If, when you think of Copenhagen, you picture beautiful designer furniture, the Little Mermaid, and perpetually happy people—Denmark consistently ranks among the top ten happiest countries in the world—then you should also include its bars and restaurants.
Copenhagen recently became the leading Nordic capital in all Michelin categories, with the Michelin Guide awarding a total of 26 stars to 15 restaurants in the city this year. In addition, its numerous bistros, wineries and restaurants always pair their excellent food with refined interior design.
The following destinations are must-visits for a cocktail, a snack or a well-deserved dinner, particularly after hours spent exploring Copenhagen’s most glamorous design showrooms.
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Bistro Lupa
Plant-based café Bistro Lupa in Østerbro (Photo: Zane Kraujina)
Some of the plant-based dishes available at Bistro Lupa in Copenhagen (Photo: Zane Kraujina)
Vegan café Bistro Lupa’s elegant plating (Photo: Jenia Nelisova)
Cheers with vegan food at Bistro Lupa (Photo: Zane Kraujina)
Located in the charming Østerbro area, which is filled with beautiful buildings and trendy design showrooms, Bistro Lupa is a plant-based café perfect for brunch, lunch and dinner. As the sister restaurant to the renowned Ark, Bistro Lupa offers a casual atmosphere and serves exceptional vegan food.
Sustainability is a key focus, with an emphasis on local and seasonal produce, some of it foraged or sourced from its own mushroom farm. Through the craftsmanship and dedication of its team, this establishment’s plant-based dining experience showcases how exciting and utterly flavourful vegan food can be, even for the most devoted meat lovers.
Høst
Nordic restaurant Høst in Copenhagen
Dining at Høst
A delicious spread of seasonal Nordic cuisine at Høst (Photo: Chris Tonnesen)
Located in the Nansensgade neighbourhood, a charming area of Copenhagen dotted with parks and small lakes, Høst is a must-visit for design and food enthusiasts. The brainchild of Cofoco (Copenhagen Food Consulting), it features interiors in a raw Nordic style, with recycled wood, concrete, granite and zinc, softened by plaids and lambskin.
“Høst” means “harvest” in Danish, reflecting its focus on Nordic ingredients and seasonal greens, served with rustic elegance and big flavours. The menu includes fare such as lobster, beef and Danish cheese from the North Sea coast, providing a truly local dining experience among Copenhagen residents and a few tourists.
Schønnemann
Schønnemann, one of the oldest restaurants in Copenhagen
The traditional Danish delicacies served at Schønnemann
With dark wood panelling, green walls, crisp white table linens and fustian-covered chairs, Schønnemann offers the best traditional food in town. Founded in 1877, it’s one of Copenhagen’s oldest eateries and a classic destination for locals, from designers and actors to anyone who loves good food.
The four small steps leading down to the restaurant may seem modest, but they transport you to a bygone era where warm hosts and quality, made-from-scratch food were the norm. The highlight here is the smørrebrød, an iconic Danish open-faced sandwich. These sandwiches feature a variety of toppings such as pickled herring, cured meats, smoked salmon, liver pâté and fresh herbs, all arranged on dense, dark rye bread.
Each bite balances textures and flavours, showcasing the best of traditional Danish cuisine. Pair your smørrebrød with a refreshing draft beer for an authentic experience. This lunch-only destination is definitely worth having the main meal of your day at.
Apotek 57
Copenhagen’s top bar and bistro for design enthusiasts, Apotek 57
Apotek 57’s design-driven interiors make it a destination for locals and international visitors alike
A spread of seasonal bites served at Apotek 57
Freshly baked treats at Apotek 57
Stepping inside Apotek 57, you’re essentially entering the Frama design universe. This inclusive gathering place for the local community and design enthusiasts from around the world is located inside the Frama Studio Store in Copenhagen’s Nyboder district.
This petite bar and bistro offers an interesting menu curated by chef Chiara Barla, featuring beverages as well as daily house-made seasonal bites such as baked goods, snacks and other foods. With an emphasis on natural materials and uncompromising quality, Frama’s work celebrates craftsmanship, resulting in a timeless and honest aesthetic.
Apotek 57 is the perfect spot to drop by while strolling through the design area of the city. Before leaving, don’t miss a visit to the St. Pauls Apothecary Shop in the same building, a must-see with its amazing antique ceiling.
Brasserie Kontrast, Rug Bakery and T37 Bar at Villa Copenhagen
Brasserie Kontrast at Villa Copenhagen
Inside the T37 Bar at Villa Copenhagen
The dishes at Villa Copenhagen’s T37 Bar
This stunning hotel once housed the old Danish Central Post and Telegraph office. Villa Copenhagen is a vibrant social nexus in which the past, present and future all converge in an inspiring and playful ambience. Known for its rooftop pool, the hotel is also celebrated for its brasserie, bakery, and bar, which are all open to the public.
Brasserie Kontrast showcases the contrasting flavours of locally grown ingredients, taking diners on a culinary journey that captures the essence of the region. It prides itself on sourcing sustainably produced meat and fish, as well as seasonal and organic ingredients from local farmers.
For early risers in need of a good breakfast, Rug Bakery provides freshly baked morning plates and a fresh selection for lunch. In the evenings, T37 Bar transforms into a vibrant sharing bar, offering the best local ingredients in its food and cocktails, creating a setting for conversations that last well into the night.
Andersen & Maillard
Andersen & Maillard, one of the most beautiful cafés in Copenhagen
Inside Andersen & Maillard
One of the delicacies you can enjoy alongside a cup of coffee at Andersen & Maillard
If you love the aroma of freshly roasted coffee, then you must visit the three Andersen & Maillard locations. The first is Coffee Shop & Roastery, which opened in 2018 with the vision of creating the best coffee shop experience in Copenhagen. Resembling a laboratory, with jute coffee bean bags and coffee machines, you can savour all your favourite coffee flavours and purchase a pack of ground coffee beans.
The second location, Coffee Shop & Bakery, allows you to enjoy your cup of coffee while exploring the city, accompanied by freshly baked treats, from plain croissants to the most delicious cakes.
For a relaxing break, sitting down and sipping your coffee while enjoying a classic hygge moment, head to Artisan Bakery. This latest location, opened in 2019, features a modern design with cream-white walls and floors, and wooden chairs and tables, inviting you to take your time and enjoy a classic Danish daily routine.
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Cafe Coco and Coco Bar à Vin
Cafe Coco and Coco Bar à Vin can be found inside the cosy Coco Hotel in Copenhagen
Inside Cafe Coco
Seating at Coco Bar à Vin in the verdant Coco Hotel courtyard
The Coco Hotel, a sustainable boutique establishment created by the Cofoco group, boasts interiors blending modern and classic, vintage and new, right in the city centre; it is designed to make you “want to stay and never leave”.
Open daily from early morning to midnight, Cafe Coco is a cosy oasis for freshly brewed organic coffee and light meals, with a select wine menu featuring organic and natural wines. Its light, vibrant and relaxed atmosphere makes it a hot favourite among visitors.
The Coco Bar à Vin, located in the hotel’s leafy courtyard, is perfect for meeting friends or informal business meetings. The wine list changes regularly and pairs well with the dishes and snacks. Don’t miss it on Fridays and Saturdays when local DJs spin vinyl records from 6 to 10 pm, creating the best musical set for a memorable night out.
Pompette
Inside Pompette, one of Copenhagen’s most beloved wine bars
Enjoy natural wines and snacks at Pompette
A selection of yummy bites served at Pompette
Looking for a spot to enjoy a good glass of wine and a simple yet delicious snack until midnight, without the hassle of booking a table days in advance? Pompette is the perfect place.
With a cosy interior featuring design details and fresh flowers, plus lovely sofas and armchairs outdoors, Pompette offers a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. Since its opening in 2018, this wine bar has been a beloved spot for locals to hang out and unwind at.
Open seven days a week from noon to midnight, Pompette offers a tasty menu of snacks and a great variety of natural wines.
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