Denmark cuisine and the Nordic region as a whole is growing in stature internationally and has undergone something of a revolution in the last decade or so. These days the restaurant menus of Copenhagen don't simply look overseas for influences and ingredients. Instead their chefs have learned to exploit the natural resources of the Nordic larder. Fresh, seasonal vegetables; wild game; locally caught fish; and cured or smoked fish and meats are some of the hallmark ingredients that have helped shape a modern local cuisine with international appeal.

"The 2009 edition of the French Michelin Guide has awarded 14 stars to the city's restaurants - more than Rome, Madrid, Berlin, Milan, and Vienna, further helping the city's reputation as a popular food-lover's destination in Scandinavia."

Eating is a national pastime, and it's difficult to find a poor restaurant in Copenhagen. You'll seldom go wrong just walking into the first place that you find. Follow your nose! However no one in Copenhagen should miss a lunch-time visit to Ida Davidsen's, the world's greatest sandwich emporium. They serve so many different varieties of Danish open sandwiches that the menu is nearly two metres long! They are all delicious and all reasonably priced.Another great sandwich restaurant, Slotskælderen hos Gitte Kik, is close to the Parliament and where you are quite likely to be sitting next to Danish MPs as you tuck in. For seafood try the Den Gyldne Fortun which is in a beautiful location close to Christianborg Castle.


Also good for fish is the Gammel Strand, which means 'old beach'. Restaurants are located in the Tivoli Park area, ranging from fast food to 5 star gourmet. After dark the garden is illuminated with thousands of little lights making it a fairy tale place for a romantic dinner. Excellent French food prevails at the up-market restaurant Kong Hans Kælder. The restaurant is in one of the oldest buildings in Copenhagen with Gothic arches constructed over 500 years ago giving it a fantastic vibe. Another good French restaurant is Ensemble, a small restaurant in the centre of Copenhagen. Era Ora is known for its delicious, authentic Italian cuisine. For traditional Danish cuisine, Noma at the North Atlantic House Cultural Centre, in Christianshavn is excellent. Finish your experience of Danish eating by visiting one of the wonderful cafe patisseries for a scrumptious Danish pastry.