Embark on a delicious journey through Copenhagen’s vibrant food scene with my guide to the 16 best dining spots in the city. From cozy cafes to bustling markets, these handpicked selections capture the diverse flavors and unique experiences that define Copenhagen’s gastronomic allure. If you’re a foodie like me, your travel plans center around the best restaurants, cafes, and bars that you want to experience. As someone who studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark for four months- here is my list of the 16 best places to eat in the city! Hands-down my favorite place in Copenhagen, Torvehallerne is an amazing market with a layout resembling an open-air bazaar, with stalls offering an array of international cuisines. From freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffees to sizzling street food and gourmet delicacies, The Glass Market is a playground for food enthusiasts. There are two parallel glass buildings- one focusing on prepared foods, and one with raw foods like meat and fish that you can purchase. You will immediately know which one you are in based on the smell- one feels like a bakery and the other smells like a fish market! Some of my favorite places to stop are Hallernes Smørrebrød where you can get authentic Danish open-faced sandwiches called smørrebrød, Grød which makes gourmet porridge with toppings like salted caramel and roasted almonds, and Glean which makes a plant-based rendition of flødboller, a classic Danish dessert. The traditional version is made with egg whites, but Glean makes theirs with aquafaba instead. I have tried both, but Glean was definitely the winner! When my parents visited we came back almost every day to get a new box of them! EMMERY’S PALUDAN’S BOGCAFE THE LIVING ROOM ST PEDERS BAGERI Established decades ago, St. Peder’s Bakery has woven itself into the fabric of the city, cherished for its commitment to quality and taste. Here, bakers meticulously craft each loaf of bread and every pastry with love, using recipes passed down through generations. If you decide to stop by, you can’t miss out on their famous cinnamon rolls (onsdagssnegle) which literally means Wednesday snail. Fun fact: they sell more than 4,000 of them every Wednesday! THE UNION KITCHEN MIDWESTERN DINER BUKA This was my go-to bakery when I had friends and family visiting who wanted to try an amazing scandinavian pastry! Buka has absolutely mouth-watering baked goods from croissants to cinnamon rolls (Pro Tip: don’t ask for a danish- that’s not a real pastry!) DECO CANTINA STICKS ‘N SUSHI REFFEN If you are visiting in the warmer months, make sure to visit Reffen, a vibrant food and craft market. This was one of my go-to spots during my semester in Copenhagen once it opened in March. It’s a cultural melting pot where locals and visitors can enjoy a wide array of culinary offerings from food stalls and trucks. The market emphasizes sustainability and creativity, showcasing a diverse selection of cuisines, drinks, and artisanal goods. With its lively atmosphere, innovative food concepts, and focus on community, Reffen provides a unique space for people to explore and indulge in a variety of culinary delights while supporting local businesses. This is the perfect place to come for a cozy night with friends, especially if you can’t all agree on what to eat! Everyone can split up and pick up their food and meet at the picnic tables or around one of the many fire pits. Getting to Reffen requires taking the bus (or a bike!) but the trip is easy and the bus comes very frequently! SANDWICH PIGEN For a quick lunch, I recommend Sandwich Pigen in center city. Their sandwiches were a go-to for the students in my program because they were right down the street from our school building. But they were also very well-priced- especially for their size! They have so many options, including some vegetarian sandwiches. GASOLINE GRILL VINTAGE COFFEE DEN ØKOLOGISKE PØLSEMAND That’s it! The 16 best restaurants and cafes in Copenhagen to complete your trip to Denmark. I hope you get to try some of these and that you love them as much as we did!