The Top 10 Must-Try Restaurants in Copenhagen

With Noma–once hailed as the world’s best restaurant–closing its doors, Alchemist may well take the crown as the kingdom of Denmark’s finest dining establishment. Located in the Refshaleøen district, this avant-garde restaurant combines art, science, and culinary expertise to create a multi-sensory journey from entry. You’re led to the nucleus of the restaurant—a massive planetarium dome—where you dine amidst artful projections and stunning views that evoke and enhance various moods and themes. You’ll be under the sea (Little Mermaid style–oh so Copenhagen!), surrounded by jellyfish floating among plastic bags, in space, gazing down at Earth, and even inside the human body, calming to the slow beat of a gigantic heart.

And we haven’t even touched on gastronomy yet. Chef Rasmus Munk is acclaimed worldwide for his ingenuity, crafting a multi-course tasting menu that challenges traditional notions of food, with dishes like edible balloons and beetroot served with ants. Alchemist proudly proclaims its food as “Holistic Cuisine,” a term that signifies a multilayered approach with high-quality ingredients, skillful preparation, and a naturally intricate dining process. He describes the experience as extending far beyond the plate, an ingenuity that has not gone unnoticed. Since 2020, Alchemist has proudly held two Michelin stars, was named Best Restaurant in Europe by OAD in 2021, 2022, and 2023, and ranked number eight on the World’s Best Restaurant list in 2024. Talk about street cred.

Nestled in the heart of Copenhagen’s incredibly hygge Christianshavn neighborhood, Popl Burger is famous for one thing: its burger. This cozy eatery, founded by the world-renowned, 3-Michelin-starred Noma chefs, focuses on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The star of the menu, the Popl Burger, made with grass-fed beef, smoked mayo, and pickled red onions, is a testament to their commitment to quality. For vegetarians, the menu includes delicious plant-based options like the falafel burger.

Pair your burger with a selection of craft beers or sultry sides such as sweet potato fries and tangy coleslaw for a satisfying meal in a casual neighborhood spot—exemplary quality without the accompanying price tag or pretension.

Gaarden & Gaden’s location is ideal, nestled on a vibrant, multicultural street in Copenhagen’s Nørrebro district, recently bestowed the title of the coolest neighborhood in the world. This combination of a wine bar and restaurant feels like stepping into a cozy living room—albeit one belonging to a friend who is an exceptional cook. The seasonally driven menu showcases the best of local and organic produce.

During the summer, you can savor dishes featuring fresh local white asparagus and rhubarb, while winter brings hearty creations like slow-cooked lamb shoulder and roasted root vegetables with truffle oil. The commitment to quality and sustainability is evident in every bite, making it a standout on our list of top restaurants.

The relaxed atmosphere, enhanced by a rustic interior with wooden accents and warm lighting, creates the perfect setting for a leisurely meal or a casual evening out. Regular events, such as wine tastings and live music, add to the charm and foster a strong sense of community, making it a beloved Nørrebro staple.

Bistro Lupa is a shining example of sustainable gastronomy in Copenhagen. Located in the charming Østerbro neighborhood, this Green Michelin Star-awarded restaurant is part of The Ark Collection. The restaurant’s interior reflects its eco-friendly ethos, featuring furniture made from sustainable materials and vintage items, like plates from local vintage shops and FSC-certified chairs from FDB Møbler.

Menu-wise, the restaurant stands out for its dedication to ecological and innovative plant-based cuisine. It uses organic, locally sourced ingredients and often incorporates foraged items into its dishes. As you enjoy the mushroom-centric courses, you’ll learn more about Funga Farm, Denmark’s only urban organic mushroom farm, co-owned by the restaurant. This partnership ensures a fresh and sustainable supply of mushrooms, allowing for extensive culinary creativity. Their commitment to zero waste is evident in practices such as turning off-cuts into powders and garnishes, repurposing spent wine into sauces, and even using banana peels for cocktail infusions, embodying the future of sustainable gastronomy in Copenhagen.

Masseria may be a lesser-known name on this list, but not for long. This elegant restaurant, inspired by the rustic farmhouses of the Italian countryside, brings a taste of Southern Italy to Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District. Menu highlights include traditional Italian dishes crafted with contemporary flair, such as handmade pasta, fresh burrata, and succulent grilled meats. The extensive wine list features selections from Italy’s finest vineyards, providing the perfect accompaniment to your meal.

“The goal of Masseria has always been to embrace guests with its down-to-earth charm, creating a space where you can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and great wines while feeling at home,” said Ursula Waltemath, Masseria’s Director. From colorful hand-painted Sicilian plates to candles, books, and abundant plants, the warm and inviting ambiance makes it a favorite among diners.“It’s basically ‘Sunday at Nonna’s house’ every day,” she says.

Kødbyens Fiskebar is the go-to destination for seafood enthusiasts in Copenhagen—you can practically get whiffs of the Baltic Sea from your table. The restaurant’s ambiance is a harmonious blend of casual and chic, with industrial décor reflecting its Meatpacking roots. A longtime staple in this District, this stylish restaurant focuses on fresh, sustainable seafood.

“Throughout the years, we have cultivated strong relationships with numerous local fishermen who utilize small-scale, gentle fishing methods with gill nets,” explains Kødbyens Fiskebar’s Head Chef, Jaime Lee, in an interview with Fodor’s. “They bring their catch directly to our doorstep. The fishermen we purchase from go out to fish and return the same day, ensuring that the fish is caught on that day and reaches us in the afternoon. This approach guarantees that our fish is of superior quality and super fresh. Since these fishermen catch only small amounts of fish that are in season in our local waters, we are encouraged to update our menu twice daily.”

The commitment to sustainability and local sourcing is evident in every bite, attracting locals for its ever-changing diversity and tourists for its ability to showcase nearby products creatively. The extensive menu features an array of small plates. Signature dishes include fresh oysters, tangy ceviche, and perfectly grilled fish, all prepared with a Nordic twist.

Seasonal favorites might include sweet scallops with herbs from nearby gardens or mussels cooked in a delicate white wine sauce. “Once we have sourced the best sustainably caught local fish, our job is 90 percent complete,” says Lee.

Restaurant Schønnemann is where to go for an authentic taste of Danish culinary heritage. Established in 1877, it is one of Copenhagen’s oldest and most cherished dining establishments in the city center. The restaurant’s ambiance, with period decor and historical photographs, transports diners back to a bygone era, making every meal nostalgic and nourishing for both the belly and the soul.

Schønnemann is famed for its traditional smørrebrød—open-faced sandwiches, a cornerstone of Danish cuisine. Local ingredients are spotlighted here, with menu items featuring a variety of toppings such as herring, liver pâté, and cured meats served on hearty rye bread. In addition to its renowned smørrebrød, Schønnemann offers a variety of traditional Danish dishes such as aquavit-pickled eggs (don’t knock ‘em until you’ve tried ‘em!)  and hearty stews. Seasonal specials ensure the menu stays fresh and exciting, featuring locally sourced ingredients highlighting the best Danish produce. The extensive selection of aquavits—flavored Scandinavian spirits—complements the rich flavors of the food. Skål!