Tips & tricks to Copenhagen by Emilie
ARENSBAK™ Tips & Tricks to Copenhagen.
With Emilie Øst-Jakobsen
Intro: What fascinates you about Copenhagen?
I’ve lived in Copenhagen since 2009, and somehow the city still keeps me curious.I love how it’s always changing and new places keep popping up, new people, new energy, but it still feels calm and familiar. The food and wine scene is a big part of why I’ve stayed; there’s always something good around the corner.I feel safe here. Free. Like I can just be. It’s not perfect for everybody, but for me it is, and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
Alright, let's go Emilie! Can you drop some awesome recommendations for Copenhagen?
1. Casual dinner spot
Restaurant Calma
Top service, vibe and great energy mixed with extremely well prepared classique (but modern) Italian and Nordic food - the best way to enjoy an evening. With some of the top sommeliers and floor managers in Copenhagen running Front of House and best Chefs behind, you will not regret spending your evening here. They change the menu according to the season, but I always order their Spaghettoni or Ravioli.
2. Favorite fine dining experience in Copenhagen
Kong Hans Kælder
This 2 star Michelin Restaurant impresses me by striking the perfect balance between classic and contemporary, both in its cuisine and its atmosphere. The restaurant delivers uncompromising french gastronomy with quiet precision and calm confidence, all set in a space that breathes history and understated luxury. Every detail, from the wine pairings to the service rituals, speaks of a place that doesn’t try to impress, it simply does. I love the ambiance and therefore the people behind. The service especially impresses me. I would never go to Kong Hans Kælder without ordering their cheese trolley or a course with Danish Black Lobster (if in season).
3. Best lunch spot?
Restaurant Møntergade
This restaurant takes the traditional Danish lunch to a refined and flavorful level with beautifully crafted smørrebrød. Their herring selection stands out and I can’t recommend it enough to try it out. The atmosphere is relaxed, set in charming historic surroundings that add depth to the experience. It’s where Danish lunch culture is reimagined with care, without losing its soul.
4. Best coffee spot in the Copenhagen
Prolog
Definitely “Prolog” .It’s a place where craftsmanship, nerds and character come together. Each cup is brewed with care, the atmosphere is effortlessly cool without being pretentious, and the team genuinely loves what they do. I order filter coffee if I have the time to stand in line, wait for the coffee to be brewed (they take their time for each coffee), sit down and enjoy it. In the morning I love a good espresso with a bit of creamy hot milk (not too hot) in the morning though.
5. Favorite neighborhood for eating out
Vesterbro
If you want to experience the pulse of Copenhagen’s food scene, head to Vesterbro. Here are some of my favorites:
- Fermentoren - super nice selection of craft beers and cosy vibe.
- Slurp - Rich Ramen
- Oysters and bubbles at Kødbyens Fiskebar.
- Kihoskh - a super trendy cafe and kiosk where you can buy good coffee, fun wines, Proxies or an interesting beer from their enormous selection in the cellar, all to bring along in the sun!
- Ancestrale - Organic, biodynamic or natural wine bar, and great food!
- Cocktails at Lidkoeb or Curfew
Vesterbro got it all. I just love the vibe and energy at Vesterbro. Especially doing the summer where everybody sits outside with their wine, craft beer or proxies on the streets, often with live music at every corner.
6. Best non-alc stores in town
DeliDrop Foodlab in Torvehallerne
Love their fun selection of No/low and other cool beverages.
NoLo Collective – Copenhagen’s first alcohol-free bottle shop (April 2025) The shop feels more like a passionate tasting room than a traditional bottle shop, and the team behind the counter actually wants to talk with you about what you’re drinking. When I am looking for non-alc options that go way beyond supermarket basics, NoLo Collective is my new go-to.
7. Favorite fast food or late-night bite
Hija de Sánchez – Tacos
At Hija de Sánchez, you get real-deal Mexican street food made with care. The tortillas are handmade, the fillings full of flavour, and everything tastes fresh and bold. It’s quick, casual, and packed with personality.
La Boca – Empanadas
Right in the heart of Torvehallerne, La Boca draws you in with the smell of freshly baked empanadas. These golden, hand-folded pastries are packed with juicy meats, spiced veggies, or slow-cooked lentils – always flavourful, always crisp. It’s honest, comforting Argentinian street food. Every time I am near La Boca, I just have to have an Empanada, or 3!
Gasoline Grill – burgers done right
Gasoline Grill keeps it simple – and that’s what makes it great. Juicy organic patties, soft potato buns, melted cheese, and just the right amount of crunch. Every burger