Copenhagen food is unlike any other. Not only is the capital home to two of the world’s best restaurants (Noma and Geranium), but it boasts 17 Michelin-starred restaurants! And with some of the strictest food regulations, it comes as no surprise that Danes place a real emphasis on organic, quality food and produce.
But despite its fame, there are incredible eateries to suit every budget and taste bud and I’m pleased to share just a fraction of those with you that I visited personally. I had totally underestimated the Copenhagen food scene and hope one day to visit during the summer months to enjoy some seasonal produce and ice cream.
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Best for Breakfast
Founded in 1870, Conditori La Glace is the oldest confectionary in Denmark. With puppetts adorning the window displays it resembles the Harrods of Copenhagen, and the décor adds a touch of authenticity dating back to the 1920s with much of the furniture dating back to the 1890s.
Navigate downstairs to enjoy the treats inside or head upstairs for some take away treats.
I opted for the Black tea with orange, vanilla, roses and cinnamon and a Danish pastry. With the coffee, tea and hot chocolate you’re offered one complimentary refill to enjoy at your leisure.
Best for Brunch
We came for the signature cappuccino, we stayed for the waffles! Just kidding, I’d already studied the menu before our breakfast at The Union Kitchen. For bigger appetites tuck into the Brunch plate, an ensemble of organic scrambled egg, sausage, bacon, smoked salmon, Comte Aged 24 Months, spinach, mini avocado toast, yogurt & granola, mini waffle & berries, fruit, mini croissant and bread. I personally opted for the Waffle with fresh berries, yoghurt, chocolate and the El chapo breakfast burrito was a serious contender.
Best for Lunch
Who doesn’t love a food hall? Torvehallerne is a buzzing epicentre of fresh produce and high-quality quick eats. Spread across two halls are a mixture of local traders selling everything from meat, fish, alcohol and cheese to kitchen utensils, flowers and of course… cooked food!
We did a couple of laps around before settling on Calamari and Frites. Take a look around, see what’s on offer and take a seat. From tapas to porridge, to smoothie bowls and Smørrebrød the hardest part is choosing one!
Best for Dinner
Kødbyen is Copenhagen’s meat packing district, set in former factory buildings it is today a trendy dining scene with some of the city’s best offerings.
In fact, John’s Hotdog Deli of Anthony Bourdain fame has recently opened up a restaurant in the area and I hear his burgers are a real treat.
We decided to dine at Warpigs – a brew pub with a traditional Texan BBQ. Seating is on shared picnic-style benches with a self-service element. Grab a tray, choose your meat and any sides but be quick! They do sell out of meat most nights so race there for a tender cut with a side of Mac & Cheese.
There are a real range of cuisines in the area – but you may want to book ahead if you have your heart set on somewhere in particular.
Best for Street Food
Pølsevogn – literally translated as sausage wagon – litter the streets as Denmark’s top street food. In fact the late Anthony Bourdain found love at Johns Hotdog Deli outside of Copenhagen Central Station.
While you’ll have a hard time telling one cart to another there are differences in the offerings, something The Copenhagen Tales wraps up quick nicely in this article.
I enjoyed mine outside Frederiksberg Runddel and opted for the classic served with ketchup and remoulade, roasted onions and pickles.
Best for a Coffee Break
Good coffee is readily available in Copenhagen, so this one is a bit of a novelty. In the neighbourhood of Vesterbro is where you’ll find the world’s smallest hotel with only one room. Underneath the kitsch window is the cafe equally small in size. A serving hatch on the side serves as a grab-and-go or you can park up at one of the five seats available inside.