One of the world leaders in using seasonal ingredients, innovative flavours and unexpected pairings, Copenhagen is teeming with enticing places to eat and drink. Whether it’s a restaurant serving New Nordic cuisine, a cosy coffee shop, or a brewery with an unusual approach to craft beer, Denmark’s capital offers something unique in every neighbourhood.

Cafes

If you ask anyone in Copenhagen where to find a great cup of coffee, Coffee Collective is likely to be mentioned. The well-known and respected brand has been serving up high-quality coffee with a side of social responsibility (they work directly with farmers to ensure they get the best beans in the fairest conditions) since 2007. You’ll find four Coffee Collective cafes around the city, including one in Frederiksberg which houses their roastery, and one on Jægersborggade — one of Copenhagen’s must-visit streets.

With eight cafes around the city, chances are you’ll come across an Original Coffee during your time in Copenhagen. The coffee here comes from local micro-roastery Kontra Coffee, with a small food menu of classically Danish breakfast dishes such as avocado on rye, and boiled eggs with bread and cheese. Head to the newest location in Nordhavn for concrete flooring, large communal tables and a generous outdoor seating area, or go to the rooftop spot on top of Illum — the department store that’s a Copenhagen institution.

Housed in a large building in the city centre is the residence of Danish interiors company &tradition, where the brand’s furniture, lighting and home accessories come to life throughout the various wooden-floored rooms. At the back of the building sits a small plant-filled oasis: Lille Petra cafe. Former Noma chef Søren Westh serves light, seasonal dishes of traditional open sandwiches (or ‘smørrebrød’) alongside South African wine and local beers when you’re ready to move on from coffee.

Bakeries

It wouldn’t be a trip to Copenhagen without sampling a pastry or two. If you find yourself in Refshaleøen — the once remote and industrial shipbuilding area now home to a cluster of independent businesses — make your way to Lille Bakery & Eatery, a casual, rustic-style bakery where you can watch the friendly staff knocking up organic bread, croissants and sausage rolls. Take a loaf to go or sit down at one of the wooden communal tables for a simple breakfast of eggs on toast.

In Østerbro, it’s Juno the Bakery that draws the crowds (expect a line snaking out the doorway). Former Noma chef Emil Glaser bakes traditional Danish rye bread, Swedish rolls and tarts, and has built up a cult following for his signature cardamom scrolls. Get there early to grab one of the few window seats.

Restaurants

Occupying a small space in Nørreport is Slurp Ramen Joint, a casual walk-in only eatery recognisable by the pink neon signage that glows through the window. It has a small menu of what the restaurant does best: excellent ramen (the Shio Ramen and Shoyu Ramen are standouts) plus a couple of sides. Inside, diners sit at the slim black bar to slurp the Tokyo-style dishes (head chef Philipp Inreiter learned his craft in Japan) made with Japanese and locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy a bowl with a bottle of beer from local breweries.

For a modern take on Nordic cuisine, head to Marv & Ben. Located in an apartment-style building on Snaregade — one of Copenhagen’s oldest streets — Marv & Ben is a cosy space lit by candles. Head upstairs to dine in a room of high ceilings and murals, or eat in the basement to secure a front-row seat to the chefs in the kitchen. Awarded a Bib Gourmand, the food comes from small, local producers with a big emphasis on flavour. Try the set menu for a bit of everything, paired with a diverse and unusual list of biodynamic, organic and natural wines.

Bars and Breweries

For a drink with a view, Nærvær could be one of your best bets. Parked on the edge of a canal in the eclectic, centuries-old neighbourhood of Christianshavn, Nærvær looks out across the water and the port-side buildings that surround it. In warmer months, sit on the large patio outside as you sample wine from the bar’s extensive menu. Inside, Danish firm Norm Architects have fitted out the intimate space, blending industrialism with red walls, lush greenery and plenty of natural light.

Speaking of craft beer, no trip to Copenhagen is complete without a visit to one of Mikkeller’s outposts dotted around the city. The brewery, often referenced as putting Copenhagen on the global beer map, is renowned for its innovative flavours. A five-minute walk from Broaden & Build, situated on the waterfront and housed in an old shipbuilding complex, Mikkeller Baghaven is a relaxed spot that’s perfect for grabbing a beer and a snack or two from the bar menu while watching the sun go down over the city across the water.

Craft beer fans will be spoilt for choice at BRUS — a brewery, bar, restaurant and bottle shop all rolled into one in an airy former factory in Nørrebro. The company responsible for it all is To Øl, which has made a name for itself worldwide for its experimental flavours. Take a seat at the large timber bar and try one of their 33 craft beers and kegged cocktails on tap, or sit down in the casual restaurant where chef Christian Gadient whips up burgers, beef tartare, pork belly and fermented fries. In summer, take your IPA or White Russian outside, where tables and benches line up against the large industrial-style windows.