Copenhagen’s culinary scene is no stranger to the spotlight, but before restaurants like Noma and Geranium won international acclaim, locals feasted well on traditional Nordic food. So, what is the most quintessential Danish delicacy? Smørrebrød – the open-faced sandwich. Smørrebrød literally translates to buttered bread, and is a traditional lunch dish in Scandinavia, typically served on rye bread. From institutions that have been around for over a century, to popular newcomers entering the food scene with a splash, Copenhagen has quite a variety of smørrebrød to choose from. Here are our favorite smørrebrød restaurants in Denmark’s capital, showcasing the wide range of open-faced sandwiches, from traditional to modern. Make sure to warm up your singing voice – you might be inspired to sing a Danish drinking song after a few glasses of snaps.
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The Best Smørrebrød in Copenhagen
Schønnemann
Opened in 1877, Schønnemann is an institution in the Danish restaurant scene. They’ve been serving herring, beer, and brandy for almost 150 years. Traditions and good hospitality go hand in hand in this cellar restaurant – step down the stairs and step back in time. While it’s known for its classic offerings (try the herring!), they also offer some more modern dishes. One standout is the “Søren’s Special,” a tribute to a regular, featuring barbecued eel in beer sauce with scrambled eggs. It’s the perfect spot to introduce visitors to authentic Danish cuisine, with its friendly staff and cozy atmosphere exuding hygge. If you’re planning a classic Danish julefrokost (Christmas lunch), book early! Reservations tend to fill up for the holiday season around six months in advance.
SCHØNNEMANN Address & Contact Information Hauser Pl. 16, Copenhagen, Denmark Website Instagram Facebook
Møntergade
Led by sommelier Rasmus Amdi Larsen, restaurant manager Simon Olesen, and head chef Karina Pedersen, Møntergade serves up some of the city’s finest traditional Danish smørrebrød with a modern twist. Here, shrimp are stacked high atop toast, with dollops of mayonnaise, and sprinkles of green herbs and purple flowers. With shrimps as plump and sweet as these, few sandwich toppings rival this indulgence. The only true contender might be the deep-fried plaice (rødspætte), served on rye bread. The combination of the crunchy, juicy fish with the slightly spicy, sweet, and acidic curry remoulade is simply irresistible. For those craving more, don’t miss the indulgent puff pastry tartelette filled with stewed chicken and asparagus – though it’s certainly not a light option.
MØNTERGADE Address & Contact Information Møntergade 19, Copenhagen, Denmark Website Instagram Facebook
Selma
Swedish chef Magnus Pettersson has shaken up the Danish smørrebrød scene with his restaurant, Selma. Despite being non-Danish, his reinvention of Denmark’s beloved open-faced sandwich has earned Selma a top spot in many hearts, including ours. Each buttered slice of bread at Selma is a culinary work of art, boasting stunning, vibrant hues – from herring stained purple with blackcurrants, to the best shrimp smørrebrød we’ve ever tasted. Tiny shrimp are piled onto a brioche so buttery it eats almost like a cake, with pops of heat from jalapeño and bursts of lemon acidity. Selma also delights with rotating seasonal vegetable sandwiches; our favorite is the tomato smørrebrød, with ripe, pickled, and dehydrated tomatoes layered atop rye bread. The result is a sandwich so flavorful, it tastes like taking a bite out of summer. Pair your meal with craft beers, natural wine, or explore their extensive house-made snaps selection. (Take our advice and try the brown butter snaps!)
SELMA Address & Contact Information Rømersgade 20, Copenhagen, Denmark Website Instagram Facebook
Aamanns 1921
Founder Adam Aamann and executive chef and co-owner Max Surdu take the Danish open-faced sandwich to the next level with their modern creations. When Aamann first opened Aamann’s Deli & Take Away back in 2006, his goal was to revitalize the Danish smørrebrød. Aamann still honors some of the age-old traditions of curing, salting, and smoking fish, while infusing a bit of contemporary flair. Their aged herring dish, for instance, is soaked in elderflower brine and adorned with fried buckwheat, aged Danish cheese, and cheese crackers – a far cry from traditional pickled fish. Committed to sustainable practices, 60-90% of their food is certified organic across all their restaurants. The Aamanns smørrebrød empire now boasts four locations, including Aamanns 1921 in the city center, Aamanns Genbo in Carlsberg Byen, Aamanns Replik at The Royal Danish Playhouse, and even a location at the Copenhagen airport.
AAMANNS 1921 Address & Contact Information Niels Hemmingsens Gade 19-21, Copenhagen, Denmark Website Instagram Facebook
Palægade
In the heart of Copenhagen, you’ll find Palægade 2.0, a smørrebrød restaurant that rose from the ashes after a tragic fire in 2020. Palægade serves classic Danish open-faced sandwiches for lunch and a French-inspired menu in the evening. Palægade respects tradition while embracing innovation, honoring the classic Danish open-faced sandwiches while also showing how this heritage can evolve with top-notch culinary experience, quality ingredients, craftsmanship, and modern cooking methods. Part of the Formel B restaurant group, Palægade boasts Luckas Jensen as head chef, Gustav Vilholm leading the front of house, and Johan Henrik Kirketerp-Møller as restaurant manager and sommelier. With a dedicated pastry chef and a custom-made dessert trolley brimming with sweet treats, Palægade offers a delightful culinary experience from start to finish.
PALÆGADE Address & Contact Information Palægade 8, Copenhagen, Denmark Website Instagram Facebook
What’s your favorite smørrebrød in Copenhagen? Let us know in a comment below.