Copenhagen’s vibrant food scene has made it a world-class culinary destination. Shaped by the legacy of Noma and the New Nordic movement it pioneered, the city continues to push boundaries with its fearless creativity, an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients, and the influence of global flavours. Here’s where to eat in one of Europe’s most exciting gastronomic destinations.
1. Reffen
The largest street food market in the Nordics is located in Refshaleøen, a former industrial site in Copenhagen’s harbour that’s now a hip, dynamic hub. Open from March to September, Reffen is home to over 50 food stands, bars, vintage clothing stalls and creative studios. Its international culinary offerings range from the gourmet Danish hot dogs at Nordic Hotdog – pair with a craft beer from award-winning Copenhagen brewery, Mikkeller – to Mexican churrasco pork burritos from Nomames. Play a game of ping pong or pétanque before grabbing a bite to eat, then enjoy some live music while watching skaters perform tricks at the skatepark.
2. Juno the Bakery
This tiny, elegant bakery from Swedish ex-Noma pastry chef Emil Glaser is located in the upscale residential neighbourhood of Østerbro. Be prepared to queue to obtain one of Juno’s delicious breads and pastries, from their iconic black cardamom buns – a favourite from Glaser’s homeland – to seasonal specialities such as semla (cream-filled buns) on Shrove Tuesday and lussekatter (saffron buns) in December. Juno’s sweet and savoury goods are baked fresh throughout the day, so there’s a strong chance of procuring a pistachio croissant, brioche donut or sourdough loaf that’s still warm from the oven. Order a coffee from boutique Swedish roastery, Koppi, too.
3. Silberbauers Bistro
This lively neighbourhood restaurant in vibrant Nørrebro was inspired by chef-owner Mathias Silberbauer’s time working in Nice, France. With its red-and-white checked tablecloths, potted plants and a handwritten blackboard menu, Silberbauers is a charming, rustic spot serving classic French bistro cuisine – think snails with garlic and herb butter, or wild pigeon and foie gras with a port wine sauce. From spiced surf clams to dover sole, the menu also showcases fresh local fish and seafood. Dessert fans will be spoiled for choice with sweets like lemon tart and crème brûlée. Silberbauers’ extensive wine list features a great selection of natural wines.
4. Selma
At Selma, a trendy spot named after Swedish chef-owner Magnus Pettersson’s daughter, smørrebrød (Denmark’s traditional open-faced rye sandwich, eaten with a knife and fork) has been given a modern makeover. The centrally located restaurant is simply decorated with mustard-coloured walls, hand-painted wallpaper and wooden furniture, providing a stylish backdrop to Pettersson’s beautifully presented food. Choose the set tasting menu to sample several smørrebrød bites with toppings such as beetroot and hibiscus herring with red pearl onion, smoked herring caviar and horseradish, or pumpkin with Brussels sprouts, hazelnut and vanilla. There’s a selection of craft beers on tap, plus wines and schnapps from small producers.
5. Alchemist
The hyper-immersive, multi-sensory fine dining experience at two-Michelin-starred Alchemist is like no other. An immaculately choreographed dinner takes place in a four-storey warehouse in the industrial Refshaleøen area, divided into acts and served across several locations – including a planetarium-like dome in which guests dine surrounded by projections. Served over the course of six or so hours, 50 creative and technically complex edible impressions from head chef Rasmus Munk arrive accompanied by performances, art and spectacular visuals, taking guests on a journey that inspires deep conversations about the state of the world. Tickets are released four times a year and sell out within minutes.
6. Koan
Koan was awarded two Michelin stars a mere 10 weeks after it opened in 2023. At the waterfront restaurant – an elegant, 23-seater space neutrally decorated with light ash wood and backlit screens – head chef Kristian Baumann, who was born in South Korea and adopted by a Danish family, seamlessly bridges his heritage with Nordic culinary traditions. With sophisticated dishes such as fjord shrimp mandu (fried Korean dumpling) and a Nordic-inspired version of kkwabaegi (Korean twisted doughnut) sprinkled with pine salt and served with whipped double cream, Baumann’s 17-course tasting menu blends the techniques and flavours of South Korean cuisine with local, seasonal Danish produce.
7. Kødbyens Fiskebar
At this former butcher’s shop in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, British head chef Jamie Lee serves up sustainably sourced wild fish and shellfish based on daily catch. With its industrial chic interior – think white tiles and thrifted black chairs – laidback atmosphere and a kitchen that doesn’t shut until 11pm, Kødbyens Fiskebar is a great spot for a late dinner. Head to a booth and tuck into a bowl of Limfjorden blue mussels steamed in apple cider or grab a seat at the long counter bar and enjoy oysters with a glass of wine. In summer, the terrace is a popular place for sunset cocktails.
8. Paesàno
The simplicity of this trattoria serving up Southern Italian cuisine, belies the keen attention to detail that head chef Davide Laudato brings to menu. A focus on craft, quality, ingredients and authentic flavours, ensure that each dish is an elevated take on simple Neapolitan cuisine. The menu at Paesàno is mainly vegetarian, though the pasta with beef and pork ragu is a savoury, flavourful delight. Guests can also opt for the “Fidate di Davide” (meaning “trust Davide”) menu in which the table leaves the choices in the capable hands of the chef.
9. BaneGaarden
A rustic green oasis between Copenhagen’s Sydhavnen and Vesterbro neighbourhoods, BaneGaarden is a pioneering cultural and gastronomic hub. The sprawling site is home to nine beautifully preserved wooden barns from 1909 that were abandoned in 1950 and left for nature to reclaim. In summer, there are organic street food stands offering the likes of Tunisian vegetable couscous and British fish and chips, a bar serving draft beer, wines and homemade lemonade, and community dining events including seafood boils. Popular onsite sourdough bakery, PERRON, is open year-round, offering breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes such as croissants, homemade granola, seasonal salads and pizzas.
10. Rug Bakery
With its tiled floors and wooden cabinetry, Rug – which means “rye” in Danish – is an elegant and inviting space. The small artisanal bakery is located opposite Tivoli Gardens in Villa Copenhagen, an exclusive five-star hotel. During the day, Argentinian head baker and former Noma chef Gonzalo Guarda produces an array of freshly baked goods including croissants, cookies and cardamom buns, while Rug’s breakfast and lunch menus offer everything from folded eggs with brown butter and sourdough to veal schnitzel sandos with salsa criolla. Come evening, the lights dim and the laid-back vibe continues with music, natural wine and cocktails, and sourdough pizzas.
11. Alouette
Down-to-earth Alouette earned a Michelin star just eight months after opening in 2018. Housed in a historic-listed building opposite Kongens Have (The King’s Gardens) that was once visited by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, American head chef Nick Curtin’s commitment to sustainable sourcing has since earned the restaurant a Michelin Green Star, too. Spotlighting locally farmed and foraged seasonal produce, Curtin’s 12-15 course menu features multiple dishes made with ingredients from single plots of land. Meticulously executed dishes such as fire-grilled langoustine tail with elderflower sauce and oregano oil, and white asparagus custard with caviar, showcase Denmark’s unique terroir.
https://www.restaurantalouette.dk
12. Vækst
In Copenhagen’s colourful Latinerkvarteret (Latin Quarter), a beautiful two-storey greenhouse filled with hanging plants forms the centrepiece of Nordic restaurant, Vækst – which means “growth” in English. This abundance of lush greenery, accompanied by strings of bare lightbulbs, ensure guests can enjoy some Danish summer vibes all year long. Vækst’s beautifully plated dishes are light and flavourful, and though meat, seafood and fish are all present on the small à la carte and three-course menus, the focus here is on fresh seasonal herbs and vegetables. Baked beetroots come with smoked cream cheese and crispy rye bread, and grilled beef tenderloin is accompanied by salt-baked celeriac and truffle.
13. Torvehallerne
Housed in an impressive steel-and-glass structure close to busy Nørreport Station and the Copenhagen Lakes, Torvehallerne is home to two covered market halls, plus a farmers market selling flowers and fresh produce outside. Indoors, over 60 stands offer everything from coffee and food-to-go to kitchenware and souvenirs. There’s a huge variety of local and international specialities to try: head to GRØD for a typical Danish porridge breakfast or Laboca for Argentinian empanadas. In good weather, pick up a homemade Italian ice cream from Is à Bella and head to Dronning Louises Bridge to enjoy it with views of the city.
14. Apotek 57
Housed in a 19th-century pharmacy in Nyboder, a historic district of former naval barracks, chic concept store FRAMA is home to Apotek 57, a stylish bakery and café. Its minimalist interior reflects both FRAMA’s design ethos and the simplicity of Italian chef Chiara Barla’s seasonally driven brunch menu. Hot and cold food is served until 4pm each day, with dishes ranging from porridge with hazelnuts, caramel and poached apple to hummus with roasted carrots and labneh. There’s a daily-changing selection of baked goods, too: try the croissant with miso caramel and poppy seeds or a savoury croissant with Danish Gammel Knas cheese, honey mustard and rocket.
https://framacph.com/blogs/stores/apotek-57
15. formel B
This Frederiksberg restaurant, where head chef Kristian Arpe-Møller combines French cooking techniques with local flavours, has held a Michelin star since 2004. Decorated in earthy tones, formel B is furnished with classic mid-century pieces from Danish designer Finn Juhl, who was born in the same neighbourhood. Guests choose their own five-course menu from a selection of 11-13 dishes – groups of seven or more have theirs decided by the chef – and the simplicity of dishes such as roasted langoustine with pickled pumpkin, orange and vadouvan (a French-inspired spice blend) allows the high quality of the kitchen’s sustainably sourced ingredients to shine. The wine list has a strong Burgundy focus.
https://formelfamily.dk/formelb
To discover more about Copenhagen, please click visitcopenhagen.com. For information on Singapore Airlines flights to Copenhagen, visit singaporeair.com.
