Where to eat in Copenhagen? Our best restaurant tips

Eating in Copenhagen - Our restaurant tips for delicious food.

Welcome to Foodie Heaven, welcome to Copenhagen. For years I've been following Restaurant Magazine's nominations for "Best Restaurant in the World". In 2010, Copenhagen's Noma made it to the top for the first time and my interest in the Danish capital was piqued. Getting a table at Noma is incredibly difficult and can take up to six months. How am I supposed to do that!

At first I thought it was a big loss, but during my visit I realised: not in the slightest. Copenhagen has changed and completely reinvented itself in culinary terms. Copenhagen is more than just Noma and star gastronomy. There is so much to discover and try here.

We would like to introduce you to some of the best food spots in the city in this food guide. And best of all, you're sure to get a table quickly. Enjoy your meal and have fun trying out and eating again!

Read more tips for Copenhagen:

• The most beautiful sights in Copenhagen

• Is the Copenhagen Card worth it? Our experience

• 3 days Copenhagen: Ideal route with programme

General information about eating out in Copenhagen

Before we get started with our tips, we'll give you some general tips on eating out in Copenhagen. Copenhagen is expensive and often beyond your budget.

How to eat out cheaply in Copenhagen

Eating cheap in Copenhagen is unfortunately a bit of a contradiction in terms. Eating and drinking is simply expensive in Denmark. 25 % tax and a service charge made us wince a few times when we got the bill.

At some point we simply stopped converting it into euros. Alcohol in particular can quickly cost double or even triple the price in Scandinavia. Nevertheless, there are a few tips for saving money if you are planning your city trip in Copenhagen on a tight budget.

1. Lunch instead of dinner: Many of the expensive restaurants also offer a cheaper lunch alternative. The menu may be a little smaller, but it's no less delicious. In addition, many of the well-known restaurants are booked up well in advance. At lunchtime, you can often get a free table more quickly.

2. BYOB - Bring your own beer: In Copenhagen, alcohol is allowed in public. Instead of ordering your beer in expensive bars, buy your alcoholic drinks at the supermarket or kiosk. Then enjoy the evening with the locals at one of the many places where Copenhageners meet. Especially in the summer, it's much nicer here and you get to talk to lots of other people. The well-known mini supermarket chain 7eleven is also in Copenhagen and stocks a wide range of Danish and international beers. Especially popular is the Dronning Louises Bro, the bridge connecting Nørrebro and the city centre. Alternatively, Sønder Boulevard or the steps by the harbour from Søren Kierkegaard Plads.

3. Snack, to go: For a more authentic experience, try a snack bar or one of the many street food stalls. Of course, the prices are much lower than in a restaurant with seats. But especially at lunchtime or for the small appetite, it's a great alternative. Our hot dog highlight for in-between meals can be found directly in front of the Round Tower in the city centre: The Økologiske Pølsemand.

Organic Hotdog . classic from Økologiske Pølsemand directly in the city centre. BYOB - Bring your own beer - in Copenhagen you should stock up on your own drinks and simply enjoy the evening outside with the locals.

Reviews and how we find the good restaurants

We are often asked how we find the best restaurants for Copenhagen and other cities. I can't give a blanket answer to this question. Because every city is different. Often we use Google or Tripadvisor.

For Copenhagen, we read blogs that specialise in food. Not necessarily in German, but rather in English or Danish (which can also be translated). In parallel, we ask friends and acquaintances who have already been to Copenhagen for their highlights and recommendations regarding good food in Copenhagen. If we see great restaurants in magazines and books, we write them down in a list.

It takes a lot of time, but we love good food and nothing can spoil a holiday like a bad meal.

Note: The ratings on search engines are often only a guide, but by no means decisive. More than once I could not confirm the broad mass of comments and tastes are different.

Tipping is unusual in Denmark

Generally speaking, tipping is not customary in Denmark. You pay by credit card and that's it. Tipping is also not expected in hotels or when travelling by taxi or UBER. Service staff and waiters are well paid in Denmark, rounding up the prices is not expected.

Since tourists often want to pay a bonus for good service anyway, you will find (though rarely) a tip box at the exit or at the bar. It should not be more than 10% of the total price.

In Copenhagen, you pay for everything with a credit card

Scandinavia is way ahead of us when it comes to cashless payment. Here, everything is paid for with the small plastic card, ApplePay or GooglePay. Above all, credit cards are accepted everywhere. I didn't even need cash on my last trips to Scandinavia.

Since Corona, many places even refuse to accept cash. Make sure you have a good travel credit card that doesn't charge fees when paying abroad. Check out my tips for the best ones here:

2023 best credit cards are the GenialCard from the Hanseatic Bankthe VISA Card the DKB Bank (as active customer) and the awa 7 credit card (???? "Green" product of the Hanseatic Bank). With these cards, you can withdraw money free of charge from ATMs and pay locally without paying foreign fees abroad in foreign currencies! With both credit cards you can make contactless payments and use Apple Pay and Google Pay. Here you will find all tips on the best travel credit card 2023 with comparison.

Typical Danish food in Copenhagen

If you're in Copenhagen, there are three things you must try:

1. Smørrebrød: The classic of Danish cuisine. A slice of rye bread topped with herring, salmon or vegetarian. There are countless variations.

2. Hot Dogs (Pølser): The fast-food classic from Denmark is always a good option, now also available in vegetarian form. Pølser stands can be found everywhere.

3. Kanelbolle (cinnamon buns): A trip to Scandinavia is not complete without eating a cinnamon bun. It doesn't get any more delicious than this.

Good breakfast in Copenhagen

Møller Kaffe & Køkken

Unlike many other Europeans, Danes really like to eat a big breakfast. We tested one of the most Instagrammable breakfast spots in Copenhagen.

An example of the no-frills Scandinavian style is the Møller Kaffe & Køkken at Nørrebrogade 160, but it's not just a beautiful interior that awaits you here. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can put together an extraordinary breakfast.

You need at least 3 small plates per person to get your fill. There are hot and cold options on the menu, and we found the burrata and the fried eggs with bacon particularly tasty.

Breakfast gluttony at Møller Kaffe & Køkken.

Wulff & Konstali

Early risers beware. Most cafés don't open their doors until around 9am. Not so the Wulff & Konstaliwhich can be found several times in Copenhagen.

They offer a slimmed-down breakfast for early birds from 7am, and at 9am you can choose from the brunch menu. 22 different options are just waiting to be nibbled.

The early bird breakfast for early risers at Wulff & Konstali.

Simply perfect for everyone who wants or needs to start the day early. By the way, if you like cake, you should definitely try the Carrot Cake.

Grød

A tip from my foodie network: the Grød. What has only become a trend in our country in recent years has been available here since 2011: porridge in all its varieties.

There are now four branches in Copenhagen. If you're into the English superfood, you should definitely stop by here. They serve both sweet and savoury varieties. There really is something for everyone.

Mad & Coffee

The Mad & Kaffe also has three locations in Copenhagen. In the hip district of Versterbro, not far from the Meatpacking District, we made an afternoon stop. Unfortunately, it was late, so we didn't have enough time for breakfast.

Nevertheless, we took a look at the menu to check out the options. Next time we visit Copenhagen, breakfast here is definitely a must. I was particularly taken with the mascarpone with berries and white chocolate.

Typical Copenhagen. The Mad & Kaffe is a beautiful example of Danish design. 4. lunch and snacks

Amanns Deli

Smørrebrøds - nothing embodies Danish cuisine like the sandwiches made of rye bread. Smørrebrøds, by the way, are not just sandwiches. In earlier times, they were an expression of prosperity, as we are told. Anyone who had the time to sit down to eat and then also eat sumptuous sandwiches with a knife and fork did not belong to the working class.

At Amann's Deli, Aamanns Etablissement or Aamanns 1921, the tradition of smørrebrød is lived to the full. We were lucky enough to visit the deli as part of our food tour and try a selection of the smørrebrød. By the way, there is an order in which the breads should be eaten. From light to dark, the finish should always be the red meat.

Smørrebrøds with egg and potato at Amanns Deli.

We would recommend the testing option with four different breads to everyone. Here you get the best of everything and can enjoy the simple variety of smørrebrøds. For the quick ones, there is also the picnic option to go. You get two smørrebrøds, drink, dessert and salted almonds for DKR 215 per person. Head to the botanical garden and enjoy it outside.

Torvehallerne

Okay this is where I want to move in, I want to eat and shop here every day. My absolute favourite place in all of Copenhagen. We went to the market hall several times Torvehallerne right by the Nørreport stop.

Cheese at Arla Unika in Torvehallerne.

I still have the feeling that I haven't discovered everything. Foodies are in paradise here. There are 60 small food highlights spread over two halls. You'll find various stands with everything your culinary heart desires. Cuisine from far away, Danish specialities, coffee, ice cream, bakery, beer.

Sweet snack: dulce de leche and chocolate ice cream at Is à bella.

There really is everything and everything we tried tasted excellent. I get lost in my gushing, but I love this place. Tourists mingle with locals. People eat and drink at the counters of the stalls. Between the two halls, there is a seductive smell of the traders' flowers and people enjoy the sun at picnic tables.

My absolute place of well-being. If you're looking for me in Copenhagen, you'll probably find me somewhere in the Torvehallerne. Our tips to try: ice cream from Is à Bella, coffee from The Coffee Collective, cheese from Arla Unika, sandwiches from Norcino and Danish specialities from Bornholm Butiken. If you miss it, it's your own fault.

Flødebolle, the Danish chocolate cookie in the noble version from Summerbird.

John's Hotdog Deli

And then there was the sausage. I can't say exactly why the hot dog is so hype in Denmark, but you can find it on almost every corner. It's simply a Danish tradition. Beware, avoid the white street stalls. Here you often only get inferior goods at a low price.

Super hot dogs in an old butcher's shop atmosphere can be found at John's Hotdog Deli in the Meatpacking District in Vesterbro. Durum bread, quality sausages from the local butcher and homemade dips are all available at John's.

John's Hotdog Deli in the Meatpacking District. John's has hot dogs to suit your taste. Just choose your own toppings. Delicious!

For 50 DKR, you can choose from a selection of ten different toppings to suit your personal taste. A wide selection of beer and cold drinks complete the experience. Oh, and the fries taste great too, but who needs them.

Cotoa

Oh, bread again. Of course, why not? Cotoa (currently closed) also serves sandwiches. However, they have moved away from the classic smørrebrød and created a hipper version. If you like nicely arranged plates, you can take lots of photos for your Instagram channel here.

Not far from Sankt Peder, quite inconspicuous, is Cotoa in the basement. We walked right past it the first time. There are only five permanent breads on the menu and a few breakfast options. But as we all know, less is more.

Definitely try the avocado and beetroot version, with a glass of apple and lemon juice. Soooo delicious!

Classic: Smørrebrød Restaurant tips for dinner

Slurp Ramen Joint

Not just since the Kitchen Impossible episode in Copenhagen has the Slurp Ramen Joint has been high on my wish list. And since ramen is one of my all-time favourite dishes, it was a must to stop by.

Slurp is a small ramen place in Nørrebro. No reservations, queues very likely, incomplete groups - not welcome. The sign in front of the shop clearly states what it's all about. Ramen and nothing else.

On the menu you'll find only three varieties of ramen and a few starters. There is always a special on request. But that's exactly how I like it and know it from Japan.

Noodle soup is sipped on bar stools in a row at a high counter. The in-house beer rounds off the experience. Our best evening in Copenhagen. You simply can't miss Slurp.

Shoyu and Shio Ramen at Slurp Ramen Joint. Our highlight of the trip.

Gaza Grill

Pure Orient! At Gaza Grill in Nørrebro serves everything that makes my foodie heart beat faster. Hummus, falafel, shawarma and mezze. In the small snack bar you get everything you know from the Middle East.

The motto here is traditional and without a lot of frills. Cost for three people including drinks: about 40 euros. Not a must, but a good alternative if you're in a hurry.

Oriental specialities at Gaza Grill. Simple but delicious. Street food market in Copenhagen

Streetfood Market Reffen

My absolute highlight of the first day. We went by e-scooter to the former Refshaleøen shipyard in Christianshavn. Copenhagen used to have the Papirøen street food market, which unfortunately had to close in 2017.

The entrance to the Reffen Streetfood Market. From now on it will be really tasty... Old sea containers are the new home of the chefs.

On the new premises Reffenwhich covers 6,000 square metres, the who's who of Copenhagen's restaurants, among others, have moved into old sea containers. What is particularly nice is that the concept has been expanded in the redesign.

The motto for the street food providers from more than 40 countries is "Reduce & Reuse". In keeping with the new zeitgeist, it's now zero waste, regional products, organic and compostable dishes.

There is enough space for everyone at Reffen. Just sit down at the table with the locals.

At Reffen we tried Smørrebrøds, Parmesan Fries and the Moroccan dumplings. Everything was really delicious. It could have gone on forever.

Our tip: if you share, you can eat more. Unfortunately, like everywhere else in Copenhagen, you have to dig a little deeper into your wallet. Three small smørrebrøds cost the equivalent of 13 euros, a small beer 6 euros.

Smørrebrøds in three variations. Egg, potato and salmon. Simply delicious.

Emmery's

The cinnamon bun tip. Mhhh no trip to Scandinavia without a cinnamon bun. I found my favourite snail at Emmery's bakery. The branches of the organic bakery can be found all over the city. But unlike here in Germany, chain does not mean inferior.

Typical Scandinavian interiors make the shops look like small cafés. And the cinnamon buns were really great. Above all, not too sweet, but huge. Perfect as a snack on the go and big enough to share.

Great love: cinnamon buns The best food tour

Food tours are always a great way to get to know the city through culinary means. We took the food tour "The Culinary Experience Tour" at foodtours.eu and explored the city in a nice small group.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Food Tour with foodtours.eu.

We spent four hours eating and drinking our way through seven stations. Of course, we don't want to give too much away at this point, for those who still want to book this tour. A little surprise is part of it. Cost per person: 900 DKK. Absolutely recommendable.

Tasting plate with Danish specialities. Did you know that honey from the botanical garden tastes completely different from honey from the airport? A taste test of a different kind. Map of Copenhagen with all locations

For our travel preparation, we have created a Google map. It contains not only all the restaurant tips, but also all the sights for your next trip to Copenhagen. It's best to save the map directly to your smartphone. If you want to save money on sightseeing, it's best to get the Copenhagen Card.

Conclusion on eating out in Copenhagen

I love Copenhagen. And that has a lot to do with the new Nordic cuisine. Everything is just right for me here. And even the high prices don't put me off. I think you can charge something for good quality and good ingredients.

In addition, the service has always been impeccable, which is something some other cities could learn from. The menus are almost always available in English, so ordering is no problem at all. And the variety is incredible. We will definitely come back and try more. There is still so much to discover. See you soon København.

More tips for Copenhagen you should check out:

• Sights in Copenhagen

• 3 Days in Copenhagen: Itinerary with ideal route to explore

• Is the Copenhagen Card worth it? Our experience

• All Copenhagen tips at a glance

• Insider tip Copenhagen: Real insider tips from locals who live in Copenhagen