Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
Scandinavian salt-and-sugar cured raw salmon, flavoured with dill and white pepper, sliced thin and served with mustard-dill sauce on rye bread. A Christmas table staple turned year-round smørrebrød classic.
Gravad laks (literally 'buried salmon') is the medieval Scandinavian preservation technique of curing salmon under salt and sugar in the ground, with the modern Danish version dating to the 19th century when sugar became widely available. The Christmas julefrokost table without gravlax is incomplete in Denmark. Schønnemann and Aamanns 1921 plate the canonical smørrebrød with mustard-dill sauce; Torvehallerne fishmongers cure their own daily.
4 editor picks for Gravad laks in Copenhagen, ranked by editorial score. All Copenhagen signature dishes · Gravad laks across every city.
Also in: Stockholm.
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.
Torvehallerne's fishmonger row on Frederiksborggade pulls Limfjord oysters, hot-smoked salmon, marinated herring and seasonal North Sea catch to a standing.
OrderLimfjord oysters, smoked salmon, herring
TipOrder a dozen oysters and a glass of Muscadet from the wine bar two stalls over. Sunday only midday opening.
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.
Gravad laks 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...
