Tasting Copenhagen: Curated Picks by Aleks
What do you like about living in Copenhagen?
I absolutely love living in Copenhagen! For the past 10 years I have been living in the outer part of Østerbro, which for me is perfect. Always close to the city centre, a short bike ride from Nørrebro and Vesterbro, but still with the possibility of a calm and family friendly atmosphere, being close to parks and a short trip by car to the forest. All in all I simply love my life in Østerbro with my beautiful family.
1. Casual dinner spot
Ripotot
When I am in the mood for a casual dinner, whereI don’t necessarily have to put on my finest dinner attire, I head to Ripotot in central Copenhagen. A restaurant with a Parisian vibe, solid wines and some of the best service in Town. I always feel at home, and the food inspired by French cuisine hit the comfort-food-spot dead on.
2. Favorite fine dining experience in Copenhagen
Sushi Anaba
In my eyes there is one spot above them all, where the space, quality of the produce, hospitality, and overall wow-factor makes every visit something truly special. Sushi Anaba, is an omakasse style sushi restaurant located in Nordhavn, run by Sensei Mads Battefeld, who has dedicated his professional life to mastering the sushi craft. The food is beautifullypaired with selected wines, and everything is presented at the intimate counterseat, where Mads and his partner works moves with absolute precision and elegance to whip out one banger after another. Absolutely spectacular!
Sushi Anaba, Mariehamngade 23, 2150 Nordhavn
3. Best lunch spot?
Le Saint Jacques
Located not far from where me and my family lives is Le Saint Jacques, which has Claus Skjærbæk on the head stove. The foodis unpretentious, without any unnecessary herbs, but still absolute class.Combine the awesome French plates from the kitchen with a wine-lovers winelist,and you have a true winner for lunch. Add to that a extremely fair price point.
Le Saint Jacques, Sankt Jakobs Pl. 1, 2100 København Ø
4. Where do you go for coffee?
Prolog
The honest answer is that I don’t really drink a lot of coffee out in town, but whenever I want to treat myself to a solid cup, Prolog Coffee is the place to go, full stop!
5. Favorite neighborhood for eating out
Nørrebro
Nørrebro has by far the most diverse food scene in Copenhagen. From the classic French inspired food at Silberbauers Bistro, to the more modern places like Safari and Omar. It is never hard to find good food at Nørrebro, and the cultural diversity in the neighbourhood, has ensured that you pallet is never bored. A personal favourite at Nørrebro would be Calma, I don’t know what it is, but my god they GOT IT!
6. Best non-alc stores in town
Sønder Boulevard at Vesterbro is a great spot when the sun pops out in Copenhagen. Close to the meatpacking district Volatil
Vinhandel offers a great selection of well-made non-alcoholic products. Borrow a couple of glasses from the shop and grab a seat in the sun with something refreshing.
7. Favorite fast food or late-night bite
Camour Siesta in the Meatpacking District makes the best fried chicken burger I town, full stop! When it comes to fast food, a fried chicken burger always hits the spot for me. There is simply something extremely satisfying about biting into something crispy, juicy and spicy, when you feel the munchies. I’m very much into the chicken burger, but they also offer a more classic burger made from Iberico pork and one made from Danish cod, both sublime!
Camour Siesta - Høkerboderne 16b 1712 København V
8. Any food markets, pop-ups or events to recommend?
Torvehallerne, a true cliché and no doubt crowded with tourists, but that aside it is still a great place to hang. It really doesn’t matter if you feel like a small bite to eat, just want to go shopping for high quality produce, or if you are looking for something to drink while soaking up the sun on Israels Plads. Personally, I always go for a bottle of non-alc or wine from the bottleshop and a confit canard baguette from Ma Poule.
9. What would you show a friend visiting Copenhagen for the first time?
When friends from other parts of the globe have visited me before, I always take them on a small Camino-like gastro-walk of central Copenhagen where many of my close friends own restaurants. A short trip with the Metro to Marmorkirken, and then a walk down Store Kongensgade. Pitstop at Ripotot for a small bite (preferably their Iberico schnitzel toast), then on to Aperó at Gammel Mønt, Møntergade across the street for a taste of Smørebrød, and finally a walk through Kongens Have. The city centre has an unjust reputation as a touristy and crowded part of Copenhagen, but if you know yourspots, it the perfect blend of a beautiful scenery and delicious bites!
About:
Aleks Magnus Frifelt Møller has spent over a decade in the Copenhagen restaurant industry. His journey into food and wine began at Nimb Hotel. He later joined Restaurant AOC, a two-star Michelin establishment, where he trained as a waiter and sommelier. Since then, he has gained experience across various restaurants, spanning both fine dining and casual concepts. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in food science and technology at Copenhagen University focus on fermentation and microbiology. At ARENSBAK™ he works with research and development, product innovation, and advocating for the world of non-alcoholic beverages.
Aleks is a self-described “flexi-drinker" - he loves wines from Jura and Burgundy but equally enjoys mixing it up with a great proxy wines and other fermented beverages.