A new series looking at the best dining options within walking distance (1 mile) of city landmarks worldwide. Here we offer our 5 IDEAL restaurants close to the Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen.
Tivoli Gardens and fine restaurants are undoubtedly Copenhagen’s two biggest attractions, and as such, a day-trip combining the two is the quintessential Copenhagener’s day. The second oldest theme park in the world has been open since 1843 and unlike so many others, has retained much of its original, dated charm. Roller coasters are rickety, music quaint and atmospheric, and restaurants within the gardens serve traditional Danish fare. The fact that Tivoli Gardens is slap bang in the middle of the city is one of its trump cards; you needn’t commit a whole day to it if you wish, and it’s easy to drop in and out, to wander off in search of a delicious lunch if the options within don’t sufficiently appeal. So, here are our 5 IDEAL restaurants close to Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen.
Groften (0 miles)
Groften, housed within the walls of Tivoli Gardens, has been serving up traditional Danish treats – think open faced sarnies, pickled herring and fried plaice with baby shrimps – for 143 years, making it one of Denmark’s oldest restaurants. They must be doing something right. The space is huge, with long communal tables, always busy, loud and unapologetic. You’ll find no sea buckthorn here, no foraged purslane and no frippery. It’s a lot of fun and a great insight in to a Danish style of cooking which long out-dates Noma et al.
Address: Vesterbrogade 3, 1620 København V, Denmark
Website: www.groeften.dk
Bror (0.6 miles)
Bror is run by two former Noma sous-chefs, but has its own unique style and voice. 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. Housed on a beautiful, cobbled road in the centre of the city, Bror feels incredibly welcoming and homely, with dim lighting and dark wood furnishings.
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.
Address: Sankt Peders Stræde 24A, 1453 København K, Denmark
Website: www.restaurantbror.dk
War Pigs (0.6 miles)
Craft beer and slow cooked, barbecued meat – could there be a better match? Warpigs is about as far from Nordic fine dining, in the heart of Copenhagen, as you could imagine, but 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 is consistent with the vibe within. There are up to 22 craft ale and beer taps, provided by its onsite brewery, ranging from session to one-sip-will-blow-your-rocker-off strength, and long tables reminiscent of a Bavarian beer hall, make it impossible not to spend a raucous day (into night) here. The food is there to do more than just stomach-lining, it’s bloody tasty – try the beef brisket and burnt ends. Amazing.
Address: Flæsketorvet 25, 1711 København V, Denmark
Website: warpigs.dk
Kodbyens Fiskebar (0.7 miles)
Based in the same, gritty Vesterbro district as WarPigs, Kodbyens Fiskebar is a place famed for its super fresh, deceptively simple seafood dishes. The space is large and welcoming, with little corners which you can settle into for a lengthy lunch, or a bar where you don’t feel guilty simply enjoying a sweet wine and dessert. The fish is the star on every plate, caught from the surrounding waters and treated with according respect, presented beautifully.
Address: Flæsketorvet 100, 1711 København V, Denmark
Website: fiskebaren.dk
Read our full restaurant review of Kodbyens Fiskebar
Kong Hans Kaelder (0.8 miles)
King John’s Cellar in English, this Copenhagen institution was the first in Denmark to receive a Michelin star. The cooking marries French classical technique with Danish ingredients and taste, and the interior of the building is something quite magical, cavernous and cosy in equal measure – gothic and lit low. Fish takes prime position on the tasting menu, with Danish caviar a particular highlight. With so many restaurants in Copenhagen flying the flag for the New Nordic, it’s nice to once in a while favour opulence, luxury and tradition over deliberately sparse dishes. Kong Hans Kaelder does this in abundance.
Address: Vingårdstræde 6, 1070 København K, Denmark
Website: www.konghans.dk
Image: The main entrance of Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen© Heather Cowper /wikicommons
