Best restaurants in Helsingør

Jordnær

★★★ MichelinLa Liste 99€€€€Creative

Chef-Owner Eric Kragh Vildgaard is the driving force behind this remarkable dining experience, demonstrating enormous technical skill across his procession of bold and creative dishes, all founded on seafood and vegetable produce of the utmost quality. The cooking varies between the wisely restrained (the pure, precise hamachi, ponzu and wasabi) and the hyper-detailed (the stunningly plated, multi-layered chawanmushi). Tina oversees the charming service in this stylish and sophisticated oasis, which is expertly run at every turn.

🕐 12:00-15:00,18:00-22:00; Su-Mo off

Geranium

★★★ Michelin€€€€fine_dining

The 8th floor of the Parken Stadium – home to F.C. Copenhagen and the Danish national team – is the unlikely setting for Rasmus Kofoed’s luxurious, world-class restaurant that’s in a league of its own. Panoramic park views are accompanied by around 15 meticulously prepared, beautifully presented courses, with each one as highly creative and impeccably precise as the last. Totally eschewing meat, the first-rate ingredients include biodynamic vegetables, foraged plants and berries, and seafood from non-endangered species. A stunningly stocked wine cellar rounds out the experience.

🕐 We 18:30-24:00; Th-Sa 12:00-15:30,18:30-24:00 "last reservation 13:30 for lunch, 21:00 for dinner"

Kadeau Copenhagen

★★★ Michelin€€€€Creative, Danish

The elegant younger sister of the two Kadeaus, this Copenhagen outpost puts a more sophisticated spin on the Bornholm original. Prepare yourself for a magical experience, where engaging service, cool surroundings and captivating cuisine create a night to remember. From start to finish, the cooking is truly unique and hits every note perfectly, creating a beautiful flow from course to course. Much of the produce comes from Bornholm – whose special island climate provides top-notch ingredients such as cherries and figs – and preserving plays its part. The work that goes into each dish is astound

Koan

★★ Michelin€€€€korean

This elegant restaurant provides a hugely engaging experience from start to finish, with its technically accomplished and completely original cooking. The heritage of Korean-born chef-owner Kristian Baumann influences the flavours and techniques across the multi-course tasting menu, where refined, creative dishes are built around superb ingredients; you might find the likes of kkwabaegi with sesame butter and ginseng infused honey, a modern take on a traditional Korean twisted doughnut, but using a feather-light brioche. Service is professional yet relaxed, and the whole event is perfectly cho

🕐 Tu-Fr 18:00-24:00; "occational Sa 18:00-24:00"

Alchemist

★★ MichelinWorld's 50 Best #8€€€€gourmet

There’s no restaurant in the world quite like Alchemist, so you’ll have to invest plenty of time securing a reservation months in advance. An immersive and perfectly choreographed six-hour-plus experience, eating here is a highly theatrical affair divided into ‘Acts’ and set across several locations, including a spectacular planetarium-like dome. Dishes are technically complex and highly creative with dramatic, provocative and sometimes even startling visuals. Every course is a social commentary from the chef: dip into a cod-eye jelly pupil modelled on the chef’s own eye to reveal a core of ca

🕐 18:00+; Mo off

a|o|c

★★ Michelin€€€€Creative

Flanked by private members’ clubs, the 17th-century Moltkes Palæ sits in a quiet street close to Amalienborg Palace. Within its vaulted basement sits a|o|c, whose elegant, sophisticated design takes in handcrafted oak and leather chairs, soft designer lighting and a tasteful piano soundtrack. There’s a long bar for snacks, a cosy lounge for petits fours and, as befits a restaurant founded by a sommelier, an impressively stocked glass wine cellar. Finely wrought dishes showcase top-quality ingredients and come with subtle global touches, such as in the razor clam with kosho or scallop with wasa

Kong Hans Kælder

★★ Michelin€€€€gourmet

This elegant restaurant is set in an intimate, historic and wonderfully atmospheric cellar, where a charming team attend to your every need. Cooking is rooted in French gastronomy, with its luxury ingredients and rich flavours, but the chef also stamps his own mark on the accomplished, imaginative dishes, with some subtle modernisation and lighter touches.

🕐 Tu-Sa 18:00-24:00

Vollmers

★★ Michelin€€€€Contemporary

Keep an eye out for the small sign hanging above the door of this discreet restaurant on a cobbled Old Town street, otherwise you might walk right on by. From the outside, its whitewashed walls give it something of a residential look, which is matched inside by an elegantly low-key dining room where seven linen-laid tables and comfy chairs set a homely tone. The surprise menu sees texture and acidity used to good effect in creative, sophisticated dishes; some are inspired by the owners’ childhood memories, such as the traditional pork, cabbage and lingonberry, which is elevated into a very per

Søllerød Kro

★ Michelin€€€Modern Cuisine, Classic Cuisine

This characterful 17th-century thatched inn sits beside a pond in a picturesque village and comes with a delightful courtyard terrace and three elegant dining rooms furnished in a classic style; think well-spaced tables and large Louis XIV-style chairs. In keeping with the surroundings, dishes have a classical French heart with the occasional modern twist – showcasing top-quality ingredients and exhibiting real depth of flavour. You might find monkfish with mussels, onion and chlorophyll sauce or lemon parfait with passion fruit and meringue. The accompanying wine list is a tome of beauty.

Parsley Salon

★ Michelin€€€Modern Cuisine

The Park Lane Copenhagen hotel sits in the chic neighbourhood of Hellerup, and within its basement, you’ll find Allan Schultz’s intimate Parsley Salon, where beautifully crafted Danish oak furnishings sit beside shelves packed with cookery books. Allan’s finely balanced, classically inspired dishes showcase locally grown vegetables and seafood from Nordic waters alongside foraged berries and coastal plants, so you might find poached langoustine with seaweed and a sherry beurre blanc or North Sea cod with blue mussels, potato and parsley emulsion. Interesting wine and juice pairings accompany.

The Samuel

★ Michelin€€€€gourmet

An extensive renovation has given a pristine shine to this over 100-year-old restaurant inside a red-brick villa. Guests are welcomed all together by the chef and his team with signature drinks at the circular, marble-topped bar, before being seated in front of a gleaming open kitchen, where the chefs craft boldly flavoured dishes from superb produce – maybe Jutland beef tenderloin glazed in cognac, truffle and green Madagascan peppercorns. There’s a sense of classic luxury throughout, typified by the collection of prestige champagnes housed inside an impressive wine cellar.

ESSE

★ Michelin€€€gourmet

ESSE – meaning ‘to be’ or ‘to exist’ – sits within an 1895 warehouse and comes from locally known Californian chef Matt Orlando. The hangar-like space takes in terrazzo flooring, graffitied walls and an open kitchen, while moody lighting, a US rap soundtrack and jars of fermenting produce complete the picture. Seasonal dishes showcase produce sourced from farms that follow organic, regenerative practices, and utilise as many parts as possible of every ingredient. Highlights include the fermented potato bread and the likes of Norwegian scallop with lactic pumpkin seed butter, hazelnut and Japan

🕐 Tu-Sa 18:00-24:00; Su-Mo off

akmē

★ Michelin€€€japanese

Located in the former industrial harbour district, this 16-seater spot is run by two energetic young chefs, and its youthful, upbeat vibe is a perfect fit for the area. The best seats are naturally at the counter, where you can observe the dishes being delicately prepared, but it also adds to the experience as the chefs chat away to their guests. The omakase menu of nearly 20 courses is centred around Japanese-French fusion cuisine, so you’ll find unique dishes such as poached and grilled Danish langoustine with a delicious bisque sauce or Portuguese bluefin tuna with Breton oyster, watercress

Sushi Anaba

★ Michelin€€€€sushi

The historical gem that is Nordhavn’s old Customs House was painstakingly deconstructed in 2019, with each limestone block numbered, before 2024 saw it lovingly reassembled again in its same 1916 design. Now home to 15-seater Sushi Anaba, it combines Danish tradition with a Japanese aesthetic, the centrepiece of which is a beautiful Douglas Fir counter. Run by a Dane who trained as a sushi apprentice in Tokyo, the Edomae-style nigiri and otsumami demonstrate incredible attention to detail, from the three-vinegar-seasoned rice from Niigata served at body temperature to the sumiyaki (flan) cooke

texture

★ Michelin€€€€french

A whitewashed townhouse is the setting for Karim Khouani’s basement restaurant, where paintings add a splash of colour to the chic, intimate room. Karim hails from Marseille, with an Italian mother and a Moroccan father, so while his technically adept, flavour-packed cooking has a French base, you might notice these influences too. The delightful dishes could include langoustine tartare with lavender cream, clams and caviar or goat’s cheese sorbet with olive oil, bergamot and bee pollen – and, as he is also a talented pâtissier, the stunning duck fat and pink praline brioche is a real standout

🕐 We,Sa 17:30-01:00

Jatak

★ Michelin€€€gourmet, chinese, cantonese

There’s a homely feel to this intimate spot hidden away in the suburbs, where Chef-Owner Jonathan Tam offers a unique experience that’s best enjoyed from a seat at the counter. The tasting menu – entitled ‘Solar’ – follows 24 solar micro-seasons throughout the year, and the original, exciting dishes combine Danish ingredients with Asian recipes and flavours. The focus is largely on vegetables, with produce sourced locally from organic farms and ethical producers, and any food waste is turned into miso and shoyu in collaboration with Koji Copenhagen. Non-alcoholic drinks pairings add an interes

🕐 17:00-23:00; Mo-We off

Aure

★ Michelin€€€€Creative, Modern Cuisine

An 18th-century gunpowder store is the home for this restaurant in the semi-wild waterside area of Margretheholm. Its unassuming exterior and pared-back dish presentation belie the supreme skill and enormous amount of flavour in each course. Exceptional produce is given the space to shine thanks to refined, thoughtful combinations; delicate raw Norwegian prawns, for example, are paired with a delicate cold escabèche broth, twisted with pickled green tomato, vanilla and ginger. The service team run the show with charm and ease.

Alouette

★ Michelin€€€€Modern Cuisine, Creative

The second incarnation of Alouette sits within a listed building opposite the King’s Garden, and its luxurious brown and beige dining room has something of a 1970s vibe. Chef-Owner Nick Curtin offers a surprise menu built around top-quality ingredients that have been rigorously sourced from hand-picked producers – and each sublimely flavoured dish is delivered with the story of its well-balanced components and their origins. Smoking over fire plays a key role and artisan ceramics add to the visual appeal, with seafood dishes such as monkfish with miso, gooseberry and bee pollen a particular hi

🕐 17:30+; Su-We off

Marchal

★ Michelin€€€regional

History is all around you at this time-honoured establishment. Hailing from France, Mr and Mrs Marchal opened an eatery here in 1755, before it was later transformed into the Hotel D’Angleterre. Today, this stylish hotel restaurant pays tribute to the Marchal family, both through its name and via its precisely prepared dishes, which come with Danish overtones but a distinctly classical French base – exemplified by the likes of turbot with celeriac, blue mussels and champagne sauce or crêpes Suzette. The floor-to-ceiling wine cellar is an impressive sight, as is the view out over the Royal Squa

🕐 Mo-Th 07:30-10:00,12:00-16:30,18:00-22:00; Fr-Sa 07:30-10:00,12:00-16:30,18:00-23:00; Su 07:30-10:00,12:00-16:30,18:00-22:00

Udtryk

★ Michelin€€€€omakase

Start with a drink in the courtyard of this handsome yellow building in the city’s Latin Quarter before heading for the elegant, contemporary dining room. Udtryk means 'expression' in Danish and the well-balanced tasting menu blends techniques and flavours from across Asia and Europe in refined, interesting dishes. You might find a claypot of koshihikari rice, Norlin Wagyu, Danish eel and shiitake mushrooms, followed by monaka with hand-dived Norwegian scallops, watercress and gingko nuts for dessert.This restaurant is temporarily closed and due to reopen around August.

🕐 Tu-Sa 18:00-24:00

Lille Mølle

★ Michelin€€€€Modern Cuisine

An old mill dating from 1669 provides the setting for this timelessly elegant restaurant, where experienced chef Christoffer Sørensen serves up top-quality ingredients – perhaps lobster from Limfjord or pigeon from France – in highly refined, personalised dishes. Vegetables and seafood are a focus, accompanied by deep, intense sauces, and the elaborate construction of the dishes is matched by the intensity of the flavours. You might find a tartlet made from potato skins, delicately combined with pickled elderflowers and caviar, or a dessert crafted from leftover bread, a tribute to øllebrød ry

🕐 We-Sa 18:00-24:00

formel B

★ Michelin€€€scandinavian

This friendly, neighbourhood-style restaurant is located in Frederiksberg, the birthplace of designer Finn Juhl, and the seductively lit dining room is graced with examples of his mid-century furniture. In a refreshing take on the tasting menu format, diners choose five courses from around a dozen offered by the kitchen. Each one is beautifully presented with flavours to match, like juicy, sweet langoustine tails with textures of carrot. The wine list offers plenty of fine burgundy and bordeaux, while artisan kombuchas lead the non-alcoholic options.

🕐 Mo-Th 17:30-24:00; Fr-Sa 17:30-01:00

Restaurant VIE

Bib Gourmand€Modern Cuisine

Close to the imposing UN campus, you’ll find a new red-brick development and, within it, this contemporary bistro with concrete walls, exposed ducting and an industrial feel. The cooking has a direct, no-frills approach, with generously proportioned dishes paying great attention to seasoning and cooking times. You might find onion bread with Iberico ham; kalix roe with sour cream, herbs and potato bread; or an indulgent take on a kro dessert – almond cake with salted caramel and vanilla ice cream. Glass-fronted coolers line the room, giving a clue as to the range offered on the top-notch wine

🕐 Tu-Fr 12:00-14:00,18:00-23:00; Sa 18:00-24:00; Dec 22-Jan 01 off; easter-07 - easter+01 off

Bistro Lupa

Bib Gourmand€Vegan

Not far from Nordhavn lies this vegan bistro that comes with simple décor and a lively atmosphere. Environmental awareness is a big theme, with a focus on local and seasonal produce, some of it foraged locally or sourced from their own mushroom farm. The good value tasting menu shows off a great range of techniques, with the well-balanced dishes ranging from roasted cauliflower glazed with sticky hoisin sauce to their signature fried blue oyster mushrooms with tamarind ketchup. The serving team are both charming and knowledgeable, and the homemade sparkling kombucha comes highly recommended.

🕐 11:00-22:00; Sa 10:00-22:00; Su-Tu off

Silberbauers Bistro

Bib Gourmand€seafood

While its name may not instantly conjure up images of the Eiffel Tower, Silberbauers Bistro brings a small slice of Paris to Copenhagen’s streets. Whitewashed walls, small tables and menus chalked up on blackboards contribute to the characterful French bistro feel – and the menu follows suit, with its selection of generously proportioned, great value, classic Gallic dishes. Interesting seafood combinations and recipes from Provence take the lead, but you’ll find everything here, from saucisse de Toulouse to crêpes suzette.

Calma

Bib Gourmand€€italian

A lively cobbled street filled with small shops and restaurants is home to Calma, which stands out amongst the crowd for its great value, flavour-packed cuisine. A local favourite, it comes with a buzzing atmosphere – thanks in part to the open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work – and a cheerful vibe, courtesy of bright artwork that pops against light blue and white walls. Well-prepared French and Italian dishes include the likes of scallop crudo with blood orange and fennel; pasta al vongole; and pistachio ice cream with olive oil and sea salt.

🕐 17:30-24:00;Fr-Sa 12:00-24:00

Paesàno

Bib Gourmand€Italian

Down a charming cobbled street in the trendy Nørrebro neighbourhood, where you will find a number of artisan food producers, lies this thoroughly fun restaurant run by a Neapolitan Chef. The short Italian menu is supplemented by blackboard specials and might include ‘cucina povera’ style dishes like 'pasta e patate' and ‘soffrito napoletano’ – a ragu made using 'the best parts of the pig'. Whatever it is you choose, you can bet it will be colourful, packed with flavour and excellent value.

Botschaft

Bib Gourmand€austrian, german

After working up an appetite with a walk around the nearby Søerne Lakes, head for this elegant restaurant with a small wooden terrace, a mosaic-tiled floor and a striking green moulded ceiling. Start with a drink in the intimate hidden cocktail bar, then settle in to enjoy authentic German and Austrian dishes crafted from a mix of classic and family recipes. You might find maultaschen (pork dumplings), gebackener kalbskopf (fried calf's head) or hirschgulasch (venison stew), followed up with kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake) for dessert. Wines from the two countries provide the perfect accompa

🕐 Th-Mo 15:00-00:00

Graziano

Bib Gourmand€italian

The Graziano in question is the chef’s grandfather, and it’s his traditional Tuscan recipes that form the menu at this cosy Italian. The family feel doesn’t stop there either: this is the type of place where you dine shoulder-to-shoulder in a buzzing atmosphere, and the warmth of the service and the endearing décor makes it feel like you’re dining with old friends. Wine racks and boxes abound – all Italian of course – the perfect accompaniment to a rustic ‘spaghetti al pomodoro di Graziano’, a ‘bistecca alla fiorentina’ T-bone steak to share or the ‘Mi Fido’ (‘I Trust’) tasting menu for the ta

Petra Bar & Restaurant

Bib Gourmand€€Modern Cuisine

A short stroll from the Rosenborg Castle Gardens sits this 1940s building by renowned Danish architect Kay Fisker, who liked to marry modernism with traditional Danish craft. Maintaining some original architectural features and a mid-century feel, it now operates as a hotel and restaurant – and simultaneously, a showcase for the owners' designer furniture business. There’s a lounge space opposite the kitchen, as well as an intimate dining room. Here, appealing brunch plates give way to modern international dishes such as haddock & fennel soubise with monk's beard, bouillabaisse sauce and black

Selma

Bib Gourmand€scandinavian

You’ll often find guests queuing out the door to bag a spot at this sweet, homely neighbourhood restaurant. At lunchtime, they’re here for the speciality smørrebrød with homemade rye and sourdough bases which, while still respecting tradition, adopt a modern edge. In the evening, it’s all about the multi-course tasting menu, with the likes of Danish squid with salted lemon, black currant leaf and sourdough or kale with mussels, lovage and sea lettuce on offer. To drink, there's an excellent selection of craft beers, as well as snaps and aquavit that have been made in-house.

🕐 18:00-24:00; Mo-Sa 11:30-16:00,18:00-24:00; Su off "last order 22:00"

Pluto

Bib Gourmand€international

Concrete pillars and an intentionally ‘unfinished’ feel bring a distinctive vibe at this ever-popular restaurant. The huge numbers they serve whilst maintaining quality and affordability is a testament to both the kitchen and service teams. Sit at wooden tables, at the long metal bar or at communal marble-topped tables to enjoy the extensive selection of unfussy sharing plates, including stand-out pasta dishes and their signature savoury waffles. A selection of natural wines completes the picture.

🕐 Mo-Th 17:30-24:00, Fr-Sa 17:30-02:00, Su 17:30-23:00

Rebel

Bib Gourmand€french

It’s not just the streets that bustle with life at this city centre location – behind a glass façade, this contemporary bistro is equally animated thanks to its open kitchen and the buzz of contented diners. The décor might come down on the slightly shabbier side of shabby-chic – and the tables are compact in their arrangement – but that’s all part of Rebel’s charm and the locals love to come here all the same. Go for the tasting menu or choose from the list of small plates, which include the likes of chicken confit with portobello, onion, ramson oil, sauce blanquette and black truffle.

🕐 Tu-Sa 17:30-24:00

Koefoed

Bib Gourmand€bornholm

If you like a bit of privacy, then this is the perfect place for you, as this cosy, intimate former coal cellar comes divided into several smaller rooms. Despite being located in a basement, the room is light and bright, with soft beige tones adding a homely feel – and everything from the glassware to the produce celebrating the island of Bornholm. Lunchtime sees a wide range of reinvented smørrebrød, while dinner offers the choice of two set menus or an à la carte featuring the likes of duck with mustard crème and cornichons. An impressive selection of bordeaux and burgundies accompanies.

Levi

Bib Gourmand€€japanese, italian

Start in the bar of this unique restaurant, which offers an extensive cocktail selection and an impressive wine list. Next it’s on to the spacious dining room, which has something of a 1960s Riviera feel thanks to its terrazzo floor, polished larch panels and green banquettes. The menu is an intriguing mix of Japanese and Italian dishes; some ‘pure’ in their origins – such as sashimi or linguine with Norwegian lobster and saffron – and others a fusion of the two cultures, like Wagyu striploin with Italian greens and wasabi. For dessert, don't miss the pistachio gelato with Tuscan olive oil and

🕐 Mo-Sa 12:00-01:00; Su off

Restaurant Frank

Bib Gourmand€gourmet

After eight joyful years spent at its former premises, Frank moved just a hop, skip and a jump away to this spacious spot inside a beautiful historic building. Sporting a minimalist style, the room keeps its focus on the open kitchen, where Chef Ander Strier cooks up well-balanced modern dishes with a subtly creative edge. The attractively presented, good value plates could include octopus with grilled pineapple, sobrassada, potato and aioli or cannelloni stuffed with confit rabbit, pine nuts and ceps. To accompany, choose something from the particularly extensive wine list.

Radio

Bib Gourmand€danish

The name comes from its location opposite the old offices of The Danish Broadcasting Corporation, but it could easily refer to the lively buzz of the atmosphere too. Its moody décor encompasses black low-hanging lights, a black chandelier made of metal desk lamps and dark panelled walls hung with large slates decorated with chalk-drawn vegetables. Full-flavoured dishes use organic ingredients grown in the restaurant’s nearby fields and feature well thought through combinations such as salmon sashimi with crunchy kohlrabi and hot horseradish sauce or caramelised pork belly with pumpkin and spic

🕐 Tu-Sa 17:30-24:00; Fr-Sa 12:00-15:00,17:30-24:00

Bobe

Bib Gourmand€regional

In a cobbled city centre square stands this attractive townhouse that's now in the hands of Danish celebrity chef, Bo Bech. His simply decorated contemporary bistro offers reasonable pricing and plenty of flexibility on an extensive à la carte menu. There's strong cooking and great produce across the board, but those with a sweet tooth should keep their eye out for the cheesecake with smoked maple syrup. A wine bar in the basement provides ample opportunity to extend your visit.

🕐 11:30-24:00

Anarki

Bib Gourmand€french

A stone’s throw from Peblinge Sø Lake sits this unfussy, proudly run neighbourhood restaurant, whose name, ‘anarchy’, is a nod to its ethos. The regularly evolving menu of sharing plates embraces produce, techniques and seasonings from around the world, taking good quality ingredients and crafting them into bold, rustic dishes that burst with flavour. This mindset extends to the drinks too, with both the wines and the spirits originating from far-flung destinations and providing plenty of interest. Prices are kept reasonable which may, in part, help to explain the lively atmosphere.

🕐 17:30-24:00; Su-Mo off

Gabrielle

Bib Gourmand€french

In an old building on a bustling street not far from Copenhagen City Hall you’ll find this French sister of Norrlyst and Theo. Set on the mezzanine floor, it has a comforting vintage feel courtesy of wooden bistro-style furnishings, ceiling fans and white clothed tables – and the packed room attests as to both its quality and its value. Carefully prepared, classically based dishes include the likes of confit duck and apricot purée croquettes; tarte Tatin with onions, olives, oregano and crème fraiche; and Gabrielle's signature garlic and thyme bread – all of which can be accompanied by exclusi

🕐 12:00-16:00,17:30-23:00;Su off

Norrlyst

Bib Gourmand€Danish

If you’ve been wandering Strøget – one of Europe’s longest shopping streets – you’ll do well to stop off at this intimate basement bistro: a cosy neighbourhood spot with a bubbly atmosphere and a laid-back feel. At lunchtime it’s all about smørrebrød and schnapps, aquavit or local beer, while in the evening they serve a set four-course menu. Local ingredients lead the way, with some produced organically or biodynamically, and all freshly picked or caught. You might find ‘fish of the day’ royale with trout roe or duck breast with smoked marrow, cherries and black trumpet mushrooms – and they of

🕐 Mo-Su 11:30-16:00, Mo-Su 17:00-23:00

Marv & Ben

Bib Gourmand€scandinavian

Start your evening with a walk along the Slotsholmen Canal, before heading for this lively little restaurant on one of Copenhagen’s oldest streets. Bright paintings and street art style murals of pinecones, seaweed and coral adorn the walls of three dimly lit rooms, and the young team bring plenty of enthusiasm to match the vibe. Unfussy modern dishes display purity, depth of flavour and finesse. Six options are offered each evening – try them all via the ‘Six Favourites’ menu or build your own meal from the à la carte – with options like lamb-yellow beets-bone marrow and sea buckthorn-buttern

🕐 Tu-Sa 18:00-24:00

Uformel

Bib Gourmand€€gourmet

The more casual sister to flagship formel B sits just a few steps away from City Hall, its central location making it a popular spot at any time of day. Black tables and a dark parquet floor give it something of a moody feel, while a large illuminated wine cellar and a smart open kitchen draw the eye. Dishes are presented either as a five-course menu or as uniformly priced tasting plates, with three to four per person about right. Traditional Danish flavours are joined by Asian notes in the likes of hiramasa with pickled ginger, white pomelo and sour cream or roast pork with beetroot, umeboshi

🕐 17:30-00:00, Fr-Sa 17:30-02:00

Mêlée

Bib Gourmand€french

The bright lights of this neighbourhood restaurant draw you in – and once you’re in, you won’t want to leave. There’s a busy, buzzy vibe, thanks in part to the closely set tables and friendly team, and guests in every party seem to be having fun. The uncomplicated spirit of the restaurant is reflected in the great value cooking, where bold flavours and generous portions lead the way. While there are a few Danish influences, it’s more about classic French cuisine here, so you’ll find everything from onglet à l'échalotte (beef with marrow, shallots and confit garlic) to duck and smoked sausage c

🕐 Tu-Sa 17:30-24:00

no.2

Bib Gourmand€nordic

Located in the Christianshavn dockside development is this minimally decorated, no-frills sister restaurant to a|o|c. This approach extends to the low-key service and the laid-back ambiance, while the fresh, flavoursome dishes focus on Danish produce, incorporate some impressive culinary techniques and offer great depth of flavour. The fish of the day is a prime example, showcasing a quality prime ingredient that’s been expertly seasoned and accompanied by a well-judged garnish of caramelised cauliflower purée and foamy mussel sauce.

🕐 Mo-Th 12:00-14:30,17:30-22:00; Fr-Sa 12:00-14:30,17:30-01:00; Su off

Sanchez

Bib Gourmand€mexican

The Sanchez in question is Rosio – who’s worked in some top-level restaurants – and she certainly knows how to put the fun in dining out with this lively neighbourhood spot. Bringing the bold, powerful flavours of her Mexican heritage and presenting them in a small plates concept – accompanied by an authentic choice of a margarita, mezcal, tequila, sotol, raicilla or bancora – has proved the perfect recipe for success. The ‘Sanchez Menu’, made up of five dishes selected by the kitchen team, is a hit – and on weekdays there’s the option to pop in on your way past just for tacos and snacks.

🕐 Mo-Sa 17:00-24:00

Enomania

Bib Gourmand€italian

With a name that means 'Wine Mania' it's no surprise that this Italian restaurant attracts a crowd of dedicated oenophiles. The wine cellar comes with a table for tasting and there’s an excellent list of several hundred bins, mostly from Burgundy and Owner Damiano Alberti's native Piedmont. In his role as Sommelier, Damiano provides wine service that is helpful, passionate and generous. The place itself is simple and trattoria-like, serving straightforward and satisfying dishes like 'spaghetti alla chitarra con gamberoni' from a weekly-changing menu.

🕐 Tu-Th 17:30-24:00; Fr 12:00-15:00, 17:30-24:00

Västergatan

Bib Gourmand€€Swedish

Owned and run by a friendly couple – Olle, who cooks, and Sophie, who looks after the service – this unpretentious city centre bistro has certainly stood the test of time, having opened back in 2015. This is thanks, in part, to the flavour-packed dishes, where good quality regional ingredients are brought together in harmonious, visually appealing combinations. The four-course set menu changes with the seasons, featuring the likes of cod with blue mussels, beach rose and pink peppercorn, followed by grapefruit with ginger and black lime – wine and juice flights are available to accompany.

Ruths

Bib Gourmand€Mediterranean Cuisine

The open kitchen takes centre stage at this buzzy all-day café/bakery/deli, which has been wholeheartedly embraced by the locals. Lunchtime snacks and salads make room for generously sized, boldly flavoured Mediterranean dishes at dinner. Most of the wines on the concise list are available on-tap.

Namu

Bib Gourmand€Korean

Restaurateur and Swedish MasterChef winner Jennie Walldén is behind this fun, energetic restaurant that blends Nordic ingredients with Jennie's South Korean heritage. Offering great value for money, the cooking is colourful, zingy and generous in both size and flavour; the signature flank steak served with an array of accompaniments is a highlight. Dishes are designed for sharing, with tasting menus available if you're feeling indecisive. Head next door to their Gaji cocktail bar to keep the party going.

Mutantur

Bib Gourmand€€Modern Cuisine

This laid-back, semi-industrial style restaurant comes with exposed brick walls, polished concrete floors, silver ducting and large windows that let in plenty of light. The kitchen counter bends round to become the bar – you can eat here or at the surrounding black tables – and the good value menu offers plenty of options in the form of small plates, allowing you build your meal however you please. Local flavours lead the way, but come with international accents, from oyster with tiger milk, coriander, Swedish vinegar and sweetcorn cream to beef tartare with green tomato, baked yolk and horser

Restaurant Sletten

€Modern Cuisine

A relaxed former inn in a charming coastal village; most people head to the room with the sea view, although the others with their bold foodie pictures are equally as pleasant. Well-presented modern small plates make up the menu – 2-3 per person is about right. The wine list provides plenty of interest.

Kiin Kiin VeVe

€€Vegetarian, Creative

Set close to the Kastellet citadel, the chic Kiin Kiin VeVe – younger sister of Kiin Kiin in Nørrebro – occupies a space that was once a bread-making warehouse. Menus take you on a tour around Thailand, with both the five-course meat and vegetarian tasting options opening with snacks from the north, northeast, centre and south – along with an edible rice cracker map. Interesting wine and juice parings accompany dishes such as somtam – papaya salad with fish crumble; khao soi – northern-style yellow curry with egg noodles and braised beef; and khao niew mameong – sticky rice with coconut ice cr

Aotori

€€Japanese

First came Kappo Andō, now there’s Aotori, which occupies the same corner site just outside the city centre. Brought to you by the same team, it expands on their previous yakitori experience, with the grilled chicken skewers cooked on the binchotan grill directly in front of the eight-seater counter. Various Danish chicken cuts and locally sourced vegetables lead the way, but when there’s offal available, it’s worth a try. For sake aficionados, there’s an extensive selection by the glass, while in the back room, informal Akaton specialises in tonkatsu – breaded, deep-fried pork served with ric

Kiin Kiin

€€€thai

Kiin Kiin means ‘come and eat’ in Thai – and you’d be foolish not to take up the invitation. You enter into a dimly lit basement, where you might start to wonder if there’s a restaurant here at all, but this moody lounge is all part of the experience – the spot to enjoy pre-meal snacks comprising refined versions of street food. After this, head up to the tasteful dining room decorated with golden Buddha wall hangings and choose from innovative Thai dishes with a playful edge. You might find tom yum soup prepared in a coffee machine, a savoury creme brûlée or pandan ice cream with burning rum.

🕐 Mo-Sa 17:30-24:00

The Pescatarian

€seafood

Dine in one of three rooms at this buzzing, minimalist restaurant that, unsurprisingly, features plenty of freshly caught seafood. Choose from the fish-based tasting menu or a vegetarian version, both offered in either 4 or 6 courses. The chef prepares modern dishes with all the typical Danish hallmarks, including preservation techniques and a lightness of touch.

🕐 17:30-22:00; Fr-Sa 17:30-23:00

Ark

€€€Vegan

It’s bright, it’s buzzing and it’s 100% vegan – and it’s also a concept that’s kind to the planet. Multi-course menus use local and foraged ingredients mixed in with some Japanese flavours; their mushrooms are cultivated on their own farm and the resulting dishes are a highlight. Service is friendly and informative. Go for the well-chosen wine pairings.

🕐 17:00-22:00; Mo-Tu off

Høst

€regional

Not far from Nørreport station, Høst is a busy neighbourhood restaurant that offers an enjoyable atmosphere and good value cooking. Dishes are modern, boldly flavoured and visually impressive, and the set menus come with lots of extra surprises. Nordic fish and shellfish feature largely, while the vegetarian dishes – like celeriac with truffle and ´Vesterhavsost’ – are some of the highlights of the menu.

🕐 17:30-24:00 "last order 21:30"

Amalie

€smørrebrød

A charming 18C townhouse by Amalienborg Palace - its two tiny, cosy rooms are decorated with antique prints. The menu offers a large choice of traditional Danish dishes, including herring prepared in various ways; pickled, fried and marinated in curry or port are some of the options available for lovers of the fish. Salmon, salads and smørrebrød are also available, in satisfyingly tasty versions of tried-and-tested classics.

🕐 11:30-16:00; Su,PH off

Restaurant Palægade

€danish, french

Enter past the pavement terrace with sheepskin-covered chairs and you’ll find yourself in this beautiful brasserie with a striking black & whited tiled floor, unique brass light fittings and oak & walnut chairs modelled on Finn Juhl’s ‘Reading Chair’. During the day, this is the place to come for smørrebrød – both traditional and modern – from warm fried herring with caramelised onion, ramson and apple to red pickled herring with dark berries and crème fraiche. At night, the menu focuses on contemporary Danish cuisine and an impressive wine list, with the hand-crafted dessert trolley a real fe

Møntergade

€€smørrebrød, regional

The charming team are a big part of the draw at this lively upmarket brasserie which offers generous, classically based dishes. While the chalkboard displays daily specials, there’s always a place for herring on the menu – with fried, pickled, marinated or even curried options. Their other dishes like Danish beef with black garlic cream and deep-fried goose fat potatoes or apples with white chocolate, lemon verbena and apple sorbet are equally appealing though. There’s a cosy vibe to the place and a small drinks counter where you can chat away with the waiters.

Sankt Annæ

€smørrebrød

An attractive terraced building with a traditional, rather quaint interior. There's a seasonal à la carte and a daily blackboard menu: prices can vary so check before ordering. The lobster and shrimp – fresh from local fjords – are a hit.

🕐 11:00-17:00; Sa 11:30-14:00,14:15-17:00; Su,PH off; Dec 24-Jan 3 off

Abigail & Co

€€Modern Cuisine

It’s easy to pass by this slightly unusual restaurant, as it’s hidden behind a façade covered with hats – a nod to the building’s former life as a hat shop. A pop-up-turned-permanent, it’s now firmly established on the local dining scene, and its dimly lit semi-subterranean location and closely set candlelit tables give it an appealingly moody, speakeasy vibe. The cooking is perfectly summed up by its tagline – “Seasonal Ingredients, Nordic Roots, Global Inspiration” – with unfussy, pared-back dishes often coming with a playful edge, such as in their signature ‘paint-your-own’ tuna.

Magny

€€€Modern Cuisine

Just off the Nyhavn Canal sits Magny, housed on the ground floor of an apartment block behind a vintage-looking wood façade, and named after the chef’s grandmother. As you approach, you’ll get an enticing sneak peak of the dining room over the half-level net curtains, revealing an elegant, contemporary space where a 20-seater U-shaped wood counter is set around an open kitchen, and exposed brick, stone and wooden panelling create a warm atmosphere. The seasonal multi-course menu offers dishes such as turbot soup with caviar, morels and kelp, followed by pork with mustard and grilled lettuce.

Restaurant Anton

€€nordic

Not far from Nyhavn’s picturesque canals sits Restaurant Anton, an impressive 18th-century building that was once an exclusive confectionery store. A restaurant since 1915, it’s now run by the owners behind Marv & Ben, and its appealingly retro dining room still boasts its original murals, along with blue-and-white-tiled tables and Royal Copenhagen tableware. The modern Danish cooking comprises largely of smørrebrød with a twist at lunchtime – such as herring with sour cream, egg, onion compote and tomato – while dinner sees the likes of fried turbot with sunchokes and a gooseberry vinaigrette

🕐 11:30-15:00,17:00-01:00

Aamanns 1921

€Smørrebrød, Modern Cuisine

A visit to this appealing city centre restaurant is made all the more enjoyable thanks to its original stone arches and friendly, attentive service. Lunch and dinner both focus on excellent traditional smørrebrød made from quality produce. A homemade, sustainable approach is taken as they grind and mill their own flours, marinate their herring for 6-12 months and gather the herbs for their snaps.

🕐 11:30-16:00,18:00-23:00; Su-Mo 11:30-16:00

Theo

€european

A hit with the locals of Copenhagen, Theo sits just a stone’s throw from the university – it’s not just students that like to come here though, as it’s popular with plenty of seniors too. The room itself is simply furnished, keeping the focus on the company and on the food, with the cooking take on an unfussy modern style that gives equal attention to vegetarian options as to meat and fish dishes. You might find stracciatella with pumpkin, salsa macha and parsley pesto or cod with mashed potatoes, palm cabbage, mussel sauce and kao soi paste. The lunchtime menu represents good value.

🕐 12:00-16:00, 17:00-23:00; Su off

à terre

€€€french

Set in the shadow of the Royal Danish Theatre, this small, intimate restaurant was founded on family and friendship. While the narrative behind the menu may have evolved recently, the restaurant’s ambition remains the same: to create a space where guests can escape and forget about the world outside. French recipes form the base of the cooking but take their inspiration from Nordic ingredients. Choose between the set Signature Menu or the shorter Menu Essentiel if you’re planning a trip the theatre as well; you’ll find delights such as pollock on fried bread and stuffed quail with sherry sauce

🕐 Tu-Sa 17:00-22:00; Su-Mo off

Vækst

€regional

Dining outside ‘inside’ is the theme here, and you’ll find plants, garden furniture and a full-sized greenhouse at the centre of the room. Interesting Danish cooking follows the seasons and is light, stimulating and full of flavour.

🕐 Mo-Sa 12:00-17:00,17:30-22:00; Su 17:30-22:00

Barr

€€regional, fish, grill

A laid-back quayside restaurant with wood-clad walls. Its name means ‘Barley’ and it has an amazing array of cask and bottled beers (some custom-brewed), along with beer pairings to match the food. Intensely flavoured, rustic dishes have classic Nordic roots but are taken to new heights; the sweet cake is a must.

🕐 Mo-Th 16:00-24:00; Fr-Su 12:00-24:00

Admiralgade 26

€€Modern Cuisine

This historic house dates from 1796 and sits in one of the oldest parts of the city. It’s a relaxed place: a mix of wine bar and bistro, with minimalist décor. From oyster mushrooms to actual oysters, the Japanese-inspired à la carte comprises a selection of vegetable and fish-led dishes. For something a little different, Saturday lunchtimes see a set 'choushoku' (breakfast) served. Owner Christian is always eager to let you taste some of the wines from the cellar.

Krogs Fiskerestaurant

€€€Seafood

This handsome 18th-century red-brick building stands on the site of Copenhagen’s old fish market and has operated as a seafood restaurant since 1910. Its latest owners keep up the tradition, from the sea-themed wallpaper – hung with portraits of the King and his father, who was a regular customer – to the lobster tank and seafood-centric menu. You’ll find everything from bouillabaisse to turbot on the bone to share, accompanied by a fine wine list that’s strong on champagne and burgundies. Solo diners will feel comfortable here too, thanks to the granite bar counter opposite the glassed-in kit

Restaurant Kanalen

€Danish, Seasonal Cuisine

This quaint building was once the Harbour Police Office, and there's a delightful canal-side terrace from which you can watch the boats bobbing up and down as you eat. Inside it has a bistro-like feel, with long wooden benches and old plank flooring. Dishes are seasonal, unpretentious and full of flavour; some honouring Danish traditions and others bringing Mediterranean ingredients into play.

Mark

€regional, seafood

The produce of the Danish countryside is the inspiration behind this stylish city centre bistro that also features some classical French methods in the kitchen. There is a wonderful feeling of spaciousness to the dining room, with its central counter, high ceilings and modern décor. Top quality Danish ingredients are seasoned and cooked with real skill, resulting in a roster of refined and well-balanced dishes.

🕐 07:30-24:00; Sa-Su 09:00-24:00

Restaurant Glassalen

€Modern Cuisine

You have to pay the theme park admission fee to gain entry to this restaurant hidden within the walls of Tivoli Gardens, so be sure to build in some time for a wander around either before or after your meal. Set within a beautifully restored glasshouse, it’s light, bright and has something of a fairytale feel, and boasts a lovely terrace looking out over the lake. During the day there's a selection of smørrebrød and a three-course lunch, while dinner steps things up-a gear with a seasonal tasting menu and an à la carte of modern Danish dishes such as whole fried sole with mussels and gooseberr

Mielcke & Hurtigkarl

€€€gourmet

The setting couldn’t be more delightful – at the entrance to Frederiksberg Gardens, with the flames of firepits dancing away on the terrace. The building itself is a charming orangery dating from 1744 and fittingly its walls are painted with garden scenes. The surprise tasting menu can be taken as either five or seven courses and shows a creative approach from the chefs, with Asian flavours kept to the fore but also some French accents. Sauces have considerable depth – such as the saffron, chilli and salmon roe blend that accompanies the sole – and are complemented by an amazing array of herbs

🕐 Tu-Sa "evenings"

Fasangården

€€Danish

In an 18th Century house packed with period charm in the famous Frederiksberg Gardens, there's a bucolic feel to this restaurant that's split over three rooms and comes with bold wallpaper, fine plasterwork and crystal chandeliers. Dishes are generous and well-judged, and accompanied by service from an eager-to-please young team. At lunch, the focus is on classic Danish smørrebrød, plus a couple of more substantial offerings; in the evening, there's a short à la carte and a good-value seasonal menu.

Kødbyens Fiskebar

€fish

This buzzy, industrial-style seafood restaurant is set – somewhat incongruously – in a former butcher’s shop in the old meatpacking district. It’s a spacious place, with seating both inside and out; if you’re in, you’ll find your eyes drawn either to the large glass-fronted wine cellar or the circular aquarium. The local catch informs the menus, and thanks to their on-site fish butchery and charcuterie programme, the chef utilises the day’s haul to the maximum. A local potter creates the plates, upon which you might find cod with West Coast radishes, tuna heart, green strawberries and chicken

🕐 Su-Th 11:30-24:00, Fr,Sa 11:30-01:00

Pensionat Furuhem

€€Traditional Cuisine

Båstad might be known as Sweden’s centre of tennis, but Chef Magnus Nilsson is also aiming to put it on the map as somewhere to visit for its cuisine. In the centre of the seaside resort – also famed for its Cold Bath House – sits this beautiful white building dotted with green balconies, where three simply decorated, wood-furnished rooms provide a perfect match for the unfussy cuisine. The spettekaka dessert is not to be missed – a local speciality made from traditional Scanian pastry, slowly grilled all day over beech embers, then cut to order at your table and served with daily changing acc

aster

€Contemporary

The faux industrial décor feels like an appropriate fit for this restaurant housed in a former warehouse, in an area once home to the city's shipyards. The kitchen forms part of the room, bringing a certain energy to proceedings, and the friendly team also help to create an enjoyable atmosphere. The short menu offers dishes with a rustic edge, where distinct flavours are nicely balanced – such as minty salsa verde with grilled lamb loin, or sharp apple cutting through a rich chocolate dessert.

Brasserie Sture 1912

€€Mediterranean Cuisine

Sture has been an icon of Malmö since 1912, and it’s now been reborn as a classic brasserie with décor to match; think mosaic flooring, closely set tables, a long bar and black-and-white photos of celebrities adorning the walls. A large pavement terrace and bustling atmosphere only add to its appeal, as does an extensive menu mixing Swedish dishes with traditional Western European fare like confit rabbit or salad Niçoise. The lengthy wine list has a similar ‘Old World’ focus.

Kockeriet

€€€Modern Cuisine

In a characterful 17C former grain warehouse, owned by Malmö-born TV chef Tareq Taylor, a young and talented team prepare well-balanced contemporary dishes with great precision. Scandinavian produce is at its heart, with some coming from the kitchen garden. The timbered dining room is relaxed and inviting, the service friendly, and the drinks pairings well-conceived.

Restaurang Atmosfär

€Swedish

A large glass-enclosed terrace greets you at this smart yet relaxed corner restaurant on the main road. Natural light fills the room inside too, whether you’re sitting at the large counter, on high stools by the floor-to-ceiling windows or in one of the comfortable dining rooms. Fresh, unfussy cooking delivers generous dishes that are packed with flavour and a joy to eat, such as halibut with a crayfish bisque and Savoy cabbage or deliciously creamy panna cotta with rosemary caramel and apple granita. The atmosphere becomes more lively in the evening thanks, in part, to the homemade cocktails.

Bloom in the Park

€€Creative

Be sure to arrive early for an aperitif on the terrace of this charming lakeside lodge before heading through to the modern, minimalist restaurant. In an unusual twist, both the menu and the matching wine pairings are a complete surprise! You submit your allergies and dislikes in advance, with the components of the dishes only revealed at the end of the meal when you are given a QR code to scan. Combinations could include halibut with satsuma, endive and crab bisque or seared roe deer with pumpkin and forest mushrooms. This element of the unknown stimulates both the mind and the palate through

Lyran Matbar

€€Modern Cuisine, Swedish

There’s a pleasingly relaxed air at this small, simply styled restaurant, where the experienced team lead the service with a friendly smile. Upstairs it’s more about drinks, so if you’re here to dine then head down the spiral staircase to the rustic cellar. The well-balanced tasting menus come in Mixed, Pescetarian and Vegetarian versions and are created daily from the best local produce available. All you are presented with is a list of ingredients, which are then turned into modern Swedish creations such as ‘yellow beet, skyr, pistachio, cedrat, fennel pollen, burned butter and sherry’.