The best restaurants in Copenhagen
Denmark often brings to mind images of doughy pastries, succulent frikadeller meatballs, and smørrebrød; delightful rye bread open sandwiches, lavishly topped with herring and remoulade. While these are popular dishes, they merely represent small samples of the vast culinary landscape as offered in the contemporary Copenhagen dining scene.
In recent years, Copenhagen has evolved into a food paradise, leading in culinary innovations in Danish cuisine, as well as redefining the methods we use to gather, prepare, and savor delicacies from every corner of the globe. Gourmet enthusiasts worldwide consider restaurants in Copenhagen not simply as point of interest, but as the beating heart of the entire international gastronomic scene.
The rise of Nordic cuisine is often attributed to masterchef René Redzepi’s Noma, renowned for its three Michelin stars. Another mention-worthy establishment is Geranium; conceptualized by culinary geniuses Rasmus Kofoed and Søren Ledet, where an immersive three-hour tasting journey called "Universe" recently dethroned Noma for the title of World's Best Restaurant 2022. Besides these, Copenhagen is home to myriad exquisite dining houses, each with its unique taste adventures to offer.
The best restaurants in Copenhagen
ARK
Not content with already revolutionising Denmark’s plant-based food scene and being the first vegan restaurant in the Nordics to be awarded a Michelin Green Star, Ark is on a mission to push the boundaries and show its guests what’s possible with meat-free cuisine. Everything here, from the food to the furniture, is totally vegan, sustainable and locally sourced. Striking lamps by Jonas Edvard are made from a mixture of seaweed harvested on Danish beaches and recycled paper waste, and lounge stools fashioned from salvaged floor beams. The nine-course tasting menu with (mainly) organic wine or non-alcoholic pairings is a masterclass in creative cooking. Every dish showcases layers of surprising flavours. To begin, seaweed jelly with a cucumber skin reduction, then umeboshi is served to cleanse the palate. It tastes as if it’s been steeped in Japanese fish sauce, but it is completely vegan. Other highlights from the menu include the blue oyster mushrooms with umami glaze and turnip with white radish, apple and macadamia. The cabbage with yeast and crunchy chestnut, cooked just like a steak would be, is a revelation. I will never look at a cabbage in the same way again. Karin Mueller
Address: ARK, Nørre Farimagsgade 63, 1364 København K, Denmark
Website: restaurantark.dk
An Excursion to Delphine
At Delphine, you will be captivated by the Grecian charm that oozes from its arresting blue ornamentations and floral decorations. The enormity of the sunlight-soaked windows and the towering white partitions is a sight to behold, whilst the illustrations on the crockery spark visual delight. The establishment's mirrored pillars interact beautifully with the sun's rays, casting a spellbinding reflective dance on the monochrome chequered marble floor. The small plate concept focuses on detail-oriented culinary excellence where the ingredient quality is the star attraction - there's no room for hiding here.
The dining experience captures the essence of genuine Mediterranean cuisine sharing. Whether it's savouring a bite, dipping a bread or indulging in delectable dunking, the joy of communal feasting is what Delphine is all about. Two standout dishes include the riveting watermelon and feta cheese salad - a refreshing blend of sweet and salty flavours, and succulent grilled langoustines, lavishly dressed with parsley, lemon, and garlic which are nothing short of divine.
Visit Delphine and get a glimpse of this gastronomical wonder for yourself: Vesterbrogade 40, 1620København
For more information on Delphine: cofoco.dk
Sonny CPH
Huddled within a row of striking city centre buildings, Sonny is Copenhagen’s touch of Parisian flair and is located just a few minutes from Nytorv square and the imposing neoclassical Court House. Owners Sara and David have transposed elements of real-life experience working in Paris to create a warm, welcoming space serving homemade dishes and cakes. As you view artworks celebrating Chanel and the Eiffel Tower from Paris-style bistro tables, the coffee is decidedly Danish (brewed in collaboration with Aarhus-based La Cabra) and the lunches are too: they bake their own rye bread and seasonal sweets (the locally sourced strawberries that top the house Strawberry Tart are a must). For lunch, Sonny’s trademark Green Frittata is a tastebud tantaliser.
Address: Sonny, Rådhusstræde 5, 1466 København
Website: sonnycph.dk
Grød
Perhaps nodding to Heston Blumenthal’s famous snail porridge at the UK’s The Fat Duck restaurant, Grød (porridge in Danish) has created an entire menu based on the stuff. At owners Martin Daniali and Lasse Skjønning Andersen’s flagship venue in the fashionable Nørrebro neighbourhood, Grød serves up oaty-based breakfast, lunch and supper that might just transform your grain appreciation. Its Scandi-interiors are simple and cosy, with low lighting, dark walls and light wood tables. Dishes are refined takes on favourites that for dinner include Daal (where Indian spices infuse the oats and fresh coriander, cherry tomatoes and salted almonds are brought together by Icelandic yoghurt) and pea risotto where, you guessed it, rice is replaced by oats. The fried ‘Grødeller’ patties with cabbage, apple and truffle mayo are a hearty snack. Far from a fad, so popular has it become that eight other branches are now open around the city.
Address: Grød, Jægersborggade 50, 2200 København
Website: groed.com
La Banchina: A Delightful Culinary Experience
La Banchina, translating to 'The Quay' in Italian, is an embodiment of quintessential Danish attributes - subtlety, minimalism, and fondness for nature. The humble, beach shack-style wooden structure, hued in blue and white, may not impress at first glance, with its weather-worn exterior more a result of Denmark's harsh winters than intentional aesthetic. However, the gastronomical experience it offers is exceptional. Renowned for its dynamic menu that alters daily, La Banchina is all about fresh, locally-sourced, and seasonal ingredients. Their all-vegetarian cuisine combines the comfort of Italian recipes with the wholesomeness of plant-based food. To complement their delicious meals, they offer an all-natural wine selection.
All the food they serve includes ingredients either sourced locally or foraged, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability. Adjacent to La Banchina's idyllic setting is the crystalline Copenhagen harbour, where a quick swim before your meal is not particularly frowned upon but actively recommended, making it an all-encompassing Danish experience. Patrons can also revel in a sauna session amidst La Banchina's charming circular builds. Nestled in the much-adored locale of Refshaleøen, the food hub Reffen with its 50 innovative street food vendors is close at hand. The world-renowned Noma, a Michelin star restaurant, is also a stone's throw away. Adding to the spirit of the place, the winter months see La Banchina roll out 'The Bonfire', a tasting menu complete with wine pairings.
Location:La Banchina, Refshalevej 141A, Refshaleøen, 1432 København
Official Site:labanchina.dk
Discover POPL Burger
Think you know burgers? Your perceptions are about to be realigned. Emerged from initiatives of the culinary masters at Noma, POPL Burger aimed to make their class-leading quality dining more attainable. Tucked away in the stunning Christianshavn neighborhood, POPL is renowned for burgers that redefine the classic with their exceptional savoriness. They use organic beef procured from free-ranging cows. This doesn't happen by accident; it's the result of the tireless efforts by the POPL team to establish partnerships with top-quality biodynamic farmers, fermentation specialists, winemakers, and brewers. They believe that their commitment to standards in cooking, innovation, and sustainability is their core strength. They also cater to vegetarian diners too. The eatery is expertly put together by Copenhagen's premier architects, Spacon and X. They have curated its look with custom-made furniture and nature-inspired hues that mirror the famed Noma’s garden. Reservations are recommended.
Set your GPS to: POPL Burger, Strandgade 108, 1401 København
For additional information, visit:poplburger.com.
Discover Selma
In the competitive world of Copenhagen's culinary scene, Selma has emerged as a popular favorite when it comes to smørrebrød, Denmark's beloved traditional dish. Embracing the ethos of simplicity, it has turned this national staple into a gourmet culinary experience deserving of a Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition, an honor it achieved in 2019. Key to its distinct offering is the use of fresh seasonal ingredients, creatively paired to leave your taste buds questioning and wanting more. A prime example? Their blackcurrant herring served with a generous dollop of crème fraîche, coupled with the subtle piquancy of red pearl onions and the earthiness of buckwheat. You'd have to experience it personally to truly appreciate the symphony of flavors. And if you're ready for a gastronomic adventure, the skillful chefs curate tasting menus encompassing five to seven specially chosen delicacies. Complementing the culinary prowess, the ambience is tastefully designed with warm mustard walls and vibrant seating, eschewing any trace of pretentiousness, and allowing the true star of the show - the food - to shine.
Location:Selma, Rømersgade 20, 1362 København
Explore more:selmacopenhagen.dk
Kiin Kiin
‘Kiin Kiin’ is the way some Thai parents summon their kids in for supper and in the case of the Copenhagen restaurant that takes this name, it’s worth heeding that call. Holding a Michelin star for 10 consecutive years – Denmark’s only Thai eatery to do so – Kiin Kiin mixes immersive classic Thai dishes and spices with Danish produce. The evening tasting menu takes you on a journey through plates including lobster and prawn Tom Yam Soup, coconut milk and corn with quail, and yellow crab curry among many others, all of which are artfully presented. Wine pairings are available. Brilliantly, they are closed for all of July when the chefs travel to Thailand for new inspiration, resulting in later summer inventions that are worth scheduling a trip for.
Address: Kiin Kiin, Guldbergsgade 21, 2200 København
Website: kiin.dk
Mad og Kaffe
Literally ‘food and coffee’, Mad og Kaffe burst onto the Copenhagen scene in 2015 and continues to attract the masses for brunch and now, supper. Something of a pick ‘n’ mix, you choose multiple dishes from the menu and they arrive on a wooden board with a side of hygge. From sausage with Emmental, smoked chilli ketchup and fried sage, to avocado with pea purée and roasted hazelnuts, it’s a journey through breakfast. The ever-changing ‘treats of the day’ menu is a joy, with a highlight being the Danish red berry pudding with whipped mascarpone and vanilla – just hope it’s on when you visit. It’s a first come, first served place so get in early. The colourful Scandi-stripped back interior flagship venue is in trendy Vesterbro, but the beautiful nearby Frederiksberg and Amager district cafés are also open.
Address: Mad og Kaffe, Sønder Boulevard 68, 1720 København
Website: madogkaffe.dk
An everlasting Danish summer at Vækst
Hidden amidst Copenhagen's vibrant Latin Quarter and adjacent to the trendy SP34 Hotel, you will find Vækst. This restaurant transports patrons to an eternal Danish summer with its two-level verdant greenhouse decor. Patrons rave about feeling enveloped by an indoor-outdoor illuminated cocoon as they dine. The menu offers a distinct Nordic flair focusing on vegetable-centered dishes accompanied by flavorful meats, fish, and seafood. This place is a gastronomic haven that brings a fresh, foraged appeal to your palate.
The cuisine here echoes the high-end rustic ambience of the restaurant itself. The meticulous composition of each dish is visually enchanting, perfectly complementing the rich, nuanced flavours. Noteworthy evenings at Vækst often involve their three-course tasting menu, complete with a three-glass wine pairing for that perfect note of luxury. Signature dishes here include the delectably salted cod, harmoniously paired with white currants, green tomatoes, and a tangy buttermilk infusion. For the vegetarians, the grilled romaine lettuce served with unripe blackcurrants, ramson (wild garlic), and the famed Danish Vesterhavsost cheese is sure to satiate your senses.
The visual allure, along with the culinary expertise exhibited at Vækst, makes it a top contender in any list of the best restaurants in Copenhagen.
Location:Vækst, Sankt Peders Stræde 34, 1453 København
Official Site:cofoco.dk
Uncovering Kødbyens Fiskebar
In the heart of Vesterbro, the once industrious neighborhood of Copenhagen's meatpacking district, has witnessed a remarkable transformation, unraveling a gastronome's paradise. Here, perched amidst the trendy food milieu, is Kødbyens Fiskebar. It's much more than just a seafood restaurant. It's an establishment that celebrates a decade of integrating tantalizing, locally procured seafood with an extensive selection of exquisite wines. Resting within a historically preserved edifice, the Fiskebar team took up the challenge of blending the original industrial identity with modern urbane chic. Scars of the rough, original structure are artistically incorporated, epitomizing 'beauty in ruins'. The mirrored restroom setup, coupled with the sound of droplets resonating through the loudspeakers, all contribute to a unique, immersive dining ambiance.
Culinary mastermind, Jamie Lee, sharpened his skills among London's best, even working at the renowned Gordon Ramsay Restaurants. His true culinary prowess shines through with his signature dish: crayfish complemented with a fennel emulsion that certainly steals the show. And of course, no visit to Fiskebar is complete without indulging in their unparalleled oysters.
Location:Kødbyens Fiskebar, Flæsketorvet 100, 1711 København
Explore More:fiskebaren.dk
Discover a Taste Adventure at SALT
Nestled within the confines of the architectural treasure, the Admiral Hotel found on the waterfront, one uncovers the gem that is SALT. Conceived by the minds of Conran & Partners, SALT reflects the building's marine influences. Top chef Ludvig Werner steers the culinary direction, introducing a fusion of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a strong emphasis on fresh Danish ingredients, thus forging a unique take on contemporary Danish gastronomy. Prioritising innovative flair, the establishment's principal composite, salt, is intentionally incorporated into all dishes. Derived from Denmark, France and England, the salt embodies the restaurant's ethos of hospitality and camaraderie.
The establishment's exceptional snack range, from the tastefully salted cod croquette paired with robust dill and zesty vinegar powder to the tenderly marinated octopus complimented by warm flatbread, zingy lemon and fragrant fennel, promises to delight your palate. For those desiring to explore culinary depth, the seafood options are enticing, including the distinctive salted turbot harmonised with crisp courgette, sweet pear and spicy togarashi, or the tantalising crispy skin mullet married perfectly with hearty cabbage, fragrant lovage and sweet caramelised buttermilk. Each plate is guaranteed to induce an irresistible urge to savour every morsel.
Location:SALT - Admiral Hotel, Toldbodgade 24-28, 1253 Copenhagen
Online Presence:saltrestaurant.dk