Visit Copenhagen and the temptation to splurge big bucks (well, considerable Krone) on small plates of raw shrimp and sea buckthorn can sometimes be too strong to resist. Loans are taken out, backs-of-sofas checked and checked again, and more reasonable options overlooked in favour of the allure of Michelin-certified establishments.
The Danish capital is synonymous with good food, particularly fish. And we all know that the joy of good fish is that it sings in simplicity. If it’s fresh, locally sourced and stored correctly, it needs not much more than a light touch with the seasoning and a squeeze of something citric. With this praise of the austere in mind, here are our 5 IDEAL, affordable seafood restaurants in Copenhagen.
Oysters and Grill
When walking into Oysters and Grill in Copenhagen’s Nørrebro district, you know you’re going to be looked after. After all of the ice-cool, super chic dining experiences and cold chill in the air to match (we visited in winter), this place feels warm, welcoming and humble. There’s no exposed red brick, filament light bulbs and wood tables here; table cloths are brightly coloured and floral in design, candles flicker the atmosphere is jovial and loud.
The fish is no nonsense, with little in the way of garnish. Huge, shell on prawns arrive with simply mayo to accompany; all you need if the crustaceans are fresh enough. These squeak between the teeth as only the freshest do. This aesthetic and attitude continues for the meal and we leave satiated, satisfied, a bit too drunk and a bit too full. A final word for the service; utterly charming and personal, we also leave with a list of other great restaurants in the city to try and sights to see. Wonderful.
Address: Sjællandsgade 1B, 2200 København N, Denmark
Website: cofoco.dk
©Oysters&Grill
Kødbyens Fiskebar
Based in the gritty Vesterbro district, Kødbyens Fiskebar is a Copenhagen institution, famed for its super fresh, intricate yet simply presented seafood dishes. The fish is the star on every plate, caught from the surrounding waters and treated with according respect, and is presented beautifully.
It’s a large restaurant with a bar running through the middle, creating a buzzy atmosphere where you’re equally at home having a feature-length meal as you are a glass of wine and a snack. Although fish is the undoubted headline act, we have to mention the desserts. They are highly original and utterly stunning on both palate and eye – worth a trip for one with a glass of sweet one alone.
Check our our full review of Kødbyens Fiskebar here.
Address: Flæsketorvet 100, 1711 København V, Denmark
Website: fiskebaren.dk
Krogs Fiskerestaurant
Krogs is one of Copenhagen’s oldest restaurants and on entry, its elegant, high ceilings, starched table cloths and besuited wait staff reassure you that you’ll be treated and fed well. Although there’s meat on the menu too, fish is the focus here, without doubt. The menu changes according to the seasons and what’s fresh, as any fish restaurant’s should – and there’s little in the way of nods to the New Nordic scripture. In fact, there’s heavy French influences here, with the bouillabaisse and sole meuniere being particularly exquisite.
Address: Gammel Strand 38, 1202 København K, Denmark
Website: krogs.dk
©KrogsFiskerestaurant
Fishmarket
Coming from the same team as Copenhagen’s Pastis restaurant, Fishmarket continues the theme of confident, no frills French cooking, but with a focus purely on fish. There’s a devoted oyster section and large, varied champagne list, so if that’s your thing, a superb evening of indulgence writes itself. If you fancy a more modest evening, wine is offered by the glass and a bowl of gorgeous, plump mussels will set you back only 185 DK. The cheeseboard, to finish, is also a thing of beauty.
Address: Hovedvagtsgade 2, 1103 København K, Denmark
Website: www.fishmarket.dk
Torvehallerne
Not a restaurant, per se, but a marvellous place to indulge in some saline satisfaction nonetheless. Torvehallerne market, a stone’s throw from Copenhagen’s central station, boasts several stalls offering wide varieties of fresh-off-the-boat fish which they’ll prepare for you in house or you can take home to cook yourself. There’s lots of small tubs of pickled cockles and other treats which you can nibble on while you peruse the larger options available. And, there’s some damn fine smoked salmon, herring and more on rye bread. Lovely stuff.
Address: Frederiksborggade 21, 1360 København K, Denmark
Website: torvehallernekbh.dk