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
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.
Tip: You’ll find more guest reviews of Ibens Smørrebrød on Google, Tripadvisor and Facebook. You can also read what the newspaper critics have to say about Ibens Smørrebrød here. Google, Tripadvisor og Facebook.