Café Sorgenfri
When you are looking for somewhere special to go to eat to experience traditional Danish
food and dishes, there are thousands of options to pick from. Especially around
Copenhagen. So how do you ensure that you do not fall into an overpriced tourist trap where the ambience may be a little lacking in authenticity, even if the food is still likely to be acceptable? Go where the Danes go. One such place, Café Sorgenfri, is really special and less than a 1-minute walk from the tourist mecca of Strøget in Central Copenhagen.
Café Sorgenfri is an institution for those in the know. The name Sorgenfri means ‘without
sorrows’ and that could not be more appropriate here. It began life as one of Copenhagen’s
oldest pubs, with its first license granted in 1882, however the building dates to 1796 and
likely to have held some kind of ‘establishment’ before then too. The Café began in its
current form in 1929 and remains packed with antiques and old portraits, including those of
various Monarchs, hanging on the walls today. You can also view the history of owners and
so on, also displayed on the walls.
It is located on basement level, and as soon as you enter the small front door, you are
immediately enveloped in pure Danish ‘hygge’ in its unspoilt and uncommercialised form.
Red checked table clothes, antique wooden tables and seating, table lamps and an
incredible cozy atmosphere. You can completely forget about the outside world while you
are cocooned in here. One thing you will not find much of, is anything other than Danish
chatter coming from the guests and tables, as this place is a well-kept local secret despite its super close proximity to Strøget. However, the friendly staff (never more than two waiters, it is a small place) are happy to converse in English, so if like me you are still learning Danish and nowhere near fluent, it’s not a problem.
The food is something else and out of this world. Classic Danish Smorrebrod is the
speciality. There is also a wide selection of traditional Danish dishes. All the herrings, liver
pate, shrimp, plaice, roast pork and so on. I have worked my way through a good amount of the menu – every single dish is exceptional in its own way. I am confident you will not have tasted better, whatever you choose. The special platters are recommended, however be warned that you need to arrive hungry as servings are very generous. The julefrokost is the best you will ever eat, and extremely popular, bookings open in October, and it books up fast so be quick. Of course, with Smorrebrod and herring, the herring needs ‘to swim’ so there is a broad selection of aquavit, and also draft local beers.
As a smorrebrod restaurant normal opening hours mean last booking at 2,30pm, however it does stay open a little later over the Christmas season for the house julefrokost. Bookings in advance are essential, due to the small size and popularity. Book online on the website which can be read in English or Danish; cafesorgenfri.dk. In the summer there are also a few outdoor tables- these are a wise choice for a summers day as there is neither air
conditioning nor fans inside and it does get extremely warm! There are several steps down
inside the door, which is very narrow, so it is not wheelchair friendly. Due to the historic age of the building its just not possible to adapt.
So, all that is left for you to decide now, is what to choose to eat? I hope you will enjoy, and please, do not tell everyone, as we need to keep this one secret!
