Restaurants in Copenhagen
The lords of Michelin dining have bestowed 13 restaurants in
Copenhagen with their mark of guaranteed fine dining. While
definitely many favourite restaurants in Copenhagen are not
included, the honours are indicative of how far dining has
progressed in the city.
Traditionally Denmark has not been known for its food, Frikadeller
meat balls and cabbage being among the most popular of dishes.
While there are some great Danish foods, their hot dogs and open
faced sandwiches are some of the best, much of the great dining in
Copenhagen is of international cuisine. Particularly good in
Copenhagen are French and Asian restaurants.
Dining in Copenhagen is usually a leisurely affair and patrons are
encouraged to take their time and make a night of it. For quicker
eats, cafés and hot dog stands are very popular and a fun
way to meet people. Stoget, Central Station, Grey Friars Square are
all hotspots for restaurants. Tivoli also has a great selection of
casual places to eat in a fun setting. A service charge is included
in the bill but great service is often rewarded with a tip.
| Ida Davidsen |
$$$$$ | Local |
Denmark's undisputed gourmet speciality is the
smørrebrød (known to non-Danes as
'smorgasbord'), a selection of open sandwiches served for lunch,
usually made up of a variety of fish and seafood. The smorgasbord
'queen' in Copenhagen is Ida Davidsen, who is the fifth generation
of her family to serve this unique cuisine and offers the longest
smorgasbord menu in Denmark at six feet (2m) long! Try the 'Preben
Elkjær' on rye bread with plaice fillets, asparagus and
smoked salmon. Open Monday to Friday, 10.30am to 5pm. Reservations
recommended.
Address: 70 Store Kongensgade
E-mail: reservation@idadavidsen.dk
Telephone: 3391 3655
| Den Sorte Ravn |
$$$$$ | Local |
Den Sorte Ravn (The Black Raven) serves fine Danish cuisine with
some classic French touches. A speciality of the house in this
comfortable establishment is fillet of turbot in puff pastry with
lobster salmon mousse and parsley, served with cognac flavoured
lobster sauce. The other items on the menu, particularly the fish
dishes, are just as mouth-watering. Open Monday to Saturday for
lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended.
Address: 14 Nyhavn
E-mail: rest@sorteravn.dk
Telephone: 3313 1233
| Café Sorgenfri |
$$$$$ | Café |
For a traditional meal and a good time, follow the local workers
to their popular luncheon spot, Café Sorgenfri. The simple
19th century basement restaurant in the heart of the city's
pedestrian precinct was originally a sailor's tavern and is still a
very lively drinking hole after the kitchen closes. The
décor reflects old Copenhagen with its gilt-framed pictures,
wrought-iron chandeliers and leather-panelled walls. At lunch time,
it is sought after for its excellent classic
s
mørrebrøds (open sandwiches), washed down
with a Carlsberg beer. Opens daily, 11am to 9pm. Reservations
recommended.
Address: 8 Brolæggerstræde
Telephone: 3311 5880
| Det Lille Apotek |
$$$$$ | Local |
This cosy, traditional restaurant is reputedly the oldest eatery
in Copenhagen, dating back to 1720. In days of yore it was an
artist's meeting place and now features menu items named for Danish
celebrities who used to dine here, like Hans Christian Andersen and
Søren Kierkegaard. The food is traditional Danish and one of
the signature dishes is 'Apoteker Stew' - tenderloin, bacon,
cocktail sausages and pineapple in a creamy paprika sauce. Open for
lunch and dinner daily, reservations recommended.
Address: 15 Store Kannikestræde
E-mail: contact@det-lille-apotek.dk
Telephone: 3312 5606
| Ristorante Vesuvio |
$$$$$ | Italian |
Italian cuisine has become the international favourite and
Copenhagen's copious list of restaurants would not be complete
without an Italian gem. The Ristorante Vesuvio fits the bill,
serving up a heart-warming 'Chef's Pasta Parade' of tasty options,
and a selection of pizzas. The menu also features numerous Italian
gourmet meat and fish dishes. Open daily for lunch and dinner,
reservations recommended.
Address: 4 Radhuspladsen
E-mail: info@vesuvio.dk
Telephone: 3315 3315
| Promenaden in Tivoli |
$$$$$ | Gastropubs |
In Copenhagen's famous Tivoli Gardens, the bustling Promenaden
is a 'multi-food-house'. With a view to the Garden's open-air
stage, an international menu and vibey atmosphere, the premises
also include a bar and café, as well as live music at
weekends. On offer are staples like barbecue spare ribs, steaks and
pasta or, for a real budget snack, head for the back corridor where
there is a sausage bar and beef sandwich deli. The restaurant
functions during the summer season only when Tivoli itself is open
from 12pm to midnight.
Address: Vesterbrogade 3, Tivoli
E-mail: info@promenaden-tivoli.dk
Telephone: 3375 0770
| Gødt |
$$$$$ | International |
Catering to a maximum of 20 guests at a time, Gødt is a
classy restaurant offering a very personalised and intimate dining
experience. This refined approach is extended to the menu which
offers a selection of the finest veal, seafood and vegetables, all
prepared with fresh local herbs. Open Tuesday to Saturday for
dinner, reservations essential.
Address: 38 Gothersgade
Telephone: 3315 2122
Set in an 18th century waterfront warehouse, Noma exudes Nordic
charm in its functional simplicity. The décor combines oak,
stone and leather with glass and metal in a light and spacious
dining area. Using fresh ingredients from the North Atlantic, the
menu offers Scandinavian cuisine such as pork with wild ramson
leaves, or sautéed lobster with pickled hip rose. Open for
lunch Tuesday to Saturday, and dinner Monday to Saturday.
Reservations recommended.
Address: 93 Strandgade
Telephone: 3296 3297
| Khun Juk Oriental |
$$$$$ | Thai |
Set in Boltens Gård, Khun Juk is a stylish Thai restaurant
celebrated for its authentic cuisine. Favourites from the menu
include spicy Thai beef salad or steamed mussels with horapa (Thai
sweet basil) and lemongrass. The dining room has classic
décor and a warm atmosphere, while the outdoor area has
lovely café umbrellas and potted plants. Open Monday to
Saturday for dinner, reservations recommended.
Address: 9 Store Kongensgade
Telephone: 3332 3050
Located in Gråbrødretorv, one of the oldest squares
in Copenhagen, Restaurant Peder Oxe is set in an historic 19th
century building with light-filled rooms and high ceilings. The
menu varies with the changing of the season and includes everything
from classic lamb and beef dishes to fresh seafood and game. The
'Market Buffet' also offers a great selection. Open daily for lunch
and dinner, reservations recommended.
Address: 11 Gråbrødretorv
Telephone: 3311 0077