The 38 Must-Try Restaurants in Copenhagen

Surt was a pioneer in transforming the old Carlsberg Byen brewery area into a trendy destination. Diners will traverse the city for a taste of pizza crafted by Italian owner Giuseppe Oliva, who also played a significant role in chef Christian Puglisi’s Baest, Copenhagen’s first high-end Italian Mytoury. Surt shines at lunchtime with its Sur Pie, baked in a tray, and offers an exceptional evening experience featuring ancient grain sourdough pizzas topped with a rich red sauce made from Sicilian siccagno tomatoes and garnished with Hindsholm pork sausage and buffalo mozzarella. A fantastic selection of wines from Sicilian producers is available, and don’t miss Surt’s nearby sister wine bar, Lĭquo, showcasing wines from all 21 Italian regions.

Jordnær has become one of the most sought-after dining experiences in the city since it achieved its third Michelin star, a remarkable accomplishment especially after a kitchen fire led to months of closure. Chef and owner Eric Kragh Vildgaard, who turned his life around from his troubled youth through culinary passion, runs this restaurant in Gentofte, just a 20-minute drive from the city center. His wife, Tina Kragh, has garnered multiple awards for her service and sommelier skills while managing the restaurant’s floor. The tasting menu, featuring about 18 courses, artfully combines Nordic and Japanese flavors, heavily emphasizing seafood and excluding meat; you might encounter a dish like gel crafted from langoustine heads, Cognac, and Tahitian vanilla.

Mathias Silberbauer’s charming French bistro, adorned with red-checkered tablecloths, offers a menu that changes daily. If you're lucky, you might find dishes like beef onglet with pepper sauce, mussels generously topped with aioli, classic escargot swimming in garlic and herb butter, and pissaladière (an onion tart that's a must-try if available). The chef previously owned a restaurant in Nice and has worked at notable places such as Relæ, Bæst, and Manfreds, the iconic venue that Silberbauers replaced. The extensive wine list and knowledgeable staff are there to enhance your experience.

Situated a bit off the beaten path in Frederiksberg, Bird has become a magnet for international bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts, especially after clinching the title of Best Cocktail Bar in Denmark at the 2024 Bartenders’ Choice Awards, which honors Nordic bars. This listening bar offers “highballs with hi-fidelity,” featuring weekend DJs spinning a range of genres from jazz to Balearic house, while guests savor mostly pre-batched cocktails for consistency in quality. The drinks draw inspiration from classic recipes, often incorporating spirits from emerging craft distilleries. A great starting point is the signature Bonfire Manhattan, alongside a varied selection of Negronis.

Nestled in the artistic district of Nørrebro, Baka d’ Busk is operated by a collective of friends known as the “plant boys,” who embrace a vegetarian philosophy in the kitchen. Each table is uniquely set with items sourced from various antique shops, ensuring no two look alike—except for the ever-present shot glasses. (It’s almost as if the servers possess telepathy; just think “vodka,” and a shot will magically appear.) The portions are generous—chef and owner Jonathan Zeuthen Knoll ensures no one leaves feeling hungry—with stunningly layered presentations of fresh vegetables. The wine list focuses on small craft producers.

Jonathan Tam's culinary journey, shaped by his experiences at Relae and Noma, culminates in his distinctive style at his first restaurant. The tasting menu highlights Nordic ingredients, particularly showcasing pork prepared in a char siu style sourced from Hindsholm farm. Jatak collaborates with over 15 suppliers each week to ensure a vibrant kitchen, while sommeliers present rare bottles from small-scale winemakers. Dining at the counter allows patrons to witness the artistry of the open kitchen. It's no wonder Jatak—meaning 'Yes, please' in Danish—earned a Michelin star within its first few months.

Since launching her first taco stand near Torvehallerne market in 2015, chef Rosio Sanchez has cultivated a thriving collection of casual taquerias, culminating in this standout venue that features both upscale à la carte and tasting menus. The offerings are deeply influenced by her Mexican roots in Chicago, showcasing fresh masa transformed into exquisite tortillas. Among the traditional favorites, don’t miss the cochinita pibil taco made with slow-cooked pork from Hindsholm, and be sure to sample seasonal delights like the spicy mussels. Solo diners can enjoy warm peanuts roasted with garlic and chile de árbol while sipping mezcal margaritas at the bar. A notable advantage: while many top Copenhagen restaurants open only for dinner, Sanchez welcomes the lunch crowd.

Pompette is a quaint, walk-in-only wine bar and shop featuring an impressive array of natural wines at wallet-friendly prices. You can find a selection that includes red, white, sparkling, rosé, and orange wines, all priced similarly to a pint of beer. Accompany your drink with delicious snacks like ricotta and anchovies or mackerel escabeche. The owners also run Poulette next door, famous for its spicy fried chicken sandwiches, along with Villette – a nearby bar and canteen.

After a decade as a beloved bakery in trendy Nørrebro, Mirabelle has transformed into a vibrant all-day restaurant that marries Danish ingredients with Sicilian culinary traditions, reflecting the roots of founder Christian Puglisi, renowned for the iconic, now-closed Relae. Visit in the morning for their celebrated sourdough and fresh pastries, or come later for must-try arancinis, especially the variant filled with pork ragu and smoked scamorza cheese. Other standout dishes on the à la carte menu include steak tartare, ravioli, and a seasonal almond granita, with a tasting menu available for dinner.

Address: Guldbergsgade 29A

Copenhagen boasts some of the finest coffee bars in Europe, and Prolog, established by Jonas Gehl and Sebastian Quistorff in 2016, features two locations that serve as gathering spots for devoted coffee enthusiasts. Choose the one in Kødbyen to enjoy pastries from Juno bakery along with your coffee. Prolog sources directly from around 30 farmers primarily located in Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru, Ethiopia, and Kenya, and you can also purchase beans and a variety of coffee equipment.

This iconic spot in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking district continues to serve exceptional seafood after 15 successful years. The à la carte menu features classics like fish and chips, moules frites, a wide selection of oysters, high-quality langoustines, and various grilled fish options. The kitchen remains open until 11 p.m., making it a great choice for late-night dining, complemented by a well-curated wine list.

At Propaganda, visitors find themselves enjoying the unique blend of natural wine and spicy Korean cuisine. Founded by Riccardo Marcon, who also started Barabba, in collaboration with chef Youra Kim, this casual modern Korean Mytoury doubles as a bottle shop. Don't miss the signature gochujang-glazed chicken topped with crunchy peanuts, or try seasonal offerings like spicy potatoes with fish cakes or white asparagus kkochi skewers paired with rice cakes and pine nut sauce. Choose any bottle from the shop, and remember, the corkage fee is waived after midnight. With late kitchen hours, it's the perfect spot to cap off your evening. Propaganda has transformed its location on Vester Farimagsgade into a sought-after area for new dining spots.

Hot dogs represent the quintessential street food experience in the Nordics. Throughout the city, you'll find vendors selling røde pølser (red hot dogs), which are boiled pork sausages encased in vibrant red skins. To truly savor this Danish delicacy, visit John’s Hotdog Deli, conveniently located just outside Central Station. The hot dogs boast unique and inventive flavors, such as wild boar with mushrooms or lemon with thyme, accompanied by a wide variety of toppings that go beyond the usual ketchup and mustard.

Since its launch in 2017, Slurp has sparked a ramen craze throughout the Nordic region. Founder Philipp Inreiter, a former Noma apprentice, journeyed through Japan and returned with a deep appreciation for rich broths and noodles. The ramen served here is styled after Tokyo's favorites, with plenty of spice to warm you up on chilly winter days. The 'nduja miso ramen, a recent addition, has gained quite a following, which is both a blessing and a curse—the weekend lunch rush can see lines stretching for up to two hours.

This restaurant is committed to sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices from its wall paint to its zero-waste kitchen. Executive chef Brett Lavender, with a background in fine dining around the world, specializes in a fully vegan tasting menu that has earned a green star from the Michelin Guide. The seasonal menu features a signature fluffy brioche made without eggs, milk, or butter, paired with a faux foie gras crafted from lion’s mane mushrooms cultivated on owner Jason Renwick’s urban farm, Funga Farm, which supplies several local Mytouries. Don’t miss the cocktails, either.

If you find yourself craving carbs after a long night out, Il Mattarello is the place to go. Nestled within the Torvehallerne food hall, this spot serves some of the finest pasta in Copenhagen. Run by Italian duo Lucia de Luca and Valerio Serino, it attracts a diverse crowd eager to enjoy their carbonara, which features handmade, eggless spaghetti to complement the rich eggy sauce, guanciale, and pecorino. Cacio e pepe and a rotating selection of stuffed pastas like tortellini, tortelli, or cappelletti are also available. You can sit at the bar to watch the chefs at work, ideally paired with a glass of organic Italian red wine, followed by a delightful tiramisu or panna cotta. The owners also operate Terrá, a Nordic Italian fine dining venue.

After departing from his highly praised minimalist restaurant Geist in 2020, chef Bo Bech traveled the world for pop-up events before returning to Copenhagen, much to the excitement of local diners. Bobe occupies the former space of the smørrebrød restaurant Peder Oxe on Gråbrødretorv square. As you make your way to the restaurant, you'll navigate through a series of rooms leading to an open kitchen, where you might catch Bech himself at work. Initially, he refrained from offering any classic dishes from Geist, but due to popular demand, you can now find beloved items like thinly sliced avocado with caviar and almond oil, or raw langoustine paired with yuzu and hibiscus. The a la carte and tasting menus feature seasonal ingredients presented in a casual yet refined Bo-style, earning the restaurant a Bib Gourmand award. Head sommelier Ottavio Saglam offers a selection of both innovative natural wines and classic bottles.

This is the go-to place for smørrebrød, ideally enjoyed with a local beer. The ambiance is charmingly traditional, with both the decor and the food reflecting an old-school vibe, while the staff keeps the mood light with humor and guests often join in for a few snaps. Come with an appetite, as the portions are hearty, featuring favorites like classic fried plaice filets with remoulade or a towering serving of Greenland shrimp topped with red and white mayonnaise. Other sought-after dishes include chicken salad, tartare, and roast beef. Due to its popularity, be sure to make a reservation in advance.

Since its launch in 2014, Balderdash has marked a turning point in Copenhagen’s cocktail culture. New Yorker Geoffrey Canilao runs this establishment more like a restaurant than a typical bar, embracing a laid-back philosophy: “Prep like Michelin, but serve like McDonald’s.” This approach is a hit, with friendly yet professional staff navigating the room with unique cocktails. The ever-evolving seasonal menu includes some pre-batched drinks and partnerships with local producers, including beekeepers and Noma Projects. Expect a lively atmosphere from Thursday to Saturday, as its prime location in the historic center attracts night owls from across the city.

Known for having some of the finest cinnamon buns in the Nordics, Juno is led by Swede Emil Glaser, an alum of Noma. This small bakery in Østerbro delights throughout the year, offering semlor (cream-filled buns) on Shrove Tuesday and lussekatter (saffron buns) in December. It's always worth the wait to sample their black cardamom buns and flaky croissants. When you reach the front of the line, enhance your treats with a coffee from Koppi, a Swedish brand that has significantly influenced Scandinavia’s coffee culture.

This esteemed fine dining establishment has been a launching pad for many talented chefs. It was the first restaurant in Copenhagen to earn a Michelin star in 1983 and achieved its second in 2021 under the leadership of head chef Mark Lundgaard. Located underground in the cellar of Copenhagen's oldest building, the restaurant offers a classic French-inspired menu featuring dishes like wagyu and caviar, turbot on the bone, and a remarkable cheese cart. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive selection of vintage wines, while the tasting menu includes several exclusive pairings.

Atelier September has moved to a new spot in Indre By, the heart of the city, while still dishing out some of the finest breakfast in town, including their renowned avocado toast. This charming café, managed by Frederik Bille Brahe, serves as a stylish retreat for Copenhagen locals, who gather to enjoy matcha lattes, slices of rye bread with Comté, and buttery sourdough croissants. Atelier September closes by evening, inviting patrons to head over to the lively Apollo Bar, also run by Bille Brahe.

One of Copenhagen's top burgers comes from an operational gas station. Owner Klaus Wittrup pioneered the quality burger scene in the city with freshly ground beef cooked to order. Since the burger craze began in 2016, he's opened multiple locations, including one at the airport. Choose from organic beef or a vegetarian option on a soft potato bun, complemented by pickles and greens, with the option to enhance your fries with truffle salt or vinegar. Keep in mind: the restaurant operates until items are sold out.

With a fine dining background, including serving as the opening beverage director for the now-closed Noma sister restaurant 108, Riccardo Marcon has established a modern Italian Mytoury that excels without the pretentiousness. The menu features traditional Italian courses, showcasing dishes like rabbit ravioli and spaghetti with broccoli rabe. The standout is the renowned spaghetti with butter, colatura, and caviar. Diners can choose between à la carte options or a full tasting menu. The wine list highlights excellent natural selections, and the Negroni—enhanced with a touch of absinthe—is regarded as one of the city's finest. A generous pour of grappa is the perfect send-off for a restful night.

After heading the kitchen at the Michelin-starred Marchal in the prestigious Hotel D’Angleterre, chef Andreas Bagh has moved just across the street to establish Esmée, in the former space of celebrity chef Bo Bech’s Geist. The cuisine at this new venue doesn't strictly adhere to French gastronomic traditions, yet it still showcases an appreciation for exquisite flavors, featuring items like a croque-monsieur with Gruyère and black truffle, blinis topped with caviar, and a delightful lobster pasta. Be sure to leave room for the soft serve.

Goldfinch in Copenhagen takes its inspiration from the Hong Kong restaurant featured in Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love. Chef Will King-Smith, who hails from the three-Michelin-starred Geranium, oversees the kitchen, while his wife, Megan Leung, manages the front of house. Many evenings, you’ll spot off-duty local chefs enjoying the remarkable scallop toast (a gourmet twist on shrimp toast) paired with thimbles of baijiu. Be sure to try the steamed dumplings and finish with the delightful Hong Kong French toast. The cocktail menu, crafted by award-winning bartender Harry Bell, recently recognized as Best Bartender at the Bartenders’ Choice Awards, is not to be missed. The venue stays open late on weekends.

At the Hotel Sanders, just a stone's throw from Nyhavn, you’ll discover some of the most coveted spaces in Copenhagen. Bar Tata stands out as a luxurious cocktail haven featuring table service. Under the direction of head bartender Mathias Broksø, the drinks menu evolves with the seasons, including a unique section called “Flowers After the Show,” paying tribute to the hotel’s founder Alexander Kølpin, recognized as the world’s best solo ballerino in the ’90s. The bartenders skillfully craft cocktails that balance booziness with finesse, making it an ideal stop for a night out.

At Kadeau, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, themes of pickling, preserving, and fermenting take center stage. Much of the kitchen's produce comes from the rich soils of Bornholm, where Kadeau’s sister restaurant is also located. Be sure to try the signature twice-smoked salmon, which is cold smoked first and then hot smoked, finished tableside for a memorable presentation. The plates are visually stunning, often adorned with delicate edible flowers. If co-owner Rasmus Kofoed is present, he may encourage you to explore the delightful options of Danish wine.

Chef Beau Clugston, hailing from Australia, is dedicated to seafood, collaborating closely with local fishermen to curate the menu at Iluka. This ever-evolving menu features dishes like seafood tartare, octopus with oyster cream, and Danish sea snails. Diners can also choose the set menu for a surprise selection. The wine list focuses on organic and biodynamic producers, highlighting small-scale vintners and lesser-known regions. The restaurant offers the charm of a neighborhood spot: reserve ahead or drop in for seats at the bar.

Nestled just around the corner from the bustling row houses of Nyhavn, Den Vandrette is a tranquil wine bar. Owner Sune Rosforth, a prominent importer of biodynamic wines in Copenhagen, offers a curated selection of charcuterie and cheese that pairs beautifully with the extensive wine list. The bar features remarkable orange wines from Georgia, perfectly complemented by traditional Georgian khachapuri.

Chef Kamilla Seidler Trebbien, a protégé of Noma’s Claus Meyer, previously led the kitchen at Gustu in La Paz, Bolivia, where she was named Latin America’s Best Female Chef by the World’s 50 Best. At her own restaurant, Lola, perched on a scenic hill in Christianshavn, the influence of South American flavors is evident. Diners are encouraged to share medium-sized plates, such as broccoli with mole, followed by a dessert empanada filled with tangy Danish cheese. Be sure to try the butter naan. During lunch, the menu shifts dramatically to feature a wide array of smørrebrød.

Renowned among local chefs, Thorsten Schmidt runs Barr, a harborfront dining experience where guests can consistently expect top-notch food and service. This establishment pays homage to the flavors of the European beer belt, featuring a stellar schnitzel and indulgent smørrebrød. The wine list includes beloved labels from the natural wine scene, such as Frank Cornelissen and Tschida.

This restaurant, supported by Noma, transcends the typical burger experience. Chef Toni Toivonen, a talented native of Finland with previous stints at Noma and Japan's Inua, presents imaginative dishes like confit hen-of-the-woods mushrooms paired with black currant shoots or white asparagus drizzled with pine vinegar and koji emulsion on the (very reasonably priced) tasting menu. Many ingredients come from Noma Projects, making Popl a showcase for their product line. The burger selection is diverse, featuring options like a hearty meat burger, a veggie alternative, and even seasonal choices with monkfish or mushrooms. To complement your meal, there's a concise cocktail menu, craft beer, and natural wine available.

Thanks to Mads Battefeld, who honed his skills in Japan, Copenhagen boasts a premier sushi omakase experience that many consider worthy of Michelin recognition, featuring sustainably sourced seafood from the Nordic waters. The menu of nigiri and otsumami (snacks) may include delights like aged wild trout from southern Sjaelland, cross-hatch-cut herring garnished with sesame and umeboshi, and honey-infused tamago grilled over charcoal. For years, securing a reservation at Anaba has been a challenge. Alongside sake sommelier Henrik Ando Levinsen, Battefeld also operates Kappo Ando, a sister restaurant with a more relaxed atmosphere focused on yakitori grilling.

Shortly after establishing itself at a permanent site in Langeliniekaj following successful pop-up events, Koan garnered two Michelin stars. Chef and owner Kristian Baumann, who previously led the now-closed 108 to a Michelin star, dives into the flavors and techniques of Korean cuisine, primarily utilizing local, seasonal ingredients. Highlights from the tasting menu include mandu with seasonal fillings, a savory twist on kkwabaegi (twisted Korean donuts) paired with ice cream and caviar, and the standout sundae (Korean blood sausage) crafted with Troldgaarden pork and preserved black currants. The drink pairings curated by Baumann’s partner, Lasse Peder Nielsen, feature elegant, low-intervention wines from Europe, Australia, and the U.S. The duo also runs Juju, a casual a la carte spot that playfully reimagines Korean street food.

When Richard Hart, the former head baker from Tartine, opened his bakery in Copenhagen in 2018, crowds formed a line that wrapped around the block. He delivered on high expectations with his super-seeded rye and signature sourdough known as the 'city loaf.' Now based in Mexico, Hart still co-owns Hart Bageri, where Talia Richard-Carvajal serves as the head baker. The original location on Gammel Kongevej remains bustling among the ten locations now established. Hart recommends the Basque cheesecake, best enjoyed with a spoon, and for something savory, the kimcheese sandwich is packed with house-made kimchi and aged local cheese.

Home to approximately 50 diverse food stalls, this street food market spans 65,000 square feet, making it the largest of its kind in the Nordics. Located on Refshaleøen island, the market features food trucks serving Nepalese cuisine, Moroccan dishes, Nordic hotdogs, Kurdish kebabs, and much more. Choose your favorites, grab a drink from the bar, and find a sunny spot to relax.

Is there a more picturesque spot to enjoy food and drinks in Copenhagen than La Banchina? This thought might cross your mind as you observe the lively scene on the restaurant’s jetty during pleasant weather, where locals take dips in the water while savoring natural wines and smoked sardines from a vegetarian menu. You can even reserve a sauna on-site, but the restaurant operates on a walk-in basis only.