Often rated as one of the top foodie destinations in Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark, is one of my all-time favorite places to explore as a foodie. It is a city where culinary delights blend seamlessly with a rich historical and cultural tapestry, creating memorable food experiences like no other. It is one of those destinations where you could spend an entire day eating and still not be satisfied. There are just SO many fantastic restaurants in Copenhagen.

It can be difficult for first-time visitors to narrow down the restaurant options and prioritize the best places to try. 

That’s why I am here to help! I have visited Copenhagen on several occasions, and I lead multi-day trips in Denmark’s capital city. Needless to say, I’ve gotten quite familiar with the restaurant scene. Of course there are always new outposts to discover, but this list is a great introduction to Copenhagen’s food scene. You’ll find a mixture of affordable to high-end spots, and I have sorted the list by meals so you know exactly where to eat throughout the day.

First Timers Guide To The Best Food In Copenhagen

Coffee & Bakeries

Coffee Collective

Coffee aficionados flock to Coffee Collective for its meticulously sourced and expertly roasted beans. With a couple of locations around the city, you can see that it is beloved by locals. Their pour-over coffee, prepared with precision, is the shining star, showcasing the rich, nuanced flavors of their beans.

• Address: Kristen Bernikows Gade 2, 1105 København, Denmark
• Website:  https://coffeecollective.dk/ 

Original Coffee

This trendy spot seamlessly blends exceptional coffee culture with a delectable selection of traditional Danish pastries. Located conveniently between Kastellet and Nyhavn directly on the tourist route, this is a great place to pop in for a midday pick-me-up. There aren’t many tables here, but this is one of the few Copenhagen coffee shops that offers to-go cups. 

• Address: Bredgade 36, 1260 København, Denmark
• Website: http://www.originalcoffee.dk/

Roast

Of all the espressos I drank in Copenhagen (and trust me, it was a lot) Roast was my favorite. And clearly I’m not the only one, because I waited in a line both times that I visited their university campus location. Nonetheless, Roast is a rustic yet elegant cafe where you can leisurely sip on some of the best coffee in Copenhagen. Espresso is the star here, carefully measured and brewed to perfectly.

• Address: Studiestræde 16, 1455 København
• Website: http://www.roast.com/ 

Juno the Bakery

Located in the residential Østerbro district, Juno the Bakery is the brainchild of former Noma pastry chef Emil Glaser. And wow, Juno has earned a cult following since it opened its doors. The bakery has a chic industrial vibe that also somehow feels relaxed? It is masterful, just like their stunning pastries. There is almost always a line spilling out the door onto their charming patio, but it moves quickly. Once you’re at the pastry case, you’ll notice the selection is kept small with a few seasonal highlights and their signature cardamom buns. Chef Glaser has popularized this traditionally Swedish pastry in Copenhagen. The cardamom buns are fluffy, oozing with cardamom and sugar and – best of all – fresh from the oven. I may have loved the apple rhubarb Danish just a little bit more!

• Address: Århusgade 48, 2100 Copenhagen Ø
• Website: www.junothebakery.com

Hart Bakery Holmen

Stop what you’re doing right now, and pin Hart Bakery to your Copenhagen food map. You NEED to go to this incredible bakery. Step into a delicious world of baked treats where every creation is more tempting than the last. Housed in a shipping container style building right on the water, this charming bakery is known for its sourdough bread and Danish pastries. We ordered a first round of croissants, and loved them so much, we went back from cinnamon and cardamom buns as round two. I would say for pastry enthusiasts, it's a must-visit destination.

• Address: Galionsvej 41, 1437 København, Denmark
• Website: https://hartbageri.com/ 

Lunch

Warpigs Brewpub

It is a rare occasion when I eat red meat, and even more rare occasion when I eat American-style barbeque outside of the United States. In my experience, it is rarely good. It’s just not worth the disappointment. So, you can imagine my delightful surprise (more like shock) when I ate some legit BBQ at Warpigs Brewpub in the heart of Copenhagen. This is a mecca for meat lovers, serving up delicious barbecue, including burnt ends, sausage, pulled pork and more. They even have the correct sides, like mac-n-cheese, pickles and baked beans. With its edgy, hard rock aesthetic and extensive craft beer selection, Warpigs is a great place to come on a weekend afternoon. 

• Address: Flæsketorvet 25, 1711 København
• Website: https://warpigs.dk/ 

Copenhagen Food Halls

Over the past few years, Copenhagen’s street food scene has flourished with a new wave of dynamic food markets emerging around the city. Each food hall or market offers a unique atmosphere and I think they are all worth visiting. I have a separate blog post featuring the 4 best food halls in Copenhagen. They are a great option for lunch, especially with a group, because everyone can select different cuisines for different dietary requirements & preferences. Whether you're craving authentic Danish smørrebrød or exotic international flavors, Copenhagen’s food halls are the perfect way to explore the city's culinary diversity.

Poulette

For a quick eat on your feet, head to this fried chicken shop in Nørrebro - a favorite of the city's chefs when off-duty. Maybe that is why it was featured in season 2 of the hit show “The Bear”, all about the private lives of restaurant staff. Poulette serves only two sandwiches: spicy fried chicken or mapo fried tofu. Served on a brioche bun with pickles, lettuce and mayo, you can also add cheese to either sandwich, as well as a side of crispy seasoned fries. Wrapped up in paper printed with the neon-pink Poulette logo, these messy sandwiches are absolutely delicious. I get one almost every time I visit Copenhagen!

• Address: Møllegade 1, 2200 København, Denmark
• Website: www.poulette.dk

Hija de Sanchez

Like so many of the restaurants on this list, Hija de Sanchez was opened by one of Noma’s former chefs Rosio Sanchez. I am typically quite skeptical about Mexican restaurants outside of North America, because they are usually… not good. But Hija de Sanchez more than delivers at its charming taqueria stands around Copenhagen. Like a classic Mexican taqueria, the menu offers a simple lineup of tacos and sides. The tortillas were absolutely perfect, made in-house from 100 per cent corn flour. I found the tacos were great, although the flavors weren't as punchy or strong as I would prefer. Regardless, the salsa was spicy, the chips were crispy, and the experience inspired nostalgia of my trips to Mexico.

• Address: Slagterboderne 8, 1716 København, Denmark 
• Website: https://lovesanchez.com/

Smørrebrød

In case you aren’t familiar, Smørrebrød is the traditional open-faced sandwich from Copenhagen. It is a must-try dish for any foodie visiting Denmark’s capital city. The name "Smørrebrød" literally translates to "buttered bread". Locally beloved, Smørrebrød consists of a slice of dense, dark rye bread as the base, generously topped with an array of ingredients that can range from herring, cold cuts, or seafood to vibrant and fresh garnishes like pickles, herbs, and eggs. The combination of flavors and textures in these meticulously crafted sandwiches reflects the rich culinary heritage of Denmark.

Møntergade

Møntergade offers some of Copenhagen’s finest traditional smørrebrød with a modern twist. Signature dishes include shrimp piled high with mayonnaise, herbs, and edible flowers, as well as deep-fried plaice with a tangy curry remoulade. I just love the vibe of this restaurant. The chic, minimalist and elegant interior feels welcoming, perfect for any occasion, from business dinners to casual lunch outings. Combining classic Danish craftsmanship with contemporary flavors, I think Møntergade is a lovely choice for a smørrebrød.

• Address: Møntergade 19, 1120 København, Denmark
• Website: https://montergade.dk/ 

Selma

For perhaps the best Smørrebrød experience in Copenhagen, Selma is an obvious choice. The Michelin guide made culinary history when it awarded Selma a Bib Gourmand, making it the first smørrebrød joint to receive the accolade. With their meticulous approach and delicate yet precise flavors, the kitchen at Selma transforms simple slices of rye bread into exquisite canvases, adorned with a symphony of toppings. Selma puts a contemporary twist on the humble classic, using creative toppings such as elderflower herring or truffled celeriac. 

• Address: Rømersgade 20, 1362 København, Denmark 
• Website: http://selmacopenhagen.dk/ 

Dinner

Vækst

If my soul could manifest into a restaurant, I think it would look like Vækst – lots of potted plants, chic but comfortable furniture, a full-size greenhouse and strings of bare bulbs overhead. The aesthetic is SPOT ON, aiming to evoke an endless summer feeling in Denmark.  Fresh Nordic-inspired cuisine is at the heart of this kitchen, focused on a small and seasonal menu. Dishes are light and flavorful with seasonal vegetables and herbs playing a major part. You can order a set menu or ala-carte, and they have a vegetarian set menu regularly. They also have a dinner seating. Reservations required, especially for dinner.

• Address: Sankt Peders Stræde 34, 1453 København 
• Website: https://www.vaekst.dk/ 

Oysters & Grill

For seafood lovers, Oysters & Grill is a must-visit. As the name implies, oysters are one of the specialties. With daily deliveries from around Europe, you can order a mixture of different oysters.  If you’re with a few people, opt for the seafood menu to share. You’ll be greeted with piled-high plates of fried squid, grilled fish, shrimp, razor clams, ceviche and scallops. I really enjoyed the unpretentious and welcoming aesthetic, with handwritten chalkboards, kaleidoscopic vinyl tablecloths and mismatched vintage plates. 

• Address: Sjællandsgade 1B, 2200 København, Denmark 
• Website: https://cofoco.dk/oysters-and-grill/ 

Delphine

The latest opening for the trendy restaurant group COFOCO is Delphine. It is spacious and bright with soaring high ceilings, smoke-mirrored pillars and a massive Matisse-inspired mural. I am just obsessed with the atmospheric vibe straight from the Greek Isles. Every single element supports the refreshing, contemporary, and unpretentious Mediterranean theme. It’s a small plate style restaurant with speedy service. A few highlights were juicy fried calamari with lemon mayonnaise, baked fennel with olives, and grilled lamb skewers. Don’t miss the tasty dips, like creamy tzatziki and minty pea spread.

• Address: Vesterbrogade 40, 1620 København, Denmark
• Website: http://cofoco.dk/delphine 

Baest

For Michelin quality pizzas (at a quarter of the price), head up to Bæst. Opened by Christian Puglisi, one of the most influential chefs in Copenhagen, Bæst has one of Copenhagen’s best value meals on a cost-to-quality ratio. The vibes here are immaculate. Pizzas are the star at Bæst, expertly made and cooked in the wood-fired oven in the center of the restaurant – and they only cost around $15-$20, an absolute bargain in Copenhagen. The menu has an assortment of small plates, snacks, and desserts, so if you want a full meal, opt for the set 4-course menu which is fantastic value.

• Address: Guldbergsgade 29, 2200 København, Denmark
• Website: baest.dk

Fine Dining & Michelin Meals

Kiin Kiin

Holding a Michelin star for 10 consecutive years – and Denmark’s only Thai eatery to do so – Kiin Kiin mixes classic Thai dishes with Danish produce. It was one of the most memorable Michelin-star dining experiences I’ve ever had. Sam and I celebrated a New Year’s Eve dinner at Kiin Kiin in 2017. Like many other Michelin restaurants, you can select from multi-course tasting menus depending on your price range. Our menu included lobster and prawn Tom Yam Soup, coconut milk and corn with quail, and spiced beef tenderloin. I will never forget the freeze dried Masaman curry served tableside. Absolutely melt in your mouth delicious! 

• Address: Guldbergsgade 21, 2200 København 
• Website: https://www.kiin.dk/ 

Restaurant Barr

Located in Noma’s old digs inside a former whaling warehouse dating back to the 16th century, Restaurant Barr is an upscale restaurant with a casual vibe. The kitchen combines Danish culinary traditions with a contemporary approach, offering a menu that celebrates local ingredients and seasonal produce. The signature dish is a Wiener schnitzel, served with different sauces and topping throughout the year. Perfectly cooked chanterelle mushrooms and a lovely herb sauce accompanied my schnitzel. Reservations are recommended, but the bar accepts walk-ins and serves most of the dishes on the menu

• Address: Strandgade 93, 1401 København
• Website: https://www.restaurantbarr.com/ 

Restaurant Jordnær

There are so many wonderful things I could say about Jordnær. It was the most special meal from our recent trip to Copenhagen. Inside a small hotel in Gentofte, around 12 km north of Copenhagen, every detail is cared for and considered, even down to the record spinning from the vintage player.

Owned and operated by married couple Eric Vildgaard, the head chef, and Tina Kragh Vildgaard, the front of house manager, the couple create an exceptional experience for their guests. You’ll get plenty of face time with both of them, and they make you feel like you are dining in their home. It is such a comfortable place to enjoy an exquisite dinner of the best caliber. At Jordnær, it is all about leaning back in the comfortable chairs and preparing yourself for pure enjoyment. 

If you are a fan of the finest ingredients plucked from the sea, Jordnær is the perfect destination. Seafood is the true star of the show, comprising nearly every dish on the 18-course tasting menu we had. The menu features an array of bold, creative and stunningly plated fish and shellfish dishes. You’ll get to experience huge langoustines, turbot and king crab, not to mention the outlandishly generous volume of caviar that plays an important role throughout the meal. The menu is paired with exquisite wines, while a full pairing of top-marque champagnes is available. 

• Address: Gentoftegade 29, 2820 Gentofte, Denmark
• Website: http://restaurantjordnaer.dk/ 

Dessert

Alida Marstrand

Calling all chocoholics! Alida Marstrand is a chocolate lover's paradise in the heart of Copenhagen. Their passion for creating exquisite chocolates is evident in every bite, with a dedication to quality, flavor and technique. Alida Marstrand offers a delightful assortment of artisanal chocolates, in both milk and dark chocolate. Each truffle or praline is a work of edible art that reflects their commitment to the craft. 

• Address: Bredgade 14, 1260 København, Denmark
• Website: http://www.marstrandchokolade.dk/ 

Do you have thoughts or questions about this Copenhagen food guide? Tell me in the comments below!