The Bearleaders List to Copenhagen | Denmark
Scandinavian Delights
Jorane Cuppen | Gastronomist | Owner Guts to Glory
Nine IJff | Photographer
Judith van Mourik | Interior Architect
Geranium Copenhagen | Tip by Jorane Cuppen
The Danish city of Copenhagen is a foodie’s Mecca. The prevalence of haute cuisine gems such as Geranium - one of the best restaurants in the world - has trickled down into every part of its food culture. From fine dining to burgers and pastries, culinary innovation and a quest for quality can be seen everywhere, with a massive focus on organic food and sustainability.
Frequent travellers, Gastronomist Jorane Cuppen, Interior Architect Judith van Mourik and Photographer Nine Ijff are no strangers to the city and love to guide you around to all the best restaurants, bars and things to do in Copenhagen.
Where to eat
NOMA
Obviously, you can’t make a Copenhagen list without putting the world’s best restaurant in there. No matter how often you go or how big the hype gets, it delivers every time. It’s absolutely magic. Try to get a reservation in advance and center your visit to Copenhagen around it, in order to experience the outstanding food, the amazing sommelier (who also offers a juice pairing), and the great atmosphere. Be ready to get blown away in every aspect.
ALCHEMIST
Another big name in the food scene just has to be on everyone’s Copenhagen itinerary. This unique experience is a harmonious marriage of food, drinks, and theatre. Most of the courses are to be enjoyed in a dome, where videography is displayed that correlates with the food on your plate and heightens the experience. Put yourself on a waiting list or keep an eye out for their reservation release dates.
BARR
Barr is housed in the old Noma building, just around the corner from the food court and Popl Burger. The staff is young and vibrant, and in for a joke. The food is pure and the menu is concise. It’s the perfect spot to share some starters and definitely try their famous schnitzels.
POPL BURGER
A hamburger place from the people behind Noma. Originally a pickup concept in their restaurant during lockdowns, it now has its own location. You can sit inside or takeaway, a great option as it’s close to a good spot next to the water. Don’t hesitate to try their vegetarian option either, as it’s just as delicious. They also sell all the wines from the Noma collection and it’s right next door to a food hall.
KADEAU
Hidden behind a big door, starts a gastronomic experience that is executed to the finest details. A lot of table preparations bring you up close and personal with the chefs. With minimalistic, almost Japanese furniture and design. Enjoy looking at the large team right in the middle of the restaurant preparing dishes with precision.
GERANIUM
Located on the 8th floor in the middle of the Common Gardens of Copenhagen, this legendary three-Michelin-star restaurant serves up an 8th-course dinner that takes you all throughout the city while you witness it, with a focus on herbal, organic flavours.
instagram | maps | favourite of Nine IJff, Photographer and Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist
DEN VANDRETTE
Wine bar with a relaxed terrace, just next to the water. They’re specialized in natural wines, and the dishes on the menu are perfect for sharing. Fresh, creative dishes packed with flavour. Perfectly located in the Nyhaven area, without being touristy.
PATÉ PATÉ
A relaxed wine bar with a great terrace, a long bar, and lots of food to share. A blend of Spanish, French, and North-African flavours, all turned into guilty pleasures. This is a good spot to enjoy food and drinks with friends.
KØDBYENS FISKEBAR
Copenhagen’s best restaurant for local fish specialties. Choose a wine from their extensive menu, sit on their terrace and you can easily spend the afternoon here. Share a turbot, for example, or choose some of their fresh starters. It’s right in the meatpacking district, so it’s also a great ending or starting point for a visit there.
HIJA DE SANCHEZ KØDBYEN
Copenhagen’s top spot for Mexican food. Authentic, as-they-should-be tacos. Definitely go for their combo, and have a Michelada or one of the other cocktails as well. It’s easy to combine it with a visit to Kødbyens Fiskebar, which is just a 2-minute walk.
BARABBA
A great neighbourhood Italian run by former Noma employees. Sip some vermouth, choose some dishes from their changing menu and feel the Italian vibes. I loved their pumpkin ravioli with amaretti cookies and sage.
TORVEHALLERNE
Good old ‘foodhallen’, where everyone can find something to their taste. Try the Danish specialties from Omegn og Venner. You can also buy every sort of ingredient and even knives here.
instagram | maps | favourite of Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist
BROENS GADEKØKKEN
An open-air food court with stalls from several restaurants in town. Especially recommended comes the chicken burger from Pompette. It’s amazingly juicy and has everything you could want from a spicy chicken burger. Another top tip is Haddock’s seafood, where you can get a whole pan of mussels.
Where to go for a snack & a drink
HART BAGERI
The best bakery in Copenhagen. They have 2 locations, of which the Hart Brød+Bar location is the most idyllic one. They have delicious pastries - both sweet and savoury, but the real star is their bread, which can also be found in several highly esteemed restaurants in Copenhagen.
ANDERSEN & MAILLARD
The spot for a coffee and a pastry. Their specialty is a cube of croissant dough, filled with pistachio cream or hazelnut cream. It looks insane and tastes even better.
COFFEE COLLECTIVE
Great coffee is served all over town from these cute historic kiosk houses that can’t be missed.
BALDERDASH
Expect a cozy yet roaring vibe and knowledgeable bartenders serving extremely creative, out-of-the-box cocktails. Frida is owning the bar when she’s at work. They have a private room for groups in the back too.
RUBY
Very classy, stylish cocktail bar. Danish design is definitely on full glorious display here, with high ceilings and large windows, wooden bar chairs, and atmospheric lighting. Do make sure to make a reservation.
What to do
NY CARLSBERG GLYPTOTEKET MUSEUM
Stunning art and sculpture museum with all year round changing exhibitions worth visiting. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek displays ancient and modern art in truly unique surroundings. Founded in 1897 by brewer Carl Jacobsen, the gallery is renowned for its marble sculptures and winter garden. You can also admire a beautiful Degas, almost similar to the one in Paris.
instagram | maps | favourite of Judith van Mourik, Interior Architect
JUUL’S VIN & SPIRITUS
The finest selection of wines and liquors that you can’t find anywhere else in a cute shop with knowledgeable service.
HIRE A BIKE
Grab one of the orange Donkey Republic bikes. They are easy to use and will get you anywhere in the city in no time.
favourite of Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist
TIVOLI
Copenhagen’s legendary amusement garden. It has something for everyone: fun rides, classic architecture, historical value, and a mix of excitement and relaxation. And even here the food is good.
FREE TOWN CHRISTIANA
The free-spirited village that started as a squat in the 70s and is now one of the few independent cities, with its own rules and laws. Interesting to see and wander around in, but do watch your behaviour and belongings here.
maps | favourite of Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist
LOUISIANA MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
Denmark’s most important museum for modern and contemporary art. Located in the small shore town of Humlebæk about 35 kilometers north of Copenhagen, it is worth visiting not just for the art but also for the beautiful surroundings.
Guide by
More guides by Jorane, Nine and Judith
EXPERIENCE | By The Bearleaders
From iconic 5-star city hotels to small luxury hotels in the countryside, these hotels match the quality and service of their restaurants, with spacious rooms, great spas, and unique experiences.