Ibens Smørrebrød has been voted Copenhagen’s best lunch restaurant by Google users, with an average rating of 4.9 stars. Here you see a piece of smørrebrød with homemade cured pork loin and Italian salad. Photo: Ibens Smørrebrød

We love smørrebrød!

The sandwich maidens in the kitchen at Ibens Smørrebrød – and the hosts of Denmark’s smallest smørrebrød restaurant – regularly set out on tasting tours across the city to experience the culinary wonders of their colleagues in Copenhagen’s many restaurants, cafés, and taverns. But one category of classic Danish cuisine holds a special place in their hearts: smørrebrød.

Here’s the top 10 favorite smørrebrød spots according to the experts – besides, of course, Denmark’s smallest smørrebrød restaurant at St. Kongensgade 116A.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Top 10: Best smørrebrød in Copenhagen

1: Schønnemann
2: Restaurant Sankt Annæ
3: Lumskebugten
4: Tivolihallen
5: Restaurant Møntergade
6: Aamanns 1921
7: Restaurant Palægade
8: Restaurant Told & Snaps
9: Restaurant Koefoed
10: Bjørnekælderen
BONUS: Denmark’s Smallest Smørrebrød Restaurant

1. Schønnemann

The historic smørrebrød cellar

Enjoy classic Danish open-faced sandwiches in one of Copenhagen’s oldest and most beloved institutions. Schønnemann has been serving smørrebrød since 1877, earning its status as a true mecca for lovers of traditional Danish cuisine.

Located in a cozy basement near Kongens Have, this legendary eatery offers time-honored recipes refined over generations. Try everything from the iconic potato smørrebrød with homemade mayo and crispy onions to the classic stjerneskud with freshly caught fish.

The atmosphere is relaxed, the quality is top-notch – and yes, a schnapps with your meal is practically mandatory.

SMØRREBRØD AT SCHØNNEMANN

WHERE? Hauser Plads 16, 1127 Copenhagen K

WHEN? Monday to Sunday, 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM

WHY? A historic smørrebrød institution

2. Restaurant Sankt Annæ

The majestic smørrebrød institution

Restaurant Sankt Annæ is the epitome of classic Danish elegance. With its white tablecloths, old paintings, and an atmosphere steeped in history, it is one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric places to enjoy traditional smørrebrød.

The menu features beloved classics such as hand-peeled shrimp with lemon and mayonnaise, gravlax with mustard sauce, and an impressive tartlet filled with chicken and asparagus. Here, smørrebrød is served in its finest form, with attention to detail and deep respect for tradition.

We have even seen the then crown prince – now King Frederik of Denmark – dining here.

SMØRREBRØD AT RESTAURANT SANKT ANNÆ

WHERE? Sankt Annæ Pl. 12, 1250 København K

WHEN? Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 to 16:00

WHY? White tablecloths, beautiful surroundings, and delicious food

3. Lumskebugten

Smørrebrød at Erwin’s – the culinary icon we love

At Ibens Smørrebrød, we have an idol!

The renowned culinary master Erwin Lauterbach does it again, now welcoming guests at his restaurant Lumskebugten, beautifully located by the old customs house at Copenhagen’s harbour – just a 10-minute walk from Iben at Denmark’s smallest smørrebrød restaurant.

Definitely worth a visit! Erwin and his talented team of chefs are also open for dinner.

SMØRREBRØD PÅ LUMSKEBUGTEN

WHERE? Esplanaden 21, 1263 København K

WHEN? Monday to Saturday from 11:30 to 15:00

WHY? Delicious food in beautiful surroundings

4. Tivolihallen

Honest and old-fashioned

Tivolihallen is a tribute to traditional Danish smørrebrød, where simplicity and quality go hand in hand.

Here you’ll find rustic dishes without unnecessary frills – just good ingredients and honest flavours. From the classic fried herring in marinade to homemade liver pâté with bacon and mushrooms, everything is served with care and respect for tradition.

The atmosphere is relaxed, with a charm that evokes memories of a bygone era. If you love smørrebrød the way it was made in the old days, Tivolihallen is a must.

SMØRREBRØD AT TIVOLIHALLEN

WHERE? Vester Voldgade 91, 1470 København K

WHEN? Monday to Saturday from 11:30 to 16.30

WHY? Danish inn atmosphere and honest food

5. Restaurant Møntergade

Skilled chefs who go the extra mile

At Restaurant Møntergade, smørrebrød gets a modern twist without forgetting tradition.

Here, talented chefs work with great precision to offer guests a reinterpretation of Denmark’s beloved classic. The ingredients are carefully selected, and the presentation is an experience in itself.

From a refined take on the classic chicken salad to smørrebrød with smoked eel, pickled herbs, and a foamy sauce, Møntergade pushes the boundaries of what smørrebrød can be. And they do it well.

SMØRREBRØD AT RESTAURANT MØNTERGADE

WHERE? Møntergade 19, 1120 København K

WHEN? Monday to Sunday from 11:30 to 15:00

WHY? Innovative smørrebrød

6. Aamanns 1921

Quality ingredients

Adam Aamann revolutionised the Copenhagen smørrebrød scene with his uncompromising approach to quality and flavour.

At Aamanns 1921, you’ll find smørrebrød made with organic, seasonal ingredients, where every bite is thoughtfully composed down to the smallest detail.

His signature dishes include the perfectly balanced herring smørrebrød with pickled onions and horseradish, and the silky chicken salad with crisp herbs. The restaurant, located just behind the charming Gråbrødretorv, combines classic craftsmanship with modern finesse and shows why Aamanns is still a fresh breath in the world of smørrebrød.

SMØRREBRØD AT AAMANNS 1921

WHERE? Niels Hemmingsens Gade 19-21, 1153 København K

WHEN? Monday to Saturday from 11:30 to 17:00

WHY? Organic and seasonal

7. Restaurant Palægade

Classic and modern

Restaurant Palægade has built a reputation as one of the city’s best places for fully loaded smørrebrød. Here, classic virtues are combined with modern finesse, resulting in a taste experience beyond the ordinary.

Their potato smørrebrød is a perfect example of their approach: crisp slices of new Danish potatoes, homemade mayonnaise, crispy fried onions, and fresh chives – all served with precision and a love for the craft.

The atmosphere in the restaurant is equal parts exclusive and relaxed, making it a popular spot among both locals and tourists.

SMØRREBRØD AT RESTAURANT PALÆGADE

WHERE? Palægade 8, 1261 København K

WHEN? Monday to Sunday from 11:30 to 17:00

WHY? Historic smørrebrød place

8. Restaurant Told & Snaps

Experienced hosts and skilled craftsmanship

At Told & Snaps by Nyhavn, smørrebrød is a serious affair.

Here you’ll meet experienced hosts who master the art of the Danish lunch kitchen. The atmosphere is cosy and informal, while the quality of the food is uncompromising.

Their tartare of young beef topside from Kildegaarden is a must-try. Served with pickles, horseradish, and a silky egg yolk, the dish strikes a perfect balance between boldness and delicacy. Classic favourites like crispy fried plaice fillet and homemade pork terrine with mustard and pickled beets are also staples on the menu.

SMØRREBRØD AT RESTAURANT TOLD & SNAPS

WHERE? Toldbodgade 2, 1253 København K

WHEN? Sunday to Thursday from 11:30 to 16:00, Friday and Saturday from 11:30 to 17:00

WHY? Classic Danish lunch restaurant

9. Restaurant Koefoed

Smørrebrød, Bornholm-style

At Restaurant Koefoed, you’ll get a taste experience where Bornholm meets classic Danish smørrebrød. The chefs here work with the finest ingredients from the sunshine island, serving dishes that combine tradition and quality.

One of their signature dishes is the plaice fillet, fried in plenty of butter and served with homemade remoulade and fresh herbs. You’ll also find specialities like smoked herring, salt-cured herring, and other Bornholm delicacies that give their smørrebrød a unique touch.

The atmosphere is cosy and down-to-earth, and it’s clear that a passion for good craftsmanship shines through in every detail.

SMØRREBRØD AT RESTAURANT KOEFOED

WHERE? Landgreven 3, 1301 København K

WHEN? Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 to 15:00

WHY? Cosy atmosphere and quality ingredients

10. Bjørnekælderen

THE OUTSIDER: Step down into the den on Frederiksberg Allé

Bjørnekælderen dares to take smørrebrød in new directions.

While most people associate the classic Danish lunch table with fish and meat, this Frederiksberg gem has created a vegetarian smørrebrød experience that impresses even the most traditional guests.

One of their most remarkable creations is the gratinated cauliflower smørrebrød. Served with macadamia nuts, lemon, thyme, and rich French Comté cheese, the dish strikes a delicate balance between crisp, creamy, and tangy. In addition to the vegetarian selection, you’ll of course also find classic smørrebrød favourites in Bjørnekælderen’s cosy and intimate setting.

SMØRREBRØD AT BJØRNEKÆLDEREN

WHERE? Frederiksberg Allé 55, 1820 Frederiksberg C

WHEN? Wednesday to Sunday from 11:30 to 14:30

WHY? Good people and good food

BONUS: … and at last: Ibens Smørrebrød

Best reviews on Google

Where can you get the best smørrebrød in Copenhagen?

SMØRREBRØD AT IBENS SMØRREBRØD

WHERE? St. Kongensgade 116A, 1264 København K

WHEN? Monday to Sunday from 11:00 to 15:00

WHY? Best-rated smørrebrød in Copenhagen

We can hardly claim to be entirely unbiased on this matter. And to humbly refrain from reviewing our own smørrebrød as the best in Copenhagen seems only fair. We’ll leave that important task to others.

So, the writer will conclude this overview of Copenhagen’s best smørrebrød restaurants by handing the word over to our guests.

According to data from Google Reviews, Ibens Smørrebrød is currently the highest-rated smørrebrød restaurant in Copenhagen, with an average score of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

This ranking was compiled in February 2025 and is based on 252 verified reviews from both Danish and international guests.

When comparing Copenhagen’s smørrebrød restaurants by guest ratings, the distance down the list to other great places in our own top 10 is not far. For example, as of this writing, Schønnemann has an average guest rating of 4.7 stars, securing a strong second place among the city’s best smørrebrød restaurants according to both locals and tourists.

         Opslået på Google  
   
   M J 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verificerer, at den oprindelige kilde til anmeldelsen er Google.  Ein sehr kleines und feines Lokal. Das Smœrebrød ist frisch und sehr lecker. Wir hatten 5 verschiedene Varianten und 3 Getränke. Es ging super schnell und die Bedienung war sehr nett. Alles ganz entspannt und unkompliziert. Der Preis ist allerdings schon sehr hoch für ein belegtes Brot und leider gab es auch keine Toiletten vor Ort (dafür gab es einen Punkt Abzug).
  
 
 
      Opslået på Google  
   
   Birgit 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verificerer, at den oprindelige kilde til anmeldelsen er Google.  Süßer kleiner Laden, nettes Personal  leckeres Smørrebrød aber auf den Preis sollte man vorbereitet sein. Wir hatten zu zweit nur 3 Brote, laut Karte werden pro Person 3 empfohlen..  wir haben für diese mit 2 Bier und einem geteilten Nachtisch 90€ bezahlt. Satt waren wir nicht und es gibt auch nur eine vegetarische Option. Ich finde in einem so winzigen Laden Hunde unterm Tisch eher nicht so ansprechend aber da gehen die Meinungen sicher auseinander..
  
 
 
      Opslået på Google  
   
   Anne-France Goldwater 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verificerer, at den oprindelige kilde til anmeldelsen er Google.  The smorrebrod is at the heart of Danish culinary culture, so you have to try this lovely neighbourhood shop. Service was prompt and convivial, the sandwiches were pretty. Eggs and prawns went over the best with my family; the roast beef not so much. The herring sandwich was great. The smoked salmon was also nice. I would have appreciated a little bottle of Tabasco, to elevate the flavour, but this appears to be a chronic problem in Denmark: food runs bland.
  
 
 
      Opslået på Google  
   
   Daniel Goldwater 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verificerer, at den oprindelige kilde til anmeldelsen er Google.  I made reservations for eight people for lunch and we had a great experience. The staff were exceptionally kind, attentive, and considerate throughout. It’s a tiny spot, so our group ate outside on the terrace, which was lovely. Service was impressively quick, especially for a group our size, and everything came out fresh and well prepared. The sandwiches were delicious, with great bread and generous, flavourful fillings. Simple food done extremely well. An easy recommendation for lunch.
  
 
 
      Opslået på Google  
   
   Christian Anthon Bille 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verificerer, at den oprindelige kilde til anmeldelsen er Google.  Virkelig lækkert smørrebrød. Sød og god betjening. Man sidder trangt. Tis af inden I spiser, der er ikke noget toilet. Kommer gerne igen.
  
 
 
      Opslået på Google  
   
   Arie 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verificerer, at den oprindelige kilde til anmeldelsen er Google.  Overpriced food. Alright but not worth the price. Did takeaway but they charge also for the box and cutlery
  
 
 
      Opslået på Google  
   
   Sébastien Becat 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verificerer, at den oprindelige kilde til anmeldelsen er Google.  Venez découvrir les vrais Smorrebrod Danois. Ce sont des petits encas sur du pain noir qu'on peut situer entre une  bruschetta, une tartine et un sandwich. Ok ce n'est pas donné mais comme tout bon restaurant de Copenhague. Cependant, ici, les Smorrebrod sont de qualité et réalisés avec soin. Des quasi œuvre d'art 😁 Franchement, touriste de passage vient dans ce lieu découvrir un plat typique danois 👍
  
 
 
      Opslået på Google  
   
   Springwater 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verificerer, at den oprindelige kilde til anmeldelsen er Google.  I really appreciated those Danish little treasures! I do join the reviews that it is a bit pricey, but hey, when you come from France or any other country where the median salary is lower (here it's between 2500€ and 3000€ for median salary, so yeah much more than France where it's 1500€), you only see that it's really expensive. Compared to prices I've seen at the touristic colorful port (3 for 299kr, for I think the portions might have been more little), I think it's real fine! Two smørrebred are enough for one people, and the rødgrød med flød was really nice and not to sweet! Shoutout to the kind waitresses and waiter, the ambiance was really good, the restaurant is little so do expect to have someone chewing very loudly on their food (which was our case, for those who chew loud maybe try to be quiet it's so annoying 🥲 and if you don't, expect others to look bad on you so don't be surprised lol). But I cannot express how pretty the smørrebred were, so delicious, I've seen reviews critizing but they're plump, full of flavors, and they weren't lacking of dressing. Maybe telling the waitress to have little more sauce would have spared some people from bad reviews 😆 Will return again, with a better salary, to enjoy this cuisine! I recommand vividly to book a table in advance!
  
 
 
  
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