Where to eat in Copenhagen: our best tips

Copenhagen might not be the first destination people think about when it comes to great food, apart from high-end restaurants inspired by René Redzepi’s Noma. However, we were pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of the Danish capital’s food scene in the summer of 2025. 

Here are some of our favorite food spots in Copenhagen, with everything from smørrebrød (typically Danish open-faced sandwiches), Italian restaurants, cafés, bakeries and bistros…

Væksthuset

Located in the Opera park, this café designed with all curves, surrounded by water and lush greenery, serves tasty smørrebrød, Danish open-faced sandwiches – with a modern twist.

Lunch is served in a peaceful atmosphere, inside the glass building or outside on the terrace.

On the menu, you’ll find seven kinds of smørrebrød:  two with fish, three vegetarian sandwiches, one with beef and one with chicken. 

The beet-cured salmon smørrebrød is fresh, light, and slightly fruity, while the flavor combinations in the pumpkin and goat’s cheese sandwich are very well-balanced.

For dessert, choose between seven kinds of fruity or chocolatey treats.

• Væksthuset –  18 Ekvipagemestervej, Copenhagen

La Vecchia Signora 

An authentic pizzeria and trattoria, in the pure Italian style. As we entered the restaurant, we were drawn in by the mouthwatering scent of fresh pizza. The decor is inspired by the history of the building, with raw wood floors and visible wooden beams. We both ordered the tempting Quattro stagioni, with tomato, mozzarella, mushrooms, ham, olives, and anchovies.

Their wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas are crispy and flavorful, and served with a generous amount of toppings. There’s a very good reason why La Vecchia Signora is considered one of the best pizzerias in Copenhagen.

In addition to a selection of 16 pizzas, the menu also consists of various antipasti, pasta, fish, and meats.

• La Vecchia Signora – Grønnegade 12-14, Indre By, Copenhagen

Grød 

This porridge bar offers a wide variety of porridge, breakfast waffles, smoothie bowls, as well as savory dishes for lunch and dinner. We went for the oat porridge with apples, toasted almonds and caramel sauce, washed down with a cappuccino.

Each dish is made to order with fresh, quality ingredients. 

Grød has several cafés throughout the capital. Among these is the one in the food court at Torvehallerne, where we had our breakfast. 

As you leave the market hall, don’t forget to have a look at the outdoor market between the two buildings.

• Grød – Hal 2, Stade 8A, Linnésgade 17, Copenhagen

Mangia

An Italian restaurant specializing in house-made fresh pasta. The interior is understated, with shades of white and sage, industrial light fixtures, aged hardwood floors, and an open kitchen in the back.

The menu consists of seven antipasti, six pasta dishes, one fish and one meat dish. The wine list, which mainly includes bottles from Italy and France, is extensive. The fresh pasta is all made in-house.

A special mention for the authentic flavors of the spinach and ricotta tortelli in a butter, parmesan and sage sauce.

For dessert, we went for their hazelnut ice cream, which was so delicious that Stéphanie is still recovering from the experience. 

Reservations are a must.

• Mangia – Bagerstræde 9, Copenhagen

Maple Casual Dining

A cozy and intimate bistro-style restaurant with six starters, six main courses and five desserts on the menu.

The house specialties, such as the fillet of sea bass and the duck confit, are refined and flavorful, while the desserts are meticulously plated.

For a complete experience, Maple offers a wine pairing menu. 

Reservations are a must.

• Maple Casual Dining – Vesterbrogade 24, Copenhagen

Vækst

Vækst highlights New Nordic Cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients: Nordic herbs and vegetables, and fresh meats, fish and seafood.

The industrial, raw interior is balanced out with lush greenery, as well as centerpiece consisting of a greenhouse placed above the restaurant’s staircase. Both the upstairs and the downstairs space are decorated with plants and warm, inviting lighting. 

For dinner, went for the three- or four-course set menu, which is also available in a three-course vegetarian version. Each menu can be ordered with a wine pairing. There are also three starters, three mains and one dessert if you prefer ordering à la carte. 

A special mention for the herbaceous freshness of the halibut starter, the perfectly cooked plaice, the sourdough bread and butter dotted with linseeds, sesame and nigella seeds, and the harmonious flavors of the dessert: rhubarb sorbet, mazarine cake, sour milk and chamomile.

The staff are efficient and attentive. Reservations are a must.

•  Vækst – Sankt Peders Stræde 34, Copenhagen

Paludan Bog & Café

A bookshop café in the center of town, just a short walk from the Rundetaarn. Grab a coffee or enjoy their lunch dishes (omelets, generous salads, sandwiches, soups, burgers…) while completely surrounded by books. A timeless place. 

• Paludan Bog & Café – Fiolstræde 10, Copenhagen

Sankt Peders Bageri 

This is the oldest bakery in Copenhagen and was founded in 1652. Their kardemommebolle (cardamom buns) are soft, fragrant and delicous.

• Sankt Peders Bageri – Sankt Peders Stræde 29, Indre By, Copenhagen

Comé Rice Kitchen

Ever since our trip to Japan, Stéphanie has been a fan of onigiri, a kind of stuffed rice ball wrapped in a nori sheet. Comé is the place to go for onigiri in Copenhagen. Our favorites were stuffed with teriyaki chicken or shiitake mushrooms. 

We took the opportunity to explore the local Meatpacking district, where the traditional butcher’s shops still remain among trendy cafés, restaurants, nightclubs, and art galleries.

• Comé Rice Kitchen – Flæsketorvet 44, Copenhagen