Copenhagen

Ida Davidsen is the queen of the smorgasbord in Copenhagen, specialising in Denmark's undisputed gourmet speciality. Known as smørrebrød, smorgasbord refers to a range of open sandwiches served for lunch and usually made up of a variety of fish and seafood. The owner of the eponymous restaurant is the fifth in her family to serve this unique cuisine and offers the longest smorgasbord menu in Denmark, measuring six feet (2m) long. A favourite is the Preben Elkjær, a mix of plaice fillets, asparagus, and smoked salmon on rye bread. Open Monday to Friday, 10.30am to 5pm. Reservations recommended.

Food Type :Local

Address :70 Store Kongensgade

Website :www.idadavidsen.dk

Situated in a busy bookshop and art gallery popular with Copenhagen's student population, this cosy restaurant is a great place to relax whether you want a small cup of coffee or a huge plate of lasagne. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the cafe offers local beer on tap and is the perfect place to simply watch people go about their daily lives. There is a good selection for vegetarians too. It's open the whole week, usually closing at 10pm except on Fridays and Saturdays when it closes at 11pm.

Food Type :Cafe

Address :Fiolstraede 10-12

Website :paludan-cafe.dk

For a traditional meal bound to bring a smile, follow the locals to the popular lunch spot of Cafe Sorgenfri. The simple 19th-century basement restaurant in the heart of the city's pedestrian precinct was originally a sailors' tavern and is still a very lively drinking hole once the kitchen closes. The décor reflects old Copenhagen with its gilt-framed pictures, wrought-iron chandeliers and leather-panelled walls. At lunch time it serves excellent classic smorrebrods (open sandwiches), ideally washed down with a local brew. Open daily from 11am to 9pm, with Sundays closing at 6pm. Reservations recommended.

Food Type :Café

Address :8 Brolæggerstræde

Website :www.cafesorgenfri.dk

Known as the oldest restaurant in Copenhagen, Det Lille Apotek is a gorgeous trip back in time. Its four low-ceilinged rooms were frequented by such famous artists and writers like Hans Christian Andersen, with leaded window panes and woodland motifs of forest gods and nymphs resplendent in the glow of petroleum lamps. Translated as 'The Little Pharmacy', it aims to offer a genuine Danish culinary experience with selections of smorgasbords, lunch and dinner menus, and a delightful choice of desserts, coffees, and cheeses. Det Lille Apotek is open every day of the week.

Food Type :Local

Address :15 Store Kannikestræde

Website :detlilleapotek.dk

In Copenhagen's famous Tivoli Gardens, the bustling Restaurant Promenaden is a great place for the whole family. On offer are staples like its steaks, pastas, or its famous barbeque ribs, along with affordable snacks at the sausage bar and beef sandwich deli. It enjoys live music performances on weekends, with a vibrant atmosphere and international menu catering towards locals and tourists alike. The restaurant functions during the summer season only when Tivoli itself is open from 12pm to midnight.

Food Type :Gastropubs

Address :Vesterbrogade 3, Tivoli

Website :www.promenaden-tivoli.dk

Known as one of the classiest establishments in Copenhagen, Restaurant Godt is an exclusive restaurant catering to a maximum of 20 guests at a time. The setup makes for a personalised and intimate dining experiences. This refined approach is extended to the polished Danish menu, offering a selection of the finest veal, seafood, and vegetables, all prepared with fresh local herbs. Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner and reservations are essential.

Food Type :International

Address :38 Gothersgade

Website :www.restaurant-godt.dk

Set in an 18th century waterfront warehouse, Noma exudes Nordic charm in its functional simplicity. The décor combines oak, stone, and leather with glass and metal in a light and spacious dining area. Its menus are split into three seasons, each with a distinct flavour: vegetable season, seafood season, and game and forest season. Vegetables are foraged from local woodlands, meadows, and streams, while some crops are grown on its very own farm. During the meat season, offerings cover leg of moose, wild duck, and reindeer tongue. Open for lunch Tuesday to Saturday, and dinner Monday to Saturday. Reservations recommended.

Food Type :Local

Address :93 Strandgade

Website :www.noma.dk

Set in Boltens Gård, Khun Juk is a stylish Thai restaurant celebrated for its authentic cuisine. Favourites from the menu include spicy Thai beef salad or steamed mussels with horapa (Thai sweet basil) and lemongrass. The dining room has classic décor and a warm atmosphere, while the outdoor area has lovely café umbrellas and potted plants. Open Monday to Saturday for dinner, reservations recommended.

Food Type :Thai

Address :9 Store Kongensgade

Website :www.khunjuk.dk

Restaurant Peder Oxe is set in an historic 19th-century building on Gråbrødretorv, one of the oldest squares in Copenhagen. Visitors will sit in lovely light-filled rooms with classic décor and high ceilings. The kitchen focuses mainly on high quality steaks and a mix of French and Nordic influences. Menus vary with the changing seasons, including everything from classic lamb and beef dishes to fresh seafood and game. For something lighter, there are selections of cheeses, desserts, and Danish smørrebrød. Open daily for lunch and dinner, reservations recommended.

Food Type :Local

Address :Gråbrødretorv 11, 1154 Copenhagen K

Website :www.pederoxe.dk