Where to Eat in Copenhagen: 5 places You Can’t Miss
Out of all my travels, Copenhagen has left a lasting impression on me with its complex, detailed, and fresh food. It’s no surprise that Denmark is home to the most Michelin star restaurants in the world, including the famous Noma – rumoured to be the inspiration for the popular 2023 film “The Menu”.
Of course, most of us do not have wallets fat enough to take us to Noma. Nevertheless, I have compiled a list of the five must-visit eateries in Copenhagen. These restaurants are formed by world-famous chefs who are highly skilled in their food niches. You may even find a sprinkling of Noma magic in quite a few. So, come along and discover the best of Copenhagen’s culinary scene!
From traditional Danish cuisine to international fusion dishes, these eateries are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. So, whether you’re a foodie on the hunt for new culinary experiences or simply looking for a great place to grab a bite, read on to discover the best places to eat in Copenhagen that you can’t afford to miss!
Don’t just buy bread, make memories at the Bageri!
A must know word in Danish is Bageri meaning bakery, Danish bageri’s are the closest way to get in touch with food heaven, at least that’s what I thought with each bite from the following two spots. Before that, lets dive into why Danish bakeries are so famous:
- Tradition: Denmark has a long-standing tradition of baking, Danish bakers have been perfecting their craft for generations, and this dedication to quality and tradition has resulted in some of the best baked goods in the world.
- Ingredients: Danish bakers use high-quality ingredients. These ingredients are carefully selected and combined to create complex, delicious flavours that are hard to find elsewhere.
- Innovation: While Danish bakeries are steeped in tradition, they are also known for their innovation. Bakers in Denmark are always experimenting with new flavours and techniques.
- Attention to detail: Danish bakers are known for their attention to detail, and take great pride in creating pastries that not only taste amazing, but also look beautiful.
Have I tempted you? If you’re craving a treat head to these two first:
Hart Bageri:
Hart Bageri was founded in 2012 by former fashion designer Richard Hart, who wanted to pursue his passion for baking. The bakery only uses organic ingredients, fermenting their own sourdough and shaping all their pastries. Hart Bageri has won numerous awards for its baked goods, including being named “Best Bakery” by the Danish food magazine Gastro in 2015 and receiving a Bib Gourmand rating in the Michelin Guide in 2019. Going back to that Noma magic hart bageri also boasts backing from Noma’s René Redzepi.
What I recommend – their roast beef sandwich: A delicious homemade sandwich with 2 slices of Everyday Rye filled with horseradish mayo, roast beef, pickled onions & dressed arugula.
Juno the bakery:
Juno the Bakery was founded in 2018 by husband and wife team, Emil Glaser and Sine Thorup. Before opening Juno Bakery in Østerbro, Emil Glaser, a self-taught Swedish-born baker, gained experience working at Michelin-starred restaurants in France and Japan, as well as at Noma. Juno the Bakery has received numerous accolades, including being named “Best Bakery” by the Danish newspaper Berlingske in 2019 and receiving a Bib Gourmand rating in the Michelin Guide in 2021. Its also a trendy spot with over 107,000 followers on Instagram.
What I recommend – Obviously their world famous cardamom buns
Join the Danish burger revolution!
Is spenny Copenhagen making it hard to reach all those Michelin star spots, why not settle for a burger, not any burger, a Danish burger! Many Danish burger restaurants have a strong focus on sustainability and environmentally friendly practices, which can also contribute to the quality and taste of the burgers. In fact, there is a burger war between the following two spots, a fun challenge to add to your itinerary
Gasoline grill:
Gasoline Grill is known for serving some of the best burgers in Copenhagen, with a focus on using high-quality ingredients and creative flavour combinations. Some accolades that should seal the deal include:
- Best Burger in Scandinavia”: Gasoline Grill was named the best burger in Scandinavia at the 2016 White Guide awards.
- “Top 20 Burger Restaurants in the World”: Gasoline Grill was named one of the top 20 burger restaurants in the world by The Daily Meal in 2017.
- “Michelin Bib Gourmand”: In 2020, Gasoline Grill was awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand. Which recognizes restaurants that offer high-quality food at affordable prices.
Popl burger:
René Redzepi opened Popl Burger as a more casual, accessible spin-off of Noma in 2013. The restaurant was originally intended to be a pop-up, but its success led to it becoming a permanent fixture in Copenhagen. Popl Burger shares Noma’s focus on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant uses beef from the same farm as Noma, and the buns are made using the same sourdough starter as the bread served at Noma. Popl Burger has been recognized for its quality by numerous publications, including The New York Times, which named it one of the best burgers in the world in 2018.
Have you visited either of these burger joints? Vote which one was your fave and put an end to the Copenhagen burger war.
My favourite sit-down restaurant in Copenhagen:
Whilst I love burgers, breads and buns when you travel you must try some local food. This restaurant was a Scandinavian dream.
Barr Copenhagen:
Barr, a unique restaurant located in the heart of Copenhagen in the old Noma space. Founded in 2017 by Claus Meyer, the co-founder of Noma, the restaurant’s name is a nod to the original meaning of the word “bar,” a place where people come together to share food, drink, and stories.
Barr’s menu showcases traditional Nordic cuisine with a modern twist, made using locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. The dishes are designed to be shared, perfect for gathering with friends and family. Beer lovers will rejoice at Barr’s impressive selection of over 30 different types of beer. Including traditional Nordic brews and international favourites.
Barr has gained recognition for its quality, including a Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2020. But it’s not just the food and drink that makes Barr special. The restaurant’s cozy, rustic atmosphere evokes the feeling of a traditional Nordic tavern, perfect for a relaxing evening with loved ones. Plus, Barr is committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing. Working closely with local farmers and producers to ensure that the ingredients are of the highest quality.
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience in Copenhagen that celebrates Nordic cuisine, culture, and community, Barr is not to be missed.
What traditional food can you try in Copenhagen:
Denmark has a rich culinary heritage, and some of its traditional foods that you might want to try include:
Danish Main Dishes:
Stegt flæsk med persillesovs – Crispy pork with parsley sauceKarbonader – Breaded Pork Patties
Frikadeller – Danish meatballs
Smørrebrød – Open-faced sandwiches
Tarteletter – Chicken and asparagus in tartlets
Flæskesteg – Danish Pork roast
Stegt medister med rødkål og kartofler – Thick spiced pork sausage served with potatoes, sauce and red cabbage
Flæskesteg og Brun Kartofler – Roast Pork with Sugar-Brown Potatoes
Danish Breads and Pastries:
Rugbrød (Rye Bread)Wienerbrød (the ‘Danish’)
Lagkage (Layer Cake)
Danish Desserts:
Rød Grød med Fløde (Berry Compote with Cream)Here are the drinks you should try in Denmark:
Mead – Made from fermented honey and water, mead is considered one of the world’s oldest alcoholic beverages.Glogg – This mulled wine is a must-try during the cold winter months.
Fruit Wines – Danes have come up with wines made from fruits such as elderberries, cherries, and other small local fruits.
Tuborg Beer – Though owned by Carlsberg since the 1970s, Tuborg beer has retained its distinct flavour and holds a special place in beverage history.
Punsch – Made from fruit flavours, neutral spirits like brennivin and arrack, and sugar, punsch is a unique beverage not to be confused with punch.
Faxe Kondi – This refreshing soft drink from Scandinavia is perfect for any occasion.
Copenhagen is a foodie’s paradise, offering a wide variety of culinary experiences that are sure to satisfy any palate. From traditional Danish bakeries to innovative burger joints. Copenhagen’s food scene is a testament to the city’s dedication to quality and attention to detail. If you’re planning a trip to Copenhagen, make sure to check out the five must-visit eateries on our list and indulge in the city’s world-renowned cuisine. Whether you’re a foodie on a budget or looking to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime meal, get ready to taste the best of Copenhagen!
