It’s not news that Noma has placed Copenhagen on the map as one of the foodie capitals of the world. With Noma now closed for the foreseeable future, arriving and expectant food tourists may be caught short when looking to experience the city’s world famous, avant garde Nordic cuisine. Fear not though, there are so many alternatives.
Equally, Copenhagen isn’t just about Nordic cuisine. From a 3 Michelin-starred temple of gastronomy to accessible, affordable street food, there really is something for everyone.
With affordability in mind, here are our top tips for a culinary weekend away in Copenhagen.
Bror
Bror (the Danish word for brother) is the restaurant from two former sous chefs of Noma. Awarded Michelin’s Bib Gourmand, Bror is a more affordable option for those wishing to experience Danish ‘sense of time and place’ cooking, with inspiration and ingredients from wider Scandanavia adding extra flair. The menu is a simple choice between a 4 course and 5 course menu, with the option of additional snacks. We would highly recommend the latter, as the snacks provide real intrigue and fun, with a cod’s head and eyes, and deep fried bull’s testicles challenging even the more daring diner.
Website: http://www.restaurantbror.dk
Address: Skt Peders Strade 24A, 1453 K Copenhagen
WarPigs
Craft beer and slow cooked, barbecued meat – could there be a better match? Warpigs is about as far from Nordic fine dining as you could imagine, but it is no the worse for it. Based on traditional American barbeque joints, with a heavy metal soundtrack to match its no frills location in the popular meatpacking district, this place is a hoot. There are up to 22 craft ale and beer taps, provided by its onsite brewery, ranging from session strength to one sip will blow your rocker, and long tables reminiscent of a Bavarian beer hall, it’s impossible not to spend a raucous day (into night) here.
Website: warpigs.dk
Address: Flæsketorvet 25, 1711 København V, Denmark
Kodbyens Fiskebar
Based in the same, gritty Vesterbro district as WarPigs, Kodbyens Fiskebar is a Copenhagen institution, famed for its super fresh, intricate yet simple 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 palatte and eye – worth a trip for one with a glass of sweet one alone.
Website: fiskebaren.dk
Address: Den Hvide Kødby, Flæsketorvet 100, 1711 V København
108
108 is the younger sister of Noma and has recently been awaded its first Michelin star. This is modern Nordic gastronomy with an affordable price tag. Unlike Noma, 108 is an a la carte affair with lots of sharing options. The plates here are beautifully constructed, with a similar eye for presentation as Rene Redzepi’s ‘growing out of the plate’ style. Housed in a beautiful building next to the canal, and with plenty of natural light from huge ceiling to floor, wall to wall windows, it’s a great space to really take your time over your food – service is friendly but classy and you never feel rushed.
Website: 108.dk
Address: Strandgade 108, 1401 København K, Denmark
Copenhagen Street Food (Paper Island)
Just around the corner from 108 is Copenhagen’s must-visit indoor streetfood market. With loads of food and drink stalls spanning the globe, there is something for everyone. Make sure you enjoy the famed Danish hotdog here, topped with crispy onions and lashings of ketchup – its a contestant for one of the best hotdogs in the world. The market is open all year round. Come winter this place is the epitome of hygge – think roaring fires and candlelit tables, but in the summer the party moves outside with throngs of foodies enjoying snacks and beer in the sun.
Website: copenhagenstreetfood.dk
Address: Copenhagen Street Food Warehouse 7 & 8 PapirØen Trangravsvej 14,1436, Copenhagen
Torvehallerne
A short walk from Norreport station you’ll find Torvehallerne market – offering both Danish and international food stalls, as well as excellent, local charcuterie and cheese, and fresh, local seafood and vegetables. A trip to Copenhagen wouldn’t be complete without sampling an open faced sandwich and Torvehallen market is our favourite place to experience this quintessential Nordic delight. If you happen to be in Copenhagen on Culture Night, which falls on 14th October every year, you’re in for a treat. This evening is all about showing off the very best of Denmark including the food. When we were there, oysters and tasters of craft beer are handed out generously (and seemingly endlessly) outside of the market – showing just how the good produce in Denmark is.
Website: torvehallernekbh.dk
Address: Frederiksborggade 21, 1360 København K, Denmark