The Monthly Bite: Best New Openings in Copenhagen Vol. 5

If you happen to live in Copenhagen and you’re a food-lover, then you’re definitely in the right place. What’s so great about Copenhagen is that it feels unique, genuine, and cool. To me, it feels like a city that embraces its Nordic-ness while taking in significant influence from continental Europe and other parts of the world. There’s a lot to be thankful for, huh?


As we go into the darkest and coldest months of the year, food is one of the things that will keep us going: it gives us a reason to enjoy ordinary moments, making them memorable.


In this edition of the Monthly Bite, you’ll find empanadas that will change your perception of comfort food forever, a coffee bar and eatery for foodies in search of hygge, and a Latin American-inspired restaurant that will become THE go-to place.

Here are the best openings in Copenhagen to try now:

Gorda Empanadas


This new spot in Copenhagen’s ever-evolving food scene is a must for all my Latinx folk out there. I was slightly hungover that Sunday and in need of fries and a burger – I know, I can be a basic foodie too – but instead I found Gorda Empanadas.

Empanada is a baked sort-of-pillowy sort-of-crunchy treat that wraps a filling that can be, in theory, literally anything. 
Gonzalo, chef and owner, explains that in Argentina the word comes from “empanar,” which roughly translates to “covering something with or in bread.” It is a staple in Argentinian cuisine; a perfect street food eaten throughout the country and absolutely beloved.

Gonzalo puts this heritage and significance at the core of his restaurant. 
The dough itself is perfect: crispy, tasty, prudently bodied and light brown when baked. These empanadas are some of the best bites you’ll find in Copenhagen right now.

There are many options available: chicken, bacon, cheese and prunes; ham and cheese, and mushroom among others. My favorite one is cheese, caramelized onions, and dried oregano. A great chef is capable of turning humble ingredients into superb bites of food, and that’s what Gonzalo does.

The restaurant itself is so chill that you will probably end up indulging in several empanadas, drinking wine or a birra, and finishing off with a dulce de leche flan. Gracias totales!

Gorda Empanadas


Enghavevej 5, st
1674 
København

 V

Opening hours: 

Mon – Fri 5:00 – 10:00 pm

Sat – Sun 12:00 – 10:00 pm



Ø12 Coffee & Eatery

The most common way for me to find out about new food in Copenhagen is through Instagram. After seeing a few snaps of Ø12, I visited them twice in one week: once for lunch and once for brunch, and both visits have been memorable. Damn, I’m still craving that Croque Madame made with sourdough bread, bechamel, French ham, Gouda, and a perfectly fried egg.


This awesome blend of kaffebar and all-day eatery gave me London vibes: it feels accomplished despite the fact that it only opened in August 2019. Coffee, food, drinks, and interior are all on-point. 
The food menu is divided in evening (5 pm to 9 pm) an all-day (7 am to 5 pm) and it’s served every day of the week.

As for what to try on the menu: definitely give the avocado smash a go! The waffle with vanilla cream and berries, the Tartar, and the pastries are all worth your time. 
Their concept is simple: redefine the all-day eatery in Copenhagen. Owners Enete, Kasper, and Anders have made it their mission to bring the best possible coffee and food to the city.


In order to do that, they own a KB90 from La Marzocco, the only restaurant in Denmark to do so. This beast of an espresso machine redefines what a cup of coffee can be. The coffee is superb; among the best in Copenhagen.
 The food is of the same high quality, working with top-class ingredients and a creative approach.


The interior is incredibly cozy, with candles all over, plants hanging from the ceiling, thick wooden furniture, big open windows, and brick walls. In other words, the concept of hygge manifested as decor.

Ø12 Coffee & Eatery


Øster Farimagsgade 12
2100
 København

 Ø

Opening Hours:

Mon – Thur 7:00 am – midnight
Fri 7:00 am – 1:00 am
Sat 8:00 am – 1:00 am

Sun 8:00 am – midnight

Donda Eatery & Bar


Donda is a restaurant for adventurous and curious eaters. A no-bullshit eatery that will become an obligatory stop for anyone in or visiting Copenhagen.

I set foot in Donda for the first time on a rainy day, after having biked against the wind. My mood was not the best. As soon as I walked in, things changed for the better. I was greeted by a vibrant team of smiling, tattooed dudes in the dining room and passionate chefs seen through the kitchen pass. Not to mention the deliciously captivating aromas coming from the stoves and grills. I became a fan in a split second.

I started off with a couple of tasty, boozy cocktails – the way to my heart if you must know. Donda is a place that really feels like home. Run by Qasim Khan, a French Pakistani chef, and his eclectic team, the restaurant exudes coolness, confidence, passion, and respect for food.


Inspired by the best part of the world (I may be biased), Latin América, the team at Donda is in constant search of the freshest produce and best ingredients to compose a menu that stays true to the region and cuisine.

I can vouch for the fact that the food feels authentic and it’s straight-up delicious. What I love about Latin American food is that it plays with the full flavor spectrum. Salty, sweet, sour, acidic, spicy, and umami are flavors you will find in the dishes at Donda; they captured the essence and nailed it. It’s a creative and respectfully authentic homage to modern Latin American cuisine.

The cocktails are no exception. Try these on for size: Jalisco Martini (espresso, tequila, coffee liqueur, chocolate bitters) or Tegroni (tequila, campari, vermouth). Salud! Whether you go solo or with a date, your mom, your bestie or even a random person you met somewhere, Donda is one of those few places in Copenhagen where you will feel at home while having outstanding food and drinks. It’s truly a culinary experience.



Donda Eatery & Bar


Strandgade 20, st. tv
1401
 København K


Opening Hours:

Wed – Sat 11:00 am – midnight

Best new restaurant, bar, and café openings in Copenhagen 2019:

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