CLASSIC AND MODERN SMØRREBRØD IN THE HEART OF COPENHAGEN
Restaurant Palægade is the realization of a dream: a place dedicated to smørrebrød – the traditional Danish open-faced sandwich. Since opening in 2016, our ambition has remained the same—to create Denmark’s best smørrebrød and bring to life the vision of a classic lunch restaurant in Copenhagen, complemented by a Danish-French-inspired evening menu.
Our menu is extensive, offering everything from caviar and truffle to rullepølse with Italian salad and chicken salad with crispy bacon. Unlike many other lunch restaurants, we also feature a carefully curated wine list, making Palægade a destination for wine lovers as well. Since 2016, Restaurant Palægade has become widely recognized as one of the best smørrebrød restaurants in Copenhagen, attracting both locals and visitors looking for an authentic Danish open-faced sandwich experience.
A TRIBUTE TO DANISH SMØRREBRØD
At Restaurant Palægade, tradition and modern techniques blend seamlessly. We celebrate the rich heritage of Danish smørrebrød, but with the added experience and finesse gained from working in top restaurants. Our menu embraces both timeless classics—such as roast beef with remoulade and traditionally matured spiced herring—as well as innovative dishes like the vegetarian “Fuglekvidder”, made with rehydrated celery on toasted rye bread, topped with mayonnaise, horseradish, and garden cress.
From the very beginning, our philosophy has been craftsmanship and quality. Since our opening in 2016, our commitment to making everything from scratch has remained unchanged. Just as our rye bread is baked in-house, our remoulade is carefully crafted from pickled vegetables, and our curry blend is developed to perfectly complement our herring, which is marinated in a special vinegar brine to soften the bones.
Whenever possible, we source ingredients directly from small producers. During the season, our potatoes come freshly harvested from our restaurant manager Johan Henrik’s family farm in Funen, ensuring the best possible quality in every bite.
At Restaurant Palægade, smørrebrød – or Danish open-faced sandwiches – is more than just a meal; it’s a craft, a tradition, and a passion. Whether you are a local or a visitor looking to experience the best open-faced sandwiches in Copenhagen, we look forward to welcoming you.
FROM SMØRREBRØD TO FLAVORFUL EVENING DINING
At Restaurant Palægade, our food is comforting and familiar, yet always intriguing—and that philosophy extends into the evening. As the day turns to night, the restaurant transforms from a bustling smørrebrød haven into a solid and refined dinner destination.
Drawing inspiration from classic cuisine, our evening menu continues the red thread from our lunch service, with a strong focus on high-quality ingredients. The same dedication to craftsmanship that defines our smørrebrød – the traditional Danish open-faced sandwich – carries over into our evening dishes.
During the summer months, you might find Gillardeau oysters with elderflower, seared pork with green tomatoes, or “Solbær en surprise”, a nod to the iconic “Havtorn en surprise”, which has been a near-constant feature on the menus at formel B and Sletten.
Whether you visit us for a leisurely Danish open-faced sandwich at lunch or an elegant yet approachable evening meal, Palægade is a place where tradition, quality, and curiosity go hand in hand.
A CULINARY EXPERIENCE WITH AN EXTENSIVE WINE AND SPIRITS SELECTION
At Restaurant Palægade, every element of the dining experience is carefully considered—including the beer, akvavit, and wine that accompany our food.
Our beers follow one simple rule: you should want at least three of them—a principle we call the 3-pint test. The selection is crafted to be inviting, fruity, and refreshing, ensuring they remain light and drinkable throughout the meal. Whether it’s a classic pilsner or one of our Palægade IPAs, the beers are chosen to cut through the richness of each bite, offering the perfect balance.
No smørrebrød – or Danish open-faced sandwich – is complete without akvavit. That’s why we partnered with Radius Distillery to create a unique range of house akvavits with a moderate alcohol percentage. Carefully distilled without added sugar, our akvavits retain a pure, sharp character, enhancing the flavors of dishes like curry herring or Norwegian-style grilled herring. Whether infused with fresh dill or pepper, the subtle bitterness and complexity make them a natural companion to our smørrebrød.
Beyond beer and akvavit, Restaurant Palægade is also a haven for wine lovers. Our extensive wine list offers a thoughtfully curated selection of wines by the glass, alongside an impressive collection of classic grand crus and exciting new discoveries from emerging regions around the world.
At Palægade, we believe that great food deserves great pairings—whether it’s a crisp pilsner, a bold akvavit, or an exceptional glass of wine.
THE DESSERT TROLLEY – A TRUE PALÆGADE ATTRACTION
One of Palægade’s signature attractions is our custom-built dessert trolley, crafted from dark walnut wood by skilled carpenters. When dessert or petit fours are about to be served, the trolley is elegantly rolled to the guest, making the sweet selection an experience in itself.
While cheese is already a staple on our menu—featured in dishes like fried Camembert with blackcurrant jam—the kitchen wanted to dedicate a special place for pastries and desserts. The result is this rolling showcase, where the art of pastry-making takes center stage.
At Palægade, craftsmanship is taken seriously, and only our in-house pastry chefs are entrusted with filling the trolley. Each day, it is stocked with an ever-changing selection of creamy pastries, rich chocolate cakes, fruit tarts, delicate petit fours, and classic French macarons—all served on traditional blue-painted Danish Christmas plates, neatly stacked at the bottom of the trolley. Some guests visit Palægade just to enjoy the day’s sweet selection alongside a perfectly brewed cup of coffee.
We look forward to welcoming you to Restaurant Palægade.
Best regards,
Johan Henrik & Luckas
