A guide for hungry humans
Let’s be honest here. Copenhagen might be known for bikes, design, and impossibly fashionable people, but its real superpower? Food. From buttery pastries to street food that’ll make you forget your travel budget, the Danish capital is a dream for anyone who plans their trip around their next bite (we see you).
Keep reading to discover the best food in Copenhagen
from street eats to fine dining and pastries that taste like pure happiness!
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🐻 The Bear filming spots in Copenhagen
If you needed another reason to visit Copenhagen, The Bear just gave you one. Part of the latest season was filmed right here in the Danish capital, with scenes shot in collaboration with none other than Noma—often called the best restaurant in the world. The show captured Copenhagen’s food culture perfectly: creative, intense, a little obsessive, and full of heart. It’s a love letter to the city’s culinary scene, now streaming to foodies everywhere.
Like the show itself, Copenhagen’s kitchens thrive on heart and hustle. Whether you’re eating a Michelin-star tasting menu or a messy chicken sandwich from Poulette, you’ll feel the same spirit: food made with passion, for people who really care.
🍽️ What to eat in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is small, but the food scene hits way above its weight. Here are some of the places we love:
Warpigs Brewpub
If barbecue is your love language, head to this meat-lover’s paradise in the Meatpacking District. Think smoky pulled pork, burnt ends, and proper sides like mac-and-cheese and pickles, all washed down with craft beer and hard rock.
Poulette
When the city’s chefs clock off, they go here. Featured in The Bear Season 2, this tiny Nørrebro fried chicken joint keeps it simple: two sandwiches (one spicy chicken, one tofu) and fries. It’s messy, addictive, and wrapped in bright pink paper you’ll definitely photograph before eating.
Hija de Sanchez
Once a Noma chef, now taco royalty. These taquerias deliver the kind of tortillas that could convert the most skeptical foodie. Order a few, find a sunny bench, and consider relocating permanently.
Bæst
Pizzas so good you’ll whisper “wow” mid-bite. This spot by Christian Puglisi serves wood-fired perfection: simple, smoky, and fairly priced. Bonus points for the house-made mozzarella.
Vækst
Imagine dining in a greenhouse filled with hanging plants and soft light. That’s Vækst. Its fresh, Nordic-inspired menu makes vegetables feel like the main event. Perfect for a slow, cozy dinner.
Delphine
For Mediterranean sunshine in Copenhagen form, head to Delphine. It’s bright, buzzy, and serves small plates that taste like vacation: grilled lamb skewers, creamy tzatziki, lemony calamari. You’ll leave smiling (and full).
Kanalen
A quiet gem along Christianshavn’s canals, serving small plates with a Nordic twist. Come for the calm views, stay for things like wild mushrooms with soy-marinated egg yolk.
🍝 Fine dining & Michelin meals
Copenhagen’s fine dining scene deserves its fame but don’t worry, it’s not all stiff napkins and hushed tones.
Kiin Kiin
The city’s only Michelin-starred Thai restaurant, holding that star for over a decade. The tasting menu is part theater, part flavor explosion from freeze-dried curry to lobster Tom Yam soup.
Restaurant Jordnær
In a quiet suburb north of the city, this two-star spot delivers seafood heaven. Langoustines, king crab, caviar, it’s indulgent in the best possible way, but still feels deeply personal.
Restaurant Barr
Set in Noma’s old warehouse, Barr celebrates the comfort side of Nordic cuisine: schnitzel, seasonal mushrooms, and local beer. Fancy food, but zero pretension.
🧁 The best bakeries in Copenhagen
If your Copenhagen itinerary doesn’t revolve around pastries, please reconsider your priorities.
The Danes don’t mess around when it comes to baked goods. You’ll find the best bakery in Copenhagen by following your nose or just joining the line of locals outside any corner spot before 9 a.m. Order a kanelsnegl (cinnamon roll), a spandauer (custard pastry), and something flaky you can’t pronounce. (It’s fine. You’re doing great.)
Our personal favorite bakeries, though, are these:
Hart Bageri
Beloved for its cardamom croissant which is super yummy.
Albatross & Venner
A Danish-German collab inside Torvehallerne Food Hall. Come for their tomato and béchamel Danish or rye bread pizzette. Trust us, savory pastries are having a moment.
Andersen & Maillard
The pastry/coffee power couple. Their cube croissant (yes, cube) broke the internet for a reason with its flaky layers, pistachio filling, espresso glaze. You’ll need to queue, but it’s worth it.
Hallernes Smørrebrød
When in doubt, start here. Classic open-faced sandwiches in every flavor imaginable, from smoked salmon to roast beef, neatly displayed and perfect for a quick, traditional lunch.
Selma
The first smørrebrød restaurant ever awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Imagine delicate rye bread topped with things like elderflower herring and micro herbs. Basically edible art.
Rørt
A fun, affordable smørrebrød spot with modern toppings and playful branding. Great for trying a few bites without breaking the bank.
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The best food in Copenhagen: FAQs
What is the best food in Copenhagen to try first?
Start with Danish classics like smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) and kanelsnegl (cinnamon rolls). Then explore international favorites at spots like Warpigs Brewpub or Hija de Sanchez for tacos.
Where can I find the best street food in Copenhagen?
Head to Torvehallerne Food Hall or the Meatpacking District (Kødbyen) for diverse, top-quality street food in Copenhagen—from BBQ to vegan bowls.
What’s the most famous bakery in Copenhagen?
Locals love Hart Bageri, Andersen & Maillard, and Albatross & Venner. Try the iconic cardamom croissant or the cube-shaped croissant with pistachio cream.
What are some must-visit restaurants for the best food in Copenhagen?
Top picks include Vækst for Nordic-style dining, Delphine for Mediterranean flavors, and Kanalen for scenic canal views and local dishes.
Where can I experience fine dining in Copenhagen?
Book a table at Restaurant Jordnær, Kiin Kiin, or Restaurant Barr for unforgettable Michelin-level dining and creative Nordic cuisine.
Is Copenhagen good for food lovers on a budget?
Yes! Try Rørt or Hallernes Smørrebrød for affordable local bites, or explore the city’s street food markets for budget-friendly options that don’t compromise on taste.
Where did The Bear film in Copenhagen?
Parts of The Bear were filmed at Noma, one of the world’s most famous restaurants, showcasing Copenhagen’s globally recognized food culture.
What is smørrebrød, and where can I try it in Copenhagen?
Smørrebrød is Denmark’s traditional open-faced sandwich, usually on rye bread with gourmet toppings. Try it at Selma (Michelin Bib Gourmand) or Rørt for a modern twist.
What are the best areas for food in Copenhagen?
Explore Nørrebro for trendy bites, Christianshavn for cozy canal-side dining, and Kødbyen (Meatpacking District) for hip restaurants and bars.
Where should I stay to explore Copenhagen’s best food spots?
Stay at the MEININGER Hotel Copenhagen, centrally located for easy access to top restaurants, bakeries, and food markets - perfect for any food lover’s itinerary.
🏨 A stay full of flavor
If your travel motto is eat, nap, repeat, then MEININGER Hotel Copenhagen is exactly your kind of place. It’s modern, social, and perfectly located for easy access to food halls, bakeries, and late-night bites. You get the comfort of a hotel with the laid-back vibe of a hostel: the perfect base for exploring (or digesting) your way through the city.
Address: Colbjørnsensgade 5-11, 1652 Copenhagen, Denmark
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