Det Lille Apotek
Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
Tucked into a cobbled lane in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, Det Lille Apotek claims the title of the city’s oldest restaurant, dating back to 1720. Low ceilings, wooden beams, oil lamps and paintings give the intimate rooms a candlelit, old-world glow, while the kitchen turns out hearty, traditional Danish fare – from smørrebrød and æggekage to wienerschnitzel and rich, sauce-laden classics. It is as much a nostalgic time capsule as it is a lively, central spot for classic Copenhagen dining.
A brief summary to Det Lille Apotek
- Store Kannikestræde 15, Copenhagen, København K, 1169, DK
- +4533125606
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11:30 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 11:30 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 11:30 am-11 pm
- Thursday 11:30 am-11 pm
- Friday 11:30 am-11 pm
- Saturday 11:30 am-11 pm
- Sunday 11:30 am-11 pm
Local tips
- Reserve ahead for dinner, especially between 17:00 and 19:00, as the compact historic rooms fill quickly at peak hours.
- Come at lunchtime to try classic smørrebrød in a quieter atmosphere and get a good look at the interior details.
- If you enjoy hearty fare, ask about the Apotekergryde or a traditional pork or duck dish paired with a Danish beer or aquavit.
- The restaurant is down a few steps and lacks an accessible toilet, so visitors with limited mobility should plan accordingly.
- Pets are not allowed inside and there is limited space for strollers, which usually need to remain outside or folded by the entrance.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Det Lille Apotek location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Det Lille Apotek
A historic Copenhagen dining room since 1720
Det Lille Apotek traces its roots back to 1720, making it widely regarded as Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant. Housed in a centuries-old building on Store Kannikestræde in the Latin Quarter, it has long been a gathering place for locals, students, professors and visiting guests. The name recalls the building’s earlier life and hints at a place where good food and drink were once seen as a kind of remedy. Step through the door and you move from the bustle of central Copenhagen into a slower, more intimate world. The timbered structure, creaking floors and irregular walls speak of an era when the city was smaller and evenings stretched out over long meals and conversations.Dining rooms filled with lamps, paintings and stories
Inside, the restaurant is divided into four snug rooms, each with its own character. Ceilings are low, lending a cosy, almost tavern-like feel, and the spaces are lit by warm petroleum-style lamps that cast a soft glow on dark wood and worn tabletops. Old paintings of forest gods, nymphs and pastoral scenes line the walls, adding a hint of mythology to the atmosphere. Shelves of books, framed portraits and small decorative details underline the sense that this is a place shaped slowly over time. The layout encourages lingering: a series of intimate nooks where conversations carry quietly and where you are always aware of the building’s age and personality.Classic Danish cooking from smørrebrød to Apotekergryde
The menu focuses firmly on traditional Danish cooking. At lunchtime, a broad selection of smørrebrød appears, from marinated herring and fried plaice to warm liver pâté and rich chicken salad, served on dark rye or toasted bread. Many recipes draw on older, home-style preparations, emphasizing pickled accompaniments, hearty sauces and generous portions. Later in the day, the kitchen turns to substantial hot dishes. You might encounter æggekage (a thick Danish omelette), crispy pork with red cabbage, wienerschnitzel, duck with caramelised potatoes or the house speciality, Apotekergryde, a comforting meat dish served in a rich gravy. The restaurant also serves its own house beer and a selection of aquavit to match the robust flavours.Old values preserved with gentle updates
Over the decades the interior has been gradually refined, but always with respect for its past. Former bar areas have been replaced by small tables, and some spaces have been softened with lamp fixtures and bookcases. The result is a setting that feels like a cross between a traditional inn and a private parlour, more like being invited into someone’s home than entering a modern brasserie. Despite the tweaks, many old traditions linger. Stories circulate of early innovations, such as some of the city’s first grill chickens served here in baskets, or the famous “meter of beer” once enjoyed at the tables. The emphasis remains on solid hospitality, familiar dishes and an unhurried pace.In the heart of the Latin Quarter
Det Lille Apotek sits a short stroll from the city’s main pedestrian artery and key sights, yet its address on a narrower street helps preserve a tucked-away feel. The surroundings are a mix of historic facades, university buildings and cultural institutions, so it is easy to combine a meal here with a day of exploring central Copenhagen. The restaurant can host both intimate meals and larger gatherings across its four rooms, maintaining a sense of occasion without losing the cosy ambience. Whether you drop in for a midday smørrebrød or settle in for a long evening over several courses, the experience is defined by history, hearty food and classic Danish hygge.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Lur Blowers
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Christiansborg Palace
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Equestrian statue of Christian IX
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Jens Olsen's World Clock
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Frederik VII
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Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
City Hall Square
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Wilhelm Hansens Hus
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Copenhagen City Hall
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Rosenborg Castle
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Unmissable attractions to see
Gråbrødretorv
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The Round Tower
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Church of Our Lady
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Balderdash
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Kultorvet
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Historic coal market turned lively pedestrian square, Kultorvet blends layered architecture, fountain-side cafés and everyday city life in the heart of Copenhagen.
Skaal
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A visionary concert hall in Copenhagen, DR Koncerthuset fuses world-class acoustics, avant-garde architecture, and a rich tapestry of live music experiences.
Strøget
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Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Gammeltorv
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Copenhagen’s oldest square, where cobbles, Neoclassical facades and the Renaissance Caritas Well quietly trace eight centuries of urban life in the city’s historic core.
Amagertorv
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Nytorv 2
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An everyday address on Copenhagen’s historic Nytorv, placing you between grand courthouse columns, cobbled markets of old and the pulse of the Strøget pedestrian zone.
Nytorv
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Weirdwalks Byvandring
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Læderstræde
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Stork Fountain
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Bask in the serene Baltic ambiance of Rødvig Beach on South Zealand—an inviting stretch of sand with sweeping views of Stevns Klint and local Danish charm.
Gammel Strand
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Essential places to dine
Det Lille Apotek
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Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
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Københavner Cafeen
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Restaurant Tight
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Restaurant Schønnemann
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Restaurant Kronborg
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Dubrovnik Restaurant
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Restaurant Puk
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Souvenir Gifts shop
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Duck Haven
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Gejser Bar
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Bo-Bi Bar
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The Bird and The Churchkey
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
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
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Adults Only
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Business Friendly
