Where to eat in Copenhagen—from boutique bakeries to New Nordic cuisine

With 26 Michelin stars found across its historic streets, Copenhagen is undeniably a culinary powerhouse. The city is home to some of the world’s most innovative restaurants — including Alchemist, a theatrical dining experience headed by Rasmus Munk, the reigning World’s Best Chef — yet, there’s no need to break the bank on a visit here. There are plenty of affordable restaurants showcasing traditional Danish cuisine, as well as first-rate bakeries, where you’ll find delights like the ‘Viennese’ (a pastry named after the city in which its Danish creator found inspiration). On a winter visit, join the locals on a quest to find the city’s best fastelavnsboller — seasonal cakes that liven up bakery windows from January onwards. From street-side food vendors to rustic waterfront breweries, this is how to experience the best of Copenhagen’s food scene.

Copenhagen's must-try local dishes

For breakfast, hit one of the city’s bakeries. With stores across Copenhagen, Hart is known for its sourdough, while Albatross & Venner is famed for its classic cheese rolls. For those with a sweet tooth, Juno, in the neighbourhood of Østerbro, draws queues around the block for its cardamom buns. Wherever you go, be sure to take the time to check out all the different varieties of Danish pastries that are loaded upon the counter — among the classics is one called a ‘snegl’ (meaning ‘snail’ in Danish).

Try traditional smørrebrød for lunch: a buttered piece of dark, nutty rye bread piled high with toppings, ranging from battered fish and marinated herring to slices of potatoes or hand-peeled prawns. Sample a selection at Selma, where Swedish chef Magnus Pettersson does picture-perfect modern takes on the classic.

The New Nordic movement, which focuses on using traditional Nordic ingredients that are locally-sourced and in-season, has been championed all over the world for its innovative, minimal-waste approach. Kadeau, a two-star Michelin restaurant in Christianshavn, has a strong tradition of preservation and fermentation and offers a charming ambience for a special dinner. Situated on the city’s quayside, Barr also embraces Nordic food traditions with a focus on fresh fish. One other aspect of Nordic dining to note: if you’re eating out in Copenhagen, make sure you’ve booked in advance as very few restaurants allow walk-ins.

Coffee culture

While there are plenty of museums, galleries and boutiques to explore in Copenhagen, no matter where you go, there’s always time to stop for coffee. The city has a thriving specialist coffee scene and is known for its ‘light roast’ blend. Many of the coffeeshops roast their own beans and sell them in specialist packaging, making for a great souvenir. La Cabra is one of the city’s finest, but don’t miss chic Coffee Collective and arty Lille Fugl. Found in the basement of the GL Strand gallery, Lille Fugl was recently voted one of the best coffeeshops in the Danish capital.

Street food and late-night snacks

Hot dogs were first introduced to Denmark in the 1920s and the street food has since become a key part of Danish culture. Go local at DØP, a hot dog stand at the foot of the Round Tower, which sells organic hot dogs topped with crunchy fried onions and plenty of pickles. Or keep an eye out for vendors on street corners — you’ll find these little mobile food wagons everywhere. In Nørrebro, visit 1990s-style cafe Diamond Slice for huge slices of New York-style pizza topped with Danish cheeses. There’s also a stellar menu to get through at Gasoline Grill, one of the city’s top burger outlets. Serving freshly ground, 100% organic beef patties in the setting of a former petrol garage, it’s Copenhagen’s answer to Shake Shack.

Microbreweries and cocktail bars

Carlsberg may be Copenhagen’s best-known export. You can visit the brewery and visitor centre at Home of Carlsberg if you’re a real fan, but it’s not the only thing to drink in the city. Craft brewery Mikkeller serves up beers with distinctive flavours — from chocolate to chilli — that are often stronger than you might expect. Meanwhile, Nørrebro brewpub Brus invites visitors to try the local To Øl beer.

Aside from its breweries, Copenhagen is awash with dimly lit, designer cocktail bars. Visitors are spoilt for choice, with hidden spots like 1105 and the jazz-infused Bird, as well as the historic harbourfront bar, Ruby. Alternatively, try the newly opened rooftop bar Victory, a recent addition to the city’s drinking dens. And after an evening of bar hopping, consider a (very cold) morning swim in the harbour — locals swear by its revitalising effects.