Sun-blessed al fresco eateries in Copenhagen
The best cafes, restaurants and bars for the spring and summer season.
Copenhagen's most summery bar
La Banchina
Situated on a jetty, La Banchina is Copenhagen's most summery licensed bar, where the young and beautiful people work on their tans and drink natural wine between swims. The organic kitchen serves everything from breakfast, coffee and bar snacks to dinner, based on vegetables and seafood. All day sun and beautiful views over the water, houseboats and classic Copenhagen.
Mediterranean summer atmosphere
Huks Fluks
At Huks Fluks, the rosé season starts in April already. And no wonder, as this location on picturesque Gråbrødre Torv in the inner city, has an almost Mediterranean summer atmosphere with sun from morning to evening. Here, they serve wine, drinks and Spanish inspired cuisine, but if you just fancy a coffee and cake, the rhubarb cake with pannacotta creme is a definite winner.
In the middle of hip Vesterbro
Enghave Kaffe
Sitting in the sun outside Enghave Kaffe gives you a sense of belonging, no matter where you originally come from. Here, you can enjoy superb coffee while people watching, read a newspaper or chat with the person sitting next to you – not unlike a corner shop in New York in a 1990s indie movie. Ultra intimate and charming surroundings in the middle of Enghave Plads in hip Vesterbro.
Street food at sunset
Reffen street food
Sun, street food and sea views. Reffen, the largest street food market in the Nordic countries, opened in 2018 in the former industrial area on Refshaleøen, and immediately became the summer's hippest hang-out. Now, the sun loungers and tables are back in the sun, and the 39 sustainable food stalls sell everything from Tibetan street food to slushies and open sandwiches.
A must on Nørrebro
Stefansgade
When the sun shines, Stefansgade becomes one big street party. It's located in one of the most happening ‘hoods on Nørrebro, and attracts locals, young families and an informal, creative clientèle. Sit down at one of the long tables at Coffee Collective, Riccos or Stefanos pizzabar and order a chilled coolship beer in the shade of a plane tree in Nørrebropark. In really warm weather, order an ice cream at IsVærket or Istid on Jægersborggade a couple of minutes away.
Freshly brewed beer
Brus
Nørrebro’s hottest microbrewery pub is now a brilliant summer hangout, that combines fantastic food with freshly brewed special beer and some of the best cocktails in Copenhagen. The arthouse movie theater Empire Bio and Christian Puglisi’s gourmet eatery Bæst, is also located in the same building as Brus, so you’re guaranteed entertainment, good company and delicious food at almost all hours of the day.
From yoga to cocktails
Luftkastellet, Ofelia Plads
With sky, sea and plenty of sun, Ofelia Plads by Skuespilhuset one of the best summer newcomers in the city. Here you can do yoga, dance or enjoy a drink depending on the time of day and there are also plenty of cultural events, concerts and food trucks here all summer. Stretch out on one of the sun loungers at Luftkastellet with a cocktail or a glass of rosé and enjoy the summer atmosphere with views over the sea.
Taco and Friday atmosphere
Hija de Sanchez, Torvehallerne
It's high sun and an always Friday atmosphere at the long tables at Torvehallerne, where you can sit down with a drink, people watch and eat some of the world's most hyped street food. Naturally, we’re talking about former Noma chef Rosio Sanchez’ tacos from taco food truck Hija de Sanchez, that people come from near and far to eat. If the line is too long, there are plenty of other delicious alternatives to choose from.
Idyllic surroundings
Restaurant 56 grader
We defy anyone not to become summer besotted at Restaurant 56 grader on Holmen. This is the city's most idyllic al fresco eatery, where canals, houseboats, green surroundings and the historic gunpowder magazine set the scene for Danish/Nordic gourmet cuisine. Delicious dishes made from seasonal ingredients, innovative open sandwiches and delightful wines, sun all day and recommended by both Guide Michelin and Trip Advisor.
Text by Lise Hannibal