Copenhagen
Copenhagen's Best Bistros
Add these casual dinner options to your Copenhagen bucket list.
While Copenhagen is has made the headlines for its stunning fine dining institutions, such as Noma and Geranium, the city is also a go-to destination for food lovers across the board. In this article we are listing the best bistros and other casual and affordable dining options, that still keep a high quality of food. Such places include Silberbauers, offering casual French bistro classics, the premium seafood spot Iluka, and many others.
As with all World of Mouth articles, the restaurants are chosen based on personal recommendations from World of Mouth experts, such as Peter Atzen, Kamilla Seidler and Katrine Klinken. Whether you're looking for a more traditional Danish experience or something more adventurous, Copenhagen's best bistros have something to satisfy every palate.
Esmée
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Kongens Nytorv 8
Kongens Nytorv 8, 1050 København, Denmark
Esmée is a casual yet stylish brasserie offering a blend of French and Nordic cuisine. The menu features a variety of light bites and sharing plates, including dishes like Danish style ceviche, grilled turbot, and beef tenderloin with haricots vert, all known for their freshness and flavor. With an extensive wine list and a selection of good cocktails, Esmée offers a culinary experience that combines simple, well-executed food with a relaxed atmosphere.
Recommended by
Super casual french nordic brasserie and light bites in the heart of CPHLots of great nibbles like comt and jamon sandwiches, truffled gougeres, grilled turbot and monkfish tail- really simple, well executed, bursting with freshness and flavour. A really great light lunch with a bottle of good wine.
Maison
Dronningens Tværgade 43
Dronningens Tværgade 43, 1302 København, Denmark
Maison, a French bistro, offers a menu of classic dishes, including fried foie gras and sole cooked in meunière style. The restaurant is recognized for its carefully curated wine list, featuring notable selections from Burgundy. With a focus on quality ingredients and traditional French cooking techniques, Maison ensures a dining experience that respects the origin and history of each dish.
Recommended by
Delicious classic French foodI have a strong preference for experimental food so when I do go to a classic restaurant I go all in on the traditional like fried foie gras and sole cooked meunière style with an abundance of butter. Maison does exactly that and they do it to perfection accompanied by a great wine list with a lot of heavyweights from Burgundy. With that in place, all you need is to sit back and enjoy and maybe find out your gym clothes for the next day to work off all the butter👍
l’Alsace
Ny Østergade 9
Ny Østergade 9, 1101 København K, Denmark
L'Alsace is a refined French bistro that specializes in classic dishes and exceptional seafood. The restaurant recently underwent a remodel, enhancing its ambiance while maintaining its traditional French bistro charm. Whether you're planning a business dinner or a private celebration, L'Alsace offers a welcoming atmosphere for all types of gatherings, with a capacity to accommodate 8-40 guests.
Recommended by
A classic French bistro. Amazing fish dishes and great for a Copenhagen lunch.Alsace is a solid classic French bistro. Newly remodeled and updated, it looks better than ever.Amazing fish dishes and great for a Copenhagen lunch.
Le Saint Jacques
Sankt Jakobs Pl. 1
Sankt Jakobs Pl. 1, 2100 København, Denmark
Le Saint Jacques is a French restaurant known for its exquisite terrines and extensive wine list. The establishment offers a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of Paris, making it a favored destination for those seeking a classic French dining experience. Open for lunch and dinner, Le Saint Jacques also offers special Sunday dinners from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, providing patrons with a three-course meal.
Recommended by
Best terrines and a good wine list as well.One of the best French classic places in town.Best terrines and a good wine list as well.Relaxed atmosphere and just like being in Paris.
Silberbauers
Jægersborggade 40
Jægersborggade 40, 2200 København, Denmark
Silberbauers is a French bistro with a special emphasis on fish and shellfish, masterfully prepared by chef Mathias Silberbauer. The menu is inspired by the flavors of Provence and changes daily, reflecting the freshest seasonal ingredients and catches from the sea. Customers often recommend the signature blue shell mussels with aioli, flat fish baked on the bone, and the desserts like the lemon tart and crème brûlée, all complemented by a selection of great wines.
Recommended by
Good and Always Tasty Food😋 Silberbauer’s Bistro is one of my absolute favourites in Nørrebro, Cph. for casual lunch or dinner and real good food and wine. Don’t miss the signature starter blue shell mussels with aioli. Other good starters are the pissaladiére (onion tarte with black olives) and in season with tomatoes. Raw radish or fennel with roe dip or sashimi of zander or cod and orange kosho. Sometimes you can get plateau de fruit de mere. For mains go for a turbot or another whole fish prepared on bones. Sometimes you can have sweet bread with langoustine bisque – that is crazy good. Vitello tannato, Danish squid, Gazpazo and tomato filled with crab salad. And don’t miss one of the signature desserts lemon tarte and crème brûlée. Chef Mathias Silberbauer opened Silberbauer’s Bistro 2021 as a French fish bistro with few vegetable and meat dishes and good desserts. It has developed a bit lately with some more dishes with meat and poultry. The food is seasonal and as a regular the variation is fine and it is always good… always good. You get good wine and I like the relaxed atmosphere and welcoming staff. Very fair prices.
ILUKA
Peder Skrams Gade 15
Peder Skrams Gade 15, 1054 København, Denmark
ILUKA is a seafood restaurant run by Australian chef Beau Clugston, renowned for his expert handling of premium seafood and surprising flavors. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, from oysters and soft shell crab to seafood tartare with nori, all of which showcase local delicacies and the region's top-quality produce. Known for its comfortable yet elegant ambiance, ILUKA offers both a la carte and tasting menus, ensuring a delightful dining experience for all seafood lovers.
Recommended by
Approachable yet expertly handled Danish Seafood restaurant, by Beau Clugston.You dont have to go far to find someone who worked at Noma these days… but Beau Clugston is genuine alumni, having been head chef for years. He has now gone out on his own with this elegant yet comfortable seafood restaurant. The quality is second to none but with the fuss you often find in modern high end dining.Deliciousness reigns supreme on the a la carte or tasting menus… a showcase of local delicacies.Oysters; Cold cut octopus & raw mussels with herbs; seafood tartare with nori; soft shell crab; sea snails; mackerel; langoustine, all really speak for the region. Produce is top shelf throughout. The floor is upbeat and the drinks suitably scrumptious. This needs to be on your copeenhagen list!Pro tip is a few beers at Cafe Malmo down the road after!
Omegn & Venner
Rømersgade 18
Rømersgade 18, 1362 København, Denmark
Omegn & Venner is a casual wine bar located in the Torvehallerne market hall, known for serving small dishes made from fresh local produce. Their menu varies daily, featuring items such as Danish oysters, hot flatbread with taramasalata, deep fried lamb sweetbreads with tartar sauce, and fresh tagliatelle with kale sauce. They offer a selection of fine wines by the glass, making it a popular spot for relaxed lunches and early dinners.
Recommended by
Market hall eating at its best in Torvehallerne. Daily menu with fresh produce and nice wines.The perfect lunch and early dinner place in the Copenhagen food hall Torvehallerne, open every day of the week. Counter seating with daily menu on the blackboard. Some of the food comes from the attached charcuterie and food shop. Danish oysters, piping hot flatbread with taramasalata, deep fried lamb sweetbreads with tartar sauce, fresh tagliatelle with kale sauce, wild duck with chili oil – everything is delicious here. Nice wines by the glass, too. Love this place!
Bistro Boheme
Esplanaden 8
Esplanaden 8, 1263 København, Denmark
Bistro Boheme is a French bistro that offers a culinary journey to its customers, combining the best of French gastronomy with Danish hospitality. Open 6 days a week, it serves à la carte dishes between 17.30 and 21.00, and welcomes lunch guests between 11.30 and 15.00. The restaurant is known for its excellent wine list, perfect dishes, and great staff, providing an authentic French dining experience.
Recommended by
Paris in CopenhagenI love this restaurant. Very Good winelist. The staff is doing a great job. This is a like a bite of Paris. All the dishes are perfect. Open 6 days a week.
Rouge Oysters
Gl. Kongevej 43
Gl. Kongevej 43, 1610 København, Denmark
Rouge Oysters is a relaxed oyster and wine bar that offers a variety of seafood options. The menu features seasonal dishes such as sea urchin and crab toast, in addition to their signature oysters. The atmosphere is enhanced by nice music and live performances.
Recommended by
Kødbyens Fiskebar
Flæsketorvet 100
Flæsketorvet 100, 1711 København, Denmark
Kødbyens Fiskebar is a bustling seafood restaurant located in Copenhagen's Meatpacking district, renowned for its fresh, local seafood dishes and natural wines. The industrial-style space serves dishes such as oysters and fish and chips, with a lightness of touch that is appreciated by the locals and visitors alike. The restaurant also offers a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, including a popular German kombucha, making it a great destination for a long, relaxed lunch.
Recommended by
Seafood heaven in the Meatpacking District of Copenhagen.Laid back, industrial space turning out wonderful fish and seafood with a real lightness of touch. They cook the kind of fish and chips that make Brits like me blush and also serve a great German kombucha called Bouche that is a perfect alcohol-free alternative to a natural sparkling wine. Great for a long lunch. I love the place.
Esmée
Kongens Nytorv 8
Kongens Nytorv 8, 1050 København, Denmark
Esmée is a casual yet stylish brasserie offering a blend of French and Nordic cuisine. The menu features a variety of light bites and sharing plates, including dishes like Danish style ceviche, grilled turbot, and beef tenderloin with haricots vert, all known for their freshness and flavor. With an extensive wine list and a selection of good cocktails, Esmée offers a culinary experience that combines simple, well-executed food with a relaxed atmosphere.
Recommended by
Super casual french nordic brasserie and light bites in the heart of CPHLots of great nibbles like comt and jamon sandwiches, truffled gougeres, grilled turbot and monkfish tail- really simple, well executed, bursting with freshness and flavour. A really great light lunch with a bottle of good wine.
Maison
Dronningens Tværgade 43
Dronningens Tværgade 43, 1302 København, Denmark
Maison, a French bistro, offers a menu of classic dishes, including fried foie gras and sole cooked in meunière style. The restaurant is recognized for its carefully curated wine list, featuring notable selections from Burgundy. With a focus on quality ingredients and traditional French cooking techniques, Maison ensures a dining experience that respects the origin and history of each dish.
Recommended by
Delicious classic French foodI have a strong preference for experimental food so when I do go to a classic restaurant I go all in on the traditional like fried foie gras and sole cooked meunière style with an abundance of butter. Maison does exactly that and they do it to perfection accompanied by a great wine list with a lot of heavyweights from Burgundy. With that in place, all you need is to sit back and enjoy and maybe find out your gym clothes for the next day to work off all the butter👍
l’Alsace
Ny Østergade 9
Ny Østergade 9, 1101 København K, Denmark
L'Alsace is a refined French bistro that specializes in classic dishes and exceptional seafood. The restaurant recently underwent a remodel, enhancing its ambiance while maintaining its traditional French bistro charm. Whether you're planning a business dinner or a private celebration, L'Alsace offers a welcoming atmosphere for all types of gatherings, with a capacity to accommodate 8-40 guests.
Recommended by
A classic French bistro. Amazing fish dishes and great for a Copenhagen lunch.Alsace is a solid classic French bistro. Newly remodeled and updated, it looks better than ever.Amazing fish dishes and great for a Copenhagen lunch.
Le Saint Jacques
Sankt Jakobs Pl. 1
Sankt Jakobs Pl. 1, 2100 København, Denmark
Le Saint Jacques is a French restaurant known for its exquisite terrines and extensive wine list. The establishment offers a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of Paris, making it a favored destination for those seeking a classic French dining experience. Open for lunch and dinner, Le Saint Jacques also offers special Sunday dinners from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, providing patrons with a three-course meal.
Recommended by
Best terrines and a good wine list as well.One of the best French classic places in town.Best terrines and a good wine list as well.Relaxed atmosphere and just like being in Paris.
Silberbauers
Jægersborggade 40
Jægersborggade 40, 2200 København, Denmark
Silberbauers is a French bistro with a special emphasis on fish and shellfish, masterfully prepared by chef Mathias Silberbauer. The menu is inspired by the flavors of Provence and changes daily, reflecting the freshest seasonal ingredients and catches from the sea. Customers often recommend the signature blue shell mussels with aioli, flat fish baked on the bone, and the desserts like the lemon tart and crème brûlée, all complemented by a selection of great wines.
Recommended by
Good and Always Tasty Food😋 Silberbauer’s Bistro is one of my absolute favourites in Nørrebro, Cph. for casual lunch or dinner and real good food and wine. Don’t miss the signature starter blue shell mussels with aioli. Other good starters are the pissaladiére (onion tarte with black olives) and in season with tomatoes. Raw radish or fennel with roe dip or sashimi of zander or cod and orange kosho. Sometimes you can get plateau de fruit de mere. For mains go for a turbot or another whole fish prepared on bones. Sometimes you can have sweet bread with langoustine bisque – that is crazy good. Vitello tannato, Danish squid, Gazpazo and tomato filled with crab salad. And don’t miss one of the signature desserts lemon tarte and crème brûlée. Chef Mathias Silberbauer opened Silberbauer’s Bistro 2021 as a French fish bistro with few vegetable and meat dishes and good desserts. It has developed a bit lately with some more dishes with meat and poultry. The food is seasonal and as a regular the variation is fine and it is always good… always good. You get good wine and I like the relaxed atmosphere and welcoming staff. Very fair prices.
ILUKA
Peder Skrams Gade 15
Peder Skrams Gade 15, 1054 København, Denmark
ILUKA is a seafood restaurant run by Australian chef Beau Clugston, renowned for his expert handling of premium seafood and surprising flavors. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, from oysters and soft shell crab to seafood tartare with nori, all of which showcase local delicacies and the region's top-quality produce. Known for its comfortable yet elegant ambiance, ILUKA offers both a la carte and tasting menus, ensuring a delightful dining experience for all seafood lovers.
Recommended by
Approachable yet expertly handled Danish Seafood restaurant, by Beau Clugston.You dont have to go far to find someone who worked at Noma these days… but Beau Clugston is genuine alumni, having been head chef for years. He has now gone out on his own with this elegant yet comfortable seafood restaurant. The quality is second to none but with the fuss you often find in modern high end dining.Deliciousness reigns supreme on the a la carte or tasting menus… a showcase of local delicacies.Oysters; Cold cut octopus & raw mussels with herbs; seafood tartare with nori; soft shell crab; sea snails; mackerel; langoustine, all really speak for the region. Produce is top shelf throughout. The floor is upbeat and the drinks suitably scrumptious. This needs to be on your copeenhagen list!Pro tip is a few beers at Cafe Malmo down the road after!
Omegn & Venner
Rømersgade 18
Rømersgade 18, 1362 København, Denmark
Omegn & Venner is a casual wine bar located in the Torvehallerne market hall, known for serving small dishes made from fresh local produce. Their menu varies daily, featuring items such as Danish oysters, hot flatbread with taramasalata, deep fried lamb sweetbreads with tartar sauce, and fresh tagliatelle with kale sauce. They offer a selection of fine wines by the glass, making it a popular spot for relaxed lunches and early dinners.
Recommended by
Market hall eating at its best in Torvehallerne. Daily menu with fresh produce and nice wines.The perfect lunch and early dinner place in the Copenhagen food hall Torvehallerne, open every day of the week. Counter seating with daily menu on the blackboard. Some of the food comes from the attached charcuterie and food shop. Danish oysters, piping hot flatbread with taramasalata, deep fried lamb sweetbreads with tartar sauce, fresh tagliatelle with kale sauce, wild duck with chili oil – everything is delicious here. Nice wines by the glass, too. Love this place!
Bistro Boheme
Esplanaden 8
Esplanaden 8, 1263 København, Denmark
Bistro Boheme is a French bistro that offers a culinary journey to its customers, combining the best of French gastronomy with Danish hospitality. Open 6 days a week, it serves à la carte dishes between 17.30 and 21.00, and welcomes lunch guests between 11.30 and 15.00. The restaurant is known for its excellent wine list, perfect dishes, and great staff, providing an authentic French dining experience.
Recommended by
Paris in CopenhagenI love this restaurant. Very Good winelist. The staff is doing a great job. This is a like a bite of Paris. All the dishes are perfect. Open 6 days a week.
Host of Netflix's Somebody Feed Phil
Rouge Oysters
Gl. Kongevej 43
Gl. Kongevej 43, 1610 København, Denmark
Rouge Oysters is a relaxed oyster and wine bar that offers a variety of seafood options. The menu features seasonal dishes such as sea urchin and crab toast, in addition to their signature oysters. The atmosphere is enhanced by nice music and live performances.
Recommended by
Kødbyens Fiskebar
Flæsketorvet 100
Flæsketorvet 100, 1711 København, Denmark
Kødbyens Fiskebar is a bustling seafood restaurant located in Copenhagen's Meatpacking district, renowned for its fresh, local seafood dishes and natural wines. The industrial-style space serves dishes such as oysters and fish and chips, with a lightness of touch that is appreciated by the locals and visitors alike. The restaurant also offers a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, including a popular German kombucha, making it a great destination for a long, relaxed lunch.
Recommended by
Seafood heaven in the Meatpacking District of Copenhagen.Laid back, industrial space turning out wonderful fish and seafood with a real lightness of touch. They cook the kind of fish and chips that make Brits like me blush and also serve a great German kombucha called Bouche that is a perfect alcohol-free alternative to a natural sparkling wine. Great for a long lunch. I love the place.
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