In a dynamic culinary destination like Copenhagen, it’s a given that travelers won’t have trouble finding a good meal. But finding premium plates without a premium price can be challenging in a city not known for being easy on the wallet.
Even so, the Danish capital still has much to offer when it comes to more affordable dining experiences. Here’s where visitors can sample some of Copenhagen’s best bites at a great price point considering the quality.
Aamanns 1921
This elegant Scandi-chic restaurant, owned by chef Adam Aamann, serves up a modern take on smorrebrod, the classic Danish open-faced sandwich, with fine-dining precision. A variety of meats, seafood and vegetables — ranging from herring and chicken salad to crunchy pickles and fresh herbs — arrive atop slices of house-made rye bread.
With balanced flavors and contrasting textures, each piece is as beautifully composed as it is delicious. Enjoy a seven-course prix fixe menu or choose a la carte items, starting at about $14.
www.aamanns.dk
Baest
After working in the kitchen at Noma, considered one of the world’s top restaurants, chef Christian Puglisi went on to open several of his own acclaimed eateries, including Baest. The menu represents both sides of his Italian and Danish heritage, and the restaurant uses only organic vegetables, flour, meat and dairy products.
Baest consistently draws crowds for its friendly service, buzzy vibe and excellent charred-crust, wood-fired pizzas ranging from about $12 to $21. Seek out the tasting menu and sample a bit of everything, including charcuterie and artisan cheeses such as creamy burrata, all produced on-site.
www.baest.dk
Gemyse
Part of Nimb Hotel in Tivoli Gardens, Gemyse is a mostly vegetarian restaurant that opened in 2017. It won me over instantly with its rustic-chic decor, roaming peacocks and seating inside a greenhouse. The food is as delightful as the space it’s served in.
The menu changes seasonally and highlights local, organic produce, some of it grown at the restaurant. Although vegetables are the focus, meat and fish options are available, too. Order dishes a la carte — most are around $15 — or savor a two-hour “Around the Garden” tasting menu, which can include dishes such as carrot tartare and pistachio ice cream garnished with grapes and green peas.
www.nimb.dk
Kiin Kiin
Head to the Norrebro district for Thai fine dining at Kiin Kiin, which has held a Michelin star since 2007. Thai-born, Denmark-raised chef Dak Laddaporn leads the kitchen at this contemporary eatery, which offers refined, creative interpretations of green curry, coconut chicken soup and more.
The fun begins in the lounge, where guests enjoy numerous small plates before moving upstairs to the dining room for the mains. There’s an eight-course tasting menu and a smaller “theatre menu” (also pre fixe and served only at specific times) that consists of several starters followed by four artfully arranged dishes for under $75.
www.kiin.dk
Restaurant Cofoco
An acronym for Copenhagen Food Collective, Cofoco is a restaurant group that operates several eateries known for high-quality food at reasonable prices. Opened in 2004 in the Vesterbro district, Restaurant Cofoco offers four, five and six courses, from about $44.
Dishes showcase fresh Danish produce combined with influences from the Mediterranean and other regions. Among the highlights are zucchini noodles served with fyrmester (a firm, salty Danish cheese), topped with capers, caramelized garlic and puffed buckwheat.
www.cofoco.dk
Tarnet
For a meal with a view, head to the Tower at Christiansborg Palace, where the on-site Tarnet restaurant serves traditional Danish dishes with a modern touch in an exquisite setting, complete with soaring ceilings, exposed brick walls and historical stone statues.
Chef Rasmus Bo Bojesen, a master chocolatier, runs the restaurant, which is known for its desserts. Treat yourself before or after trekking to the top with a slice of cake (about $9) that’s almost too pretty to eat. The Tower is part of the Danish parliament complex, so visitors must pass through security.
Reservations are recommended as tables fill up fast.
www.taarnet.dk
