Copenhagen
The best restaurants in Copenhagen: where to eat, from smørrebrød to Michelin
Open sandwiches since 1877, seafood in an old cold store and a greenhouse in the Latin Quarter. Copenhagen is one of the world’s great food cities, and you do not need a fortune to enjoy it. Here are the restaurants we recommend, neighbourhood by neighbourhood, and the hotels nearby.
For twenty years Copenhagen has been one of the most talked-about food cities in the world, but you need neither a reservation six months ahead nor a four-figure bill to eat well here. Some of the best meals are had on a bench in the Meatpacking District, at a lunch counter serving open sandwiches since 1877, or in a greenhouse in the Latin Quarter.
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Short answer: where to eat in Copenhagen
First time in the city: Vækst, modern Nordic food around a greenhouse in the Latin Quarter.
Classic Danish lunch: Schønnemann, serving smørrebrød since 1877.
The Meatpacking District: Kødbyens Fiskebar for seafood and Hija de Sanchez for tacos.
The big occasion: Kadeau in Christianshavn, awarded three Michelin stars in 2026.
We have checked that every restaurant on this list is open in autumn 2026, and the list was last updated in October 2026.
Stay in the heart of the food scene
Next to Vækst: Boutique Hotel SP34 in the Latin Quarter. See rooms at Hotel SP34
By Nyhavn: Hotel Sanders, a short walk to Christianshavn. See rooms at Hotel Sanders
By the Meatpacking District: Manon Les Suites Guldsmeden, with a pool under a glass roof. See rooms at Manon Les Suites
The city centre and the Latin Quarter
1. Vækst: the greenhouse
A two-storey greenhouse stands in the middle of the restaurant, and vegetables lead the menu without banishing meat and fish. Vækst is part of the Cofoco group, known for good food at moderate prices. Read our own review of Vækst in Copenhagen.
Good to know: Sankt Peders Stræde 34. Best for: your first night in town.
2. Schønnemann: smørrebrød since 1877
Rye bread baked on site, herring, smoked eel and a cabinet of schnapps from floor to ceiling. Schønnemann only opens for lunch, and tables go quickly.
Good to know: Hauser Plads 16. Book well ahead. Best for: a classic Danish lunch.
3. Aamanns 1921: modern smørrebrød
Here the open sandwich gets a lighter, modern twist, with seasonal produce and house-made toppings, in an elegant room in the centre.
Good to know: City centre. Best for: lunch with friends or colleagues.
4. Selma: smørrebrød with a Swedish twist
Chef Magnus Pettersson serves modern open sandwiches at lunch and a tasting menu in the evening, in a small restaurant near Torvehallerne.
Good to know: Rømersgade. Best for: an informal lunch that surprises.
For more on the Danish lunch, read our guide to smørrebrød in Copenhagen.
Nørrebro and Vesterbro
5. Høst: Nordic food in an award-winning room
Raw brick walls, old wooden tables and an interior that has won international design awards. Høst is also part of Cofoco, serving a Nordic menu at an affordable price.
Good to know: Nørre Farimagsgade. Best for: a date.
6. Cofoco: where it all began
The group’s first restaurant opened in Vesterbro in 2004, with a set menu at a price that surprised the city. The concept is the same today.
Good to know: Abel Cathrines Gade in Vesterbro. Best for: a good dinner on a budget.
Nyhavn. Photo: Picolo
The Meatpacking District
Behind the central station, the old slaughterhouse district, Kødbyen, is now full of restaurants, bars and breweries in white brick buildings. Arrive early in the evening and wander from place to place.
7. Kødbyens Fiskebar: seafood in an old cold store
Oysters, fresh fish and a long aquarium behind the bar. It is one of the city’s most popular restaurants, and one of its best-value places for seafood.
Good to know: Flæsketorvet 100. Book at weekends. Best for: a group of friends.
8. Hija de Sanchez: tacos from a former Noma chef
Rosio Sanchez was a pastry chef at Noma and now makes some of Europe’s most talked-about tacos, with masa she makes herself. You will find the taqueria both in the Meatpacking District and in Torvehallerne.
Good to know: Slagterboderne in Kødbyen. Best for: a quick, cheap lunch.
Read our full guide to the Meatpacking District, with more restaurants and bars.
Christianshavn
9. Barr: the North Sea on a plate
Schnitzel, sausages, beer and schnapps in a wood-panelled room. Barr is part of the Noma family and serves food from the countries around the North Sea.
Good to know: Christianshavn. Best for: a relaxed dinner with beer.
10. Kadeau: three stars from Bornholm
In 2026 Kadeau was promoted to three Michelin stars. The kitchen sources most of its produce from Bornholm, and the menu follows the island’s seasons.
Good to know: Wildersgade in Christianshavn. Book well ahead. Best for: the very big occasion.
See every starred restaurant in our guide to Michelin restaurants in Copenhagen 2026.
Torvehallerne: when you just want a taste
Two glass halls by Nørreport filled with stalls for fish, cheese, smørrebrød, coffee and pastries. Perfect for lunch on the go, or for picking up food to take home.
Where to stay
Boutique Hotel SP34: in the Latin Quarter
A design hotel right next to Vækst, a short walk to Strøget.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel SP34
Hotel Sanders: boutique by Kongens Nytorv
A small luxury hotel with a roof terrace, within walking distance of Nyhavn and Christianshavn.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Sanders
Manon Les Suites Guldsmeden: by the Meatpacking District
A hotel with an indoor pool under a glass roof, a short walk to Kødbyen and Vesterbro.
Book your stay: See rooms at Manon Les Suites
Boutique Hotel Ottilia: in Carlsberg City
A hotel in the old brewery buildings of Vesterbro, with a roof terrace.
Book your stay: See rooms at Boutique Hotel Ottilia
See more in our guide to the best hotels in Copenhagen.
Good to know
Book early: Popular places fill up two to four weeks ahead, especially at weekends.
Have smørrebrød for lunch: Many of the classic places only open during the day.
Tipping: Service is included in the price, but it is common to round up if you are happy.
Frequently asked questions about restaurants in Copenhagen
What are the best restaurants in Copenhagen?
It depends on the occasion. Kadeau is the city’s newest three-star restaurant, Vækst and Høst are good, affordable Nordic restaurants, and Schønnemann is the classic for smørrebrød.
Where can you eat cheaply in Copenhagen?
In the Meatpacking District, at Torvehallerne and at the Cofoco restaurants, which serve set menus at moderate prices.
Do you need to book restaurants in Copenhagen?
Yes, at the popular places. Book two to four weeks ahead, especially for weekends.
What is smørrebrød?
Smørrebrød is the Danish open sandwich, made on rye bread with generous toppings and traditionally eaten at lunch.