Image by David Brandt

Tugged along the canal behind the Parliament building, a hidden gem lies in a high basement. One of my favorite things to do is step down the couple of stairs to the restaurant. It’s like entering a time capsule.

Waiters in traditional Danish wait staff attire of white shirts and black vests embroidered with sponsored beer names run around serving Aquavit and open-faced sandwiches between red-clothed tables and an odd maritime theme. The walls are full of old sepia photos of sailboats and you have the random ore and Ships Wheel hanging from the ceiling. 

The food is traditional Danish lunch with open-faced sandwiches. You can find this all over Copenhagen, but at Kanal Cafeen they manage an excellent balance between tradition and ingredients. More modern interpretations exists (check the Schønnemanns article) but at Kanal Cafeen you’ll find an authentic honest version. You can of course get the whole range of classics, including my favorites Pickled Hering, Filet of Fish with remoulade sauce and Roast Pork with red cabbage. The wait staff are jovial and usually hung over from drinking too much Aquavit the day before. The manage to run a high service level regardless, but they might give you some good-hearted heat if ordering non-alcoholic beverages with your meal.

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Kanal Cafeen | Restaurants (Danish) | Sandwich from DKK 60.00
Frederiksholms Kanal 18 | Inner City | +4533115770
Mon – Fri 11:30 – 17:00, Sat 11:30 – 15:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Copenhagen

Image by Salon 39

Salon 39 is a cocktail bar and restaurant in the Frederiksberg neighborhood of Copenhagen. It is small place with an amazing ability to mix a few ingredients together to create outstanding flavors in both food and drinks. It started out as a cocktail bar founded by two Copenhagen friends, a Michelin-star trained chef and a trained bartender from Hotel Vier Jahrzeiten in Hamburg. They wanted to create a great cocktail-bar while serving a few simple dishes and snacks so people would stay around instead of leaving to go get food elsewhere.

Food is prepared with lots of love and great ingredients, cocktails are made with the best liquors imported from around the world; Pisco from Chile and Peru, Bourbon from small American distilleries and homemade infused vodka and cognacs. One of my favorite things to do is sit at the bar, let the bartender surprise me with new concoctions and listen to him chat with off-duty cocktail-bartenders from around Copenhagen who somehow always hang out at Salon 39. Don’t be surprised if the topic is something geeky, like how to make the perfect ice cube for shaking cocktails.

The décor is dark and somber. The soundtrack is vinyl jazz records. The main reason I love this place is their insane passion for making sure that both food and cocktails are the very best. Not the most fancy, but the very best.

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Salon 39 | Bars, Restaurants (Italian ) | Cocktails DKK 85.00
Vodroffsvej 39 | Frederiksberg | +4539208039
Wed – Thu 16:00 – 00:00, Fri – Sat 16:00 – 02:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Copenhagen

Image by David Brandt

On the Copenhagen cityblog, there is a number of places for Smørrebrød (the infamous open-face sandwiches, check out the Hansens Gamle Familiehave and Kanal Cafeen articles). Each of those are amongst my favorite spots. They each have their own personality, Hansens being kitsch and classy and Kanal Cafeen being old and traditional. But my top favorite is Schønnemanns.

Schønnemanns is a fairly new player on the scene. Well, actually Schønnemanns has been operating since 1877! but it was only after new owners in 2007 that it entered the big leagues.

Schønnemanns is – without a doubt – the best place in town for smørrebrød. The menu is rather large and provides both authentic classics as well as new interpretations. But common for all is high quality, great flavor and the fantastic use of ingredients. Everything is of course home made. Smørrebrød is served with the largest selection of Aquavit I’ve ever seen. Schønnemanns has more than 70 kinds sourced from all of Scandinavia and The Netherlands as well as a few homemade varieties.

My only problem with Schønnemanns is that it is so popular. It is almost impossible to get a table on short notice, so make sure to book in advance.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Schønnemanns | Restaurants (Smørrebrød) | Smørrebrød from DKK 70.00
Hauser Plads 16 | Inner City | +4533120785
Mon – Sat 11:30 – 17:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Copenhagen

Image by David Brandt

Gourmandiet is small butcher shop on a quiet side street in Østerbro. A delicious little shop with only the best quality butcher goods. Apart from some of the best beef and pork in Denmark the shop also sells sausages, pates and other butcher goods.

While their butcher products are great and worth a visit, the real attraction is what happens at night after butcher-shops normally close. The owners thought that it was a shame to have such a nice room just sitting around, so they started opening their doors Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

A few tables has been setup around the shop and a chef and a waiter has been hired. At night they serve a simple menu of with a lone starter (a plate of Danish salamis, cured ham and other cold cuts), a selection of different cuts of beef with todays garnish and finally a single dessert (usually something delicious with Danish apples).

The décor is simple but with a few nice details: The chairs are lined with sheepskins and the wall is full of shelves with various delicacies.

Gourmandiet serves fantastic Danish meat in a very homely atmosphere. There is only a handful of tables so reservations are essential, but it ensures a very personal dining experience facilitated by the very attentive staff.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Gourmandiet | Shopping, Snacks, Restaurants (Meat) | Steak DKK 250.00
Rosenvængets Allé 7A | Østerbro | +4539271000
Shop Mon – Fri 11:00 – 18:00, Sat 10:00 – 15:00 | Restaurant Thu – Sat 17:30 – 00:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Copenhagen

Image by David Brandt

Most people think that the name MASH is a throwback to the old 70s TV series about an army hospital. It’s not, instead it is an abbreviation of Modern American Steak House. And that is exactly what MASH is.

A group of highly acclaimed Danish restaurateurs has gotten together and created the definitive interpretation of a steak house in Copenhagen. There is no doubt that this is the place to go for steak! The décor is red and velvety, the staff professional and courteous and the meat is outstanding.

MASH have chosen to carry both American hormone-free beef from Nebraska and Danish beef dry aged for 90 days. Both are excellent although surprisingly different. Actually, the only regret I have about MASH is that you can’t mix and match the different types. I would love to get a serving with similar cuts from the different live stock and taste the difference.

To top that off, MASH serves a selection of starters (Lobster, Foie Gras terrine, Cesar Salad etc) and a great choice of classic American side dishes (e.g. Macaroni & Cheese, Mashed potatoes, Green Beans).

Of course MASH has a great wine list, but not to be neglected is the great bar by the entrance. It serves fab cocktails and a house brand beer. The signature Margarita is one of my favorites.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
MASH | Restaurants (American) | Steak DKK 285
Bredgade 20 | Inner City | +4533139300
Mon – Wed 12:00 – 15:00 & 17:30 – 22:00, Thu – Sat 13:30 – 23:00, Sun 17:30 – 22:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Copenhagen

Image by David Brandt

In a residential part of Frederiksberg, right next to Frederiksberg Hospital, lies a small and unseemly take-out shop. Fortunately I’m lucky enough to live within biking distance as this is the only place in Copenhagen where you can get real American BBQ food!

The shop serves up a traditional BBQ menu with a simple range of smoked foods. The main number is of course the Texas-style baby-back Ribs, but you can also get chicken wings, beef and pulled pork sandwiches. Everything can of course be supplemented with side orders such as Macaroni & cheese and Smokehouse Beans. It doesn’t get more authentic than that!

Prices are low and the owners and staff are American expats so the authenticity is complete. Be prepared to order in American English! If BBQ is not your thing, the BBQ Shack has a Taco Shop sibling (same owners) right next door serving tacos and burritos. I always end up buying from both places if my friends can’t decide what they want.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
The BBQ Shack | Snacks, Restaurants (BBQ) | Meal DKK 85.00
Nyelandsvej 65 | Frederiksberg | +4538199295
Wed – Sun 16:00 – 22:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Copenhagen

Image by Mayra Lemos

When I first came to Copenhagen, I wanted to go to as many cafes as possible. I think it’s great to go to a place that is not really a restaurant, but instead is a place where you almost feel like at home! Going to cafes is one of my favorite things to do in Copenhagen, that’s why you will find so many choices of cafes in my articles.

One of them is definitely Bjørg’s. It’s very well located, right off Rådhuspladsen (City hall square), and it is a great choice if a sudden appetite comes along when buzzing around downtown. It’s a good pick if just for a coffee or a bite to eat.

I’ve been there for drinks, dinner, lunch or brunch! (yeah, I go there a lot!) and loved it every time. I always try to sit by the windows and get a view of the busy street outside. My favorites dishes are their chicken curry and wraps, it’s really good! The staff are always smiling and very nice, and they make delicious drinks.

The place it’s not super big, but really enough to feel at home. The red color invites you even more, and give this warmth feeling that suits different states of mind. I would highly recommend this Cafe to anyone, from a tourist friend to a local mate (if they haven’t been there yet).

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Cafe Bjørg’s | Bars, Restaurants (Cafe food) | Nachos supreme DKK 89.00
Vester Voldgade, 19 | Inner City | +4533145320
Mon – Wed 09:00 – 00:00, Thu 09:00 – 01:00, Fri 09:00 – 02:00, Sat 10:00 – 02:00, Sun 10:00 – 00:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Copenhagen

Image by Mayra Lemos

When you come for a quick visit to Copenhagen, you probably stick to the downtown area and its surroundings. But if you deviate a bit towards Østerbro, you will not regret it. You’ll find a lot, from great restaurants and cafes, to a classy shopping street (Østerbrogade).

Talking about cafes (one of my favorites things in the city), Bopa couldn’t be left off my list! I’ve held one of my birthday celebrations there and it was a great party. Not only because they treated me so well, but also because we were served super good food and the night was a success.

This french inspired cafe is located on a cute square and offers more than just really good cafe food. Perfect brunch, live music and great DJs on weekends (see who is playing in the current month here). In the summer, their terrace is packed with people and you can enjoy their grilled meals (from the inner-yard).

I do recommend going around the area and finding out why Østerbro is one of the cutest neighborhoods in Copenhagen. While there, have a bite or a drink in Cafe Bopa, you will like it! Especially because you can get two for one: a cosy dinner and a night out, all in the same place! After 23:00, the cafe turns into a night club, how great is that?

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Cafe Bopa | Bars, Music, Restaurants (Cafe food) | Brunch DKK 109.00
Løgstørgade 8 | Østerbro | +4535430566
Mon – Wed 09:00 – 00:00, Thu 09:00 – 02:00, Fri 09:00 – 05:00, Sat 10:00 – 05:00, Sun 10:00 – 00:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Copenhagen

Image by Mayra Lemos

Not long ago I discovered Cafe Tjili Pop and I have to say, it was such a great find! From the outside you may think: where am I going into? But once you are there, you forget about the image of the outside. It’s such a cozy and warm place, that you really feel like spending some hours just chillin’ there!

As I went in, I started looking for a table, but before picking the first one I saw, I decided to look around. Seriously, I was so surprised! You will find some cozy tables and benches in one corner, and then you go through a hallway and find yourself in another room with more tables in different shapes and sizes. So cool!

After sitting down, go to the counter and order what you want. I recommend some of the delicious sandwiches they make (the goat cheese one was super good). Their kitchen is really small, but they make food with pleasure and you actually see the effort they put in by the presentation of the plates.

The music was great and there was even a fellow neighbor singing along very loud next to us – at least he had a good voice . The whole atmosphere was just right for a Sunday brunch time! But any mood you’re in, this place will be a right fit!

The title says it all, in danish “hygge” means something very cozy, so… Enjoy the Cafe and the neighborhood, Nørrebro, you will not regret it!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Cafe Tjili Pop | Coffee & tea, Relaxing, Restaurants | Warm sandwich DKK 69.00
Rantzausgade 28 | Nørrebro | +4535359020
Sun – Tue 10:00 – 00:00, Wed 10:00 – 01:00, Thu 10:00 – 02:00, Fri – Sat 10:00 – 03:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Copenhagen

Image by Mayra Lemos

The Meatpacking District of Copenhagen, Kødbyen, is no different from many others alike in cosmopolitan cities of Europe, filled with different options for night life, culture, galleries and interesting places. That’s one of the reasons why I chose to write about another great place in this area. Mother, a very modern and hip pizzeria that opened not long time ago. (Check also the Patépaté article).

The pizzeria is an excellent place to start the night or grab a quick bit to eat, if that’s what you want. First, they are located in the “right” spot. Second, they offer great pizzas, made with a sourdough in an authentic wood fired oven. Their Italian chef, David Biffan, explained to Aok.dk website: “Pizza made with sourdough gives a very intense flavor and it’s easier to digest. You’ll be satisfied and ready to dance in half an hour”.

All true. I was there with a friend and very much enjoyed an Italian beer, some amazing bruschetta and delicious pizza. I had the perfect amount of food and drinks, all with a very affordable price.

When you go there, it seems like the place itself invites you for a nice dinner. Red and warm lamps, candles, comfortable tables, chilled music, beautiful people, nice and international staff and a great atmosphere. Perfect combination of things for a promising night out!

Start with a good dinner and continue to endlessly opportunities for fun. Mother is definitely on top of the list for Kødbyen’s restaurants!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Mother | Restaurants (Italian) | Margherita pizza DKK 85.00
Høkerboderne 9-15 | Vesterbro | +4522275898
Sun – Wed 11:00 – 23:00, Thu – Sat 11:00 – 01:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Copenhagen