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

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

‘Welcome to Café Lyst – where the sun is always shining’ it says on the wall when you enter the café.

Despite the fact that it’s located in a basement and it looks at bit dark, it is surprisingly bright once you’re inside. Lyst is friendly and super cosy, and the food is quite good.  You can meet young mothers sipping latte and showing off their babies, hipsters with hangovers, budding musicians and all the rest of us just out for a bite or a coffee.

Lyst is located on an open and sunny corner, so when weather permits it I’ll take my coffee outside. You’ll have to share your table because the outdoor seating consists of benches along tables, so don’t be shy.

Many of the dishes are served with ecological rugbrød (rye bread). If you never had Danish rye bread before then be aware that it is quite different from ordinary wholemeal bread.

From the snack menu I highly recommend the rugbrød with humus, tapenade and pesto: it’s really good!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Café Lyst | Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Intern.) | Snacks DKK 25
Jægersborggade 56 | Nørrebro
Mon – Thu 07:30 – 23:00, Fri 07:30 – 01:00, Sat 10:00 – 01:00, Sun 10:00 – 20:00

I know I write a lot about food, but simply can’t help myself but write about another great place for breakfast. Every place serving brunch in this city always offers pancakes -seriously, I haven’t yet found a single brunch without them -but when it comes to choosing the absolutely best pancakes in the city, café Kalaset is the true winner.

How they manage to make the pancakes high but not too fluffy, filling but still saving some space for a slice or two of their homemade bread amazes me. My favorite is the ones with thick chocolate sauce and banana slices on top, though the Blueberry -ones with maple syrup are a tough competitor. To accompany this food from heaven I like to order “Oslo mad” – a plate with white and rye bread with butter and cheese plus a cup of their good coffee. They also offer bigger meals, for example I’ve heard their burger rocks.

Kalaset is situated in the very middle of the city; around 5min walk from Nørreport -station. Though situated in a basement (as huge part of the Copenhagen -restaurants), they have a very cozy atmosphere: retro tables and chairs, beautiful old radios on the wall and a wooden bar desk in the middle of the place.

But if you want to eat here (especially on a weekends) and arrive after 11:00 you’re already late! The place is extremely popular amongst the locals of the area, and the sporty Copenhageners don’t seem to sleep in on weekends…

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Kalaset | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants | Pancakes DKK 54
Vendersgade 16 | Inner City | +4533330035
Mon – Thu 10:00 – 00:00, Fri – Sat 10:00 – 02:00, Sun 10:00 – 23:00

Three words: absolutely gorgeous sushi! Green sushi’s concept is to offer its customers good sushi made out of as ecological and pure ingredients as possible: Norwegian ecological salmon and Friends of the sea – certified tuna, and they are keeping an eye on having as little additives in the ingredients as possible.

With every rice- including dish one has a choice between white and brown rice. They also offer a variety of organic and biodynamic drinks (delish!) and Japanese beer. My ultimate favorite here is the Alaska Inside out Maki’s, with that gorgeous eco-salmon and fresh avocado. Top that with some Spicy Ebi (with shrimp, cucumber and spicy sauce) and my favorite snacks, steamed Edamame -soybeans with sea salt and lemon. I could have dinner here every day!

In the very beautiful street of Grønnegade, Inner city, they have a small, cute restaurant and a takeout-shop and another takeout on the cool and urban Nørrebro -area’s street Jægersborggade. Go green, taste Japan!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Green Sushi | Snacks, Restaurants (Sushi) | 11pcs Basic menu DKK 109
Grønnegade 28 | Inner City | +4533118899
Mon – Sat 11:00 – 22:00, Sun 16:00 – 22:00

This place’s name says it all – it serves as a place to exhibit new contemporary art and houses a nice restaurant and probably some of the city’s best weekend parties.  So said, they seem to offer it all to the hip and urban Copenhageners.

Karriere is situated in the up-and-coming area of Kødbyen in Vesterbro, just a few minutes’ walk from the main railway station. The art is included to the décor -for example, the latest, different kind of lights created by six different artists are in use to create this funky atmosphere. Even the bar is a work of art, with all the mirrors and lights, and they promise that the mirrors in the bathrooms show more than just the viewer.

As a bar and a restaurant they, as many other Copenhagen’s restaurants, try to have their ingredients as ecological as possible. They also make a big part of their juices, marmalades and such themselves. And as a place to party: always a great idea! On Fridays and Saturdays they have a live DJ playing and the atmosphere is guaranteed to be up in the roof. Even though it seems to be a trend to go out in this city after 23:00 or even later, it’s a good idea to be here in time to secure minimum time standing in the line to get in.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Karriere | Art & culture, Bars, Restaurants (European) | Cocktail DKK 95
flæsketorvet 57-67 | Vesterbro | +4533215509
Thu – Sat 18:00 – 22:00 | Bar Fri – Sat until 04:00

Let’s say you are in the center of the city and maybe don’t know what to do? A good choice is walking towards the back of the main train station and find kødbyen (meat town). There you have various options for food and fun. But one of the coolest places, that gathers both good food an atmosphere, is PatéPaté.

This place is cozy, elegant, with very helpful and nice staff, amazing wine, cava and beer menu (I tried a Californian beer that was just amazing). They have lots of tables but when I went it was pretty full, so make a reservation if you want to eat. You can also go just for drinks, but if they don’t have tables available or it’s dinner time, you might have to wait for a little while. But don’t worry, the serving bar is pretty big, so you can sit down and enjoy a glass of wine while you wait.

I didn’t try the food, I have to admit it, but I did look around and all seemed absolutely delicious, so did the options in their menu. It’s inspired by Spanish, French and Moroccan food, great combination of flavors! I love restaurants with open kitchens, and this one has a big one, so go and have a peak into the kitchen action!

Remember to ask for some advice on the wine, if you are unsure. They know all about it and all their tips were spot on!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
PatéPaté | Bars, Restaurants (Mediterranean) | Glass of cava DKK 50.00
Slagterboderne 1 | Vesterbro | +4539695557
Mon – Wed 08:00 – 00:00, Thu 08:00 – 01:00, Fri 08:00 – 03:00, Sat 10:00 – 03:00, Sun 10:00 – 00:00

It seems redundant to talk about yet another great place in Christiania… But here it goes! It’s known that the area has endless choices to suit its eclectic mix (to name a few: punks rockers, fashionistas, organic food lovers, disco and electronic music goers to bikers, tourists, and families, etc). But what about food?

When it comes to food, the restaurant Spiseloppen is by far one of my favorite places in the Danish “Freetown”. It’s located between the two main entrances of Christiania, right on top of the club Loppen, see map here. As you make your way up the stairs, you may think: where am I? You see black painted walls, maybe hear some punk music coming from the club below… but keep going, it’s worth it.

As soon as you open the door, you are welcomed by a very cosy atmosphere, even though it’s a huge restaurant. They have candles everywhere and a big, well-kept kitchen that you pass by just as you come in. And the food served there is simply amazing. Their menu is seasonal and is changed daily (every time you go there, there’s something new and attractive for you to try!).

The staff are international, with maybe 16 different nationalities working together. There’s every chance you could be served in your own language, as it has happened with me! And you can see the cultural blending in the food as well, which I believe works very well. A good mixture is always welcome!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Spiseloppen | Restaurants | Main course DKK 150.00
Sydområdet 2. Sal | Christianshavn | +4532579558
Tue – Sun 17:00 – 22:00

Let’s say you are in Christianshavn’s area and you are hungry and want something quick, organic and cheap. Well, the best place I know is Organic Corner, a little place with some of the best sandwiches I tried in Copenhagen.

They have options for all kinds of taste. I am vegetarian and their falafel sandwich is simply the best. I also tried all the other vegetarian options and they were all a very good surprise! The staff are very friendly and they are always smiling or willing to talk, if that is what you want! You should also try their hot plates, great spices and large portions, and/or their salad options.

You can take away or eat in, up to you. Since it’s a small place, if you are lucky, you will be able to sit in their cozy corner, with a couch and a table, or outside, if the weather let’s you!

The restaurant uses 30% to 60% organic products, which in my opinion is better than nothing!

Just stroll down from Christianshavn to Organic Corner (right in the beginning of Amagerbrogade). There are many things to see in this walk, from lakes to old churches. Also many interesting shops to look at. Nice views and certainly very nice food!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Organic Corner | Relaxing, Restaurants (Organic) | Falafel sandwich DKK 45.00
Amagerbrogade 13 | Amager
Mon – Sat 11:00 – 21:00, Sun 12:00 – 21:00

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