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 is a relaxed spot near Kongens Nytorv in Copenhagen, blending French brasserie style with Nordic touches. The focus is on fresh, straightforward cooking, with an emphasis on seafood and a well-rounded wine list. Its central location and friendly feel make it a welcoming place for a laid-back meal at any time.
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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 is a French bistro in central Copenhagen with a cozy, casual feel. They combine classic and seasonal cooking with a thoughtful selection of wines. It’s a welcoming place to enjoy a relaxed meal, whether dining indoors or on their small terrace.
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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 is a refined French bistro in Copenhagen with roots in both French and Austrian cooking. Tucked away in the historic Pistolstræde, it offers a newly remodeled interior that feels warm and inviting. This spot has a relaxed atmosphere suited for anything from casual meetups to special occasions.
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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 is a French restaurant in Copenhagen known for its relaxed atmosphere that feels a bit like being in Paris. Its focus on classic fare and a good wine list creates a welcoming spot for anyone looking to enjoy a timeless French dining experience.
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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 Bistro is a cozy spot in Copenhagen with a focus on fresh fish and shellfish. Chef Mathias Silberbauer draws on French traditions, offering seasonal dishes in a comfortable setting. Guests often enjoy its relaxed vibe, honest cooking, and welcoming staff.
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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 is a seafood restaurant in Copenhagen led by Australian chef Beau Clugston, drawing on his experience from Noma. The relaxed atmosphere and straightforward cooking put the focus on fresh, Nordic seafood and a comfortable dining experience, without any unnecessary fuss.
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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 is a relaxed wine bar and eatery in Copenhagen’s Torvehallerne market hall. They emphasize local and Nordic ingredients sourced from small producers, making it a welcoming place to explore fresh food and good drinks. With counter seating and an easygoing vibe, it’s a comfortable spot for a quick bite or a leisurely break.
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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 is a lively French bistro in Copenhagen that feels like a little piece of Paris. Guests appreciate its welcoming staff, generous servings, and relaxed atmosphere that invites you to enjoy a taste of France in Denmark.
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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 in Copenhagen is a casual oyster and wine bar with a relaxed atmosphere and occasional live music. Their fresh seafood and seasonal options make each visit feel special. It’s a comfortable spot to unwind and enjoy quality food and drink in good company.
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Restaurant MARK – Bistro & Bar is a Michelin-recommended spot in the heart of Copenhagen, just a short walk from Tivoli. Guests praise its friendly service and bistro-style cooking that highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a welcoming place to enjoy a meal or a drink, with a nod to the countryside right in the city.
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Frank is a casual bistro in central Copenhagen known for its relaxed atmosphere and impressive wine selection. Locals enjoy both its tasting menu and à la carte options, making it a welcoming spot for anyone seeking a laid-back dining experience.
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Locale 21 in Copenhagen is a new pasta-focused Italian bistro from the team behind Osteria 16, Resto bar, and Pastis. They offer mainly classic dishes with a small twist, staying true to simple Italian flavors. It’s a relaxed spot that feels welcoming and straightforward.
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Pastis is a French bistro in Copenhagen, owned by Mikkel Egelund and his wife Jill. It’s known for its straightforward, classic cooking that fans say is always on point. The welcoming feel makes it a comfortable choice for anyone who appreciates a well-executed dining experience.
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