Quick answers — eating in Copenhagen
- Best restaurant overall
- Noma
- Best value
- Selma (DKK 300-500 / USD 45-75)
- Strongest cuisines
- Nordic, Modern European, Seafood, Korean
- Dishes to try
- Smørrebrød, Frikadeller, Flæskesteg, Pølse
- Booking window
- For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book 2-6 months in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Many establishments release bookings in monthly blocks, so check their websites.
Booking well in advance, often months ahead for starred restaurants, is essential. Dress codes typically range from smart casual to elegant, rarely formal. Tipping is not customary but appreciated for exceptional service. Dinner hours usually commence between 18:00 and 20:00, with many establishments offering a single tasting menu seating.
Nordic
Best Nordic restaurants in Copenhagen
New Nordic kitchens work with a short local season — foraged herbs, fermentation, seafood — and usually serve one long tasting menu with no à la carte.
Noma
Three MICHELIN StarsNew Nordic · Refshaleøen · DKK 5000-8000 / USD 720-1150
René Redzepi
A global icon, Noma redefined fine dining with its radical, hyper-seasonal approach to New Nordic cuisine. Its tasting menus rotate entirely based on season (vegetable, forest, ocean), offering an immersive, intellectually stimulating, and emotionally resonant journey through Denmark's larder, served in a serene, elemental setting by the waterfront.
Order: Wild duck, forest floor elements, new season vegetables
Geranium
Three MICHELIN StarsGastronomic Nordic · Østerbro · DKK 3800-5000 / USD 550-720
Rasmus Kofoed
Perched on the 8th floor of Telia Parken stadium, Geranium delivers meticulously crafted, art-like dishes prioritizing purity and harmony. Chef Kofoed's 'taste laboratory' offers a thoughtful progression of elegant, often light, preparations, balancing savory and umami without relying on red meat. The minimalist decor provides a sophisticated backdrop.
Order: Razor Clam with mineral, Dill and 'liquid' smoke; 'Stone' with Jerusalem artichoke
Host
MICHELIN SelectedNew Nordic · Indre By · DKK 700-1100 / USD 100-160
Jakob Nellemose
Host provides an accessible yet refined New Nordic experience in a charming, rustic setting with exposed brick and natural elements. The focus is on seasonal Danish ingredients presented in a robust, flavorful, and unpretentious style. It's an excellent introduction to Copenhagen's culinary philosophy without the multi-star price tag.
Order: Smoked trout, rye bread, buttermilk; Grilled hake, pickled cucumber
Mielcke & Hurtigkarl
One MICHELIN StarProgressive Nordic · Frederiksberg · DKK 2200-3000 / USD 315-430
Jakob Mielcke
Nestled within the Royal Horticultural Society's Garden, Mielcke & Hurtigkarl is known for its artistic and whimsical approach to cuisine. Chef Mielcke creates a highly theatrical dining experience, blending Nordic ingredients with global influences, often presented with surprising textures and visual flair. The setting is enchanting, almost fairytale-like.
Order: Dishes changing with the exhibition in the garden; creative vegetable presentations
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Copenhagen
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Selma
Bib GourmandModern Smørrebrød · Nørrebro · DKK 300-500 / USD 45-75
Magnus Kristensen
Selma elevates the humble Danish open-faced sandwich, smørrebrød, into a gourmet experience. Each creation is meticulously assembled with premium, seasonal ingredients, showcasing inventive flavor combinations and beautiful presentation. It's a vibrant, casual spot perfect for lunch, celebrating a core Danish culinary tradition with modern flair.
Order: Herring with apple, dill, horseradish; Pork confit with crackling
Omar
Bib GourmandModern European · Nørrebro · DKK 600-900 / USD 85-130
Jeppe Graa
Omar, a cozy neighborhood eatery, offers a rotating tasting menu focused on bold flavors and fresh, seasonal produce. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, making it perfect for an enjoyable evening without the strictures of multi-starred dining. Dishes are creative, well-executed, and reflect a confident, contemporary approach to European cuisine.
Order: Seasonal vegetable dishes, expertly grilled meats
Seafood
Best seafood restaurants in Copenhagen
Seafood restaurants live or die on the day's catch — the shortest menus are usually the best sign, because the kitchen is cooking what actually came in.
Jordnær
Two MICHELIN StarsNordic Seafood · Gentofte · DKK 3200-4500 / USD 460-650
Eric Vildgaard
Located within Hotel Guldsmeden, Jordnær presents a luxurious take on Nordic fine dining, with a pronounced focus on exquisite seafood and lavish ingredients like caviar and truffles. Chef Vildgaard's technique is precise, delivering dishes that are both delicate and indulgent, creating a truly memorable, high-end experience in an intimate setting.
Order: Langoustine with caviar and citrus; Turbot with beurre blanc
Korean
Best Korean restaurants in Copenhagen
Korean tables are built for sharing: banchan arrive first, grilled meat or stews follow, and the fermented elements — kimchi, doenjang, gochujang — carry the flavour.
Koan
Two MICHELIN StarsNew Nordic-Korean · Nørrebro · DKK 3200-4000 / USD 460-575
Kristian Baumann
Koan beautifully fuses Nordic seasonality and Korean culinary heritage, creating a unique and deeply personal gastronomic expression. Chef Baumann's dishes are refined, balanced, and visually stunning, reflecting an exquisite interplay of fermentation, umami, and fresh ingredients. The spacious, art-filled dining room offers a sophisticated, calm atmosphere.
Order: Abalone, fermented potato; Crispy rice, gochujang, sea urchin
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Copenhagen
Reffen
Copenhagen's largest street food market offers diverse global cuisine from numerous stalls. Expect dishes like gourmet burgers, Korean fried chicken, and artisanal pizzas, typically costing DKK 80-150.
Bæst
Known for its organic sourdough pizzas and house-cured charcuterie. The pizzas are excellent, cooked in a wood-fired oven, with prices ranging from DKK 120-180 for a full pizza.
John's Hotdog Deli
A cult-favorite for traditional Danish hotdogs with a gourmet twist. Offers high-quality sausages and creative toppings. A hearty hotdog costs around DKK 50-70, perfect for a quick, delicious bite.
RizRaz
A long-standing vegetarian buffet spot popular for its extensive selection of salads, warm dishes, and dips. The all-you-can-eat buffet is great value at around DKK 150-200 per person.
Paludan's Book & Cafe
A charming cafe set amidst a used bookstore, serving generous portions of classic cafe food like sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Meals typically cost DKK 90-140 in a cozy, intellectual atmosphere.
Local dishes
What to eat in Copenhagen
Smørrebrød
Smørrebrød are iconic open-faced sandwiches, a staple of Danish cuisine. Typically made with a piece of dark rye bread, they are artfully topped with various ingredients like pickled herring, roast beef, shrimp, or salmon, often garnished with fresh herbs and remoulade. Each creation is a small work of art, reflecting local seasonality and culinary tradition.
Frikadeller
These traditional Danish meatballs are typically made from a mix of minced pork and veal, sometimes just pork, seasoned with onion, egg, and flour, then pan-fried until golden brown. They are juicy and flavorful, often served with boiled potatoes, gravy, and sometimes pickled red cabbage. Frikadeller embody hearty, comforting Danish home cooking.
Flæskesteg
Flæskesteg is a classic Danish pork roast, traditionally served with perfectly crispy crackling, boiled potatoes, brown gravy, and warm red cabbage. It's a festive dish, especially popular during holidays like Christmas, but can be found year-round. The contrast between the tender pork and the crunchy skin is a beloved culinary delight.
Pølse
The Danish pølse, particularly the bright red 'rød pølse', is more than just a hot dog; it's a cultural icon. Served from street-side stalls (pølsevognen), it's typically nestled in a bun with various toppings like fried onions, pickles, mustard, ketchup, and remoulade. A quick, satisfying, and quintessential Copenhagen snack, perfect on the go.
Wienerbrød
Known internationally as a 'Danish pastry', wienerbrød is a flaky, buttery pastry often filled with almond paste, fruit jam, or custard, and sometimes topped with icing or nuts. Best enjoyed fresh from a bakery with a cup of coffee, it's a delightful treat that perfectly encapsulates the Danish appreciation for quality baked goods and 'hygge'.
Stegt Flæsk med Persillesovs
This dish translates to 'fried pork belly with parsley sauce' and is considered Denmark's national dish. Crispy, thick slices of fried pork belly are served with boiled potatoes and a rich, creamy parsley sauce. It's a comforting, hearty meal, often found in traditional Danish restaurants and a favorite among locals for its simple yet satisfying flavors.
Fiskefrikadeller
Fiskefrikadeller are Danish fish cakes, usually made from cod or haddock, finely minced and mixed with onion, egg, and spices, then pan-fried. Lighter than their meat counterparts, they are often served with remoulade, lemon wedges, and new potatoes. These delicious fish cakes are a popular choice in coastal areas and seafood restaurants.
Lakrids
Danish licorice, or lakrids, is distinct for its strong, often salty flavor, a far cry from sweet American varieties. It comes in many forms: chewy, hard, sweet, salty, or coated in chocolate. Companies like Lakrids by Bülow have elevated it to a gourmet treat. It's an acquired taste for some, but a beloved confection for many Danes.
How to book a table in Copenhagen
- · For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book 2-6 months in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Many establishments release bookings in monthly blocks, so check their websites.
- · Many high-end restaurants require a non-refundable deposit or full pre-payment to secure a reservation, ranging from 50% to the full menu price per person.
- · Consider booking lunch menus at starred restaurants; they often offer a slightly abbreviated tasting experience at a significantly lower price point, providing excellent value.
- · Be aware of strict cancellation and no-show policies. Cancellations within a specified period (e.g., 72 hours) often result in forfeiture of your deposit or full menu price.
FAQ
Copenhagen restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Copenhagen?
Noma in Refshaleøen is the benchmark table — New Nordic, led by René Redzepi, three michelin stars, around DKK 5000-8000 / USD 720-1150 per person. Order the Wild duck, forest floor elements, new season vegetables
Where is the best Nordic restaurant in Copenhagen?
Noma in Refshaleøen is the Nordic table to book in Copenhagen (DKK 5000-8000 / USD 720-1150 per person). Other strong options: Geranium, Host, Mielcke & Hurtigkarl.
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Copenhagen?
Selma in Nørrebro is the modern European table to book in Copenhagen (DKK 300-500 / USD 45-75 per person). Other strong options: Omar.
Where is the best seafood restaurant in Copenhagen?
Jordnær in Gentofte is the seafood table to book in Copenhagen (DKK 3200-4500 / USD 460-650 per person).
Where is the best Korean restaurant in Copenhagen?
Koan in Nørrebro is the Korean table to book in Copenhagen (DKK 3200-4000 / USD 460-575 per person).
Where can I eat well in Copenhagen without spending a fortune?
Selma is the best-value table on this list at roughly DKK 300-500 / USD 45-75 per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Reffen, Bæst, John's Hotdog Deli.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Copenhagen?
For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book 2-6 months in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Many establishments release bookings in monthly blocks, so check their websites. Many high-end restaurants require a non-refundable deposit or full pre-payment to secure a reservation, ranging from 50% to the full menu price per person.
What food is Copenhagen famous for?
Smørrebrød, Frikadeller, Flæskesteg, Pølse, Wienerbrød — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. Smørrebrød are iconic open-faced sandwiches, a staple of Danish cuisine. Typically made with a piece of dark rye bread, they are artfully topped with various ingredients like pickled herring, roast beef, shrimp, or salmon, often garnished with fresh herbs and remoulade. Each creation is a small work of art, reflecting local seasonality and culinary tradition.
Planning the rest of Copenhagen?
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