Eating & Drinking in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the gastronomic capital of Scandinavia — and one of the most exciting food cities in the world. The New Nordic Cuisine, founded by Noma (4× best restaurant in the world), has inspired a whole generation of chefs working with local, seasonal ingredients and Nordic traditions.
Must-Try in Copenhagen
- Smørrebrød — The Danish open sandwich is an art form: dark rye bread (rugbrød), topped with pickled herring, shrimp with mayonnaise, roast beef with remoulade, or salmon with dill. Not just a sandwich, but a masterpiece of layered art. The best Smørrebrød can be found at Aamanns 1921, Schønnemann, and Hallernes Smørrebrød.
- Hotdog (Pølse) — The Danish hotdog from the Pølsevogn (sausage wagon) is an institution: red sausage in a bun with raw onions, fried onions, mustard, ketchup, and remoulade. The most famous stand: Harry's Place. A piece of Danish democracy for 35–45 DKK.
- Kanelsnegl (Cinnamon Roll) — The Danish answer to the Swedish Kanelbulle: spiral-shaped, buttery, with plenty of cinnamon and icing. Available in every bakery (bageri), 25–40 DKK.
- Flæskesteg (Roast Pork) — Denmark's national dish: slow-roasted pork belly with crispy crackling, served with brown gravy, potatoes, and red cabbage. A must, especially during the Christmas season (julefrokost).
Where to Eat?
- Torvehallerne — Copenhagen's glass market halls at Israels Plads. Over 60 stalls: Smørrebrød, seafood, cheese, baked goods, Coffee Collective, Grød (porridge). Perfect for lunch.
- Reffen (Copenhagen Street Food) — Europe's largest street food market on the island of Refshaleøen: 50+ stalls from around the world by the water. Dishes from 60 DKK.
- Kødbyen (Meatpacking District) — Copenhagen's meat district in Vesterbro: former slaughterhouses, now restaurants, bars, and galleries. From pizza to sushi to gourmet.
- Jægersborggade (Nørrebro) — Copenhagen's most charming street: ceramic shops, wine bars, coffee roasters, Mirabelle (one of the best bakeries in the city), and the legendary ice cream shop Istid.
Coffee & Bakeries
Danes drink more coffee per capita than almost any other country — only the Finns and Norwegians beat them. Copenhagen's coffee scene is top-notch: Coffee Collective (specialty coffee pioneer), Prolog (minimalistically perfect), Democratic Coffee (fair & organic). Plus the bakeries: Hart Bageri (from the former Noma baker), Juno the Bakery (the best croissants in the city), Lagkagehuset (an institution, all over the city).