With a strong accent on seasonal, high-quality ingredients, Copenhagen is a haven for foodies. The high temple of gastronomy, Noma, helped put the city on the map and now 15 restaurants share 19 Michelin stars. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to find a fresh, wholesome lunch or dinner.
Here are 9 examples – not including Noma – that showcase the variety, with an unashamed bias towards Nordic cuisine.
1 Geranium
Coveting three Michelin stars, Geranium offers a tasting menu where the plates – and surprises – just keep coming. Run by a former winner of the world’s best chef title, it turns food into art, with endless imagination. Situated on the 8th floor in Fælledparken in the Østerbro area, the restaurant’s dining room is as smart and stylish as the cuisine and looks out over the park.
2 Kadeau
Bornholm is a Danish island in the Baltic Sea and Kadeau, boasting two Michelin stars, brings its natural bounty into Christianshavn, central Copenhagen. Foraged berries and plant leaves, expertly paired with seafood and meat, feature on the extensive tasting menu. Even the wines are organic.
3 Alchemist
Having opened its door in spring 2020, the Alchemist, in Refshaleoen is a 24,000sq ft space formerly occupied by the Danish Royal Theatre. The restaurant’s previous incarnation focused on experimental cuisine and molecular gastronomy. Head chef and co-owner Rasmus Munk is keen to retain the idea of taking diners on a sensory journey but is shifting the focus to “holistic cuisine”. Wine lovers will appreciate the choice that comes with Alchemist’s 10,000-bottle wine cellar on site too.
4 Restaurant Mes
You’ll be talking about the chefs’ imagination for a long time after a meal here. Situated across the street from beautiful Orsteds Park near the university, Restaurant Mes has a focus on “simple but affordable luxury”. The menu is inspired by the seasons and uses locally grown produce, with exquisitely presented dishes featuring inventive flavour combinations.
5 Tårnet
For a taste of traditional Danish dishes with a modern twist few venues offer surrounds to match Tårnet. Housed within Christiansborg Palace - once home to kings and queens but now the seat of the Danish parliament - diners should try one of the smørrebrød (open sandwiches) while overlooking the royal riding yard. The observation tower is just above the restaurant and well worth a visit before or after your meal to enjoy terrific views of the city.
6 Gemyse
In the heart of the wonderful Tivoli Gardens, Gemyse – part of the Nimb Hotel – banishes any conception that vegetables are simply an accompaniment. Organic veg are combined with nuts, spices and herbs for plenty of taste. If you must, fish or meat can be added, plus there’s a chance to roast marshmallows on a bonfire.
7 Restaurant Silo
Like a meal with a view? Try Silo, set 17 floors up in the northern harbour area. Enjoy a fish-oriented meal while gazing through the panoramic windows, and choose to eat in the restaurant, bar or lounge. The chef’s four-course menu is reliably good, though you might prefer to go à la carte.
8 MØR
If a succulent steak with a glass of red wine sounds right up your street, then book a table at MØR. Based in the smart urban Scandic Hotel Kødbyen, they cook the finest meats to perfection in an Argentinian style, over a charcoal grill. There are plenty of delicious fish and veggie options too, including hot-smoked salmon with horseradish and fennel and fire-baked celeriac with smoked potato puree and lovage sauce.
9 Restaurant Palægade
Close to King’s New Square, this buzzing eatery combines traditional fare with avant-garde gastronomy. Don’t miss its take on the classic Danish open sandwich, smørrebrød. Using organic or free-range products as much as possible, some 40 types are available from traditional herrings over home-smoked salmon to tenderloin with mushrooms a la creme. And you’ll be able to accompany yours with one of Palægade’s locally produced beers or aquavits.
10 Restaurant Grønnegade
Among all the uber-cool Danish sophistication of Copenhagen, Grønnegade is warmly old-fashioned, set in a 17th-century building near Kongens Nytorv, the main square. Danish ingredients have been served with French flair for more than 40 years, with both a tasting menu and à la carte offerings.
11 Iluka
Surrounded by water, Copenhagen has a fishy bounty on its doorstep. Iluka specialises in super-fresh seafood dishes created by an Australian chef who used to work at Noma. The décor, like the food, is smart and unpretentious. Mussels, oysters, langoustines and even sea urchins join catch-of-the-day fish.
12 Høst
Høst means harvest, which sums up the source of ingredients used by the chefs here. Fruit, berries and vegetables are married with shellfish, meat or even both – cod with lingonberries and roast chicken skin may be on the menu. The light-filled restaurant, with blond wood and brick, has won design awards.
The land of everyday wonder
Danes consistently rank among the world's happiest people, and it’s not hard to see why. From the cosiness concept of hygge to a true appreciation of nature, they’ve perfected the art of putting heart and soul into everyday life. Experience it for yourself on a trip to its buzzing capital of Copenhagen and you’re bound to bring that sense of wonder back home with you.
Find out more about the spectacular city of Copenhagen at visitcopenhagen.com.
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