Restaurants and Bars

Over the past decades, Copenhagen has reinvented itself and made its name as a metropolis in Europe. It has undergone an amazing metamorphosis in a wide variety of fields: design, fashion, media, art, film, shopping, music, advertising, and, last but not least, food and drink. With CPH international airport only 20 minutes away from the center, and with the Øresund Bridge to Malmö, Sweden, many Copenhageners now feel closer to capitals such as Stockholm, Berlin and London than to other major cities in Denmark.


As the city has become more international, so has its palate. A few years ago Asian, Middle-Eastern and South American food was off-territory for most Copenhageners but now people of all ages sushi, nasi-goreng, tom yum goong and couscous their way through their dinner appointments. Warehouses have been turned into über-trendy restaurants, old shops have been transformed into elegant bars, and everywhere you turn, new cafes and clubs are opening up.


Østerbro


Brunch at mocha-heavenly Amokka and rediscover the art of coffee brewing. Lunch at Circus and get a haircut on the go in this post-modern kombi-complex. Dine at Guldandens art-deco veranda or reserve your table at Brasseriet for a young and refreshing experience. Your night ends at Park, dancing and sipping drinks with Copenhagen's young things.


Nørrebro


Your Nørrebro experience begins at classy Sebastopol. This lively neighborhood is packed with cafes, but amongst them don't miss Floras Coffee Bar, Kaffesalonen and Props, all located around Blågårdsgade. In the evening, try some Japanese futuristic fusion dishes at Propaganda. Rust is the name of your final destination; Nørrebro's number one nightclub gives you every reason to love this upbeat part of town.


Vesterbro


Home to art galleries, student bars, a red-light district and ethnic restaurants, it all comes together in Copenhagen's most wanted neighborhood. Bang & Jensen proves that what was once a working-class district is now something much more. Vesterbro is the official "capital of curry," the best Asian restaurants include Indian Taj and Nam Thip. Passagens Spisehus offers the best deer and game roasts in town. Club your night away at Vega, which is open until 5a.

Frederiksberg


This pleasant, Parisian-style neighborhood is Copenhagen's little “theaterland” and most bars and restaurants here come alive just before or just after show hours. Kellerdirk and Promenaden are all located around Frederiksbergs Alle and known for a good atmosphere with improvising waiter/actors. For a classic, romantic experience take a walk through Frederiksbergs Gardens.


Christianshavn & Christiania


On Holmen, among torpedo halls and old military warehouses, you can find a good selection og bars and clubs. While waiting for tapas enjoy the view of the Copenhagen waterfront, or venture into Christiania's EU-free zone for modern Scandinavian cuisine at friendly Loppen. Christanshavn is swarming with restaurants, bars and cafes–Era Ora is a superb Italian restaurant, perfect for business and pleasure, Restaurant Kanalen represents France and there is good food and value for money at Bastionen & Løven. Have brunch at Wilder with the local architects in style.


Pisserenden


This trendy shopping district is overflowing with cafes, restaurants and bars. Francophiles socialize at L'Education Nationale and Flyvefisken tempts you with tasty Thai treats. Floss's understated atmosphere draws artists and their friends from all over the city and Sabines Cafeteria is still one of the most authentic and popular cafes in Copenhagen.


Frederiksstaden


A handful of top-rated fine dining restaurants and bars are found on this peaceful side of town. On the Copenhagen waterfront, a few steps away from the Little Mermaid, lies the elegant Langelinie Pavilion, where quality, price and style go hand in hand. Media students and hipsters dine at Kartoteket, who's Polish owner gave up his philosophy in gastronomic pleasures. Copenhagen's first real wine bar Le Sommelier lies on Bredgade and around the corner KGB Restaurant for even more dining options.


Nørrevold


Nørrevold is young, hip and happening and the people who live here know it. Among bookshops and fashion stores lies Bankeråt, Nansensgade's most relaxed cafe. Further down the street, minimalist Sticks 'n' Sushi practices the art of slow food, and for suave Spanish food try El Peron. Cafe Bisau plays Zouk-love with a twist of Paris, and around the corner at the Lounge, media types order frozen margaritas. Summer afternoons are spent inside HC Ørstedsparken at Hacienda soaking up the sunshine and sipping Swedish cider. Nights are spent at post-everything Stereo Bar, ordering gin & tonics, CPH networking and kissing cheeks.


Inner City


Central Copenhagen's parade of world-class restaurants proves that its transformation from local to global player is complete. The excellent Kommandanten has earned two Michelin stars for spectacular French food; superb Restaurationen enjoys a single but big star and so does innovative Pierre Andre on Ny Østergade. If you are looking for less art but more smart, queue up outside stylish Konrad or hotspot Etcetera. Luxurious international cuisine is demonstrated at Kirk and also TyvenKokkenHansKoneOgHendesElsker belongs in the Inner City league of elegance. Cafe Europa on Amagertorv glows with plenty of glass and class. Sommersko is always a success and Zoo Bar, just across the road, is the favorite rendezvous of the city's shopping maniacs. As the sun sets, the restaurants fade away and the bars wake up. Tourists head for Nyhavn, teenagers shout Klaptræet, students go for The Student House, jazz lovers knock on La Fontaine, media types elevate to NASA and VIPs light their cigars at SAS Royal's cocktail bar.


Before you pack your suitcase, flash your passport or board your cruiser, remember that you cannot leave Copenhagen without having tried a Danish hot dog and the Danish smørrebrød. It is a well-kept secret that the best hot dogs are served at the very far end of the Copenhagen waterfront and for smørrebrød try Amalie behind Amalienborg.


Good luck!