I landed in Copenhagen looking for everything but food, honestly. I don’t think I was particularly aware of the incredible dishes that would await me once I started getting hungry.
Now, I’m no food connoisseur, all I know is if I’m hungry and there’s something that catches my eye, I’m in. Luckily for me, when in Copenhagen, everything will catch my eye.
If one thing is sure, I am no food blogger — or photographer, for that matter. But here are my favorite things I’ve eaten in Copenhagen so far.
Let’s start with the obvious: Atelier September
Visiting Atelier September is a rite of passage. I first saw it on Alyssa Coscarelli’s instagram story, but an online-turned-real-life acquaintance took me there last August.
What to order:
Sweet tooth? Get the almond pancake with blueberry compote. If they have any other seasonal compote for the pancakes, get that.
Tasty breakfast? French omelette with sour dough bread and whipped butter. Or just get anything with the whipped butter, to be honest. As long as there is whipped butter you will be alright.
If you’re on a rush: Royal Bagel
I’m well aware it’s a chain restaurant, but the make-your-own bagels really got my day started.
What to order:
Cheese bagel
Tuna
Corn
Chili mayo sauce
It’s simple, but trust me, it works. It got my day started without a stomach-ache, which is always a plus.
Lighthearted breakfast: Ricco's Café
What to order:
Forgive me Father, for I have sinned. I actually forgot the name of this Smørrebrød, but it’s the only one with tuna and pickled red onions.
When all you want is the perfect sandwich: Darcy’s Café
What to order:
Their seasonal toast. Add egg. Get an iced chai with oat milk.
When what you truly want is to people-watch: Palazzo Diner
Weather-permitting, sit outside. Truly bask in the beauty of a Danish afternoon.
Note to self: turn off the music and eavesdrop in a language you can’t understand.
What to order:
Spinach carbonara. Listen to the waiter, add the guanciale. It’ll add an extra layer of flavor and crunch you won’t want to miss.
Side of french fries with the house dip.
Glass of Pinot Grigio.
In case you want to impress your friends: Esmé
This is a necessary stop if you’re looking for a fancy lunch (dinner preferred, though).
Although I only have a picture of the snacks we ate the first time I went, so that’s what I’ll recommend.
What to order:
Gougères with comté & truffles
Danish Fjord shrimp
Ask about their funkiest white wine, and order a glass
If you’re really hungry and ISO a great dinner: Gaza Grill
This is the place that sealed the deal for this newsletter. I need you to read about this place. Organic Arabic food, my heart and stomach could not be happier.
The interior is perfectly cozy, matching the meals they have available. They’ll fill you up and send your right to sleep. That was not a hyperbole.
What to order:
Falafel bowl
Hummus
Halloumi Ost
Passionfruit Martini
You’ll crave mediterranean food: Delphine
I want to say this was probably one of the most fresh meal experiences I’ve had in Copenhagen. Most of the menu is for sharing, and their selection of wine is carefully curated.
What to order:
Burrata salad, it comes with peaches and sourdough bread. What’s not to love?
Baccala
Grilled sea bass
Roditis Nature orange wine
My true everyday breakfast: BUKA
When I say most of my meals have been pastries, I really mean pistachio croissants from BUKA.
What to get:
Pistachio croissant
Incredibly fresh, seasonal pastries: Juno The Bakery
I almost cried biting into these. No, literally. There were —almost— tears.
What to order:
Strawberry tart
Spandauer
The most wholesome self-date experience: Rascal
I recommend you ask the staff what wine to get to pair with the flavor of the day. They won't disappoint.
I had a single serving of raspberry and Sea Bucklethorn with a glass of orange wine.
What to get:
Single serving (or to share?) of Sea Bucklethorn. Leave the raspberry, although it IS delicious, you’re going to wish you had more of the Sea Bucklethorn.
Glass of the wine that best pairs with your pick.
Although a lot of these places are known by a lot of people, they will remain on my list of favorites + recommended.
Update ya soon!
xx