The 5 best places for smørrebrød in Copenhagen

Smørrebrød is to Danes what Wiener schnitzel is to Austrians and meatballs are to Swedes. In this guide, we’ve curated a selection of restaurants that set the bar high—not just regarding what’s on the plate, but also concerning ambiance and service. Travel back in time to savor nostalgic flavor combinations, or discover contemporary twists on this Danish classic.

Oh, and don’t forget to honor tradition with a glass of aquavit alongside your smørrebrød! After all, when in Copenhagen... j

Selma

A contemporary take on the classic smørrebrød—under the direction of a Swede? Yes, you read that right! Run by chef Magnus Petterson, Selma, offers some of the most beautifully crafted edible works of art—just as delicious as they are visually stunning. Here, creativity roams free while still honoring Danish traditions, with each masterpiece served on traditional rye bread. Nothing too wild, in other words.

As part of the Mikkeller family, Selma also serves an excellent selection of beers. But when it comes to drinks, don’t miss their browned butter aquavit—a perfect pairing for your world-class smørrebrød. It’s a Danish tradition, after all. Well, maybe not the browned butter part—that’s just another stroke of Selma’s genius, which has rightfully earned them a coveted Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide.

Rømersgade 20
1362 Copenhagen

Restaurant Schønnemann

One of Copenhagen’s oldest lunch establishments, this historic gem first opened about 150 years ago and has changed hands many times. Since 2007, it's been run by Juliette and Thomas Gaarn Rasmussen, whose ambition is to preserve the restaurant’s rich heritage while keeping it vibrant and welcoming.

The incredibly cozy and inviting setting makes it easy to enjoy scrumptious, decadent Danish smørrebrød, which lean towards classic flavor combinations—embracing tradition while also allowing for modern twists. The menu offers a variety of options featuring fish, shellfish, meat, seasonal ingredients, and more.

Pair your meal with an ice-cold beer and a glass of snaps or aquavit sourced from Denmark, Sweden, or Norway—each served generously, filled to the brim. With 140 different options to choose from, the only question is: which one? This iconic smørrebrød restaurant is an absolute must-visit in Copenhagen!

Hauser Plads 16
1127 Copenhagen

Aamanns 1921

At the Aamanns 1921, chef Adam Aamann and his team take a modern approach to the classic smørrebrød while staying true to tradition—something they have consistently championed since opening in 2017. By using organic, high-quality seasonal ingredients with a dash of creativity, this restaurant has become a beloved gem among both locals and visitors seeking a gourmet smørrebrød experience. Their dedication has even earned them a recommendation in the Michelin Guide.

The restaurant’s lively and bustling atmosphere is complemented by its elegant interior, beautifully plated dishes, and attentive service. With a strong focus on sustainability—using between 60% and 90% organic ingredients—Aamanns 1921 not only plays a key role in the culinary evolution of smørrebrød but also sets an important example for environmental responsibility.

Niels Hemmingsens Gade 19-21
1153 Copenhagen

Palægade

Located on the historic street, Palægade, the restaurant of the same name has been serving outstanding smørrebrød since 2016—so exceptional, in fact, that it has earned a recommendation in the Michelin Guide.  During lunch hours, smørrebrød takes center stage, with more than 20 options to choose from. In the evening, the menu expands to include a wider variety of dishes, incorporating elements of French cuisine.

After an unfortunate fire in 2020, the restaurant underwent renovation and redecoration. But since reopening in 2021, Palægade is as stunning as the enticing dishes it serves. One standout recommendation is the smørrebrød with red pickled herring, dark berries, crème fraîche, and onion.

Palægade 8
1261 Copenhagen

Bjørnekælderen

Eating at Bjørnekælderen (“The Bear’s Basement”) in the trendy Frederiksberg district. is an experience: You start by descending into an old basement, and saying hello to Ulla—a stuffed bear greeting you at the entrance—before indulging in to expertly crafted smørrebrød.

In 2022, Bjørnekælderen was awarded a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide for its outstanding cuisine, and it remains a beloved spot among locals. During lunch, you can choose from a small but carefully curated selection of smørrebrød or let head chef Mads Dalsborg and his team guide you on a culinary journey with three of their favorite picks.

One thing is certain—you’ll bearly be able to resist returning for more, whether it be their delectable smørrebrød, or their other menu offerings, where French cuisine meets Nordic ingredients with an Asian twist.

Bjørnekælderen also hosts various events throughout the year, from crayfish parties to harvest festivals, making it a lively and ever-evolving dining destination.

Frederiksberg Allé 55
1820 Copenhagen

Still hungry? Here's one last tip for smørrebrød in Copenhagen.

Barr

While Barr may not be the most traditional smørrebrød restaurant, it is certainly one of the most ambitious. Housed in the former Noma building, it continues its predecessor's spirit of culinary excellence, overseen by chef and owner Thorsten Schmidt and his team.

During lunch—and only during lunch—Barr offers a selection of beautifully crafted smørrebrød alongside other visually stunning dishes. How about breaded plaice with elderflower remoulade, or smoked duck breast with Waldorf salad, kale shoots, and lingonberries? These are just two examples of the creative takes on smørrebrød you can expect here.

With its stellar ambiance, elegant interior, picturesque location, and warm, welcoming staff, Barr is a fantastic destination for smørrebrød aficionados exploring Copenhagen.

Strandgade 93
1401 Copenhagen

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