Everything I Ate In Copenhagen

Where to eat in Copenhagen – a foodie’s guide to the city…

Home to some of the world’s best restaurants, cosiest bakeries, and speakeasy bars – it’s no wonder Copenhagen is voted the second happiest city in the world. We spent five days eating and drinking our way around Denmark’s capital. If you’re wondering where to eat in Copenhagen, we’ve tried and tested everything from six-course tasting menus, to affordable brunch spots, and local street food.

Hyttefadet

Location: Nyhavn
Price: ££

Located along the postcard waterfront, Hyttefadet is one of the many colourfully painted restaurants that makes up the iconic scene of Nyhavn. With outdoor seating, it’s a front row seat to the old boats and canal. We had our first taste of smørrebrød – a famous Danish delicacy, which tasted even better from the heated seat on a crisp, sunny afternoon.

Warpigs Brewpub

Location: Meat Packing District
Price: ££

American-style BBQ lovers looking at where to eat in Copenhagen need to check out Warpigs Brewpub. Situated in the old Meat Packing District, the vibe here is laidback – with long, communal tables, industrial lighting, and tiled flooring and walls. If you’re looking to try some local ale, Warpigs offer an impressive 22 beers on tap, all brewed in-house by Californian Head Brewer Amir.

A restaurant for the carnivorous diner, meat is the main agenda here. The menu is focused on serving authentic Texas BBQ meats. It’s a no-fuss kind of service. Grab a tray, choose your meat and sides, and pull up a pew. We tried to sample a little bit of everything, from the smoked brisket and pulled pork, to the homemade slaw and creamy mac ‘n’ cheese.

Hart Bageri

Location: Vesterbro
Price: £

Famous for their cardamom buns, Hart Bageri has a bit of a cult following in Copenhagen. With a handful of bakeries dotted across the city, we headed to the shop on Istedgade in the district of Vesterbro for a sweet breakfast. The coffee and the pastries were incredible, totally living up to the expectation.

Vaekst

Location: Sankt Peder Stræde
Price: £££

Featured in the 2023 Michelin Guide, Vækst are best known for their classic Danish dishes inspired by fresh Nordic vegetables and herbs. The restaurant’s decor mirrors the menu concept, with an impressive indoor greenhouse centrepiece, abundant with hanging plants and exposed light bulbs. The menu is minimalist, following the season’s ingredients, with only a couple of options per course.

We started off with heart-shaped Danish cheese waffles, followed by salted scallops in an apple, hazelnut and gooseberry sauce. Next, a surprise course which can only be described as a layered pot of veggie goodness, comprised of whipped smoked cheese, yellow beets, mustard seeds, watercress and rye. Last up, Danish beef tenderloin served with a burnt onion and truffle sauce.

Duck & Cover

Location: Vesterbro
Price: ££

Hidden down an unassuming street, you’d easily stroll past this hidden gem if you weren’t looking out for it. Serving Danish-inspired cocktails in a speakeasy setting, the super low lighting, cosy corners, and expertly crafted tipples make for the perfect after-dinner nightcap.

The staff at Duck & Cover were incredibly knowledgable and friendly, mixing in-house signatures for us, including my new favourite blueberry and celeriac flavoured cocktail – also known as the ‘Slap Me Silly.’ The drink is currently nominated for best signature cocktail at the 2024 Bartender’s Choice Awards.

TorvehallerneKBH Market

Location: Frederiksborggade
Price: £

Located just around the corner from Nørreport station, TorvehallerneKBH is an indoor food market offering an array of sweet and savoury cuisines under one roof. From the classic Danish smørrebrød and pastries, to handmade Italian pasta, spicy Mexican tacos, and artisan chocolates, you’re spoiled for choice.

We visited a few times during our trip. I had a Danish salad bowl from Smag, cacio e pepe from Il Mattarello’s organic pasta lab, and caramel and sea salt chocolate from Xocolatl.

Marv & Ben

Location: Snaregade
Price: £££

Marv & Ben is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant that serves Nordic cuisine in the heart of the city. Nestled down one of the oldest cobbled streets in Copenhagen, a warm welcome awaits in a very dark and moody interior, with pops of colour on the walls, and an open kitchen.

We opted for the six-course tasting menu. The line-up included poached halibut, pan-seared zander, salted trout roe with fresh beets, samphire and cheese foam, raw venison, onglet with bone marrow reduction, and a classic Danish milk mousse for dessert, served with blood orange marmalade and sorbet. Each course was a feast for the eyes, and the chefs and servers expertly explained each element and flavour profile. If you’re searching for where to eat in Copenhagen for a special occasion, Marv & Ben fits the bill.

Hotel Kong Arthur

Location: Nørre Søgade
Price: ££

We were guests at the Hotel Kong Arthur during our trip, but the buffet breakfast was so good, it needed a mention on this post. Pickled and fermented fruits and vegetables, homemade waffles with apple butter and gooseberry jam, Danish pastries, and continental meats and cheeses were just some of the morning delights on offer. If you’re looking for places to stay in Copenhagen, I could not recommend this hotel enough!

Juno the Bakery

Location: Østerbro
Price: £

Another hot spot for pastries in Copenhagen, Juno the Bakery is run by former Noma pastry chef Emil Glaser. The overwhelmingly sweet scent of freshly baked goods lures you in from the street. Juno the Bakery offers a simple menu of filter coffee or tea, plus whatever has been lovingly baked that morning or afternoon. My pastry was still warm when I took that first, satisfying bite. A must-visit whilst you’re in the city.

Mia’s Foderbræt

Location: Nyhavn
Price: £

I couldn’t come to Copenhagen and not try one of the street hot dogs. From first glance you might mistake Mia’s Foderbræt van as an ice-cream truck serving sweet treats. In fact, they have a whole menu dedicated to the Danish sausage. If you’re planning to tuck in by the harbour and soak up the views like we did, just be warned that the pigeons are pretty ruthless!

Frank

Location: Ny Adelgade
Price: £££

From the moment we stepped through the front door of Frank, the relaxed atmosphere and flickering candlelit dining room welcomed us into one of the best dining experiences of the trip. Frank is a French wine bar, with an open kitchen at the heart of the restaurant. We decided to go for the five course tasting menu, which was a series of exceptional dishes – the highlight being a gnocchi dish served with morel mushrooms in a roast potato skin sauce that was so rich and creamy.

The Sixteen Twelve

Location: Nørrebro
Price: ££

If you’re looking for where to eat in Copenhagen for breakfast – The Sixteen Twelve is a fantastic brunch spot offering hearty breakfast options with a Danish twist. The decor is understated, the menu is very reasonably priced, but the food is what makes it memorable.

We ordered the Benedict – a homemade English muffin with pulled pork, poached eggs, and a miso-apple cider hollandaise sauce, and the Mushrooms On Toast – a big slice of sourdough topped with a chickpea spread and loaded with fermented, butter-fried oyster and champignon mushrooms. I was also eyeing up the neighbouring table’s Avocado Toast, which had the most vibrant looking turmeric pickled egg on top. I’d happily go back again and try everything else on the menu!