Copenhagen - A Hygge Paradise for Foodies and Scandic Fans
The Danish capital has everything we could wish for in a picture-perfect city: charming little houses along enchanted canals, magnificent modern museum architecture, elegant townhouses, incomparable market halls, vast parks, and the sea at its doorstep.
All this continually draws us back to Copenhagen, but most of all, it’s the fact that this city is a culinary haven like no other.
-
The renowned Noma has influenced modern cuisine worldwide. In its home city, an incredible array of young casual fine dining restaurants has emerged, allowing us to enjoy fantastic meals beyond the Michelin stars.
Everywhere you look, from bakeries to street food trucks, the emphasis on creating the most delicious dishes from the best ingredients is evident.
So, if you’re heading to Copenhagen, don’t bring your New Year’s resolutions for a slim waistline.
Our Best Restaurant Recommendations for Copenhagen
in short…
Magnus Pettersson elevates the Danish classic to Bib Gourmand level
this small Smørrebrød restaurant near Torvehallerne has the ambience of a Swedish summer's day
we love the selection of local beers on tap
For many, the epitome of Danish cuisine is the Smørrebrød.
At Selma, near the Copenhagen Market Halls, this classic dish is elevated to an exquisite delicacy, crafted with the finest ingredients and a lot of love.
In a relaxed, familial atmosphere, it’s a joy to explore the imaginative versions of this traditional favorite.
in short…
Redzepis fine burgers in a charming corner house in Christianshavn
dry-aged organic beef or vegetarian quinoa tempeh
most delicious side dish – Danish oxheart tomatoes with semi-dried strawberries
From a pop-up idea by the famous Noma chef, René Redzepi, Popl Restaurant has become a permanent spot for burger gourmets.
"Burger" and "gourmet" sound like a mismatch in one sentence? Not at Popl!
Here, the beloved fast food is transformed into mindful slow food, crafted with the best ingredients and extraordinary Noma expertise.
in short…
Beau Clugston brings Australian ease and Noma precision together in his seafood restaurant
from the open kitchen the friendly team always keeps an eye on their guests
our favourite - squid mousse with samphire and lavender
Near the Copenhagen harbor promenade, a few steps up on Peder Skrams Gade 15, you enter Iluka.
A floor-length red curtain along one side of the room hints at an elegant theatrical production.
Indeed, the carefully selected and lovingly prepared seafood and fish we enjoy deserve this special presentation.
On the right, the room is bright and welcoming, with warm, unpretentious wooden furniture and a white-tiled bar.
This is how we experience our visit to Iluka - exquisite and refined, yet relaxed and familial.
in short…
street food this delicious and high-quality is hard to find elsewhere
burgers from Gasoline Grill, tacos from Hija de Sanchez or gyros from Strangas
summer festival vibe or winter magic - we like this place in every seasonAt Broens Gadekøkken, Copenhagen’s chefs show just how high-quality and delicious street food can be.
Overlooking the water with a view of the harbor, you can sit on simple wooden benches and indulge in burgers, tacos, seafood and much more, accompanied by Danish beer, homemade lemonades, or creamy milkshakes.
in short…
arguably the finest pizza north of the Alps is served here in Nørrebro
the exquisite mozzarella and burrata are crafted in-house by Christian Puglisi
particularly appealing - the Neapolitan stone oven with its open fire
Italy has an enclave in Copenhagen!
At Bæst in Nørrebro, our foodie hearts soar.
The best local organic products and the skilled hands of Chef Christian Puglisi ensure that even the simplest dishes are a grand delight.
From pizza to pistachio ice cream, we indulge in a Danish-Italian Dolce Vita.
in short…
the perfect burger for a spontaneous craving in Copenhagen
freshly ground organic beef, potato buns, crinkle cut fries
best paired with - Gasoline's milkshake
Gasoline Grill has nine locations across Copenhagen.
While we love enjoying their juicy burgers at the stand in Broens Gadekøkken, it’s comforting to know that spontaneous burger cravings can be satisfied at any of their well-distributed spots throughout the city.
Klaus Wittrup started out with with a similar appetite for a really good burger.
He opened his very first burger joint in the ultra-cool Landgreven location, inside a former gas station.
Gasoline Grill was born.
in short…
Japanese soul food and Danish natural wines
from delicate trout ceviche to savoury gyoza - it's all delicious
our place of choice for a laid-back night out - relaxed, cosy and incredibly welcoming
This Izakaya fits perfectly into the vibrant, fresh Vesterbro district.
The cool team and the casual look of the space create an easygoing atmosphere.
The relaxed crowd gives the impression that everyone has known each other for a long time.
There are wonderful selected sakes, natural wines and a house-made Jah IPA, served in a chilled glass.
Small street food-style dishes are made for sharing with friends while listening to reggae tunes.
Unique Hotels in Copenhagen - Our Top Picks
in short…
lovely boutique hotel with bohemian chic
sustainably run and green in all the best ways
what we particularly love – the enchanting courtyard with their own café
At Coco, visitors to Copenhagen effortlessly blend with locals, thanks to the boutique hotel's delightful lobby area, featuring a café and bar in bohemian chic and a cozy green courtyard.
The ambiance upon entering the Coco Hotel is simply enchanting.
There’s a charming blend of indoor and outdoor spaces. Fabrics in soft natural tones, wicker furniture, white marble tables and an abundance of plants and flowers create a true little oasis in the lively Vesterbro district.
in short…
urban home for two in the historic Nyboder houses
heavenly tranquillity with a garden view
and our favourite Copenhagen cafés just around the corner
The settlement where this charming apartment is located is framed by the King’s Garden, the Rose Park, the Botanical Garden, the Østre Anlæg and the Kastellet fortress.
What sounds like a rural idyll is actually super centrally located and a perfect retreat between exciting city days.
We just love Jette’s apartment in Indre By.
in short…
Boutique Hotel with Scandinavian design in the midst of the Latin Quarter
organic breakfast in the gorgeous greenhouse of the Vækst Restaurant
don't miss out - wine hour and nightcap on the house
The SP34 by Danish Brøchner Hotels impresses with its Scandinavian design, cozy co-living spaces, and friendly atmosphere.
For those who are adventurous and sociable, this hotel and the vibrant Latin Quarter surrounding it offer plenty of variety and excitement.
Night owls and foodies will find themselves right at home at SP34.
The hotel itself boasts three restaurants, ensuring guests are never far from a delicious meal.
Copenhagen’s Most Beautiful Cafés - Our Selection
in short…
idyllic park café on a gentle hill - perfect for a little country getaway right in the city
coffee under soft pink parasols or in the cosy conservatory
we love the warm cinnamon rolls baked in pretty ceramic moulds
A short stroll, an extensive walk with the dog, or a daily jogging route through the city park – all become even more delightful with a cup of coffee, an ice-cold drink, or a tasty snack.
All this comes together at Flindt & Ørsted in Copenhagen’s Ørstedparken.
in short…
Chiara Barlas Café in a historic pharmacy
a most beautiful location between Nyboders and Frederiksstaden
delicious breakfast (the pistachio granola is a hit) and fabulous snacks - homemade from local organic ingredients
Chiara Barla came from Liguria in Italy to Copenhagen to delve into the excitement surrounding the new Scandinavian cuisine spearheaded by René Redzepi and his restaurant Noma.
Now rooted in the Danish capital herself, she runs Apotek 57, a beautiful café that meets all the high standards of Copenhagen's culinary scene.
in short…
Frederik Bille Brahe's Daytime Cooking
here we get the perfect Danish breakfast - fresh sourdough bread, cheese, blueberry jam and a soft-boiled egg
we can't get enough of - Madeleines, warm from the oven
“Daytime cooking” is how Frederik Bille Brahe describes what he does at Atelier September, and it fits perfectly.
Here, we can have breakfast all day, enjoy a light lunch, or have an early evening snack before heading out for dinner.
Atelier September is a bright and beautiful place to meet friends or enjoy the friendly atmosphere alone.
in short…
bakery and coffee roastery with a bit of Noma
three times in Copenhagen - three times delightful
most indulgent treat - chocolate swirl croissants
Here, a bit of Noma’s magic wafts through the air, mingling with the aroma of coffee and buttery, chocolatey pastries.
Milton Abel, a pastry chef from Noma, teamed up with coffee expert Hans Kristian Andersen to open the wonderful bakery and coffee roastery, Andersen & Maillard.
in short…
award-winning coffee from fair and sustainable sourcing
from Indre By to Nørrebro - wherever we need good coffee
and always with the friendly Coffee Collective atmosphere
Peter, Claus, and Caspar are the three founders of Coffee Collective. Driven by their passion for exceptionally good coffee, their commitments include sustainability from the coffee farm to the coffee cup and fair trade through close collaboration with farmers.
Despite their achievements, including winning the World Barista Championship and the World Cup Tasting Championships, they remain humble, letting their coffee speak for itself in the best possible way.
in short…
Swedish bakery in Copenhagen's Østerbro district
freshly baked all throughout the day
so good - no queue could be too long for us
I know people who have a coffee table book filled with photos of puppies. On particularly dreary days, they flip through the pictures of fluffy bundles with big eyes and floppy ears to lift their spirits.
For me, my mood brightens instantly when I look at Juno the Bakery's Instagram.
I immediately feel the anticipation that comes with patiently waiting in line in Juno's front yard.
The joy I feel while stuffing a much-too-large bag with appetizing pastries is nearly tangible, and just like that, my spirits are lifted.
in short…
the bakeries of Richard Hart and René Redzepi
by hand and with passion, down-to-earth ingredients are turned into the absolute best here
the bread is good enough even for Noma - we love it as a kimchi toast straight to go
Sometimes, we wonder if there's anyone in Copenhagen's food scene who isn't connected to Noma in some way.
It's clear that the influence Noma has had globally is most prominent here in the Danish capital.
Founded in 2018 by René Redzepi himself, together with Richard Hart, Hart Bageri now boasts more than ten locations in Copenhagen.
And naturally, they bring baked goods to perfection.
Our Personal Copenhagen Shopping Guide
in short…
Trine Andersen's gorgeous showroom in the historic brick building on Kuglegårdsvej
delicate glass, oiled wood, brass, ceramics - Ferm uses only the most refined materials
also on our own table - the Ripple glasses and carafes
Copenhagen keeps surprising us with some of the best food we could ever wish for.
It seems to be a quiet superpower of the Danish capital to outshine others when it comes to taste.
But just as renowned is Denmark’s knack for interiors.
“Hygge,” the Danish word for a sense of cozy well-being, has long travelled across languages and borders.
Less known, perhaps, is the expression “ferm på fingrene,” meaning “skilled with one’s hands.”
That’s exactly where the name of the beautiful interiors brand Ferm Living comes from.
in short…
a market for foodies and street food fans
a delight for all the senses - colourful fruit, fragrant flowers, crispy smørrebrød and a cheerful market soundscape
from Hija de Sanchez tacos to Mikkeller craft beer - everything that's fun
The Torvehallerne are not just a feast for the eyes.
Two airy halls flank a large marketplace, which blooms with a sea of flowers.
Food trucks surround the square, offering delights like Korean Barbecue Chicken or tacos from Hija de Sanchez, making the choice deliciously difficult.
Inside the halls, we find a foodie paradise filled with Smørrebrød, cheeses, seafood, spices, cinnamon pastries, fresh juices, specialty coffee and everything a gourmet heart desires.
in short…
eat Kastberg's delicious ice cream scoops right by the quay wall and let your legs and your soul dangle
our favourite - smooth soft ice cream made from real bourbon vanilla in a butter waffle cone
it gets no more Danish than this - sea buckthorn sorbet or liquorice ice cream
Even in Copenhagen, summer days can be sunny and hot.
While the abundant waterways invite refreshing dips, cooling down from the inside with delicious ice cream is always a good idea.
Sea buckthorn or elderflower sorbet, licorice ice cream or salted caramel, honey nougat or chocolate ice cream – all these flavors more than fulfill their cooling purpose at Nyhavn 40.
Our Perfect Day in Copenhagen
Home Away, Cinnamon Buns and Park Strolls
Isn't it the most beautiful thing letting yourself drift without a schedule, daydreaming by the water for an afternoon, guiltlessly transitioning from the finest bakery to the most delightful ice cream parlor or enjoying an endless breakfast?
We believe, this approach can often provide a deeper sense of a metropolis’s rhythm, than a rigid cultural itinerary and sometimes it reveals the true treasures of a city.
Even if it’s just a brief weekend trip, it would be a pity to let haste and stress intrude.
After all, when a city is enjoyable, we are bound to return.
Here, we share a few personal tips and secrets on how to savor a wonderful city walk and how to make our Copenhagen-Day truly perfect.
to the perfect day in Copenhagen…
copenhagen:

