Copenhagen
Copenhagen's Best Local and Traditional Restaurants
Looking for some Smørrebrød? Or perhaps you want to find the places that locals frequent? That and much more down below.
Copenhagen, recently selected as the best culinary destination of 2023 by World of Mouth, is home to an array of dining experiences that beautifully encapsulate the essence of Danish food. In this guide, we explore the best traditional restaurants in Copenhagen, as well as list local favorites. From great Nordic comfort food at Restaurant Barr to the excellent Smørrebrød sandwiches of Restaurant Palægade, and the great views at Almanak i Operaen, each establishment offers a window into the heart of Copenhagen's food culture. And best of all, all restaurants selected are based on recommendations from top chefs and food writers, such as Rasmus Kofoed and Kenneth Nars. Dive in and explore the places for the best local and traditional food in Copenhagen.
Restaurant Barr
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Strandgade 93
Strandgade 93, 1401 København, Denmark
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.
Recommended by
Extremely tasty food at the former location of Noma.Barr serves extremely tasty food at the former location of Noma. I usually leave the place having eaten a bit too much, as the food is delicious and quite rich, served in big portions. The chef, Thorsten Schmidt, is doing very creative dishes but also finding inspiration from Denmark and the Nordic region. I used to be in the Danish culinary team with Torsten, who is a very clever chef and a warm person.
Restaurant Palægade
Palægade 8
Palægade 8, 1261 København, Denmark
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.
Recommended by
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.
Almanak i Operaen
Ekvipagemestervej 10
Ekvipagemestervej 10, 1438 København, Denmark
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.
Recommended by
New and fresh Danish cuisine with stunning viewsAbsolutely delicious smørrebrød and a la carte dishes. A chance to get inside the Danish Opera and lean back in stunning surroundings and be pampered by great service with or without a ticket to a show.
Restaurant Møntergade
Møntergade 19
Møntergade 19, 1120 København, Denmark
Restaurant Møntergade specializes in classic smørrebrød and refined Danish cuisine, complemented by an extensive wine list. The restaurant's team takes pride in maintaining and evolving traditional culinary practices, providing an experience likened to being hosted in their own homes. Despite being a bit pricey, the fine-tuned dishes and exceptional wine selection make it worth the visit.
Recommended by
Classic smørrebrød, Danish culinary traditions and a slamming wine listThe reason things become classics - the absolute fine tuning of Danish culinary traditions and a slamming wine list. The team oozes pride in what they do and enjoys both the roles of keeping and developing tradition but also hosting their guests as in their own homes. Expensive and worth it.
Schønnemann
Hauser Pl. 16
Hauser Pl. 16, 1127 København, Denmark
Schønnemann is an iconic restaurant, operating since 1877 and offering traditional Danish smørrebrød, akvavit, and a cozy atmosphere. The menu is extensive, featuring classic open-faced sandwiches like pickled herring, shrimp, and potato smørrebrød, served alongside a wide selection of akvavit. The restaurant's ambiance is characterized by old-school charm, wooden furniture, and waitstaff in white shirts, creating a comfortable and welcoming dining experience.
Recommended by
Traditional smørrebrød, cold beer, akvavit and hygge? Schønnemann has it all.Iconic, traditional smørrebrød restaurant in Copenhagen? Schønnemann has it all and has been in business since 1877. The atmosphere offers old school hygge, wooden furniture, waiters in white shirts and a battery of akvavit to choose from. The extensive menu features all the classic open faced sandwiches like pickled herring, shrimp and potato smørrebröd. Go for one herring, one shrimp, the legendary ”Stjerneskud” with fried and steamed plaice, shrimps, fish roe and mayonnaise. Add one pork version, like warm liver paté with pickles and crispy bacon or a steak tartare. Finish with the curious matured cheese with red onion and a dash of dark rum. And of course plenty of cold Danish beer and a shot of akvavit, served Danish style at room temperature.
Told & Snaps
Toldbodgade 2
Toldbodgade 2, 1253 København K, Denmark
Told & Snaps is a classic Danish restaurant, best known for its Smørrebrød, a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich. The eatery focuses on using fresh, high-quality ingredients, with a significant amount of them being organic. In addition to its food, the restaurant also offers a fantastic collection of homemade snaps, a type of Danish spirit, with the types varying according to the seasons.
Recommended by
Smörrebröd! Classic Danish cooking, delicious smörrebröd, fantastic collection of homemade snaps. Everything Denmark on rye bread!
Christianshavns Færgecafé
Strandgade 50
Strandgade 50, 1401 København K, Denmark
Christianshavns Færgecafé is a Danish restaurant that offers a modern twist on traditional Danish classics like smørrebrød, lunch platters, tartare, and wiener schnitzel. The restaurant's menu also features homemade schnapps infusions, created by Captain Eric, which are a must-try for guests. Whether you choose to dine in the beautifully restored dining room or onboard the vintage ferry, you will be treated to a blend of faithful and playful renditions of Danish comfort food.
Recommended by
It’s okay to rock the boat! Danish classics in a unique setting.Reasonably faithful yet playfully elegant renditions of Danish classics like smørrebrød, lunch platters, tartare and wiener schnitzel serve as the foundation of this beautifully refurbished former dive bar. Enjoy your Danish comfort food classic in the buzzing warmth of the elaborately restored former in cum dining room. Or dine, if weather permits, onboard the vintage ferry from which the restaurant draws its name. Be sure to treat yourself to at least one pour of Captain Eric’s homemade schnapps infusions.
Cafe Rabes Have
Langebrogade 8
Langebrogade 8, 1411 København, Denmark
Cafe Rabes Have, nestled close to the scenic Christianshavns Kanal, is a historical restaurant housed in a charming 1700's building, offering a classic Danish dining experience. This cozy establishment specializes in old school Danish lunch featuring smørrebrød, beer, and aquavit, with popular choices including open face sandwiches with ryebread and a variety of toppings like smoked eel, plaice with remoulade, beef tatar with horseradish, hen salad, and aged cheese. Please note that this place does not cater to vegans, but is a haven for omnivores, and reservations are recommended due to its popularity.
Recommended by
Old School Danish Lunch and HyggeIn a charming old house from 1700 situated close to the beautiful Christianshavns Kanal in Copenhagen, you find this cozy historical restaurant. You can get a very classic Danish Lunch with smørrebrød, beer and aquavit. It is good but also an old school culinary style. You can get open sandwiches or open face sandwiches with ryebread and e.g. smoked eel, plaice with remoulade, beef tatar the traditional way with horseradish, hen salad and aged cheese. In this place you can experience “hygge” and get a nice eating experience. It is popular so it is a good idea to make a reservation. It is so old school that they do not have a homepage but a phone so give them a call.Not a place for vegans but for omnivores.
Lillians Smørrebrød
Vester Voldgade 108
Vester Voldgade 108, 1552 København V, Denmark
Lillians Smørrebrød is a family-run restaurant in operation since the late 1970s, known for its affordable and delectable planks of smørrebrød. The establishment maintains an endearing charm, preserved over the decades. A popular suggestion from patrons is to secure the window seat for an enhanced dining experience.
Recommended by
An affordable, family-run restaurant since the late 1970s serving delicious planks of smørrebrød. It is a time capsule of charm. Bag the window seat.
Restaurant Barr
Strandgade 93
Strandgade 93, 1401 København, Denmark
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.
Recommended by
Extremely tasty food at the former location of Noma.Barr serves extremely tasty food at the former location of Noma. I usually leave the place having eaten a bit too much, as the food is delicious and quite rich, served in big portions. The chef, Thorsten Schmidt, is doing very creative dishes but also finding inspiration from Denmark and the Nordic region. I used to be in the Danish culinary team with Torsten, who is a very clever chef and a warm person.
Restaurant Palægade
Palægade 8
Palægade 8, 1261 København, Denmark
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.
Recommended by
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.
Almanak i Operaen
Ekvipagemestervej 10
Ekvipagemestervej 10, 1438 København, Denmark
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.
Recommended by
New and fresh Danish cuisine with stunning viewsAbsolutely delicious smørrebrød and a la carte dishes. A chance to get inside the Danish Opera and lean back in stunning surroundings and be pampered by great service with or without a ticket to a show.
Restaurant Møntergade
Møntergade 19
Møntergade 19, 1120 København, Denmark
Restaurant Møntergade specializes in classic smørrebrød and refined Danish cuisine, complemented by an extensive wine list. The restaurant's team takes pride in maintaining and evolving traditional culinary practices, providing an experience likened to being hosted in their own homes. Despite being a bit pricey, the fine-tuned dishes and exceptional wine selection make it worth the visit.
Recommended by
Classic smørrebrød, Danish culinary traditions and a slamming wine listThe reason things become classics - the absolute fine tuning of Danish culinary traditions and a slamming wine list. The team oozes pride in what they do and enjoys both the roles of keeping and developing tradition but also hosting their guests as in their own homes. Expensive and worth it.
Schønnemann
Hauser Pl. 16
Hauser Pl. 16, 1127 København, Denmark
Schønnemann is an iconic restaurant, operating since 1877 and offering traditional Danish smørrebrød, akvavit, and a cozy atmosphere. The menu is extensive, featuring classic open-faced sandwiches like pickled herring, shrimp, and potato smørrebrød, served alongside a wide selection of akvavit. The restaurant's ambiance is characterized by old-school charm, wooden furniture, and waitstaff in white shirts, creating a comfortable and welcoming dining experience.
Recommended by
Traditional smørrebrød, cold beer, akvavit and hygge? Schønnemann has it all.Iconic, traditional smørrebrød restaurant in Copenhagen? Schønnemann has it all and has been in business since 1877. The atmosphere offers old school hygge, wooden furniture, waiters in white shirts and a battery of akvavit to choose from. The extensive menu features all the classic open faced sandwiches like pickled herring, shrimp and potato smørrebröd. Go for one herring, one shrimp, the legendary ”Stjerneskud” with fried and steamed plaice, shrimps, fish roe and mayonnaise. Add one pork version, like warm liver paté with pickles and crispy bacon or a steak tartare. Finish with the curious matured cheese with red onion and a dash of dark rum. And of course plenty of cold Danish beer and a shot of akvavit, served Danish style at room temperature.
Told & Snaps
Toldbodgade 2
Toldbodgade 2, 1253 København K, Denmark
Told & Snaps is a classic Danish restaurant, best known for its Smørrebrød, a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich. The eatery focuses on using fresh, high-quality ingredients, with a significant amount of them being organic. In addition to its food, the restaurant also offers a fantastic collection of homemade snaps, a type of Danish spirit, with the types varying according to the seasons.
Recommended by
Smörrebröd! Classic Danish cooking, delicious smörrebröd, fantastic collection of homemade snaps. Everything Denmark on rye bread!
Christianshavns Færgecafé
Strandgade 50
Strandgade 50, 1401 København K, Denmark
Christianshavns Færgecafé is a Danish restaurant that offers a modern twist on traditional Danish classics like smørrebrød, lunch platters, tartare, and wiener schnitzel. The restaurant's menu also features homemade schnapps infusions, created by Captain Eric, which are a must-try for guests. Whether you choose to dine in the beautifully restored dining room or onboard the vintage ferry, you will be treated to a blend of faithful and playful renditions of Danish comfort food.
Recommended by
It’s okay to rock the boat! Danish classics in a unique setting.Reasonably faithful yet playfully elegant renditions of Danish classics like smørrebrød, lunch platters, tartare and wiener schnitzel serve as the foundation of this beautifully refurbished former dive bar. Enjoy your Danish comfort food classic in the buzzing warmth of the elaborately restored former in cum dining room. Or dine, if weather permits, onboard the vintage ferry from which the restaurant draws its name. Be sure to treat yourself to at least one pour of Captain Eric’s homemade schnapps infusions.
Cafe Rabes Have
Langebrogade 8
Langebrogade 8, 1411 København, Denmark
Cafe Rabes Have, nestled close to the scenic Christianshavns Kanal, is a historical restaurant housed in a charming 1700's building, offering a classic Danish dining experience. This cozy establishment specializes in old school Danish lunch featuring smørrebrød, beer, and aquavit, with popular choices including open face sandwiches with ryebread and a variety of toppings like smoked eel, plaice with remoulade, beef tatar with horseradish, hen salad, and aged cheese. Please note that this place does not cater to vegans, but is a haven for omnivores, and reservations are recommended due to its popularity.
Recommended by
Old School Danish Lunch and HyggeIn a charming old house from 1700 situated close to the beautiful Christianshavns Kanal in Copenhagen, you find this cozy historical restaurant. You can get a very classic Danish Lunch with smørrebrød, beer and aquavit. It is good but also an old school culinary style. You can get open sandwiches or open face sandwiches with ryebread and e.g. smoked eel, plaice with remoulade, beef tatar the traditional way with horseradish, hen salad and aged cheese. In this place you can experience “hygge” and get a nice eating experience. It is popular so it is a good idea to make a reservation. It is so old school that they do not have a homepage but a phone so give them a call.Not a place for vegans but for omnivores.
Lillians Smørrebrød
Vester Voldgade 108
Vester Voldgade 108, 1552 København V, Denmark
Lillians Smørrebrød is a family-run restaurant in operation since the late 1970s, known for its affordable and delectable planks of smørrebrød. The establishment maintains an endearing charm, preserved over the decades. A popular suggestion from patrons is to secure the window seat for an enhanced dining experience.
Recommended by
An affordable, family-run restaurant since the late 1970s serving delicious planks of smørrebrød. It is a time capsule of charm. Bag the window seat.
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