5 Best Restaurants in Copenhagen, Denmark

Background Illustration for Restaurants

Copenhagen has experienced a gastronomical revolution over the past decade. A rising interest in new Nordic cooking emphasizes using locally sourced raw materials and high-quality seasonal ingredients. Wild game, cured or smoked fish and meats, Limfjord oysters, Læsø langoustine, eel, and plaice are a few examples.

There's also been a revival of authentic Danish fare. Most such meals begin with sild, pickled herring of various flavors, served on rugbrød, a very dark and dense rye-based bread. This bread is also the basis for smørrebrød—open-face sandwiches piled high with various meats, vegetables, and condiments. For dinner, try flæskesteg, pork roast with a crispy rind, which is commonly served with rødkål, stewed red cabbage, and potatoes.

There are plenty of bistros serving moderately priced meals, and for inexpensive savory noshes in stylish surroundings, consider lingering in a café. Many restaurants offer fixed-priced meals with wine-pairing menus, and most restaurants require reservations. Many restaurants tack a surcharge of between 3.75% and 5.75% onto the bill for the use of foreign credit cards.

Granola

$$ | Frederiksberg Fodor's Choice

It looks like an American diner, but the menu at this local favorite reads more like that of a French café. Stop by for coffee and croissants in the morning, a croque madame for lunch, or just to have a drink and people-watch.

Værnedamsvej 5, Copenhagen, 1819, Denmark
Known For
  • Salon evenings with talks, interviews, and readings
  • Popular outdoor tables offering a perfect view of Værnedamsvej
  • Beautiful decor
Restaurant Details
No dinner Sun.

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Polly

$$ | Frederiksberg Fodor's Choice

You could spend an entire day at this all-day café and restaurant, which seamlessly transforms from a cozy breakfast spot in the morning to a busy café at lunch and a bustling neo-brasserie at night. 

POPL Burger

$$ Fodor's Choice

When Noma opened a pop-up burger shack in its restaurant during the pandemic, people stood in line for hours, and guests and reviewers were quick to call it the world's best burger. Have a taste for yourself at this new, permanent burger restaurant, located on an iconic corner on a quay. 

Strandgade 108, 1401, Denmark
Known For
  • Well-crafted takes on classic burgers
  • Location on iconic corner near the waterfront
  • Organic beef burgers as well as tasty vegan and vegetarian options
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch Wed. and Thurs.

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Sonny

$ | Indre By Fodor's Choice

This excellent café, located on a busy street in the heart of the historic center, serves tasty sandwiches, strong coffee, green juices, and home-baked goods to an ever-growing crowd of Copenhageners. Everything's organic, and it's hard to find a better breakfast in Indre By.

Paludan Bog and Café

$ | Indre By

Given its location in the middle of the Latin Quarter, surrounded by century-old university buildings, it makes sense that this combined café and bookstore is always packed with students and professors as well as other book lovers. The café serves good coffee and affordable, honest food. You can order everything from a roll with cheese to a blue-cheese burger; and the bookstore sells a good selection of old and new books.