Why Denmark and Finland Should Be on Every Foodie's Travel List

In the Nordic countries, food transcends mere nourishment; it embodies community and celebration. In Finland, foragers discover aromatic herbs, berries, and mushrooms, bringing the elusive essence of umami to life. Meanwhile, Denmark has made waves internationally, with Copenhagen’s groundbreaking Noma earning the title of the world’s best restaurant multiple times. This establishment revolutionized modern culinary traditions with its innovative and artistic approach, transforming food into spiritual nourishment and encouraging chefs to rethink the farm-to-table and fish-to-dish concepts. Today, Denmark proudly upholds this legacy as a beacon of sustainability, creativity, and Michelin stars.

Savor delectable dishes from both land and sea in Copenhagen

The rise of “New Nordic” cuisine in the early 2000s sparked global conversations, emphasizing local ingredients and simple presentations that prioritize fresh vegetables over meat—beneficial for both consumers and the environment. This culinary movement continues to thrive, with vibrant colors and flavors, earthy herbs, and pickled vegetables appearing even in casual eateries. Fine dining doesn’t require formal attire; comfortable walking shoes are perfectly fine at bars, breweries, and gastropubs throughout Copenhagen.

Noma’s influence endures in the waterfront district of Christianshavn, where chef Thorsten Schmidt has transformed the space into a relaxed eatery, Barr, offering fresh takes on classic dishes like Danish frikadeller meatballs. The menu features locally brewed beers, aquavit, and wine to accompany what Schmidt terms “Northern Sea cuisine.”

The creators of the popular Bæst and Mirabelle restaurants have launched a new gem in the city’s thriving natural wine bar scene. At the laid-back Rino VinoFino, guests can enjoy cheese, charcuterie, and truffle sourdough toast alongside blind tastings. Those who correctly identify two-thirds of their glass’s grape, producer, or region receive their wine complimentary. Lead sommelier Marco Bartone describes his team as “champions of community and camaraderie,” a spirit reflected in many of the city’s sustainable dining spots.

At La Banchina in Refshaleoen, you can experience waterfront hygge and sustainable dining. Enjoy a refreshing dip alongside your natural wine or coffee during the summer, or warm up in the wood-fired sauna in winter before indulging in a steaming dish of local vegetables and fresh fish. (La Banchina offers a pescatarian menu, featuring only foraged and locally caught ingredients.)

While it’s tempting to spend an entire day at this waterfront gem, the surrounding Refshaleoen neighborhood is also worth exploring. This bike-friendly, former industrial area is filled with microbars, eateries, and artists’ studios, alongside vibrant vegetable gardens, striking graffiti, and Reffen—the largest street food market in the Nordics.

For those seeking another urban oasis, BaneGaarden should top your list. Located just a 20-minute metro ride from the city center (or even quicker by bike), this foodie paradise spans nearly four acres and features nine historic barns amidst lush vines and greenery. It serves as an epicurean hub year-round, offering food stalls, a summer pop-up restaurant in a charming greenhouse, and community events like concerts, cooking classes, and bingo.

One of the standout experiences here is fællesspisning, which translates to “communal eating.” Dinners are served family-style on large platters at long tables, resembling an upscale picnic where conversations flow freely among new acquaintances well into the night. The host plays a crucial role, akin to a chef or sommelier in a traditional restaurant, skillfully seating large groups, solo diners, and everyone in between to foster the perfect atmosphere for conversation.

Foraging in Finland

In Finland, food embodies a shared recreational experience much like in Denmark. The expansive forests that cover 75 percent of the country touch nearly every corner of Helsinki, where cozy bistros feature menus that are often refreshed every two weeks to reflect the changing “micro seasons,” ensuring that each visit is a unique experience.

At Natura, the open kitchen not only provides entertainment but symbolizes the celebration of nature’s bounty and sustainable practices. Diners enjoy dishes crafted from local game and produce sourced within 30 miles of the restaurant. During summer, many ingredients come straight from Natura’s own urban farm. (It’s common to see home cooks foraging for seasonal ingredients in the pristine surroundings of Keskuspuisto, Helsinki’s Central Park.)

In winter, guests at Natura can indulge in traditional Finnish practices of fermenting and pickling, which have been essential for surviving the cold months. This preservation of colors and flavors also safeguards the culture, and chef David Alberti is among several Michelin-starred Finnish chefs who have received the guide’s “green star” recognition for exceptional sustainability efforts.

Dine and unwind at sauna restaurants across Helsinki and beyond

For those seeking to unwind while enjoying a meal, Finnish sauna restaurants redefine the concept of “slow food.” You can spend an entire day moving between warm saunas and invigorating cold dips at locations like Allas Sea Pool, Lonna—an island just a short trip from Helsinki’s Market Square—or at various restaurant saunas scattered throughout Finland.

Taking time to venture further allows for deeper connections with local culture and the opportunity to enjoy unique flavors. Guided ravinnonhaku foraging experiences lead you into the forest to gather baskets filled with berries and mushrooms. This harvest, paired with fish from local waters, nourishes small groups of 8–12 as they dine beneath a canopy of aromatic branches in a traditional log cabin, providing warmth against the evening chill. Such experiences, much like many in Finland and Denmark, truly serve as food for thought.