Copenhagen
20 Best Casual Restaurants in Copenhagen
This is your ultimate guide to the best places in Copenhagen for great food in a relaxed setting.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
When it comes to casual restaurants, Copenhagen has some great options that provide a perfect blend of taste and ambiance. Our list covers the best casual food in Copenhagen and is designed to help you make the right choice without the extra noise. We include favorites like Bæst, Jatak, and Iluka — places that have not only impressed locals but have also garnered international attention. All our recommendations come from top chefs, food writers, and sommeliers like Rasmus Palsgård, Katrine Klinken, and Kamilla Seidler. Keep reading to discover the best spots for casual food in Copenhagen.
JATAK
JATAK, helmed by Chef Jonathan Tam, offers a personal menu that reflects Tam's Chinese heritage. The restaurant offers two dining experiences: a seasonal menu in the Dining Room and an extended menu at the Kitchen Counter, both featuring locally sourced ingredients and Asian flavors. Dishes such as the signature egg custard tart are highly recommended, with customers praising the thoughtful combinations and dazzling flavors.
ILUKA
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.
Restaurant Barr
Restaurant Barr, led by chef Thorsten Schmidt, is a hub for Nordic comfort food. Known for its delectable dishes, including the house special schnitzel and glazed codfish tail, the restaurant is a testament to Schmidt's culinary creativity and his ability to transform traditional Danish dishes. With its warm and casual ambiance, Barr offers a comforting dining experience with large portions of rich, tasty food.
Restaurant Juju
Restaurant Juju specializes in Korean comfort food, crafted by experienced chefs Kristian Baumann and Youngjin Kim. The menu features creative and casual Korean dishes that are familiar yet innovative, with popular choices including chilli cucumber, nori vinegar fries, and chilled green tea noodles. At Juju, you can also enjoy a variety of shared dishes, such as steamed mussels and Korean steamed dumplings, all prepared with a touch of perfection.
Kadeau
Kadeau is a cozy restaurant that focuses on Danish cuisine, using fresh produce and local ingredients. The Kadeau team is known for their creativity, employing traditional techniques such as fermenting and smoking to deliver dishes that are both aesthetically pleasing and full of flavor. Despite its world-class service and food, Kadeau maintains a down-to-earth atmosphere, making it a hidden gem for an incredible tasting experience.
Selma
Selma is a Scandinavian restaurant that offers a creative twist on traditional smørrebrød sandwiches. The eatery is known for its innovative and relaxed approach to food, with dishes such as spiced herring with brown butter and crispy rye bread, tomatoes with thyme and timur pepper, and chantarelles with kale, pumpkin, and toasted almonds. Whether you're in the mood for a casual lunch or an array of smørrebrød, Selma provides a modern take on classic Danish cuisine.
Den Vandrette
Den Vandrette is a bistro known for its extensive selection of natural wines and a menu that changes with the seasons. The restaurant emphasizes on friendly service, and their dishes, made with locally sourced ingredients, are designed to be shared. From the hearty potato croquettes to the light mackerel with cucumber and tomato consommé, the food complements their diverse wine list, making Den Vandrette an ideal choice for a relaxed dining experience.
Silberbauers
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.
Sanchez
Sanchez is a contemporary Mexican restaurant led by Chef Rosio Sanchez. The restaurant offers an authentic and modern Mexican cuisine experience, with a focus on fresh ingredients, including organic local products and imported corn from Mexico for their daily fresh tortillas. Patrons recommend the exotic and layered flavors of their dishes, with the breakfast tacos and churros with parfait and sour cream being particular favorites.
Goldfinch
Goldfinch is a modern Cantonese restaurant, led by the former head chef of Geranium. The restaurant offers a relaxed, high-end dining experience, with a menu that boasts generous portions of straightforward and tasty food, perfect for sharing. Known for its good music, great lighting, and friendly service, Goldfinch combines Nordic cool with a distinct Chinese vibe, delivering a dynamic array of high-quality, ethically sourced Chinese food.
Ali Bakery
Ali Bakery, a family-owned bakery and restaurant, has been delighting customers with its oriental dishes since 1994. The establishment is known for its breakfast feasts that include breads, dips, omelets, pickles, and fresh-baked thin pizzas with zaatar. Committed to sustainability in the food industry, Ali Bakery is a bustling spot where sharing food with family and friends is a common sight.
Ved Stranden 10
Ved Stranden 10 is a cozy wine bar and shop situated by the harbor, specializing in natural and biodynamic wines. The bar offers a well-curated selection of Austrian and Northern European wines, accompanied by Spanish tinned bites. The friendly staff is knowledgeable, always ready to recommend a drink, and the location features a spectacular view of Christiansborg and the old cobbled streets by the canal.
SURT
SURT is a pizza restaurant where pizzaiolo Giuseppe Oliva showcases true craftsmanship with his sourdough pizzas. Customers frequently rave about the exceptional quality of the pizzas, particularly the Margherita, and commend the meticulous attention to detail in both the fermentation process and cooking in the wood-fired oven. With a focus on high-quality produce and flavors that are always on point, SURT is considered one of the top spots for pizza in Europe.
Slurp Ramen Joint
Slurp Ramen Joint is a popular ramen shop known for its handmade noodles, seasonal ingredients, and home-cooked broth. The place buzzes with good vibes and great music, offering a genuine ramen joint experience. Customers often recommend the pork tonkotsu ramen, but their saffron ramen is also said to be a good choice.
Almanak i Operaen
Almanak i Operaen offers a fresh take on Danish cuisine, with a menu that includes both smørrebrød and a la carte dishes. The restaurant is located within the Danish Opera, providing stunning views and a memorable dining experience. The playful approach of the kitchen is complemented by the seasoned and skillful waitstaff, ensuring a pleasant mid-range dining experience.
Bæst
Bst, famous for its sourdough pizzas and house-made charcuterie and cheese, is an authentic culinary experience signed by chef Christian F Puglisi. Recognized for its pizzas, Bst produces its charcuterie and cheese in-house, using organic and sustainable ingredients. In addition to pizzas, the restaurant offers a variety of dishes that reflect the entire place, from fresh mozzarella to fresh salad leaves from their own farm, Farm of Ideas.
Propaganda Kitchen & Wine
Propaganda Kitchen & Wine is a bustling Korean-inspired kitchen and wine bar, known for its casual and relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant offers a variety of Korean dishes, including their popular Korean fried chicken and a selection of natural wines. Sustainability and organic products are at the heart of their menu, with dishes served over the counter and wines sourced from winemakers who share the same principles of transparency and love for the soil.
Kødbyens Fiskebar
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.
Restaurant Palægade
Restaurant Palægade is known for its Danish smørrebrød sandwiches and other traditional dishes, with a particular focus on quality and taste. The restaurant, which opened in 2016, blends traditions with modern techniques, ensuring all their food is homemade and home-stirred. Not just a lunch destination, Palægade transforms into a solid evening restaurant, offering a broad menu that ranges from caviar and truffle to roll sausage with Italian salad and chicken salad with crispy bacon.
Omegn & Venner
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.
Looking for more restaurant recommendations to
Copenhagen
? Download the World of Mouth app for free and discover expert recommendations to over 2,000 destinations, curated by top chefs, food writers and sommeliers. From street food to fine dining and well known institutions to hidden gems, World of Mouth is your ultimate insider's guide to the world's best restaurants.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
When it comes to casual restaurants, Copenhagen has some great options that provide a perfect blend of taste and ambiance. Our list covers the best casual food in Copenhagen and is designed to help you make the right choice without the extra noise. We include favorites like Bæst, Jatak, and Iluka — places that have not only impressed locals but have also garnered international attention. All our recommendations come from top chefs, food writers, and sommeliers like Rasmus Palsgård, Katrine Klinken, and Kamilla Seidler. Keep reading to discover the best spots for casual food in Copenhagen.
JATAK
JATAK, helmed by Chef Jonathan Tam, offers a personal menu that reflects Tam's Chinese heritage. The restaurant offers two dining experiences: a seasonal menu in the Dining Room and an extended menu at the Kitchen Counter, both featuring locally sourced ingredients and Asian flavors. Dishes such as the signature egg custard tart are highly recommended, with customers praising the thoughtful combinations and dazzling flavors.
ILUKA
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.
Restaurant Barr
Restaurant Barr, led by chef Thorsten Schmidt, is a hub for Nordic comfort food. Known for its delectable dishes, including the house special schnitzel and glazed codfish tail, the restaurant is a testament to Schmidt's culinary creativity and his ability to transform traditional Danish dishes. With its warm and casual ambiance, Barr offers a comforting dining experience with large portions of rich, tasty food.
Restaurant Juju
Restaurant Juju specializes in Korean comfort food, crafted by experienced chefs Kristian Baumann and Youngjin Kim. The menu features creative and casual Korean dishes that are familiar yet innovative, with popular choices including chilli cucumber, nori vinegar fries, and chilled green tea noodles. At Juju, you can also enjoy a variety of shared dishes, such as steamed mussels and Korean steamed dumplings, all prepared with a touch of perfection.
Kadeau
Kadeau is a cozy restaurant that focuses on Danish cuisine, using fresh produce and local ingredients. The Kadeau team is known for their creativity, employing traditional techniques such as fermenting and smoking to deliver dishes that are both aesthetically pleasing and full of flavor. Despite its world-class service and food, Kadeau maintains a down-to-earth atmosphere, making it a hidden gem for an incredible tasting experience.
Selma
Selma is a Scandinavian restaurant that offers a creative twist on traditional smørrebrød sandwiches. The eatery is known for its innovative and relaxed approach to food, with dishes such as spiced herring with brown butter and crispy rye bread, tomatoes with thyme and timur pepper, and chantarelles with kale, pumpkin, and toasted almonds. Whether you're in the mood for a casual lunch or an array of smørrebrød, Selma provides a modern take on classic Danish cuisine.
Den Vandrette
Den Vandrette is a bistro known for its extensive selection of natural wines and a menu that changes with the seasons. The restaurant emphasizes on friendly service, and their dishes, made with locally sourced ingredients, are designed to be shared. From the hearty potato croquettes to the light mackerel with cucumber and tomato consommé, the food complements their diverse wine list, making Den Vandrette an ideal choice for a relaxed dining experience.
Silberbauers
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.
Sanchez
Sanchez is a contemporary Mexican restaurant led by Chef Rosio Sanchez. The restaurant offers an authentic and modern Mexican cuisine experience, with a focus on fresh ingredients, including organic local products and imported corn from Mexico for their daily fresh tortillas. Patrons recommend the exotic and layered flavors of their dishes, with the breakfast tacos and churros with parfait and sour cream being particular favorites.
Goldfinch
Goldfinch is a modern Cantonese restaurant, led by the former head chef of Geranium. The restaurant offers a relaxed, high-end dining experience, with a menu that boasts generous portions of straightforward and tasty food, perfect for sharing. Known for its good music, great lighting, and friendly service, Goldfinch combines Nordic cool with a distinct Chinese vibe, delivering a dynamic array of high-quality, ethically sourced Chinese food.
Ali Bakery
Ali Bakery, a family-owned bakery and restaurant, has been delighting customers with its oriental dishes since 1994. The establishment is known for its breakfast feasts that include breads, dips, omelets, pickles, and fresh-baked thin pizzas with zaatar. Committed to sustainability in the food industry, Ali Bakery is a bustling spot where sharing food with family and friends is a common sight.
Ved Stranden 10
Ved Stranden 10 is a cozy wine bar and shop situated by the harbor, specializing in natural and biodynamic wines. The bar offers a well-curated selection of Austrian and Northern European wines, accompanied by Spanish tinned bites. The friendly staff is knowledgeable, always ready to recommend a drink, and the location features a spectacular view of Christiansborg and the old cobbled streets by the canal.
SURT
SURT is a pizza restaurant where pizzaiolo Giuseppe Oliva showcases true craftsmanship with his sourdough pizzas. Customers frequently rave about the exceptional quality of the pizzas, particularly the Margherita, and commend the meticulous attention to detail in both the fermentation process and cooking in the wood-fired oven. With a focus on high-quality produce and flavors that are always on point, SURT is considered one of the top spots for pizza in Europe.
Slurp Ramen Joint
Slurp Ramen Joint is a popular ramen shop known for its handmade noodles, seasonal ingredients, and home-cooked broth. The place buzzes with good vibes and great music, offering a genuine ramen joint experience. Customers often recommend the pork tonkotsu ramen, but their saffron ramen is also said to be a good choice.
Almanak i Operaen
Almanak i Operaen offers a fresh take on Danish cuisine, with a menu that includes both smørrebrød and a la carte dishes. The restaurant is located within the Danish Opera, providing stunning views and a memorable dining experience. The playful approach of the kitchen is complemented by the seasoned and skillful waitstaff, ensuring a pleasant mid-range dining experience.
Bæst
Bst, famous for its sourdough pizzas and house-made charcuterie and cheese, is an authentic culinary experience signed by chef Christian F Puglisi. Recognized for its pizzas, Bst produces its charcuterie and cheese in-house, using organic and sustainable ingredients. In addition to pizzas, the restaurant offers a variety of dishes that reflect the entire place, from fresh mozzarella to fresh salad leaves from their own farm, Farm of Ideas.
Propaganda Kitchen & Wine
Propaganda Kitchen & Wine is a bustling Korean-inspired kitchen and wine bar, known for its casual and relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant offers a variety of Korean dishes, including their popular Korean fried chicken and a selection of natural wines. Sustainability and organic products are at the heart of their menu, with dishes served over the counter and wines sourced from winemakers who share the same principles of transparency and love for the soil.
Kødbyens Fiskebar
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.
Restaurant Palægade
Restaurant Palægade is known for its Danish smørrebrød sandwiches and other traditional dishes, with a particular focus on quality and taste. The restaurant, which opened in 2016, blends traditions with modern techniques, ensuring all their food is homemade and home-stirred. Not just a lunch destination, Palægade transforms into a solid evening restaurant, offering a broad menu that ranges from caviar and truffle to roll sausage with Italian salad and chicken salad with crispy bacon.
Omegn & Venner
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.
Looking for more restaurant recommendations to
Copenhagen
? Download the World of Mouth app for free and discover expert recommendations to over
2,200
destinations, curated by top chefs, food writers and sommeliers. From street food to fine dining and well known institutions to hidden gems, World of Mouth is your ultimate insider's guide to the world's best restaurants.
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