A Culinary Adventure: Exploring the Top Restaurants in Copenhagen

King Crab Legs over roasted with potatoes and asparagus in wine sauce.

Smørrebrød? What exactly is it, and is it just a single item? As we began planning our trip to Denmark, I was most excited about the food—how different is it from what we typically eat in the US? Would I enjoy it, or would it be too unusual for my taste? Unlike my previous trips, I didn't make reservations in advance for this one, allowing for a greater sense of adventure and more flexibility in our schedule. Many of you who know me are aware that when I'm not traveling, I split my time between NY and Philly, so we're not short on great food. We arrived looking for top restaurants in Copenhagen.

We arrived in Copenhagen on an early flight. Upon our arrival, we quickly discovered that our hotel room was not yet available, which was not unexpected given the early hour. We decided to make the most of our time by exploring the local area. Just a short two-block walk from our hotel is the renowned TorvehallerneKBH, a bustling food hall and farmers market that has become a beloved destination for both locals and tourists alike. The venue consists of several large glass buildings, each filled with a myriad of vendor shops offering an impressive array of culinary delights. From artisanal cheeses and cured meats to vibrant fruits and vegetables, the market showcases the best of Danish gastronomy.

A highlight of our visit was the chance to try the renowned Smørrebrød, a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich. At TorvehallerneKBH, we discovered numerous vendors specializing in this iconic dish, each offering their unique interpretations. The Smørrebrød typically consists of a slice of dense rye bread, lavishly topped with various ingredients, such as pickled herring, roast beef, shrimp, and an assortment of fresh vegetables. As we savored these delicious creations, we admired the artistry and attention to detail in each presentation, turning the experience into more than just a meal but a sensory feast.

Beyond the food offerings, TorvehallerneKBH also boasts a range of specialty shops where we could buy local products, including handmade chocolates, organic jams, wines, and craft beers. The atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming, with locals chatting and laughing as they enjoyed their meals at communal tables. After exploring the market and tasting a variety of dishes, we felt refreshed and ready to continue our exploration of Copenhagen.

Smørrebrød at TorvehallerneKBH taken by Susan Blume,CTC,VTA Personal Escape Travel

During our time in Copenhagen, we ate at numerous top restaurants situated throughout the city.

The seafood was exceptionally fresh and abundant. Below are some of the venues we visited while staying in Copenhagen.

Our Selection of Top Restaurants in Copenhagen

Pinchos - Small Tapas Restaurant

Very small place on a side street and it would be very easy to just walk past except for the aroma coming from the restaurant. Food overall was very good, service was excellent, and portions were

so big that they had to add a small table to our table to put our paella on. Sangria is well worth trying as the white sangria was very tasty.

Zeleste - Lobster rolls, white asparagus soup, and crab cakes

Correct any spelling and grammar mistakes in the following text: Near Amalienborg Palace on a small cobblestone side street, you will find Zeleste, French done Nordic style. From the outside, it looks like a large windowed restaurant. Once inside, you will discover the smell of fresh large loaves of focaccia bread and a staircase that can't be seen from outside. Go up three steps from the small front dining room to find, to the left, a gorgeous hidden courtyard - fur blankets and heaters for winter, and to your right, a stone staircase with two more dining rooms. Lots of surprises in this centuries-old building. The food is very fresh and made to order, so please be patient. I can assure you it's worth the wait, but the wait is not too long. They also have some reasonably priced but excellent quality wines. Definitely will be back next time we are in Copenhagen.

Lobster roll with french fries and wine glass. Personal Escape Travel.

Fyrtojet is located on the most famous street in Copenhagen, Nyhavn, the new harbor.

This is the area where Hans Christian Andersen once lived.

The restaurant features an extensive Smørrebrød menu, but after all the walking, I was quite hungry, so I opted for the lobster thermidor. I loved it; it was excellent, and the staff was amazing—very attentive without being intrusive. My husband chose the king crab legs shown at the top of the page.The king crab legs are steamed in crab bisque and served with potatoes, corn, mixed mushrooms, carrot, and parsnip.

Lobster Thermidor. Personal Escape Travel

La Rocca - Although it's one of the top-rated restaurants in Copenhagen, it wasn't for us.

The restaurant is beautifully decorated, and I was eager to dine there after reading numerous positive reviews online. However, it turned out to be expensive and disappointing. The server was quite pretentious, and when I asked for white wine, the selection was limited. He brought red wine twice and insisted I try it, claiming it was good wine. At 57, I know what types of food and drinks I prefer. My pasta resembled paste, and my husband's fish portion was the size of a McDonald's chicken nugget. It was our least favorite and most expensive dining experience. We would never return.

I have to confess, I was somewhat nervous about the dining options in Copenhagen before our arrival.There were numerous choices, and we dined at more restaurants than I've mentioned here, so if you'd like more details, feel free to ask. Overall, we had an amazing time in Copenhagen and are eager to return.

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