The best restaurants in Copenhagen

Høst is a restaurant that currently deserves its place among Copenhagen's very best restaurants for the complete experience they offer. On the corner of Nørre Farimagsgade and Ahlefeldtsgade, between Israels Plads and Søerne, you're met by exposed brick, warm wood and sleek Danish design by Norm Architects. Come for the atmosphere as well as the food; the entire experience elevates the evening.

If you want to eat top-quality fish and shellfish, Kødbyens Fiskebar is the place to visit right now, an informal seafood institution in the middle of Kødbyen. The atmosphere is lively and chic, the bar tempts diners with oysters, chilled white wines and sharp cocktails, while the outdoor seating is worth its weight in gold on sunny days. The restaurant is run by Anders Selmer from the Noma world. Fresh ingredients, natural wines and cocktails take centre stage here, served in an unpretentious way. The wine cellar comprises several thousand bottles, from lively pét-nat to classic Burgundy.

If you want to feel the essence of lunchtime Copenhagen, head to Schønnemann. Four steps down to a historic cellar dining room with starched tablecloths, service with a flourish, and an open-sandwich menu that has kept the tradition alive since 1877. The beer foams freely, and the legendary snaps book contains over 140 Nordic aquavits in various sizes. The atmosphere is intimate and cosy in the low-ceilinged rooms, and in summer there may be a few seats on Hauser Plads, but the restuarant is first and foremost a classic cellar spot.

Palægade is currently one of the city's most talked-about restaurants thanks to its ability to refine both the classic lunch experience and Danish-French evening cuisine, with both precision and personality. The smørrebrød open sandwiches range from traditional favourites to modern interpretations, while the evening menu offers modern Danish gastronomy, a well-stocked wine cellar and a classic dessert trolley that's wheeled up to the table. The restaurant is part of Formel Family, which is evident in the solid craftsmanship and the atmospheric brasserie feel. Choose between a lively table in the front dining room or a quieter spot further in. Don't miss the outdoor seating when the sun comes out!

The pinnacle of fine dining in Copenhagen: Denmark's first three-star Michelin restaurant, which also topped The World's 50 Best list in 2022. The menu is uncompromisingly Nordic and plant-based with no meat from land-dwelling animals, served in many small, elegant courses with precision and lightness. Views over Fælledparken, a deep wine list and excellent alcohol-free options complete the experience. And if you're a larger group, ask for the Inspiration Kitchen served by the kitchen.

If you want to experience the most uniquely staged dinner in Copenhagen right now, Alchemist is the place to go: a journey through multiple rooms beneath a domed sky with up to 50 impressions. The evening lasts for hours, with a tightly choreographed flow—more total performance than classic table service. The drinks match the ambition with curated pairings, from alcohol-free Botanica to the wine-focused Sommelier Table, elevating the narrative without overpowering it. Tickets are sold via their own system, so plan well in advance.

Three-starred and entirely unique: down-to-earth Jordnær delivers Nordic luxury without snobbery, led by Eric and Tina Kragh Vildgaard's warm hospitality. Tucked inside Gentofte Hotel is a calm, intimate first-floor dining room, 10–15 minutes north of the city, which makes the visit a small mission. The menu centres on Nordic produce, often from the sea, with technique that never overshadows flavour. Book well in advance, and consider staying the night to land softly after the wine pairing.

Kadeau is the culmination of Copenhagen right now, a three-star tasting experience where the island of Bornholm appears on your plate. The kitchen works with the island's produce, its own kitchen garden and preservation, so you get smoke, pickling and sweetness in beautiful, modern compositions. The setting is calm and warm with Bornholm ceramics, an intimate dining room and service that balances precision with relaxed ease. A nerdy wine list completes the story.

Esmée is a city-chic French brasserie experience where the buzz of the city meets a tranquil courtyard refuge. Andreas Bagh serves classic French flavours as luxurious comfort at a Copenhagen pace, supported by a wine list full of bubbles and a serious cocktail bar. Grab an apéritif at the bar or make a whole evening of it at the à la carte tables with a view of the open kitchen. The terrace facing the city's most beautiful square only makes it harder to leave.

Bouillon is a French brasserie you'll want to eat at right now. Expect an intimate, lively atmosphere and classics like onion soup, steak frites, tartare and crème brûlée. Sip Pastis or good everyday wines at prices that are easy to live with, and when the sun shines the café tables on Solbjergvej are perfect for a drink. It's easy to swing by Frederiksberg Station for both lunch and dinner, with vegetarian options as well.

Donna is Cofoco's Italian flirtation right on Rådhuspladsen, an address that delivers both atmosphere and substance. Sharing plates, pasta and grilled dishes feel fresh and Italian, matched by an ambitious list of classic and natural wines as well as perfectly blended cocktails. The bright atrium feels like a courtyard in the middle of the city, perfect when the weather plays along. An unusually sophisticated serious drinks profile for such a central location.

Bæst is Nørrebro's iconic love letter to Italian craftsmanship with a Nordic conscience, and you can taste it in the homemade cheeses from the dairy upstairs and the charcuterie made from organic Danish pork. Everything hits the wood-fired oven and the plates in a lively, informal dining room with an open kitchen and pizza in constant flow. The wine list leans towards natural wine, and the bar knows its classics, so you can start with a glass or stick around after. It's no wonder they're consistently recognised among Europe's best pizzerias — something city-break tourists have also discovered.

A Japanese haven and the city's sake pioneers, where you share small plates in a lively izakaya by Kødbyen, the Meatpacking District. The kitchen applies Japanese techniques to local produce, so the season decides, and dishes arrive continuously for sharing. Come for the strong sake list and let the knowledgeable bar team match the style to you, from fresh, fruity junmai to more complex bottles. There's also beer and natural wine if that's your bag.

Modern Cantonese food with big-city energy, tucked away in the courtyard behind Esmée on Kongens Nytorv. Former Geranium head chef Will King-Smith transforms nostalgic comfort food into modern, sharing-friendly dishes, and the Lazy Susans make sharing even more fun. The award-winning cocktail bar elevates the experience, so feel free to arrive early for a drink or drop by on a whim. There's room for walk-ins, and the bar stays open even after the kitchen has closed. Perfect for both date nights and larger groups.

Behind an unassuming facade on Rantzausgade, JATAK delivers one-star precision, where Nordic ingredients meet Cantonese and Vietnamese flavours. The special Solar menu follows the Chinese solar calendar in micro-seasons, so the experience shifts with the light, ideally viewed from the seats by the kitchen. Warm wooden ambience, a well-chosen wine list and serious alcohol-free pairings make this an international high-end spot in Nørrebro without any pretension or pomposity. 

Right on Kongens Nytorv, Llama offers a vibrant Latin American atmosphere, complete with design and a bar that specialises in pisco, mezcal and tequila. The menu draws inspiration from Peru to Mexico, with a firm foundation in Nordic ingredients, so ceviche, anticuchos, tacos and grilled meats taste sunny without becoming heavy. It's best to share the dishes, and cocktails are the obvious choice here, rather than a classic wine list.

Hija de Sanchez in Kødbyen - Copenhagen's Meatpacking District - is the city's taco icon right now, a lively taqueria where the area's raw concrete meets Mexican heat. Corn tortillas are hand-rolled from imported maize and filled with juicy classics, especially the cult-favourite al pastor. The sharp, clean flavours come from uncompromising ingredients, from the homemade quesillo to fresh salsas. Wash it down with an ice-cold margarita and understand why Noma alumna Rosio Sanchez has given tacos cult status in Copenhagen.

Right by the Central Station and Tivoli, this family-owned Vesterbro favourite delivers exactly what many of us are craving right now: homemade comfort food served in calm, green surroundings. Classics get a loving upgrade, prices are down-to-earth for the neighbourhood, and the atmosphere suits both a date and large groups of friends. Go all in with Maple's Casual Tasting, or keep it simple, with hearty vegetarian options too. There's no experimenting here—just a well-cooked, comfortable meal.