing with coffee or a final schnapps. The setting invites conversation rather than rushed dining, with staff pacing courses to suit an unhurried midday break. A visit here pairs naturally with nearby sights on Slotsholmen and in the Inner City, but the restaurant itself is more than a quick stop between attractions. It offers a concentrated glimpse of everyday Danish food culture in surroundings that feel both historic and lived-in. Whether you choose a single smørrebrød or an abundant platter, the experience revolves around simple ingredients treated with respect and served in a place that has made lunch its craft for well over a century.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Stable Boy's House
0.2 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.2 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
The Danish Parliament
0.3 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Frederik VII
0.4 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Højbro
0.4 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Nytorv
0.4 km
Historic domed observatory in Aarhus offering inspiring stargazing nights, public tours, and a glimpse into Denmark’s astronomical history atop a leafy city hill.
Holmens Bro
0.4 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.4 km
A gilded astronomical masterpiece with 15,448 parts, calculating time and cosmos for the next 2,500 years.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.4 km
Denmark's civic masterpiece: National Romantic architecture, astronomical engineering, and the heartbeat of Copenhagen.
Bishop Absalon
0.5 km
Dynamic equestrian monument to Copenhagen’s warrior-bishop founder, rising over central Højbro Plads with rich maritime symbolism and a direct visual link to Christiansborg.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.5 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
Børsen
0.5 km
Copenhagen's legendary Dragon Spire and Dutch Renaissance masterpiece—a 400-year-old trading hub bearing witness to centuries of Danish commerce.
Lur Blowers
0.5 km
Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.
Højbro Plads
0.5 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Kopenhagen
0.5 km
Spectacular palace at Copenhagen’s core, blending royal grandeur, political intrigue, and centuries of Danish history—home to Parliament, the courts, and the monarchy.
Unmissable attractions to see
Marmorbroen
0.1 km
An 18th‑century Rococo bridge that once formed the grand entrance to Christiansborg Palace, Marmorbroen quietly unites royal history, canal views and everyday city life.
National Museum of Denmark
0.1 km
Denmark’s past comes alive in a grand city palace, where Vikings, royal salons and playful children’s galleries tell 14,000 years of stories under one roof.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
0.2 km
A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
Slotsholmen
0.2 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
The War Museum
0.2 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Magstræde
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s cobbled time capsule: a gently curving lane of colorful old houses, harbor history and quiet charm in the heart of the Old Town.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.3 km
A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, seated with manuscripts in a hidden garden behind the Royal Library in the heart of Copenhagen.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s harbourside hub for design and urban life, where immersive exhibitions, playful workshops and rooftop views reveal how architecture shapes the way we live.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.3 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.3 km
Experience Copenhagen’s blend of urban cool and waterside relaxation at Islands Brygge, where harbor views, bathing, and local life come together in a thriving central district.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.3 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.3 km
Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
Christiansborg Palace
0.3 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
0.3 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's Crown Jewels and royal treasures.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.3 km
An intimate museum in a 17th‑century boathouse where Daniel Libeskind’s Mitzvah‑shaped architecture tells 400 years of Danish Jewish history and rescue.
Essential places to dine
Kanal-Caféen
0.0 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Restaurant Karla
0.2 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Restaurant 1733
0.2 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Rio Bravo
0.2 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Restaurant Puk
0.3 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant Noi
0.3 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Marv & Ben
0.3 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.4 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Restaurant Tight
0.4 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Københavner Cafeen
0.4 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
No. 2
0.5 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Restaurant Maven
0.5 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.6 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.6 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.6 km
Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Audrey Vintage
0.4 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Akimbo
0.4 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.4 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Læderstræde
0.4 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
& Other Stories
0.5 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Danish Souvenirs
0.5 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Souvenir Shop
0.5 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Hygge Original
0.5 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Duck Haven
0.5 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.5 km
Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.5 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Viking Souvenirs
0.5 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.5 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.5 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.5 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Zefside
0.2 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
The Rooftop Bar
0.3 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
Ruby
0.3 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.3 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Godt Øl
0.3 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
Southern Cross Pub
0.3 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
The Marble Bar
0.3 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.4 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Taphouse
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
Centralhjørnet
0.4 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet is a cosy, festive corner pub where historic LGBTQ+ heritage meets camp décor and easy-going charm.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Ved Stranden
0.4 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
K-Bar
0.5 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.3 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Chateau Motel
0.4 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
0.5 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Hive
0.5 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Miami Bar
0.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
0.6 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.6 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
La Terraza
0.6 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Module
0.7 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.7 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Cosy Bar
0.7 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
0.8 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Never Mind
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Lusso
0.8 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
Den Anden Side
0.9 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Casual
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
