Rufino Osteria — Restaurant in Copenhagen Municipality

The overall experience was disappointing, but the food and location were good.

This is now the third time I’ve had to edit my review in order to reply to the false claims made by the restaurant.

We booked a table for nine people by phone and were never told that groups of five or more are forced to take a fixed menu (around DKK 550 per person - around €75 per person). Once seated, we were given no choice but to accept it and we were told that we could have checked online. (This info wasn’t shared on the phone [ we booked over the phone, so the info should have been shared by phone. If we had booked online, we would have checked the info online].

When we questioned this lack of transparency, the staff's response was dismissive, telling us they had "done us a favor" by accepting the booking and that we should have checked online. Not exactly the customer service you expect.

To make matters worse, the bill we received was different from the amount we were actually charged — water was added afterwards directly on the card machine without updating the receipt. (Please see picture attached for transparency from our side) - I am collecting the screenshot of our bank statements to prove that the amount paid is different than the one on the receipt and I will attach as soon as I can. In total, we paid DKK 5,157 (almost €700), far more than we had planned.

While the food was good, the lack of honesty and transparency ruined the experience. We wouldn't return and wouldn't recommend this place, especially to tourists.

I strongly recommend avoiding this place. I will also be sharing my experience on social media, as the way the situation is becoming increasingly frustrating.

The restaurant has taken no responsibility, and even a simple apology for the miscommunication would have been appreciated. Instead, I was told my claim was “senseless” in a previous response (of which I have a screenshot and am happy to provide again). This is both unprofessional and disappointing.

Note to the restaurant: Please take this as constructive feedback, not as a personal attack. Use it as an opportunity to improve your service so that future customers can enjoy the perfect experience...

True Italian food is simple, made with fresh ingredients sourced locally on a small menu that changes daily or weekly. Rufino is true Italian food at its finest. I was craving a nice bowl of pasta and searched through a dozen Italian restaurants in Copenhagen before I found what I wanted. I was so impressed that I came two nights in a row so I could sample more of the menu, but true to form, two items had changed from the previous night. Amazing. To start I got the Pallotte Cacio e Ova, which is bread, pecorino and egg croquettes in tomato sauce. The first bite I knew, this place is special. The sauce was profoundly simple and absolutely delicious. The bread they served with it is made with wild yeast from scratch and has real depth of flavor. The following night I got the Lingua di Vatella in Salsa Verde, veal tongue with a parsley pesto and hazelnuts. Delightful. The pasta. Oh man. Fettuccine noodles with mushrooms. Local wild mushrooms with barely a sauce, super simple. All I tasted was mushroom and noodle. Slippery and perfect. I saw them prepare the spaghetti with langoustines and had to have it, so that’s what I ordered the next night. It was absolute perfection. Everything made from scratch. The tomato sauce was light and perfectly seasoned. I could have eaten two bowls. Easily. The owner waited on me both nights and was charming with his heavy Italian accent. He takes his food seriously but has created a cozy atmosphere in this tiny basement restaurant. The lighting and seating adds to the coziness. Now. Dessert. I can’t stand Tiramisu. I don’t like coffee flavor. He talked me into trying his and it was a dream. Never eaten anything like it. Silky with a nice crunch from the pistachios. All in all, easily my favorite restaurant in Copenhagen. A lot of restaurants here serve such fancy food. I’d rather eat a meal that I feel like a grandma made, which Rufino embodies. Thank you for a fabulous meal that I won’t...

Review of Rufino Osteria, Copenhagen

Visiting Rufino Osteria in Copenhagen was like stepping into a cozy Italian nook, right in the heart of the city. I had the pleasure of dining with a former colleague, and we opted for the tasting menu, which promised a delightful culinary journey.

Seated on high chairs at the bar, we were treated to an intimate and personal service that truly elevated the experience. The staff were attentive, making us feel like cherished guests throughout the evening.

The tasting menu was a celebration of authentic Italian flavors with a subtle Danish twist. From the creamy Stracciatella with seasonal vegetables to the hearty Ribollita and Merluzzo, each dish was crafted with care. The Polpette alla Bolognese was a comforting nod to classic Italian cuisine, while the Tiramisú al Gianduia rounded off the meal with a sweet flourish.

The wine pairing was thoughtfully curated, featuring an interesting Italian Pet-Nat, a natural rosé from Italy, and a red natural wine from France. While they complemented the meal well, they didn't quite reach the heights of being extraordinary. However, the Limoncello served with dessert was a delightful surprise, and the complimentary extra glass and a small grappa were a generous touch.

In terms of the Copenhagen food scene, Rufino Osteria offers a very good meal, balancing price, quality, and atmosphere. It's not a place of fancy pretensions, but rather a spot where you can enjoy genuine Italian flavors in a relaxed setting. While I might not rush back immediately, it's certainly a place I'd consider revisiting for its warm service and solid...