Copenhagen is a food-lovers paradise. With the advent of “New Nordic” cuisine, a host of Michelin-starred restaurants, and the several-times over World’s best-voted restaurant Noma, the city has transformed itself into a mecca for casual, fine, and experimental dining. The Danish food scene is undoubtedly one of the best in the world.
Scroll down for the best places to eat in Copenhagen. For a broader look at the city, see our Copenhagen city guide.
Torvehallerne
Frederiksborggade21, 1362 Copenhagen C website
One of the best places to eat in Copenhagen is the indoor food market Torvehallerne. It is a food lover’s dream and an absolute must when you’re in town. It’s conveniently located near Nørreport Station and Strøget. There are two separate pavilion halls with more than 60 stands selling everything from fresh fish, meat, delicious ready dishes to go, cheese to pastries, cake, chocolate, fresh bouquet of flowers, and more. It’s an excellent option for lunch and an afternoon drink.
Aamanns 1921
Niels Hemmingsens Gade 19-21, 1153 Copenhagen C website
An absolute favorite of ours! Owner Aamann is one of Denmark’s most renowned chefs of open-faced sandwiches and creates the most flavorful and exciting combinations with a modern take on the classic smørrebrød. So head for lunch and try some of the best open-faced sandwiches in the city.
Pluto
Borgergade 16, 1300 Copenhagen C website and current menu
Family-style food in a lively atmosphere with New York-inspired interiors. We loved the communal, informal feel. Pluto currently offers a ten-serving sharing menu for the whole table as well as individual dishes; check the menu before booking, since the selection changes.
Lunch at Apollo Bar & Canteen
Apollo Bar & Canteen
Charlottenborg, Nyhavn 2, 1051 Copenhagen C website
We loved Apollo's relaxed courtyard at Kunsthal Charlottenborg. Its official site says September 27, 2026 is its final opening day, so this is a memory of a meal rather than a future dining recommendation. Check what opens in the space before planning a visit.
Café Atelier September
Kronprinsessegade 62, 1306 Copenhagen K (and other locations) current locations
We first visited Atelier September at Gothersgade, which is now closed. The team opened nearby on Kronprinsessegade in 2023 and has since added other cafés. Check the current menu and location rather than going to our old address.
Far’s Dreng
Ny Adelgade 7 and Rosengården 12 website
Far’s Dreng was one of our relaxed breakfast stops. We liked its generous plates and waffles; check the current menu for what is served now.
Seaside Toldboden
18-24 Nordre Toldbod, 1259 Copenhagen C website
We remember Toldboden for its generous brunch and harbor views. The venue at this address is now Seaside Toldboden, with several independent kitchens rather than the old buffet. It serves brunch on weekends and lunch and dinner from its current menus. The waterside setting still makes it a good stop; choose what to eat from the current menu before heading over.
Schønneman
Hauser Plads 16, 1127 Copenhagen C website
One of the oldest lunch restaurants in the city. Since 1877 Schønnemann’s has served hearty and flavorful herring, beer, and snaps. Classic, iconic smørrebrød at its best. Make sure to book well ahead.
Gasoline Grill
Landgreven 10 (three other locations in the city) website
Situated in an old petrol station, this organic burger joint became the city’s most hyped place to go when they made it to Bloomberg’s top 27 burgers in the world in 2017. The menu is a short, straightforward affair with four burgers (one vegetarian) to choose between. The catch is that the shop closes when they run out of burgers, and in the summertime that is often quite early. So don’t come late and prepare for a long line of people.
Beau Marché, Café à Vins
Ny Østergade 32, 1101 Copenhagen website
The café is part of the interior store (which is well worth a visit) and is hidden in the backyard behind the store. In the summer, you can sit outside on the sidewalk while enjoying classic French dishes such as croque madame and salade chèvre chaud. It’s charming, cozy and you can expect to see a lot of rosé-drinking locals during the summer.
Orangeriet
Kronprinsessegade 13, 1306 Copenhagen C website
Located on the edge of King’s Garden, the light-filled restaurant oozes of Danish design, minimalism, and hygge. Head for lunch and try some of their beautifully prepared and presented “smørrebrød.” Dine outside on their terrace when the weather permits.
Bistro Royal
Kongens Nytorv 26, 1050 Copenhagen C website and current menu
Bistro Royal is part of the Madklubben restaurant group. We like its vibrant setting at Kongens Nytorv, a few minutes from Nyhavn and Strøget. The restaurant has since reopened after a fire, and its menu has changed; check the current dishes and reservations before you go.
Høst
Nørre Farimagsgade 41, 1364 Copenhagen C website and current menu
Høst, the Danish word for harvest, excels in modern Nordic cooking with seasonal ingredients and greens. We love its rustic yet elegant setting. The restaurant offers three- and five-course menus, including vegetarian versions; the dishes and prices change with the season, so check the current menu when planning your visit.
Vækst
Sankt Peders Stræde 34, 1453 Copenhagen C website and current menu
Vækst, meaning growth in Danish, is part of the Cofoco restaurant group. Its Nordic dishes center on vegetables and herbs, with meat and fish options too. The greenhouse that stretches through the restaurant and the hanging plants make the room as memorable as the food.
Conditori La Glace
Skoubougade 3, 1158 Copenhagen C website
Last but not least on our list of the best places to eat in Copenhagen is the legendary La Glace Conditori. The iconic La Glace Conditori was founded in 1870 and is Copenhagen’s oldest pastry shop. Much of the original furniture and decor remain, creating a lovely authentic ambiance. During peak season, expect a long wait. See our review here