Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
Smørrebrød is Denmark's open-faced rye sandwich: dense buttered rugbrød topped with marinated herring, leverpostej, roast beef or pickled fish, finished with dill and crisp onion.
Smørrebrød grew out of 19th-century working lunches in Copenhagen and was codified as a restaurant dish at Schønnemann from 1877 and Davidsen from 1888. Modern editorial-quality versions arrived in the 1980s and 1990s with restaurants like Ida Davidsen on Store Kongensgade; the 2010s renaissance was led by Adam Aamann at Aamanns 1921 and Magnus Pettersson at Selma, who pulled the form into the Bib Gourmand category.
4 editor picks for Smørrebrød in Copenhagen, ranked by editorial score. All Copenhagen signature dishes · Smørrebrød 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.
Selma on Rømersgade in Copenhagen holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand for chef Magnus Pettersson's modern smørrebrød at lunch and an evening tasting menu.
OrderThe five-piece smørrebrød lunch plus the seasonal kale and mussel dish from the evening menu.
TipLunch books out a week ahead. Dinner is a multi-course tasting; reserve via the website only.
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.
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