Copenhagen

My Copenhagen guide is a bit longer than most because I actually lived here, and it is one of the most innovative and exciting food destinations in the world. I know people that travel here just for the food. The list of places to try is endless, but these are some of my favorites.

The Corner at 108

One of the greatest delights of living in Copenhagen is having access to some of the world's best bakeries. With a plethora of places to overdose on buttery deliciousness, it's hard to become a "destination" bakery in Copenhagen. The Corner at 108, however, has managed to claim a esteemed noteriary as a "must do" in Copenhagen. People from all over Copenhagen - as well as international food lovers - venture here for the morning pastries and cakes.

The list of offerings at The Corner is minimal. They typically sell three types of pastries and one type of cake that you can pair with the simple beverage menu. We ordered all three pastries so we could try them all. While eating a total of one and a half pastries each seemed very doable, the richness of these pillowy baked goods left us full after just one.

108

When NOMA (the #1 ranked restaurant in the world) closed, another door opened; that door literally led into the adjacent building. Located on Christianshavns Canal in Copenhagen, 108 is making its name as the chic new sister restaurant of NOMA.

Awarded a Michelin star in its first 6 months of opening - something almost unprecedented - 108 makes Nordic cuisine approachable, modern, and playful.

Reuniting with my college roomie from France for the first time since 2012, this place hit the bill for a fun and special meal out to share with her and her partner.

Dishes at 108 are ordered a la carte. Diverting from the prix fixe menu, atypical for a fine dining restaurant in Copenhagen, allows the diner to curate their own experience. This also makes 108 more affordable than many of the other Michelin restaurants in the city. To taste as many whimsical bites as possible, we ordered everything on the menu except for the large, family-style dishes. So in total, we shared 7 savory dishes and 3 sweet dishes. We also ate a lot of the house-made sourdough bread with house-churned butter. YUM.

The small, yet thoughtfully curated dishes surprised us with their unusual combination of ingredients and generous use of flowers and other foraged ingredients.

Durum Bar Nørrebro

I have heard that there was good Middle Eastern food in the Nørrebro neighborhood, but I had no idea how insanely delicious it was. Durum Bar’s lavash is made-to-order, the tables are scattered with dishes of spicy sauces, and their shawarma is so tender and delicious. The size of this was probably enough for two people, but traveling solo I ate it all myself, which satiated me for the rest of the day.

Torvehallerne

Torvehallerne is described as the “entire Copenhagen pantry”. You can buy pretty much any food product made in Denmark here, and while it is pricier, you get your money’s worth from the quality and the ambiance. I came here almost weekly when I lived in Copenhagen. Sometimes I’d come just to grab lunch, other times I’d buy produce to cook with, and other times I just walk around the stalls and see what was fresh that day.

Grød

I was obsessed with this porridge place, so much so that I even bought some of their bowls which I brought in my overflowing carry-on suitcase back home. They make seasonal savory and sweet porridges. I nearly cried with happiness when I ate this luscious creamy pea risotto. Go to Grød at least once when you are in Copenhagen.

Mirabelle

I loved both the restaurant and bakery at Mirabelle. We especially loved their little ice cream cart parked out front (though only during summer) which made rich gelatos using cream from cows nearby.

Vakst

This meal at Vakst was the essence of New Nordic cooking. Plants in ceramics drape from the ceiling, and the all glass windows make you feel like you are walking into a greenhouse. The seasonal menu is full of surprises. They offer a prix fix vegetarian menu is a great bargain for an unforgettable meal.

Paludan’s Books and Cafe

This is what my study likes like in my dreams: walls ribbed with colorful books, Danish light fixtures, and a nearby kitchen with comforting food. Catering to a student crowd, Paludan is also a very affordable place to grab a bite to eat.

Democratic Coffee

I don’t know how the coffee tastes here, but the almond croissant (some say it’s the best in Copenhagen) is reason enough to come.

Picnics on the Pier in Islands Brygge

Eating out is expensive, and that is especially so in Copenhagen. So when traveling on a budget, one of my favorite places to eat was on the pier just out front of my apartment. I’d go to the local market and pick up a loaf of Danish rye bread, some spreads, smoked salmon, veggies, and a beverage. It’s perfect for those long Danish summer days where you can stay out late.

Carslberg Factory

A bit silly, but also quite amusing, is touring the Carlsberg factory and learning the history of how this classic brew is made. In the summer they oftentimes have food options there as well, so you can make an afternoon out of it.

Selma

These open-faced sandwiches from Selma have a Bib Gourmand nod and changed the way I thought about and looked at a sandwich forever. There is so much attention to detail, color, texture, and flavor in each sandwich.

Hanegal Hot Dog Stand

A classic Danish street food is the hot dog. But unlike hot dog stands in the US which has unidentifiable meat, Hanegal only uses using meat that is organic, without additives, locally sourced, and antibody free. Even better, they have vegan hot dogs as well! I got mine with a side of pickled beets, turnip purée and some spicy mustard. It was so colorful and tasty than any hot dog I had before. These are great when you are on a tight budget or on the go.

Baest

Baest has the best pizza in Copenhagen. Here the produce fresh cheese daily, and are especially know for their mozzarella which really sets their pizza apart from all others.