If you’re wandering through the cobblestone streets of central Copenhagen and suddenly crave a proper espresso not just any coffee, but a velvety, crema-topped shot that makes you close your eyes in delight this guide is for you.
I’ve lived, sipped, and lingered in this city long enough to know which places deliver that true Italian punch in the cup. And honestly, Copenhagen might surprise you with how seriously it takes coffee.
So, here’s my list of the Top 5 cafés for espresso in Copenhagen, each with its own character, flavor, and story.
1. The Coffee Collective – Torvehallerne 🌿
📍 The Coffee Collective – Torvehallerne
If there’s one name that locals and visitors whisper with reverence, it’s The Coffee Collective. Their stall at the buzzing Torvehallerne market is basically an altar for espresso lovers.
- What makes it special: They roast their own beans in Copenhagen and are obsessed (in the best way) with transparency from farmer to cup. The espresso here? Balanced, rich, with just the right acidity.
- Other highlights: Try their cappuccino if you want something creamier, or explore their rotating single-origin beans.
- Price range: Around 35–40 DKK (€4.5–5.5).
- Distance from the city center: Right in the heart of town, next to Nørreport station.
👉 Perfect for: grabbing a world-class espresso while people-watching in Copenhagen’s favorite food market.
2. La Cabra – Møntergade 🐐
La Cabra is one of Denmark’s most internationally recognized coffee names, and their café in Møntergade doesn’t disappoint.
- How they craft it: Expect precision. Their baristas handle espresso like chefs in a Michelin kitchen attentive to timing, grind, and balance.
- Beyond espresso: Their pastries are dangerously good (don’t skip the cardamom bun).
- Price range: 38–45 DKK for espresso-based drinks.
- Location advantage: Just a short stroll from Strøget, the main pedestrian shopping street.
👉 Perfect for: when you want espresso and a flaky pastry in a sleek, minimalist Scandinavian setting.
3. Prolog Coffee Bar 🔥
Tucked inside Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, Prolog feels like a cozy lab for coffee experimentation.
- What’s unique: They lean into lighter roasts, so the espresso is fruitier, a little brighter think citrus and berry notes rather than dark chocolate bitterness.
- Other perks: Their seasonal drinks are creative (iced cascara in summer? yes please).
- Price range: About 40–45 DKK.
- Proximity: A 10-minute walk from the central station, yet worlds away in vibe.
👉 Perfect for: adventurous coffee drinkers who enjoy a little surprise in every sip.
4. H A N S Coffee ☕
This one feels like a secret you only share with friends. H A N S Coffee sits hidden in a basement on Boldhusgade, right in Indre By (the old town).
- Why espresso lovers adore it: Strong, uncompromising shots with rich crema and bold flavor. Many locals swear it’s the best espresso in the city.
- Vibe: Small, intimate, and very “insider Copenhagen.”
- Price range: Around 35–40 DKK.
- Centrality: Couldn’t be closer just steps away from Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv.
👉 Perfect for: those who want the “insider’s espresso,” away from the tourist buzz.
5. Orsa Coffee 🌸
A little further toward Vesterbro, Orsa Coffee is worth the short walk. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and the baristas greet you with a smile that feels genuine.
- Their espresso style: Smooth, rounded, less acidic than others comforting, almost like a warm hug in a cup.
- What else to try: Their filter coffees are beautiful too, and they often collaborate with local bakers for fresh cakes.
- Price range: 35–42 DKK.
- Location: Close to Vesterbro’s trendy bars, but still accessible from the city center in about 10 minutes.
👉 Perfect for: those who want a softer, more relaxed espresso moment.
🌍 Quick Comparison
| Café | Espresso Price (DKK) | Style | Distance from City Center |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Coffee Collective | 35–40 | Balanced, classic | Inside Torvehallerne |
| La Cabra | 38–45 | Precision, clean | Near Strøget |
| Prolog | 40–45 | Fruity, experimental | Meatpacking District (10 min) |
| CUB | 35–40 | Bold, crema-rich | Old Town, very central |
| Orsa Coffee | 35–42 | Smooth, comforting | Vesterbro (10 min) |
Final Thoughts 💭
Copenhagen may not be Rome or Milan, but its coffee culture is deeply alive — meticulous, playful, and full of character. Each café here brings something different: from the fruit-forward experiments at Prolog to the no-nonsense punch of CUB.
The truth? You can’t go wrong with any of these five. But if I had to start somewhere, I’d grab a spot at The Coffee Collective in Torvehallerne, sip an espresso while the market hums around me, and just let the city’s rhythm sink in.
Because, at the end of the day, coffee in Copenhagen isn’t just about caffeine. It’s about slowing down, savoring, and being part of a culture that really, truly cares about what’s in your cup.
