Copenhagen is dubbed one of the most liveable cities in the world, and its laid-back lifestyle has brought about the rise in coffee houses and cafes.
The beautiful Scandinavian city is gorgeous beyond words, and its cafes are of heavy Nordic influence with clean, minimalistic interiors. Good coffee is almost a given, and we were incredibly impressed by the cafe scene.
You can find a cafe almost on every street and at every turn; how blessed are the locals to wake up to the smell of good coffee every day! Here are some of our favourite cafes in Copenhagen, and we’d love for you to share your favourites with us too!
#1 ATELIER SEPTEMBER
This is a very pretty cafe with seats by the window and long, wooden communal tables. Its primarily white interior is warmed up with the sun rays streaming in through the big glass windows.
The menu has a Japanese influence, with a section dedicated to Japanese tea. The Matcha is DKK 75 per cup and it sure is not cheap, but everyone orders it anyway. There is also Sencha, Hojicha and Oolong at DKK 35 each. But you may stick to coffee—Espresso is DKK 27 while Cappuccino is DKK 35.
And you must order the Avo Toast (DKK 85). It is the most ordered item in the cafe, and it is not hard to understand why. A fresh avocado is sliced upon order, set atop homemade rye bread, then drizzled with olive oil. Chilli powder, chives and lemon zest are also sprinkled for the final touch.
Gothersgade 30, 1123 København K, Denmark
Tel: +45 26 29 57 53
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 6pm
Sat: 9am – 4pm
Sun: 10am – 4pm
#2 BERTELS SALON
Ok, this ain’t exactly a cafe. But it is a pit stop you must make because Bertels Salon gained its reputation for baking the best cheesecakes in town. Indeed, they do. The daily selection is huge, to say the least.
Plain Cheesecake and Oreo Cheesecake are the bestsellers and what you’d find on the shelves every day while rotating flavours include Strawberry Cheesecake, Blueberry Cheesecake and a very popular Lemon Meringue Tart.
Note that Bertels Salon does not accept cash, so all payments are via credit cards only.
Kompagnistræde 5, 1146 København K, Denmark
Tel: +45 33 13 00 33
Sun to Thu: 11am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 10pm
#3 DEMOCRATIC COFFEE
Democratic Coffee is a popular breakfast joint among the locals. It has high seats by the windows, a shelf of books, and a feature open-concept kitchen where you can watch the pastries being baked.
The coffee is very aromatic; just what we needed to start the day. And what you must not miss the world for is its croissants (DKK 20 each).
Baked in-house daily, the layered beauty is perfectly buttery and wonderfully flaky. Bite into it and you would be amazed by its airiness. Best croissants in Copenhagen? Yes, we’d think so.
Krystalgade 15, 1172 København K, Denmark
Tel: +45 40 19 62 37
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 7pm
Sat: 9am – 5pm
Sun: Closed
#4 KAFFEBAREN COPENHAGEN COFFEE LAB
An underground cafe in København that is super cosy with comfortable working spaces is Kaffebaren Copenhagen Coffee Lab. It is pretty inconspicuous and we missed several turns before we found it, but look out for their flag and two cute outdoor seats, and you are on your way.
We loved our hot chocolate and Flat White, but many claim that they have the best espresso and Cortado in town. Try the house specials such as cinnamon swirls too.
Boldhusgade 6, 1062 København K, Denmark
Tel: +45 61 28 89 71
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 11a – 5pm
#5 KAFFEKALASET
Kalaset—a funky basement cafe with a colourful vintage decor—is the go-to brunch place for many Copenhageners.
Other than brunch fare such as Scrambled Eggs and Moroccan Lentil-Ratatouille, you should also try its burgers. The signature Kalas Burger (DKK 120) comes with beef patty, BBQ sauce, homemade mayonnaise, bacon, cheddar, grilled zucchini and red pepper.
Vendersgade 16
1363 København K, Denmark
Tel: +45 33 33 00 35
Mon to Fri: 10am – 12am
Sat & Sun: 10am – 2am
#6 MIRABELLE
A gorgeous space with striking tiled floor awaits. Mirabelle is a popular breakfast spot with amazing croissants.
Its croissants (DKK 25) are baked in-house daily, has won several accolades, and many have gone as far as to claim it as the best in Copenhagen. And sure it was wonderfully buttery and flaky, with a dense texture to complete.
The Mirabelle Eggs Benedict is another star dish to look out for. More like a salad than a sandwich, two sous vide eggs are set atop a lavish bed of fresh spinach and sliced apples—and they all sit on house baked dark rye bread.
Mirabelle uses coffee beans from The Coffee Collective, and has a very nutty flavour with a distinct bitter aftertaste.
Denmark, Guldbergsgade 29, 2200 København N, Denmark
Tel: +45 35 35 47 24
Daily: 7am – 10pm
#7 MØLLER – KAFFE OG KØKKEN
Møller – Kaffe og Køkken is one of the newer kids in town, and since its opening in 2016, the cafe has received lots of attention from the locals. A big space with several dining corners—from couch seats to window tables and round tables—Møller is always packed with locals during brunch hours.
Everyone loves the Waffles (DKK 42)—a classic brunch treat that features dense waffles with a nutty taste, and well complemented with a fruit compote.
Coffee is no less a focal point; explore the various options from Cortado to Cappuccino and the various Lattes.
Nørrebrogade 160, 2200 København N, Denmark
Tel: +45 31 50 51 00
Daily: 9am – 4pm
#8 NEXT DOOR CAFE
One of the most popular coffee spots in Copenhagen, Next Door Cafe is a small cafe located in the heart of the city. Everything—except for the croissants—is homemade and there is free WiFi too.
If you are around Larsbjørnstræde in Copenhagen’s city centre, make a stop here.
Larsbjørnsstræde 23
1453 København K, Denmark
Tel: +45 27 12 08 18
Mon to Fri: 7am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
#9 PALUDAN BOG & CAFE
Paludan is definitely the prettiest book cafe in Copenhagen. A stunning space with multiple dining halls, its splendour had us in awe completely the moment we stepped in. Dining in Paludan felt like we were dining in someone’s living room.
The menu is huge, with items for every time of the day—breakfast, lunch, dinner… you get the drift. We settled for the Paludan breakfast, which was a massive Danish spread of muesli & fruits, cheeses, eggs & sausages, smoked salmon and parma ham with melon. This set was DKK 99 and comes with a glass of orange juice.
Beware of thieves, though; the cafe is said to be a common ground for pickpockets to get to work.
Fiolstræde 10, 1171 København K, Denmark
Tel: +45 33 15 06 75
Mon to Fri: 9am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
#10 THE COFFEE COLLECTIVE
The Coffee Collective is quite possibly the most famous coffee brand in Copenhagen. Apart from having their own cafe outlets, The Coffee Collective also supplies beans to various coffee houses and restaurants in Copenhagen.
From farming to roasting, these guys work with passion to produce exceptional coffee. The most accessible location is its outlet at Torvehallerne.
The group has a training school for aspiring baristas too, and because The Coffee Collective works with farmers directly, baristas get to learn in-depth about the origin levels and how coffee profiles are directly affected and distinguished.
Jægersborggade 10, 2200 København, Denmark
Tel: +45 60 15 15 25
Mon to Fri: 7am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 7pm
#11 THE CORNER AT 108
Noma has been named the Best Restaurant In The World for several consecutive years, and the alumnus has set up a restaurant called 108. Next to 108 is a casual cafe called The Corner at 108, where you have a small menu that reflects the style of Noma.
Think coffee and wine and homemade pastries at The Corner at 108. During meal times, they have daily specials and a selection of beverages; and if you are going for tea, the range of baked pastries are very interesting and unorthodox. Which was exactly what we enjoyed.
Strandgade 108, 1401 København K, Denmark
Tel: +45 32 96 32 92
Daily: 5pm – 11.59pm
Well done. You don’t find many lists that get around as this one does, although there are a couple of tourist traps on it (I think readers can guess). Next time check out Bowl Market on Gasværksvej and Feel Good Cafe on Nørre Farimagsgade. Enjoy!