Food & Drink

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Food Halls in Copenhagen

Food halls in Copenhagen are plentiful, with great choices in many parts of the city. In general, the last few years have been good for street food in Copenhagen. Following the closing of Papirøen (Paper Island), the beloved street food institution, a variety of new food markets popped up around town. The markets are quite different; each has its own atmosphere and aesthetic, and selection of dishes not found elsewhere in the city. Not sure where to start? We’ve done the leg-work for you to find out what’s good, and what’s very good.

Here’s where the find the best street food and food halls in Copenhagen:

Indoor food halls in Copenhagen

List Marker: Number 1Torvehallerne

The jewel in Copenhagen’s food hall crown,Torvehallerne opened in 2011 and was the first of its kind in Denmark. It’s a glass market in the center of Copenhagen that sells fresh produce, as well as lots of ready-to-eat options. Locals love Torvehallerne for the chance to sit down with friends over a bite and some post-meal flower shopping. Travelers can do the same, in addition to perusing the halls for edible souvenirs like coffee, tea, or chocolate to take home.

 
Our recommendations:

Hallernes Smørrebrød

Looking for that classic Danish open face sandwich? Then Hallernes Smørrebrød is your place. They have all the traditional combinations, from shrimp and egg to potato and bacon. There’s also a Hallerne’s Smørrebrød in Tivoli Food Hall.

 

Coffee Collective

Coffee Collective serves the best coffee at Torvehallerne, and, for many, the best coffee in Copenhagen. Their beans are ethically-sourced and micro-roasted in Frederiksberg. It’s the best possible start to your day.

 

Hija de Sanchez

It’s impossible to miss this taco cart between the two glass market halls, there’s always a line snaking around the stand. Launched by former noma pastry chef Rosio Sanchez, Hija de Sanchez has become known around Copenhagen as the place to get authentic Mexican tacos.

 

Granny’s House

This charming bakery serves rolls, breads, and best of all, lots of sweet treats. Their romkulger, a Danish confectionary with chocolate and a light rum flavor, is their most popular item.

See our full guide to Torvehallerne.

Torvehallerne

Frederiksborggade 21

1360 København K

Opening Hours:

Mon – Thurs 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Fri 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

Sat 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Sun 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

 
 
 

List Marker: Number 2Tivoli Food Hall

Where to eat when you’re in (or next to) the world’s second oldest amusement park? Tivoli Food Hall. The indoor food court is free to enter (you don’t need a Tivoli ticket) and has gin, wine and a tapas bars in addition to a number of quick but high-end bites. The hall opened in 2017 and is open all-year round.

 
Our recommendations:

Gorm’s Pizza

Gorm Wisweh has built quite the empire across the city with his popular pizza joints. Grab a whole pie or try a “pizzaklapper;” Gorm’s take on a traditional slice.

 

The Bird & The Churchkey

The original London-style pub with a Scandinavian twist was once the only gin bar in all of Copenhagen. It’s bar in Tivoli Food Hall has 100 different gins, over 50 beers and a selection of gourmet toasties.

 

Tapa del Toro

A Spanish wine and tapas bar with lots of options, Tapa el Toro is the perfect place to go when you’re hungry but aren’t quite sure what you’re in the mood for.

 

Tivoli Food Hall

Bernstorffsgade 3
1577 København V

Opening Hours:

Mon – Thurs 11:00 am – 11:00 pm

Fri & Sat 11:00 am – midnight

Sun 11:00 am – 11:00 pm

 
 
 

List Marker: Number 3Bolten’s Food Court

Bolten’s is an indoor food court in a historic, 18th century building once owned by Henrik Bolten, a baron and wealthy Danish merchant. After spending all his money Bolten declared bankruptcy and moved into the building’s attic.

Bolten’s, opened in 2019, has three stories and about 20 food stalls ranging from Moroccan and Thai to traditional Danish smørrebrød. Its inner courtyard is shared with the Brooklyn Brewery bar, in case you want to pop in for a cold beer.

 
Our recommendations:

Duck It

This is the same duck burger that was among the favorites at Paper Island. It’s a generous helping of confit de canard in a soft, buttery bun. The vinegar-parmesan fries are a great addition!

 

The Fish Project

Known for being the first food truck to sell fish and chips in Copenhagen, The Fish Project can fry some serious seafood. Everything on the menu is good, from the lobster tail to calamari; but, of course, the classic fish-n-chips is the best-seller.

 

Two Monkeys

Looking for something organic and 100% plant-based? Then stop by the Two Monkeys counter. They have options like a marinated-soy burrito or a pulled pork burger that you can “supersize” with sweet potatoes fries.

 

Bolten’s Food Court

Gothersgade 8
1123 København K

Opening Hours:
Mon – Thurs 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Fri & Sat 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sun 11:00 am – 9:00 pm

 
 
 

Outdoor food markets in Copenhagen

List Marker: Number 4Reffen

Located in an industrial space right along the water, Reffen is the largest street food market in the Nordics. It opened in 2018, following the closing of Paper Island, Copenhagen’s multi-cultural culinary haven. But Reffen quickly filled the gap with an outdoor foodie hub that includes a skate park, vintage shops and harbor-front lounging. There are so many international flavors across Reffen’s 30-plus food stalls that it can be difficult to choose just one…not that you have to.

 
Our recommendations:

Bad Habits

The gelato at Bad Habits is as delicious and colorful as their pastel pink store front. Ask for a taste of the waldmeister; the neon-green flavor is made from sweet woodruff, a wild herb.

 

Taco Pop

Copenhagen has grown into a taco-loving city and José Hernandez’s Taco Pop is among the best in town. The authentic Mexican street food cart has all the favorites like quesadillas, burritos and, of course, tacos. Meat lovers should try the organic “Al Pastor” taco; the pork carnita is perfection.

 

Grillfisken

At Grillfisken, only mackerel is on the menu and, honestly, there’s no need for anything else. The mackerel is expertly grilled and served with sourdough bread; it’s a taste of New Nordic without the hefty price tag.

 

Baobab

Baobab was one of the first kitchens to serve authentic African food in Copenhagen. Try an antioxidant-packed baobab juice or the Gambian Domada (peanut stew) based on the chef’s family recipe.

See our full guide to Reffen.

 

Reffen

Refshalevej 167A
1432 København K

Opening Hours (food stalls):
Mon – Thurs 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Fri & Sat 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sun 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm 

Reffen Coffee Roasters is open from 9:00 am
Opening Hours (bars):
Mon – Thurs 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Fri & Sat 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sun 11:00 am – 8:00 pm

NB: Reffen is open annually from April to October.

 
 
 

List Marker: Number 5The Bridge Street Kitchen (Broens Gadekøkken)

This outdoor eatery is a foodie sanctuary in central Copenhagen, right by Nyhavn. The Bridge Street Kitchen was created by some of the founders behind Paper Island and noma restaurant. It’s smaller than the other food halls but don’t let size fool you; Broens Gadekøkken has some serious eats. Take a walk across the Inderhavnsbroen from Nyhavn directly to the market, making sure to take a moment to look out over the water when you do – it’s a gorgeous view of the city’s harbor!

 
Our recommendations:

Mak-Cik by IBU

For a taste of Malaysia and Singapore, look no further than Mak-Cik by IBU. The kitchen isn’t hard to find with its neon red sign and glistening racks of ribs. The choices are straightforward: ribs or bao. There’s also a vegan option. At the very least, order the Malaysian lemongrass iced tea, it’s very refreshing.

 

Grød

The Scandi porridge king is at it again with comforting bowls of goodness. Think porridge is boring? Try their mushroom barely-otto and then get back to us.

 

Will at the Bridge

These handmade delicacies are everything you want in a wanton. They’re delicate and slippery, swimming in sauce and topped with a sesame-scallion crunch.

 

Gasoline Grill

In addition to serving up one of the best burgers in Copenhagen, Gasoline Grill is known for its retro crinkle-cut fries and pucker-making lemonade. Other Gasoline Grill locations do have a veggie burger, but unfortunately this location only serves meat patties.

 

The Bridge Street Kitchen

Strandgade 95
1401 København K

Opening hours:
Mon – Thurs 10:00 am – 10:00 pm 

Fri & Sat 10:00 am – midnight
Sun 10:00 am – 10:00 pm 


The Bridge Street Kitchen is open annually from April (ish) to October.

 
 
 

Rent a food truck in Copenhagen

List Marker: Number 6Rebel Food

Looking for the street food experience at your own event? Then check out Rebel Food. They have street food trucks, bicycles, and tents that can be rented for any occasion. Options range from Argentinian empanadas to traditional Danish food and fried-pork sandwiches and mouth-watering dessert trucks. They’re so serious about street food that they follow a six-point manifesto on quality, sustainability and innovation.

 
 

Istid

Though they have three brick-and-mortar stores, liquid nitrogen ice cream company Istid also has an ice cream truck and bike that can be rented for events. Their ice cream is made on the spot and is incredibly creamy, as well as fully organic. They always have a vegan flavor available.

 

Want more of the best food in Copenhagen?

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Jaughna Nielsen-Bobbit

Jaughna is NYC-born and Caribbean-bred, now living in Denmark. She is Scandinavia Standard’s Copenhagen Food Contributor and the writer/photographer behind the culinary travel blog www.towhatplace.com.