The Best Lunch Spots in Copenhagen

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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Kenneth Nars

Creative Director

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!

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Kødbyens Fiskebar is a laid-back seafood restaurant in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, known for focusing on fresh, simple, and sustainable offerings. Its industrial vibe and busy atmosphere make it an easygoing place to enjoy quality fish and seafood without any fuss.

Recommended by

Tom Jenkins

Food Writer

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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Slurp Ramen is a laid-back spot in Copenhagen that’s known for its handmade noodles and satisfying broths. They use fresh, local ingredients, and their relaxed atmosphere draws both regulars and newcomers alike. The new second location makes it even easier to drop by for a comforting meal.

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Christian F.  Puglisi

Chef-restaurateur

Slurp has become a classic. I usually have the pork tonkotsu.Slurp Ramen Joint has become a classic. It's one of the very few places in Copenhagen that actually keep on having a line of people outside. They were one of the very first to be able to do something fast foodish or low key into something great, I really enjoy going there. I usually have the pork tonkotsu ramen. I’ve heard that their saffron ramen is good too.Photo credit: Vojtech Tesarek

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Selma in Copenhagen offers a modern take on traditional smørrebrød in a relaxed Scandinavian setting. Its inventive approach to these classic open-faced sandwiches makes it a casual and welcoming spot for anyone looking to explore Danish flavors.

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Margaux Koopman

Foodie

Smorrebrod heaven Typical danish smorrebrod dishes - all delucious and original. I particularly enjoyed the pork belly one. Perfect for a chilled lunch in Copenhagen.

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Seks in Copenhagen is a relaxed and cheerful spot that reflects the owners’ passion for bringing people together over good food. They create everything on-site, focusing on local and organic produce, sourdough-based baking, and vibrant flavors inspired by their travels. It’s a welcoming place to unwind, enjoy the warm atmosphere, and discover something new with each visit.

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Toni Toivanen

R&D Noma

Delicious food inspired by food from all around the world with warm service.Beautiful place, lovely food and tasty drinks. One of my favorites to step in for breakfast, lunch or just a quick cup of coffee.

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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.

Recommended by

Laszlo Aczel

Food Writer @foodpolice

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.

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Hija de Sanchez Kødbyen is a taqueria from former Noma chef Rosio Sanchez, known for making tortillas daily with imported Mexican corn. Located in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, it offers a changing menu in a relaxed setting. The focus is on quality ingredients and straightforward Mexican flavors without the fuss.

Recommended by

Tobias Hauswurz

Journalist

Enjoy authentic tacos, Mezcal and popsicles.Made by Rosio Sanchez, Noma‘s former pastry chef, those tacos are a real treat. If available, definitely go for the tacos al pastor.

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Restaurant Palægade in Copenhagen is known for its consistently well-crafted take on classic Danish fare, especially a modern twist on smørrebrød. The lively yet comfortable setting welcomes both corporate diners and casual guests, drawing people back for its fresh ingredients and respect for tradition.

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Jonathan Tam

Chef at Jatak

Danish smørrebrød sandwiches and traditional food done extremely well. Have a schnapps!The food at Palaegade is really good and tasty. They serve Danish smørrebrød sandwiches and other traditional dishes done extremely well. They know how to get you on the schnapps, so you'll leave from there having fun.

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Hidden Dimsum is a family-run Cantonese dim sum spot in central Copenhagen with a cozy basement bar and a bright dining room upstairs overlooking Nytorv Square. People appreciate its fresh, handmade approach and casual atmosphere. It’s become a local favorite for those looking for an easy, relaxed place to enjoy dim sum.

Recommended by

Jonathan Tam

Chef at Jatak

Proper dim sum, you can feel that it is done with good ingredients and that it’s really fresh.Our team celebrated Chinese New year's at Hidden Dim Sum. They serve proper dim sum, you can feel that it is done with good ingredients and that it’s really fresh. I wish there would be more Chinese restaurants like this in Copenhagen.

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Mirabelle is an all-day spiseria in Copenhagen that blends Sicilian influences with a local twist. They serve baked goods, lunch dishes, and evening pasta options in a relaxed setting, all rounded out by a distinctive all-Sicilian wine list.

Recommended by

Kenneth Nars

Creative Director

Sicilian flavours and great bread by Christian Puglisi. All day dining, including a nice breakfast-brunch.Mirabelle Spiseria is the renewed Sicilian inspired all day eatery in Nørrebro by chef Christian Puglisi, next door to his other restaurant, Bæst. The legendary bakery and eatery has now been turned into a proper Sicilian osteria with a focus on pasta and Sicilian flavours inspired by Puglisi’s Sicilian heritage. I had the breakfast, which already gives some nice flavours of the new setup, with scrambled eggs with nduja butter, kale with olive oil and Sicilian brioche with pistachio custard. The breakfast can be turned into lunch by adding a beef tartar with ground dried tomato capuliato, capers and oregano. The lunch and dinner menu features dishes from crudo of monkfish to braised rabbit with olives and spaghetti with anchovies, and, of course almond granita. For those who are missing the sourdough bread from Mirabelle Bakery: it’s still served with the food and can be bought in limited amounts for takeout.

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Doomsday Deli brings a bit of New York flair to Nørrebro in Copenhagen, with a relaxed hip hop vibe and carefully made coffee. It’s part of the city’s growing sandwich scene but sets itself apart with its laid-back atmosphere and urban feel.

Recommended by

Sebastian Himmelstrup

Food and travel writer

Copenhagen is experiencing a bit of a sandwich craze these days. And for me, front of the pack is New York-infused Doomsday Deli on Nørrebro. Not only because of their strictly heavy hip hop backdrop and masterly crafted coffees, but of course also due to their ‘Air Schnitty’ (the Michael Jordan of schnitzel sandwiches) and their ‘Red Dredd’ (housemade chili sauce).

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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.

Recommended by

Sara Berg

Food journalist

From the owners of Osteria 16, Resto bar and Pastis: a new pasta focused Italian bistro, or trattoria rather. Mainly classic dishes with a tiny twist.

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KOPAN STREET in Copenhagen is known for its fast, inexpensive, and tasty meals. There’s no seating, making it an easy grab-and-go stop when you’re short on time. It’s a simple, no-fuss choice if you want something satisfying on the go.

Recommended by

Kenneth Nars

WoM co-founder & creative director

Fast, cheap and yummy. These Korean Hotteok pancakes, filled with kimchi, cheese, bulgogi beef and glass noodle Japchae are the perfect fast food. No seating.

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Restaurant Lola is set in a restored mill on Christianshavn, surrounded by greenery and a friendly atmosphere. They source their ingredients from small, local producers and combine global inspirations with organic, seasonal produce. In warmer months, you can relax outside and even play petanque while enjoying your meal.

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Rasmus Palsgård

Food and wine writer

A tiny oasis in Copenhagen close to Christiania, where produce from small independent producers dominates the menu. Flavours from Asia, India and South America bring a nice exotic touch to the dishes. The smørrebrød served at lunch time is highly recommended.

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Comé RICE Kitchen in Copenhagen calls itself a “rice concept store,” where you can pick up different varieties of rice by the gram and enjoy freshly prepared bites throughout the day. It’s quickly become a favorite for its relaxed atmosphere and focus on simple, rice-based offerings. Prices are seen as fairly reasonable by local standards, making it an easy choice to drop by and explore something new.

Recommended by

Sebastian Himmelstrup

Food and travel writer

They call themselves a rice concept store. And while you can buy some cool varieties of rice by the gram, Comé has in what feels like seconds become the entire city’s onigiri-darling. The onigiri are freshly made in a continuous stream and come with tuna, salmon, tempura, miso and probably more fillings. But really all of them are amazing. As a non-onigiri expert, I find Comé’s version one of the best I’ve ever had. You can also get other stuff like really good karaage and sashimi. Prices are very reasonable in Copenhagen standards as well.

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La Banchina is a small waterside restaurant in Copenhagen focusing on locally sourced vegetarian and seafood options. The laid-back setting includes an on-site sauna and a pier, making it easy to spend time by the water. With limited seating and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a pleasant spot to unwind in the city.

Recommended by

Will Goldfarb

Chef/owner Room4Dessert

A light but substantial lunch with a glass of minimally intervened juice. Repeat.Sauna plus lunch? Yes, please. Drop-in, refresh, and smash a light but substantial lunch with a glass of minimally intervened juice. Repeat.Photo credit: La Banchina, @vilhi

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Poulette is a relaxed sandwich spot in Copenhagen’s Nørrebro neighborhood, right next to the Pompette natural wine bar. They’re known for fresh, crispy sandwiches made with chicken or tofu, perfect for a quick bite. The simple menu and laid-back setting make it a nice place to grab something tasty on the go.

Recommended by

Peter Atzen

Copenhagen Foodie

Damm good chicken sandwichWhether visiting the original restaurant or the space at the food market Broensgadekøkken the sandwich is always super delicious. The menu is simple. They serve tofu and a chicken sandwich which for once is made of a whole piece of chicken with a super spicy and crispy shell. A simple piece of iceberg salad and a piece of cheese and you are all set.

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