Vogue Scandinavia rounds up the Danish capital's top-level eats according to the famous Michelin foodie guide
Yes, Copenhagen is proudly home to one of the most famous restaurants in the world, but Noma was far from the only eatery in the Danish capital to have won some of the most sought-after culinary awards going. There are a whole host of restaurants in the city with Michelin stars attached to their name. So if you're keen to take your dining experience up a notch, see below...
Here's a whistle-stop tour of the hottest tables in town, according to the renowned dining guide.
Three Michelin stars
Geranium
Located on the eighth floor of Fælledparken (Common Gardens) in the heart of Copenhagen, Geranium comes with panoramic views that stretch all the way to the windmills of Oeresund. The capital's other restaurant with three Michelin stars was actually its first, initially gaining the honour in 2016.
Led by Chef Rasmus Kofoed, winner of the Bocuse d'Or in 2011, Geranium takes seasonality extremely seriously indeed, while dishes are presented with such beautiful artistic flourishes that they almost look too good to eat. The restaurant states that their mission is "to create meals that involve all our senses", delivering a menu that "restores, challenges and enriches".
Again, getting a table here isn't easy, but it's not impossible. Bookings open up 90 days in advance and often go quickly, with a deposit needed to confirm the reservation.
Two Michelin stars
Alchemist
More of a choreographed immersive experience than a meal, eating at Alchemist sees diners make their way through some 50 food and drink pairings divided into five acts and served in different locations, often with a political statement and specific social issue in mind. Led by Chef Rasmus Munk, dinners last from four to six hours, with the restaurant stating that "the only prerequisites are curiosity and presence of mind" for what will be "a parallel journey through Alchemist’s unique physical spaces, as well as through your own senses."
Jordnær
Located within the 15th century architecture of the Gentofte Hotel in the northern suburbs of Copenhagen, Jordnær was born out of love. ”A former gang enforcer found the right path in life through unconditional love towards his wife and gastronomy and created a two Michelin starred restaurant within two and a half years," according to the restaurant's official introduction. Run by Tina and Eric Vildgaard, the latter a Noma veteran, the sophisticated spot deals in bold, distinct flavours from the New Nordic Cuisine school.
AOC
Nothing to do with the US congresswoman, this 60-person space serves up modern gastronomy with local ingredients under high vaulted ceilings in a basement that dates from the 17th century. AOC hasn't been around quite so long (it initially opened in 2004, taking on the AOC name five years later), but there is a timeless elegance to the locally-focused dishes crafted by Executive Chef Søren Selinthat here.
Kong Hans Kælder
Another venue with plenty of history, Kong Hans Kælder opened in 1976. The focus here is on bringing a contemporary outlook and a few Nordic touches to traditional French gastronomy, with carefully sourced luxury ingredients featuring throughout the menu. The restaurant offers a fine dining atmosphere beneath spectacular Gothic arches.
Kadeau
Chef Nicolai Nørregaard's stylish spot in the heart of Copenhagen exudes contemporary, relaxed charm, though there's nothing laidback about the masterful seasonal set menus it serves. Inspired by local ingredients and with a particular focus on produce from the island of Bornholm (where they operate a Michelin starred sister venue), the restaurant gained its first Michelin star in 2013 and has held two since 2018.
One Michelin star
Søllerød Kro
Attached to a picturesque pond-side inn that dates back to 1677, this restaurant comes with a delightful courtyard and a menu that is founded on classical French cuisine. Awarded its first Michelin star in 1987, Søllerød Kro has been home to some of Denmark's most famous chefs and a feature of the famous guide every year since 2007.
The Samuel
A "gourmet temple in Hellerup", located in a beautiful historical villa, The Samuel is named after Chef and Sommelier Jonathan K. Berntsen's son. His title should give you a clue: the restaurant is all about food and wine in symbiosis, with the creation of the menus often beginning with the drinks before conjuring up food to match.
Kokkeriet
Providing contemporary spins on Danish classics, this spot in the historic Nyboder district is one of the few restaurants on this list to provide dedicated pescatarian and vegetarian alternatives alongside its regular set menu. Whichever you opt for, expect colourful, stunning dishes.
Marchal
Named after Jean Marchal, who opened the restaurant in this location in 1755 which would eventually become the Hotel d'Angleterre, this well-appointed fine dining venue serves classic French cuisine with a Nordic twist. And when the weather is warm enough, the space is expanded onto the street outside, providing an al fresco option.
Kiin Kiin
The name of this comfortable Thai restaurant means ”come and eat” and that’s in line with Lertchai and Henrik Yde-Andersen's focus on refined, accessible Thai street food. They serve interpretations of classic dishes such as tom yam soup, yellow curry crab and larb salad.
Alouette
Tucked away in an unassuming location accessed via a graffiti-daubed lift, Alouette serves contemporary set menus that they say are grounded in an "immense respect for nature and seasonality". Run by American Chef Nick Curtin and his wife Camilla Hansen, their dishes combine a love for New Nordic Cuisine with flavours from the USA.
Formel B
This gourmet destination's dynamic menus that change with the season and its focus on high quality produce has seen it hold down one Michelin star since 2004. Rune Jochumsen and Kristian Møller serve up classical French cuisine imbued with a Danish twist in elegant surrounds.