Discovering the Culinary Delights of Copenhagen: A Journey Through Smørrebrød and More

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

Top Restaurants in Copenhagen

Smørrebrød? What exactly is it, and is it just a single item? As I began planning my trip to Denmark, I was most excited about the food. How different would it be from what I 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. This allowed for a greater sense of adventure and more flexibility in my schedule. Many of you who know me are aware that when I'm not traveling, I split my time between NY and Philly, so I'm not short on great food. We arrived looking for top restaurants in Copenhagen.

Exploring Copenhagen's Food Scene

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.

The Delight of Smørrebrød

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. It turned the experience into more than just a meal; it became 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

Our Selection of Top Restaurants in Copenhagen

During our time in Copenhagen, we dined 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.

Pinchos - Small Tapas Restaurant

Pinchos is a very small place on a side street. It would be easy to walk past it, except for the aroma coming from the restaurant. The food overall was very good, and the service was excellent. The portions were so big that they had to add a small table to our table to accommodate our paella. The sangria is well worth trying; the white sangria was particularly tasty.

Zeleste - A Hidden Gem

Near Amalienborg Palace, on a small cobblestone side street, you will find Zeleste, where French cuisine meets Nordic style. From the outside, it looks like a large windowed restaurant. Once inside, the smell of fresh, large loaves of focaccia bread greets you. A staircase, not visible from outside, leads you to a gorgeous hidden courtyard. Here, you’ll find fur blankets and heaters for winter. To your right, a stone staircase leads to two more dining rooms.

This centuries-old building is full of surprises. The food is very fresh and made to order, so please be patient. I assure you it's worth the wait, but the wait is not too long. They also offer reasonably priced but excellent quality wines. I will definitely return next time I’m in Copenhagen.

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

Fyrtojet - A Taste of Tradition

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. After all the walking, I was quite hungry, so I opted for the lobster thermidor. 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 - A Disappointing Experience

La Rocca is one of the top-rated restaurants in Copenhagen, but 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. 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.

Reflections on Our Culinary Journey

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. 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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