I live in Copenhagen, and these are the restaurants, bistros, bars, and cafes I keep going back to. You’ll find cozy smørrebrød spots that haven’t changed since the 1800s (Schønnemann), design cafés with soft-boiled eggs and Juno pastries, and sourdough pizza joints with some attitude. If you like oysters and champagne like me or you just want a perfect cinnamon pastry, here’s where I’d go, from breakfast to dinner (and everything in between).
Best Restaurants and Bistros in Copenhagen – List of My Favorite Spots for Good Food
Fishmarket – Probably the Best Seafood Bistro in Copenhagen
Hovedvagtsgade 2, 1103 København
Seafood on ice, white wine in the glass, and a Paris-meets-Copenhagen vibe. It was the kind of place where lunch turned long, and six different types of oysters were served nicely. A classic spot that’s missed by many.
My recommendations are starters like prawn carpaccio with lime and rose pepper (135 DKK / ~$20), sea bass ceviche with grapefruit and chipotle (145 DKK / ~$21), and raw bluefin tuna with green apple and salsa verde — all ultra-fresh and plated with a light touch. The grilled langoustines with garlic and parsley are a hit, and voila – there is Pavlova on the dessert menu, don’t skip it — properly done and rare to find in Copenhagen.
Husmanns Vinstue
Larsbjørnsstræde 2, 1454 København
Smørrebrød, schnapps, and old-school Danish comfort food in a warm, wood-paneled room. Locals come for lunch, beer, and tradition—no frills, just the real thing.
Bistro Central
Ny Østergade 14, 1101 København K
The best place for Danish sautéed mussels, fries, easy‑going champagne by the glass, and a young, nice crowd people‑watching. We owe the spot to its local restaurateur, known for keeping things casual yet chic. Bistro Central opened its doors in the mid‑2010s, quickly becoming the city’s “hej‑hej corner” for nightly unwinding and friendly get‑togethers.
Café Victor – Best Breakfasts in Copenhagen
Ny Østergade 8, 1101 København K
I’ve found the perfect breakfast place in Copenhagen — my favorite eggs, spinach, gently smoked salmon, and avocado — and elegant, rich champagne evenings with local celebs and politicians.
A Paris‑meets‑Copenhagen brasserie, Café Victor has been open since 1981 and remains one of the city’s most iconic café‑restaurants. It continues to draw a mix of writers, journalists, and politicos, all served by a friendly, regular staff.
Chicky Grill
Halmtorvet 21, 1700 København V
A kitschy place with super tasty fried chicken and a 50‑60s greasy atmosphere of a working‑class neighborhood, now in the fancy Meatpacking District—and yes, you can smoke here too. This time‑capsule grill has been doing its thing for over 45 years, run by a family team that keeps it warm and familiar. Nothing much has changed since the early ’90s—but the food, crowd, and charm are alive.
Café Petersborg
Bredgade 76, Copenhagen
This place goes way back—since around 1746, when the Russian consulate was still upstairs. One of the oldest restaurants in the city, and it still feels like it. The food? Classic Danish lunch—herring, tartare, schnapps, the works—done right and without fuss.
Schønnemann
Hauser Plads 16, 1127 København
A classic Copenhagen lunch spot that’s been serving smørrebrød and snaps since 1877. The menu runs deep with herring, liver pâté, and roast pork—served the old-fashioned way, to regulars who like it that way. Book ahead and come hungry.
Reffen – Copenhagen Street Food
The best spot in the city for Korean fried chicken, wood-fired pizzas, and ice-cold natural wine with a view of the harbor. Reffen is laid-back and a little wild—in the good way. It’s where Copenhageners head when the sun’s out and no one wants to cook. You’ll find big shared tables, local DJs, craft beer on tap, and a good mix of families, tourists, and twenty-somethings on date night.
Sonny – Frederiksberg
Frederiksberg Allé 12, 1820 Frederiksberg
A calm, well-designed café with great coffee, soft-boiled eggs, and fresh sourdough. The space feels light and unhurried—ideal for a quiet breakfast or mid-morning pause.
Frankies Pizza Frederiksberg
Allegade 2, 2000 Frederiksberg
Loud, pink, and full of energy. Frankies does sourdough pizzas with playful toppings, very tasty, strong cocktails, and a bit of attitude. Not subtle—but fun for groups, and usually easy to find seating.
SURT
Gammel Kongevej 157, Frederiksberg
Sourdough pizza, done properly. Chewy crust, good char, and good wine to match. The vibe is laid-back but sharp—more neighborhood spot than pizza party. Always full—book ahead if you want a table.
Atelier September
Kronprinsessegade 62, 1306 København
Bright, calm, and a little bit Paris, a little bit Copenhagen. Known for its perfectly soft-boiled eggs, tahini granola, and green plates that look like still lifes. A breakfast or lunch spot where time moves slowly—and the coffee’s always good.
Sinne Gas Bageri
Ryesgade 63, 2100 København
Sinne Gas Bageri is a small bakery with a big heart, dedicated to preserving the Southern Danish baking tradition. Known for its focus on time-honored recipes, regional ingredients, and slow fermentation methods, the bakery specializes in rustic loaves, buttery pastries, and seasonal treats that reflect the culinary heritage of Southern Jutland.
The Roe Bar & Louise Roe Gallery
Vognmagergade 9, Copenhagen
A calm and beautifully styled space where design meets food. The gallery showcases Louise Roe’s sculptural furniture and interior pieces—clean lines, real materials, and quiet details. In the middle sits The Roe Bar, a café with organic ingredients, light seasonal dishes, and pastries from Juno. Everything feels considered—warm, minimal, and a little indulgent in the best way.
Hercules Pavilion Café
Kongens Have, Copenhagen
A small café at a neoclassical pavilion in the middle of the King’s Garden. Best when the weather’s nice—grab a seat under the trees with a coffee, a very light lunch, or a beer or glass of wine. More about the setting than the menu, but a beautiful pause all the same.
Mielcke & Hurtigkarl
Frederiksberg Runddel 1, 2000 Frederiksberg
A creative fine dining restaurant in the middle of Frederiksberg Garden. The food is modern and playful, with ingredients from around the world. It’s a special place, but not too formal. Nice to take a walk in Haveselskabets Have before or after your meal.
Tokyo Restaurant
Tucked away on busy Vesterbrogade, Tokyo Restaurant has been serving authentic Japanese food since the early 1970s—making it the oldest Japanese restaurant in all of Scandinavia. It is another era: guests sit on floor cushions at low tables, surrounded by the warm scent of dashi and soy. Okonomiyaki sizzles on tabletop griddles using original cooking equipment that hasn’t changed in decades.
The atmosphere is unhurried and nostalgic, like a quiet Tokyo side street frozen in time. If you’re after real Japanese flavours—nothing fusion, no gimmicks—this place delivers with soul and history.
Fasangården
Søndre Fasanvej 73, 2000 Frederiksberg
A historic 18th-century house in the middle of Frederiksberg Have turned restaurant. Fasangården serves modern Danish cuisine using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Ideal for lunch, brunch, or a calm dinner.
Mig & Venner
Vesterbrogade 186, Frederiksberg
Laid-back neighborhood café with a cozy feel and homemade food. Breakfast, lunch, and cakes are fresh, organic, and nicely put together. Good coffee, soft lighting, and a calm place to sit.
TOP Places to Eat in Copenhagen That Locals Love
- Fishmarket – Seafood on ice, white wine, and Paris-meets-Copenhagen long lunch vibes.
- Husmanns Vinstue – Classic smørrebrød and schnapps in an old-school wood-paneled room.
- Bistro Central – The best for sautéed mussels, fries, casual champagne, and a stylish young crowd.
- Café Victor – Quiet breakfasts with eggs, spinach, avocado, and salmon, elegant champagne evenings with celebs and politicians.
- Chicky Grill – Crispy fried chicken and 50s kitsch in the smoky Meatpacking District.
- Café Petersborg – A historical Danish lunch restaurant with a history dating back to 1746.
- Schønnemann – Great smørrebrød menu and snaps since 1877, best booked in advance.
- Sonny – Frederiksberg – Calm café for perfect eggs, sourdough, and excellent coffee.
- Frankies Pizza FRB – Loud, pink, and playful with sourdough pizza and strong cocktails.
- SURT – Proper sourdough pizza, great wine, and laid-back neighborhood vibes.
- Atelier September – Bright and minimal with tahini granola and soft-boiled egg perfection.
- Sinne Gas Bageri – Southern Danish baking traditions with slow-fermented pastries.
- The Roe Bar & Louise Roe Gallery – Minimalist café with organic food in a chic design gallery.
- Rug Bakery – Inside Villa Copenhagen, home of Copenhagen’s most talked-about cinnamon roll.
- Hercules Pavilion Café – Light café fare in the middle of the King’s Garden under the trees.
- Fasangården – Historic house and modern Danish cuisine in a silent garden (Frederiksberg Have).
- Mig & Venner – Cozy neighborhood café with homemade, organic breakfast and cakes.
- Mielcke & Hurtigkarl – Playful fine dining in a fairytale garden setting.
- Tokyo Restaurant – The First and Authentic Japanese Restaurant In Copenhagen
Check out our list of the best seafood restaurants in Copenhagen.
