If you're visiting Copenhagen and haven’t tried smørrebrød, you’re missing out on a slice of Danish culture—literally! This iconic open-faced sandwich is one of Denmark’s national dishes, alongside the hot dog and flæskesteg (roast pork). Eating smørrebrød is a truly Danish culinary experience, best enjoyed midday around lunch time. It is one of the must-do activities for any first-timer visiting Copenhagen.

From traditional toppings like pickled herring and liver pate to more modern creations, smorrebrod offers something for every palate. 

In this comprehensive food guide, I’ll take you on a tasty tour of Copenhagen’s best smørrebrød spots. So grab your fork and knife—because smørrebrød is not finger food—and get ready to experience Copenhagen’s best culinary tradition, one open-faced sandwich at a time.

Copenhagen Smørrebrød Guide: What to Know About the Traditional Danish Food

What is Smørrebrød? 

In case you aren’t familiar, smørrebrød is a traditional open-faced sandwich from Denmark. Smørrebrød has been a beloved part of Danish cuisine for centuries, with its roots tracing back to the 19th century. Initially a humble meal for workers, smørrebrød was made using leftover ingredients from dinner, typically placed on a thick slice of rye bread. The name "Smørrebrød" literally translates to "buttered bread".

Over time, these simple open-faced sandwiches evolved into a staple of Danish culture. Smørrebrød became a centerpiece of Danish cuisine, particularly at lunch. It is also representative of Denmark's connection to land and sea, as it prominently features locally sourced ingredients such as herring, cured meat, and wild herbs. 

Now that Smørrebrød is practically synonymous with Danish cuisine, many restaurants in Copenhagen specialize in smørrebrød. Talented chefs elevate it into a gourmet experience by using premium ingredients and creative presentation. Each topping is meticulously placed on a thick slice of rye bread, and the sandwiches are often garnished with fresh herbs, onions, or remoulade. 

How to Eat Smørrebrød? 

When ordering smørrebrød, you’ll typically order more than 1 sandwich at a time. The sandwiches aren’t very big, so don’t worry about being stuffed. It is almost expected that you don't order two pieces of the same type. Two or three different smørrebrød is the most common order. 

This might be important to note: smørrebrød is typically eaten with a knife and fork, rather than with the hands. For folks who are used to eating sandwiches with their hands (like me!), it is really tempting to pick up your smørrebrød. But that would be big a faux paus! The Danes are well-mannered folks, so make sure you cut your smørrebrød before taking a bite.  

6 Best Places for Smørrebrød in Copenhagen

Hallernes Smørrebrød

Best for: Traditional quick eats

Offering a large selection of reasonably priced, quasi-fancy smørrebrød, I think Hallernes Smørrebrød is the perfect place to start your explorations of smørrebrød. It is located inside Torvehallerne, one of the best food halls in Copenhagen. There is almost always a line here, but it gives you time to think about your order – Hallernes Smørrebrød has a massive selection of choices, both contemporary and traditional. Don’t get overwhelmed because you’ll see all the smørrebrød nicely labeled inside the glass case. I would recommend doing 1 traditional piece and 1 contemporary piece. They are all beautifully colorful and plated with care.

• Address: Rømersgade 18, 1360 København, Denmark
• Website: https://hallernes.dk/ 

Selma

Best for: Modern culinary approach with a Michelin twist

The Michelin guide made culinary history when it awarded Selma a Bib Gourmand – it became the first smørrebrød joint to receive the accolade. With their meticulous approach and delicate yet precise flavors, Selma transforms simple slices of rye bread into exquisite canvases. Chef Magnus Peterson puts a contemporary twist on the humble classic, using creative toppings such as elderflower herring or truffled celeriac. Expect beautiful dishes topped with micro herbs, dusted with cress and decorated with vibrant wildflowers. It’s a place where you’ll want to take photos of your food – flavor is key, but so are good looks. 

At Selma, you can even order a smørrebrød tasting menu! There are 5 or 7 course options, introducing you to the delights of smørrebrød, where smaller-than-average servings allow you to try the full range of tastes available, including fish, meat, vegetarian and even sweet, dessert-style sandwiches. The menus is also devised with their own beer or schnapps pairings.

• Address: Rømersgade 20, 1362 København, Denmark 
• Website: http://selmacopenhagen.dk/ 

Christianshavn's Ferry Café

Best for: Waterfront atmosphere and Schnapps Pairings

Nestled on the waterfront in Copenhagen's Christianshavn neighborhood, this 150-year-old ferry café offers classic Danish cuisine in a charming maritime setting. This restaurant was originally recommended to me by one of my all time favorite tour guides, Mike from Bike Mike's Tours. He described it as his favorite smørrebrød in Copenhagen, which at least to me, is high praise from a local! 

With rustic interiors, timber framing, and the option to dine aboard a docked ferry, the restaurant delivers an authentic, old-world ambiance. The menu features traditional Danish dishes, including smørrebrød. Don't miss their signature dish, a curry herring. The café is known for its house-made schnapps, with over 30 unique varieties crafted by the schnapps-enthusiast owner, Erik Frandsen.

• Address: Strandgade 50, 1401 København K, Denmark
• Website: http://faergecafeen.dk/ 

Møntergade

Best for: Stylish vibes with delicious food

Møntergade offers some of Copenhagen’s finest traditional smørrebrød with a modern twist. Signature dishes include shrimp piled high with mayonnaise, herbs, and edible flowers, as well as deep-fried plaice with a tangy curry remoulade. I just love the vibe of this restaurant. The chic, minimalist and elegant interior feels welcoming, perfect for any occasion, from business dinners to casual lunch outings. Combining classic Danish craftsmanship with contemporary flavors, I think Møntergade is a lovely choice for a smørrebrød.

• Address: Møntergade 19, 1120 København, Denmark
• Website: https://montergade.dk/ 

Meyers i Tårnet

Best for: Views and Luxury Vibes

The restaurant is inside the tower of Christiansborg Castle (i.e. the Danish parliament building). It has a show-stopping design with skyhigh ceilings, monumental statues, and wabi sabi inspired floral arrangements. I couldn’t put my camera down. Doesn't hurt that the food is fantastic too! 

Offering a modern take on traditional Danish dishes, the focus at Meyers i Tårnet is on high-quality ingredients and a sustainable approach. If you want to sample a few different flavors, opt for their Smørrebrød sampler which rotates daily. Order a glass of schnapps to go alongside the sandwich to really enjoy it the Danish way! 

You’ll want to allow a little extra time to reach your table at Tårnet, since you’ll have to go through security and then ride a lift up to the top. At the end of your meal, ask to go up to the panoramical view point for a breathtaking view of the city.

• Address: Christiansborg Slotsplads, 1218 København 
• Website: https://meyers.dk/restaurant/meyers-i-taarnet 

Rørt

Best for: cheap and cheerful sandwiches with cute branding 

With locations in famous Copenhagen food halls like Torvehallerne and Bridge Street Kitchen, Rørt is an accessible option for folks who are skeptical about smørrebrød. You can buy 1-3 pieces for an affordable price, so the risk is low. The menu specializes in spreads and toppings that are mixed or "rørt" by hand. The menu features inventive options such as marinated herring, beetroot, and dill or creamy salmon tartare, all served on a seedy rye bread. It also has a number of options for vegans & vegetarians. This isn’t the most traditional smørrebrød vendor in Copenhagen, but it will do the trick in a pinch. 

• Address: Strandgade 95, 1401 København, Denmark
• Website: http://www.roert.dk/ 

Have thoughts or questions about smørrebrød in Copenhagen? Tell me in the comments!