Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
Frikadeller are flat Danish pork meatballs, pan-fried in butter and served with red cabbage, brown gravy and boiled potatoes. The everyday Danish dinner across every generation.
Frikadeller appeared in Danish home cooking by the late 18th century, with the modern restaurant version stabilising at Copenhagen's smørrebrød-adjacent kitchens through the 1900s. The dish travels well as a smørrebrød topping (cold frikadeller on rye with pickled red cabbage) and as a hot main with potatoes and gravy.
4 editor picks for Frikadeller in Copenhagen, ranked by editorial score. All Copenhagen signature dishes · Frikadeller across every city.
Schønnemann on Hauser Plads in Copenhagen has served smørrebrød since 1877, with house-baked rye, a 140-bottle snaps cabinet and lunch-only service.
OrderMarinated herring with raw onion, capers and rye, plus a glass of cold akvavit.
TipLunch only, closed Sunday and books a week ahead. Walk in at 14:30 for the best chance of a counter seat.
Aamanns 1921 on Niels Hemmingsens Gade in Copenhagen serves Adam Aamann's modern smørrebrød at lunch and a Nordic dinner menu, with a silver organic dining.
OrderThe lunch tasting of four smørrebrød with a glass of snaps and a beer chaser.
TipOpen seven days for lunch and dinner; dinner books on the website. Closed Sunday evening from October.
Restaurant Sankt Annæ on Sankt Annæ Plads in Copenhagen has served traditional smørrebrød since 1894, a short walk from the Royal Palace with tree-lined.
OrderThe stjerneskud (shooting star) with fried plaice and salmon, plus a glass of akvavit.
TipTuesday to Saturday lunch only, 11:00-16:00. Walk-ins likely after 14:00.
Café Wilder on Wildersgade in Christianshavn is one of the oldest bistro rooms in the area, opened 1984, with a French-Italian menu and a corner-room canal.
OrderThe steak frites or the mussels in white wine; the kitchen has run the same plates for decades.
TipOpen daily for lunch and dinner; reservations via the website are the safer route on a Saturday.
Frikadeller makes more sense with someone from Copenhagen explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Guided tour · 4 hours
Join the original, locally-founded food tour. Savour 8 tastings, many exclusive to this tour, including Michelin-standard cheese & royal treats. Explore historic Copen...
Guided tour · 3 hours
Taste your way through Copenhagen’s vibrant streets, from lively markets to hidden cafés, indulging in sweet treats, local favourites, and stories that make the city d...
Guided tour · 4 hours
Join a local guide on a food tour of Copenhagen and discover the city's culinary treasures. Sample 8 Danish delicacies, including smørrebrød and pastries, and learn ab...
