Our guide to the best of Copenhagen's food scene

1. Sink your teeth into our world-renowned pastry

We Danes tend to be known for being rather humble – at least until you get us talking about pastries. Even though what is now known as Danish pastry around the world actually originated from Austria (hence the Danish word wienerbrød), we have perfected the artistry of making mouth-watering pastries. Even if we do say so ourselves. 

Good news is that you'll never be too far away from a bakery in Copenhagen, and must treat yourself to a pastry – or three – while you're here. Some of the most popular places to queue for these treats are Juno the bakery in Østerbro, Hart Bageri in Frederiksberg, Sankt Peders Bageri in the old Latin Quarter, or Lille Bakery & Eatery on Refshaleøen.

2. Learn to eat sandwiches with a knife and fork

Our traditional Danish lunch, the open-faced sandwiches known as smørrebrød, are as delicious and varied as the word is difficult to pronounce. Smørrebrød are slices of rye bread heaped with different kinds of toppings. Think, pickled herring, potato slices, or roast beef. Yes, you have to use a knife and fork to eat them, but trust us – these are worth the effort. 

Many restaurants throughout Copenhagen have some smørrebrød on their lunch menus, and you can also buy these bejewelled creations in places like Torvehallerne or bakeries dotted around the city. For a modern take on the classics, try Aamaans – they even have a book, so you can give them a go when you get home! 

3. Dine at our organic restaurants

Did you know that we Danes love organic produce? We even have an annual Økodag festival where organic produce is celebrated up and down the country. It even has dancing cows, we kid you not. 

This love of local and organic produce has spread to restaurants across Copenhagen, and has become a key ingredient (literally) to their business. If you're looking for a few suggestions on where to eat organic food, you might want to check out the rooftop farm/restaurant Gro Spiseri, the hotdog stand DØP or our beloved Italian restaurant Bæst (whose pizza has been ranked third best in Europe).

4. Do as the locals and eat at a street food market

Copenhagen's booming street food scene continues and has become a popular place for locals and visitors alike to meet up, try a bunch of different foods and have a hyggelig time. At these markets, you'll find a wide variety of carefully selected food options, ranging from burgers and tacos to hot dogs (the original Danish street food) and craft beer.

You can explore a range of different areas of Copenhagen if you use the street food markets as your guiding star. In the city centre, you can combine a visit to the iconic amusement park Tivoli Gardens with a meal at Tivoli Food Hall.

Head to Reffen (biking, walking or by boat) and you'll discover the up-and-coming district of Refshaleøen that seems to change on a daily basis. And, if you need a snack on the way to or from Refshaleøen, make a quick stop by Broens Gadekøkken in the charming old neighbourhood of Christianshavn.

5. Hunt for our liquid treasure

When you think of Danish beer, what do you think of? Carlsberg? Tuborg? These classic pilsner brands are no doubt part of the Danish cultural fabric, but in the last decade, the Danish craft beer scene has grown faster than a strain of wild yeast in a hoppy IPA. Nowhere in Denmark is that more true than in Copenhagen.

Just look at Mikkeller for proof. What started as a home-brewing project in Mikkel Borg Bjergsø’s kitchen is today a veritable craft beer empire with a dozen bars and restaurants in Copenhagen and around the world. And Mikkeller’s not the only Danish brewery garnering international praise; To Øl, Dry & Bitter, ÅBEN, and Gamma have all earned acclaim in recent years.

But where to try all these delicious beers? Thankfully, Copenhagen has more than a few options for every taste. From brewery outposts like Mikkeller and Friends, BRUS, ÅBEN and Dial’legd, to the classic American-style craft beer bars like Fermentoren, to stylish bars like Ruby, there are more great places to try craft beer and excellent drinks in Copenhagen than ever. 

6. Get a taste of the stars

Michelin stars, that is, because Copenhagen is the city with both the highest number of Michelin stars and the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the Nordics. Our capital city is a true gourmet powerhouse, which has taken its place among the world's best - especially since the New Nordic cuisine became renowned and known around the world.

A few stars shine especially bright – noma (3*), a five-time winner of the world’s best restaurant, and Geranium (3*), led by the legendary Rasmus Kofoed. And, of course, there’s Alchemist (2*), where dining becomes an art form, pushing the boundaries of gastronomy. These are not just meals; they’re once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

If your wallet, however, isn't too keen for you to travel to a galaxy far, far away, you can also opt for the more affordable gourmet experience (which still has the Michelin stamp of approval) by booking a table at one of our Bib Gourmand restaurants.

7. Sleep, eat, explore, repeat

If you're looking for the complete 24/7 foodie experience, you might want to consider booking accommodation that ensures you're never far from your next snack. And while that includes every hotel and hostel in Copenhagen, there are some places where you'll practically have a scrumptious meal right next door. 

For instance, you might want to book a stay at Scandic Kødbyen, located in the heart of the trendy Meatpacking District and not even a minute away from a range of popular food spots. If you're looking for an enchanting hotel vibe, you ought to check out the Nimb Hotel, which is part of Tivoli Gardens, and beside Nimb Brasserie, you'll be a stone's throw away from Tivoli Food Hall. Or you might look for the utmost luxurious foodie experience, which you'll find at the five-star Hotel d'Angleterre, which also houses the Michelin-starred restaurant Marchal.