Copenhagen’s dynamic food scene continues to evolve, with a blend of innovative new establishments and the rejuvenation of cherished classics. Here’s a look at some notable additions and transformations enriching the city’s culinary landscape.
New Openings
AOTORI & AKATON
Chef Mads Battefeld introduces two Japanese-inspired venues in Østerbro: AOTORI, an intimate eight-seat yakitori counter, and AKATON, a relaxed dining room specializing in tonkatsu. Both emphasize precision, restraint, and high-quality ingredients, offering authentic experiences rooted in Japanese culinary traditions.
CABIN
The team behind Bar Vitrine has launched CABIN, a minimalist coffee bar on Store Kongensgade. Designed as Bar Vitrine’s “younger sibling,” CABIN focuses on exceptional coffee, thoughtful design, and the quiet rituals of daily life, providing a serene haven for coffee enthusiasts.
ESSE
Acclaimed chef Matthew Orlando returns to Copenhagen with ESSE, a restaurant dedicated to circular cuisine and food innovation. After years in Southeast Asia, Orlando brings a fresh perspective, emphasizing sustainability and the development of new flavors.
Revitalized Classics
Aure
Michelin-starred Restaurant Aure has reopened after a three-month transformation of its historic 1745 gunpowder house on Holmen. The refined interior by Danish architect David Thulstrup complements a seasonal tasting menu rooted in nature’s finest ingredients from small-scale producers.
Krogs Fiskerestaurant
After 115 years, Krogs Fiskerestaurant on Gammel Strand is undergoing an ambitious transformation. Set to reopen in May 2026, the historic seafood institution aims to elevate its culinary offerings under new ownership and head chef Andreas Ring Kjeldsholm Hansen.
These developments reflect Copenhagen’s commitment to culinary excellence, blending innovation with tradition to offer diverse and enriching dining experiences.