Copenhagen’s international restaurant scene spans 50+ cuisines, with Italian, Japanese, Middle Eastern, and Vietnamese being the most popular after Danish/Nordic. Nørrebro offers the most diverse international options, with strong Middle Eastern, African, and Southeast Asian restaurants. Mid-range international dining in Nørrebro and Vesterbro typically costs 150–250 DKK per main course.
- 🌟 My Top 10 International Restaurants in Copenhagen
- 1. Kiin Kiin, Guldbergsgade, Nørrebro ⭐ (Thai)
- 2. Bæst, Guldbergsgade, Nørrebro 🍕 (Italian)
- 3. Restaurant Levi, Store Strandstræde, Copenhagen 🍣🍝 (Italian-Japanese Fusion)
- 4. Pastor Tacos, Amagerbrogade, Amager 🌮 (Mexican)
- 5. La Neta, Ravnsborggade, Nørrebro 🌶️ (Mexican)
- 6. Cecconi's Copenhagen, Havnegade, Copenhagen 🐟 (Northern Italian)
- 7. Barabba, Store Strandstræde, Copenhagen 🍷 (Italian with Natural Wines)
- 8. CC Taste, Amagerbrogade, Amager 🥟 (Chinese Dim Sum)
- 9. Mirabelle, Guldbergsgade, Nørrebro 🇮🇹 (Sicilian)
- 10. Urban Indian, Rådhuspladsen, Copenhagen 🍛 (Indian)
- 💡 Essential Tips for Dining at International Restaurants in Copenhagen
- 🗺️ Neighborhood Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
Living in Copenhagen for years has taught me one beautiful truth: this city isn’t just about New Nordic cuisine anymore. Sure, we’ve got those incredible Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy, but what really makes my heart sing is how Copenhagen has become this melting pot of authentic international flavors. And trust me, after countless Friday nights exploring different corners of the world without leaving the city, I’ve got some serious favorites to share with you.
Copenhagen’s international food scene has exploded in recent years. From the moment you step into these restaurants, you’re transported. Whether it’s the aromatic spices of a Thai kitchen, the sizzle of authentic Mexican tacos, or the comfort of perfectly charred Neapolitan pizza, this city delivers experiences that rival anything you’d find in the cuisines’ home countries.
🌟 My Top 10 International Restaurants in Copenhagen
1. Kiin Kiin, Guldbergsgade, Nørrebro ⭐ (Thai)
Rating: 4.5/5 on Google Maps
Let me tell you about Kiin Kiin, this place is something special. It held a Michelin star for over a decade (one of the very few Thai restaurants in the world to earn that distinction) and while it lost the star in 2023, the experience remains extraordinary. It’s still listed in the Michelin Guide and consistently ranked among Copenhagen’s finest dining experiences.
📍 Location: Guldbergsgade 21, 2200 København N (Nørrebro)
💰 Price Range: High-end (around 975 DKK for the 7-course tasting menu)
⏰ Hours: Monday to Saturday 5:30 PM to midnight. Closed Sunday. Also closed in July (the whole team goes to Thailand for inspiration).
Why I Love It: The dynamic duo behind Kiin Kiin, Lertchai and Henrik Yde-Andersen, have created something magical here. The experience starts with street food-style appetizers served in their cozy lounge, arriving at lightning speed. Then you move to your table for a 7 or 8-course journey that’s modern, refined, and honestly unforgettable.
The interior is stunning too, smoked mango wood and beautiful pottery create this warm, contemporary Thai atmosphere. And despite its fine-dining caliber, the prices are surprisingly reasonable for Copenhagen standards.
The Kiin Kiin universe has also expanded: check out Kiin Kiin VeVe (a vegetarian sister restaurant also in the Michelin Guide) and Kini Kini in Nordhavn for a more casual Balinese-inspired experience.
Pro Tip: Book the pre-theater menu at 5:30 PM (table must be left by 7:15 PM). It’s a brilliant deal and gets you a taste of their magic at a friendlier price point.
2. Bæst, Guldbergsgade, Nørrebro 🍕 (Italian)
Rating: 4.6/5 on Google Maps
This is hands down my go-to spot when I’m craving pizza. Bæst isn’t just another pizzeria, they make their own mozzarella cheese and charcuterie right upstairs from the restaurant. How cool is that?
📍 Location: Guldbergsgade 29, 2200 København N (Nørrebro)
💰 Price Range: Mid-range (pizzas around 120-180 DKK)
⏰ Hours: Daily from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Why I Love It: Created by Christian Puglisi, a Noma alumnus with Sicilian roots, Bæst takes organic ingredients seriously. The sourdough pizza base is baked at 450°C in a wood-fired oven, and the result is absolutely spectacular. Their pizzas are consistently ranked among the best in Europe, and I’m not exaggerating. The crust has this perfect char, the toppings are mostly organic and locally sourced, and everything just works.
My favorite? The ‘nduja pizza with smoked mozzarella and spring onions. The combination of spicy, smoky, and fresh is pure perfection.
Pro Tip: Get there early or book ahead. This place fills up fast, especially on weekends.
3. Restaurant Levi, Store Strandstræde, Copenhagen 🍣🍝 (Italian-Japanese Fusion)
Rating: 4.4/5 on Google Maps
This place fascinates me every single time I visit. Restaurant Levi explores the unique fusion between traditional Japanese and Italian cuisines, and honestly, it makes so much sense when you think about it. Both cultures are obsessed with quality ingredients and simplicity.
📍 Location: Store Strandstræde 3, 1255 København K (City Center)
💰 Price Range: Mid to High (expect 250-400 DKK per person)
⏰ Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Why I Love It: The art deco interior is stunning, a beautiful example of how Copenhagen takes its restaurant design seriously. But what really shines is how they bring these two culinary traditions together. You’ll find dishes like pasta with Japanese ingredients or sashimi with Italian twists. The wine list is extensive and thoughtfully curated, reflecting the founders’ passion for both Italian and natural wines.
Pro Tip: Perfect for a date night. The atmosphere is intimate and the design is seriously impressive.
4. Pastor Tacos, Amagerbrogade, Amager 🌮 (Mexican)
Rating: 4.7/5 on Google Maps
If you want authentic Mexican tacos in Copenhagen, this is THE place. Period. Run by the Mexican-Danish siblings Juan, Anita, and Hans Alvarez, Pastor Tacos brings the real deal to Amager.
📍 Location: Amagerbrogade (Amager) + food truck at Reffen
💰 Price Range: Budget-friendly (tacos around 45-65 DKK each)
⏰ Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Why I Love It: These aren’t your average Copenhagen tacos. The Alvarez siblings grew up eating these flavors, and it shows in every bite. The al pastor is perfectly marinated and charred, the gringas are finger-licking good, and the burritos are generously stuffed. The bright Mexican colors and casual vibe make it feel like a little piece of Mexico in Denmark.
Pro Tip: Try their al pastor tacos, they’re what made them famous. And don’t skip the homemade salsas!
5. La Neta, Ravnsborggade, Nørrebro 🌶️ (Mexican)
Rating: 4.5/5 on Google Maps
La Neta is the brainchild of Mikkel Bjergsø, the founder of Mikkeller, who fell in love with the Stockholm outlet and decided Copenhagen needed one too. And are we lucky he did.
📍 Locations: Ravnsborggade 6 (Nørrebro) and Flæsketorvet 59-67 (Vesterbro’s Meatpacking District)
💰 Price Range: Mid-range (70-140 DKK for tacos and quesadillas)
⏰ Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Why I Love It: Everything is made from scratch, the tortillas, the salsas, the guacamole. You can taste the difference. The atmosphere is lively and casual, perfect for a relaxed meal with friends. And yes, they have excellent Mexican beers to wash it all down.
Pro Tip: The Nørrebro location has a slightly more neighborhood feel, while Vesterbro gets busier with the after-work crowd.
6. Cecconi’s Copenhagen, Havnegade, Copenhagen 🐟 (Northern Italian)
Rating: 4.3/5 on Google Maps
Located right on the waterfront inside the Soho House building, Cecconi’s brings upscale Northern Italian dining with possibly the best views in Copenhagen.
📍 Location: Havnegade 44, 1058 København K
💰 Price Range: High-end (300-500 DKK per person)
⏰ Hours: Monday to Saturday: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM | Sunday: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Why I Love It: The floor-to-ceiling harbor views alone are worth the visit, but the food backs it up completely. They specialize in Northern Italian dishes with a focus on fish and seafood. The outdoor terrace in summer is magical, you can enjoy cicchetti and an aperitivo while watching the boats go by.
Pro Tip: Book a table by the window for sunset. Trust me on this one.
7. Barabba, Store Strandstræde, Copenhagen 🍷 (Italian with Natural Wines)
Rating: 4.6/5 on Google Maps
This is where I go when I want incredible pasta, natural wines, and an atmosphere that just buzzes with energy. Barabba is near Nyhavn, but it feels like a hidden gem in the heart of Indre By.
📍 Location: Store Strandstræde 5, 1255 København K
💰 Price Range: Mid to High (250-450 DKK for tasting menu)
⏰ Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 5:30 PM to midnight
Why I Love It: The owners’ energy is absolutely infectious. They create this fun, vibrant atmosphere while serving seriously good Italian food. The tasting menu option is fantastic value, especially if you add their signature spaghetti with butter and caviar (which you absolutely should).
Their natural wine selection is one of the best in the city. If you’re into organic and biodynamic wines, you’ll be in heaven here.
Pro Tip: Go for the tasting menu with the spaghetti add-on. It’s a culinary journey worth every krone. Then continue the evening at one of the best cocktail bars nearby.
8. CC Taste, Amagerbrogade, Amager 🥟 (Chinese Dim Sum)
Rating: 4.4/5 on Google Maps
When I’m craving authentic Chinese food, CC Taste is my answer. Located on Amagerbrogade, this place is inspired by Hong Kong’s “dai pai dong” street food culture.
📍 Location: Amagerbrogade, Amager
💰 Price Range: Budget to Mid (50-150 DKK per person)
⏰ Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Why I Love It: The dim sum here is about as authentic as you’ll find in Copenhagen. They also do excellent wok dishes, noodles, and rice plates. It’s casual, no-frills dining where the food does all the talking. The portions are generous and the flavors are bold and authentic.
Pro Tip: Go with a group so you can order multiple dim sum dishes to share. That’s the proper way to enjoy it!
9. Mirabelle, Guldbergsgade, Nørrebro 🇮🇹 (Sicilian)
Rating: 4.5/5 on Google Maps
Also from Christian Puglisi (who runs Bæst next door), Mirabelle is a Sicilian-inspired all-day eatery that’s become my favorite breakfast spot in Nørrebro. Its sourdough bakery alone is worth a detour.
📍 Location: Guldbergsgade 27, 2200 København N (right next to Bæst)
💰 Price Range: Mid-range (150-300 DKK)
⏰ Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Why I Love It: The Sicilian flavors are vibrant and authentic, inspired by Puglisi’s own heritage. For breakfast, try the scrambled eggs with ‘nduja butter or the Sicilian brioche with pistachio custard. Pair it with one of the neighborhood’s best specialty coffees. At lunch and dinner, the pasta dishes shine, especially the spaghetti with anchovies.
Pro Tip: The breakfast-brunch is exceptional, but don’t sleep on dinner. The evening pasta menu is seriously impressive.
10. Urban Indian, Rådhuspladsen, Copenhagen 🍛 (Indian)
Rating: 4.3/5 on Google Maps
Finding authentic Indian food in Copenhagen isn’t always easy, but Urban Indian at Rådhuspladsen comes pretty close to the real deal.
📍 Location: Rådhuspladsen, 1550 København V
💰 Price Range: Mid-range (180-300 DKK)
⏰ Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Why I Love It: The desi flavors here satisfy that craving for proper Indian spices. Located right in the city center, it’s convenient and the food is consistently good. They nail the balance of spices without dumbing down the heat for Nordic palates.
Pro Tip: Ask for extra spice if you like it hot, they tend to go mild by default for the Danish crowd.
💡 Essential Tips for Dining at International Restaurants in Copenhagen
Reservations Are Crucial: Copenhagen’s restaurant scene is booming, and these popular spots fill up fast. Always book ahead, especially for weekend dinners. Most places allow online reservations through their websites.
Price Reality Check: Let’s be real, Copenhagen is expensive. But you get what you pay for. The quality of ingredients and cooking is consistently high. Budget around 300-500 DKK per person for mid-range places, and 600-1000 DKK for high-end experiences. For free things to do in Copenhagen between meals, we’ve got you covered.
Peak Times: Copenhageners eat dinner relatively early (6:00-7:30 PM). If you want to avoid crowds, try booking for 8:30 PM or later. Or go for lunch, which is often better value.
Payment: Nearly everywhere is cashless. Card payments are universal, and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) work everywhere.
Language: Don’t stress, English is spoken everywhere. Copenhagen is one of the most English-friendly cities in Europe.
Tipping: Service is included in the bill, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for exceptional service is appreciated.
🗺️ Neighborhood Guide
Nørrebro: The hub for diverse international cuisine. Bæst, Kiin Kiin, and Mirabelle are all here. It’s a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood with great food at every corner. After dinner, take a stroll to Dronning Louises Bro for sunset drinks.
Vesterbro: Trendy and hip, with excellent options like La Neta in the Meatpacking District and many other international eateries mixed with bars and nightlife. Check the Copenhagen festivals calendar for special food events like Distortion and the Vesterbro Festival.
Amager: Home to Pastor Tacos and CC Taste. A bit off the beaten path but worth the trip for authentic flavors. Easily reachable by public transport.
City Center: Convenient locations like Urban Indian, Restaurant Levi, and Cecconi’s. Perfect if you’re staying central or sightseeing. Wrap up the evening with a taste of Danish hygge at a nearby wine bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What international cuisines are most popular in Copenhagen?
After Danish/Nordic cuisine, the most popular international cuisines in Copenhagen are Italian (strong pasta and pizza scene in Vesterbro and Frederiksberg), Japanese and sushi (very high quality at the premium end), Middle Eastern and Turkish (concentrated in Nørrebro), and Vietnamese (Nørrebro has several excellent pho restaurants).
Which Copenhagen neighbourhood has the best international restaurants?
Nørrebro is the most culinarily diverse neighbourhood with a strong Middle Eastern, African, and Asian restaurant scene. Vesterbro has excellent Italian and modern international bistros. Frederiksberg has quality Japanese and French restaurants. For the highest-end international fine dining, the harbour and Bredgade area is best.
Is international food more affordable than Nordic restaurants in Copenhagen?
Generally yes. Mid-range international restaurants in Nørrebro and Vesterbro offer mains at 150–250 DKK. In contrast, traditional Danish smørrebrød restaurants and Nordic tasting menus are significantly more expensive (300–1,000+ DKK). Copenhagen’s international food scene offers the best value without compromising on quality.