MileHacker Logo
Best Restaurants in Copenhagen

Best Restaurants in Copenhagen

Copenhagen Capital Region, Denmark Travel Guide

Danish Flavors & Traditions

Historical Context

Historically, Danish cuisine evolved from hearty peasant food, depending on root vegetables, pork, fish, and rye bread.

The "New Nordic Cuisine" movement revitalized traditions, emphasizing fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients.

Dining Etiquette

  • Utensils: Fork in left hand, knife in right hand.
  • Keep hands visible on the table (not in lap).
  • Do not start eating until everyone is served.
  • Tipping: Service charge included; optional rounding up for outstanding service.

Ingredients & Flavors

Ingredients

Fish (herring, cod, salmon), pork, potatoes, root vegetables (carrots, beets), berries, and dense rye bread.

Flavor Profile

Often savory, with sour notes from pickled foods, and sweet elements from berries or pastries. Subtle use of herbs and spices.

Regional Variations

Copenhagen is the epicenter of New Nordic cuisine, boasts Michelin-starred restaurants. Traditional Danish fare and diverse international options.

Toast Rituals

  • "Skål!" is a common toast.
  • Maintain eye contact with those you toast.
  • Wait for the host to initiate the toast.
  • Drink chilled Akvavit with smørrebrød.

Culinary Delights

Signature Dishes

Smørrebrød

Open-faced rye bread sandwiches with various toppings: pickled herring, roast beef, shrimp, or liver pâté.

Find at: Aamanns Replik, Restaurant Schønnemann.

Frikadeller / Fiskefrikadeller

Danish meatballs (pork) or fish cakes, often served with potatoes and brown sauce.

Find at: Traditional Danish restaurants.

Pølser

Danish hot dogs, commonly from street carts (pølsevogne) with various toppings.

Find at: Ubiquitous pølsevogne street carts.

Traditional Meals

  • Flæskesteg: Roast pork with crispy crackling, potatoes, brown sauce.
  • Stegt flæsk med persillesovs: Fried pork belly with parsley sauce (a national dish).
  • Falafel/Shawarma: Especially popular street food in Nørrebro.
  • Risengrød/Ris à l'amande: Creamy rice pudding, or cold version for Christmas.

Seasonal Treats

Christmas Delights

Enjoy Flæskesteg, ris à l'amande, æbleskiver (small pancake balls), and gløgg.

Summer Harvest

Savor fresh berries, new potatoes, and light dishes with seafood.

Culinary Choices

Fine Dining

Copenhagen boasts numerous Michelin-starred restaurants.

  • Geranium (3 stars).
  • Alchemist (2 stars).
  • Jordnær (2 stars).

Mid-Range Restaurants

Bistros, cafes, and ethnic restaurants in various neighborhoods.

  • Madklubben restaurants.
  • Høst and Cofoco (contemporary Danish and international).
  • Various cafes and bistros.

Budget Eateries & Markets

Affordable eats and diverse stalls.

  • Pølsevogne (ubiquitous hot dog stands).
  • Reffen (seasonal outdoor food hub).
  • Torvehallerne (upscale food market with gourmet options).

International Cuisine

Global Flavors

Copenhagen offers an extensive range of international restaurants, including Italian, Asian (Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese), Middle Eastern, Turkish, and South asian.

Concentrated in Nørrebro and Vesterbro.

Bakeries Bagerier

Excellent for pastries, sandwiches, and coffee for a quick and delicious option.

Widely available throughout the city.

Dining Resources

Vegetarian/Vegan

Use HappyCow app.

Gluten-Free

Inform restaurant staff.

Halal/Kosher

Nørrebro for Halal options.

Direct Query

Confirm dietary needs directly.

Immerse in Danish Food Culture

Engaging Activities

  • Danish cooking classes: Smørrebrød or New Nordic cuisine.
  • Food tours: Explore neighborhoods, tastings, local insights.
  • Farm visits: Insight into ingredient sourcing in the Capital Region.
  • Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival (August): Annual culinary event.

Unique Dining Concepts

New Nordic Restaurants

Avant-garde dining at places like Geranium. Experience innovative cuisine.

"Hygge" Cafes

Experience the cozy atmosphere that defines Danish comfort. Relax and unwind.

Food Festival Highlights

Copenhagen Cooking
Annual event
Late August
City's culinary talents
Assorted tastes
Workshops
Tastings
Christmas Markets

Many feature seasonal food and drink, including gløgg (mulled wine) and æbleskiver (pancake balls).

  • Festive cheer and traditional treats.
  • Perfect for a winter evening stroll.
Underground Dining Experiences

Look for pop-up or unique, often intimate, dining events.

Look for unique culinary adventures off the main path.

Special Dietary Considerations

Vegetarian & Vegan
  • HappyCow app/website for dedicated restaurants.
  • Many restaurants now offer options.
Halal & Kosher
  • Halal available alternatives, especially in Nørrebro.
  • Kosher options are very limited; boutique shops may be necessary.
Gluten-Free & Allergens
  • Restaurants generally aware; inform staff when ordering.
  • Many supermarkets carry gluten-free products.

Additional Tips and Information

Meal Times

Breakfast Morgenmad

Typically a light meal, eaten between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM.

Early Morning | Light Start
Find Cafes
Lunch Frokost

Frequently a substantial cold meal, often revolving around smørrebrød.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Smørrebrød Spots
Dinner Aftensmad

The main hot meal of the day, usually served between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Restaurant Guide

Traditional Beverages

  • Akvavit/Snaps: Strong distilled spirit, often flavored, served chilled.
  • Carlsberg/Tuborg: Popular Danish beers. Thriving craft beer scene.
  • Gløgg: Warm, mulled wine, sought-after during Christmas season.
  • Hyldeblomstsaft: Refreshing elderflower juice (non-alcoholic).

Iconic Snacks & Desserts

Wienerbrød

The classic Danish pastry, often filled with fruit, cream cheese, or nuts.

Kanelsnegle

Delicious cinnamon rolls, a popular treat.

Seasonal & Festival Foods

Christmas

Enjoy Flæskesteg, ris à l'amande, æbleskiver, and gløgg.

Easter

Expect lamb dishes and special Easter beers.

Summer

Savor fresh berries, new potatoes, and light meals made with fish and shellfish.

Dietary Accommodation

Copenhagen generally accommodates special dietary needs, though planning helps.

  • Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available.
  • Dedicated vegan restaurants are growing in number.
  • Halal options found notably in multicultural neighborhoods like Nørrebro.
  • Gluten-free awareness is common in restaurants.
  • Always confirm dietary needs directly with staff when ordering.