Best Restaurants To Check out in Denmark – Our Top 10 Picks

Denmark is a foodie’s paradise, and finding the perfect dining spot can be a game-changer for your taste buds. From cozy Copenhagen cafes serving smørrebrød to Aarhus eateries dishing out Michelin-starred meals, every palate has a flavor.

Each restaurant brings its unique twist to Danish cuisine, blending traditional flavors with modern innovation. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood by the harbor or organic farm-to-table fare in the countryside, Denmark’s culinary scene will not disappoint.

Ready to dive into a dining experience like no other? Scroll down for our top picks that promise an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

At the heart of Denmark’s culinary scene sits Noma, a creation by Chef Rene Redzepi. This place offers an experience that draws food lovers worldwide.

Noma offers a unique dining adventure with its 20-course meals. These are masterpieces showcasing flavors you’ve probably never tasted.

One of their famous dishes is “The Hen and the Egg.” Imagine cooking your meal right at your table! To create something extraordinary, you get potato chips, a wild duck egg, and various ingredients like herbs, hay oil, and wild garlic sauce.

Here are some things to know about Noma:

• Reservations: Absolutely necessary. Book well in advance.
• Dietary Options: They serve vegetarian dishes too.
• Amenities: Yes, there’s Wi-Fi!

Located at Refshalevej 96 in København K, this spot has become a must-visit for anyone who appreciates fine dining.

Add Noma to your list if you want an unforgettable meal in Denmark. It’s about experiencing new tastes and seeing what magic can happen when top chefs play with flavors.

Geranium sits high on the 8th floor, offering stunning views that stretch far and wide. Imagine dining with the city’s skyline as your backdrop.

This place takes cooking to another level. They serve “high-concept” dishes, meaning each plate is like a piece of art. The chefs use seasonal produce to create flavors that dance in your mouth.

The menu here changes with the seasons, but one thing stays constant – its excellence. Right now, they’re offering “The Summer Universe,” a menu that costs DKK 3,200 (about $440) per person and promises at least three hours of culinary delight.

Worried about drinks? Geranium has covered you with various wine menus and even a no-alcohol pairing for those who prefer it.

For those who follow a vegetarian lifestyle, fear not! Geranium serves up delicious vegetarian dishes without compromising on taste or creativity.

Remember to book ahead because reservations are required here. And why wouldn’t they be? After all, this is a place that boasts three Michelin stars!

Kadeau is a chic New Nordic restaurant in Denmark, known for its creative tasting menu. You can try 16 to 18 different dishes with wine.

Do note that you need to make a reservation before you go. The address is Wildersgade 10B, in Copenhagen.

This place has two Michelin stars! That means it’s really good. Most Michelin restaurants like Kadeau only offer tasting menus.

How much does it cost? There are two options:

• The longer dinner menu costs about €295 (2200 DDK).
• A shorter menu costs around €221 (1650 DDK).

A famous dish here is Palthaest, a Danish pancake made in many ways.

Located at Strandgade 93, right in the heart of Copenhagen, Restaurant Barr is a must-visit for anyone exploring Denmark’s culinary scene. Located within the North Atlantic House, this spot presents an experience that captures the essence of Northern Europe’s rich food culture.

Barr stands out for its casual yet refined atmosphere, where guests can enjoy outdoor seating with views of Copenhagen’s beautiful waterfront. It’s perfect for those sunny days or mild evenings when dining under the sky adds to the whole experience.

Reservations are essential here due to its popularity among both locals and tourists. The service options also cater to various dietary needs, including vegetarian dishes that do not compromise taste or creativity.

The menu celebrates Northern Sea Cuisine, featuring classics like salted waffles, schnitzel, and Danish meatballs.

And what would these meals be without their perfect liquid companions? Barr offers an impressive selection of traditional-style beers, aquavit, and wine specially chosen to complement each meal.

SURT, located at Bag Elefanterne 2 in København, Denmark, is a must-visit for pizza lovers. This spot offers outdoor seating and serves up some of the best pizzas in Denmark.

The menu features a variety of pizzas, including:

• Marinara
• Margherita
• Rianata
• Shrooms
• Hindsholm
• Cinta Senese

SURT not only serves pizza, but they also take dessert to the next level with options like:

• Pannacotta with citrus and caramelized oats
• Chocolate mousse accompanied by poached rhubarb and cocoa nibs

Each dish showcases high-level craftsmanship, using top-quality ingredients that bring out bold flavors.

What sets SURT apart is its commitment to offering an exceptional dining experience. Every visit feels special, from securing a table amidst their cozy outdoor setting to enjoying meals prepared with care and creativity.

Jordnær shines with two stars for its excellent cooking. Chef Eric Kragh Vildgaard creates magic on plates, especially with fish and shellfish dishes. Each dish looks like art and tastes amazing.

The ingredients used are top-notch. You’ll find luxury touches like caviar and lobster that make each meal special.

Jordnær is taking a break to run a pop-up in Switzerland but plans to return in March 2024.

They also think about different eating needs:

• Offers a Vegetarian Menu.
• They can handle some allergies and diet restrictions if they know 24 hours before you come.

Experience the art of fine dining in one of the Nordic countries’ most sophisticated spots.

Richard Hart, an English-born baker who once led the team at San Francisco’s famous Tartine, decided to bring his baking skills to Denmark. He teamed up with René Redzepi of Noma fame to open Hart Bageri in Copenhagen.

This bakery has quickly become a go-to spot for bread lovers. What makes it stand out? Its dark bake is renowned far and wide.

The address is easy to remember: Galionsvej 41, 1437 København, Denmark. Finding this place is like discovering a hidden treasure for anyone who appreciates good bread.

Visiting Hart Bageri is about experiencing the craft of a head baker at the top of his game. The partnership between Richard Hart and René Redzepi adds an extra layer of excellence, combining culinary expertise from the baking and fine dining worlds.

Sushi Anaba in Copenhagen is where sushi turns into an art form. This place stands out for its omakase-style menu, meaning you get served a series of dishes selected by the chef. It’s like a surprise meal crafted just for you!

What makes Sushi Anaba truly special is its commitment to sustainability. The seafood, mainly from Nordic waters, ensures freshness and supports local ecosystems.

The chefs at Sushi Anaba employ the Edomae style – a traditional Tokyo method that has existed since samurai times! Imagine each slice of fish laid atop perfectly seasoned rice with a precision that could only come from years of practice.

The menu stars both nigiri and otsumami (small bites), allowing guests seated at the counter to watch as their food is prepared right before their eyes. It’s a show highlighting skillful preparation and presentation.

Restaurant Koan brings a fresh wave to the Copenhagen dining scene, mixing Korean flavors with a modern twist.

At Koan, you’ll find an open kitchen where local chefs work their magic. They use traditional Korean techniques but add local ingredients from Denmark, creating dishes that are both new and familiar at the same time.

What makes Koan stand out is its innovative tasting menus. These menus change often, offering something exciting and different for diners to try.

Koan has earned 2 Michelin stars! This means it’s recognized for its excellent cooking style and high-quality meals.

You can find Restaurant Koan at Langeliniekaj 5, 2100 København, Denmark. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the best of Copenhagen’s dining scene.

La Banchina offers a unique dining experience in Denmark. This place is about enjoying good food with a stunning harbor view.

The atmosphere here is super relaxed. You can sit outside and just soak up the beauty around you, perfect for those sunny days when all you want to do is be near the water.

What makes La Banchina stand out? Well, it has only 14 seats! Yes, it’s that cozy and intimate. Plus, they have an on-site sauna. How cool is that?

Here’s what you can expect:

• Seasonal, vegetarian dishes that are both healthy and delicious.
• Everything served is natural and comes from local sources.
• They serve great coffee and baked goods, too.
• Don’t forget to try their cocktails; they’re amazing!

And guess what? They’re open every day of the week! So whether it’s lunchtime or any other time, La Banchina welcomes you.

Outside these fancy restaurants, there’s much to explore and try in the country.

• If you are a fan of street food, one of the best places to visit in Denmark is Papirøen (Paper Island) in Copenhagen. It’s a famous outdoor street food market with various stands selling different types of international cuisine.
• If you want something traditional, try smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches). These are typically made with rye bread and topped with herring, roast beef, smoked salmon, and more.
• Don’t forget to try some of the classic Danish pastries like wienerbrød (Vienna bread) or kanelstang (cinnamon swirl).
• For sweet tooth lovers, Denmark’s famous kanelsnegle (cinnamon rolls) are a must-try. These sticky buns are often served warm and go perfectly with coffee.
• And last but certainly not least, no visit to Denmark is complete without trying their famous smørkage (butter cake). This rich, buttery pound cake is a classic dessert found in most bakeries around the country.

Driving is the best way to explore the food scene outside of the city. The country has an efficient road network, and most attractions are easily accessible by car.

Here are some tips for driving in Denmark:

• Denmark follows right-hand driving, unlike some other European countries. So be sure to drive on the right side of the road.
• The highway speed limit is 130 km/h (80 mph), while it’s usually 50 km/h (30 mph) on city streets. Watch for speed limit signs, as they may vary in different areas.
• In Denmark, you’ll find roundabouts instead of traditional four-way intersections. These can be tricky to navigate at first, but remember to give way to the traffic already in the roundabout and use your turn signals when exiting.
• It’s essential to always have your headlights on while driving in Denmark, even during the day. This safety measure ensures your car is visible to others on the road.
• Parking can be a bit of a challenge in big cities like Copenhagen. Look for designated parking areas or use paid parking garages if needed.
• An international driving permit in Denmark with your regular driver’s license is required if it is not in English. Be sure to have both documents on hand while driving.

Undoubtedly, one of the best things to do in Denmark is to eat! From fancy Michelin-starred restaurants to street food markets and cozy bakeries, there’s something for everyone. But what makes the dining experience in Denmark truly special is the focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation.

So, next time you’re in Copenhagen or any other city, try out some of these must-visit spots and local dishes for an unforgettable culinary journey!