10 great casual lunches in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is known for its culinary creativity and is home to some of the world’s best restaurants. But you don’t need a reservation at Alchemist or Noma to eat well. Across the city you will find small kitchens, bakeries and casual eateries serving high-quality food that satisfies your hunger without draining your wallet.

KASADA

If you are looking for meals built around sourdough made from heritage grains (and honestly, who isn’t?), the search is over. At KASADA, bread is baked fresh every day, kimchi and kombucha are fermented in-house, and everything is served in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Make sure to leave room for one of their sweet pastries at the end.

Where: KASADA, Strandlodsvej 11, 2300 København S

Ma Poule

Located in Torvehallerne, where there are plenty of great options, this one still stands out. They are best known for their duck confit sandwich, with the perfect balance of crusty baguette, sharp mustard and fatty duck.

But there is another dish on the menu that deserves just as much attention and will stay in your food memory long after your visit. Even though it is not a classic French dish like the rest of their menu, they prepare it with the same finesse. The Iberico cut, served simply on a wooden board, is simply excellent.

Pair it with a piece of baguette, some jambon, brie and a glass of white wine, and you have a pretty perfect lunch.

Where: Ma Poule, torvehallerneKBH, Rømersgade 18, 1362 København

Bento

This family-run Japanese restaurant is a local institution, with regulars returning again and again since its opening in 1998. Today the younger generation has joined the family business, bringing new energy to the place.

The menu is built around a simple idea: choose a main dish and it comes with rice, miso soup, salad and sides.

The special fried tuna with sweet and spicy glaze is a favourite, but the homemade dumplings are also a very good choice.

Where: Bento, Helgolandsgade 16, 1653 København

MaMeMi

There are many good pizzerias in Copenhagen, but MaMeMi is in a league of its own. The reason is their speciality: Roman-style pizza, or pizza al taglio, known for its thin crust and perfect crunch.

The dough is the real secret, built on years of Roman tradition. A mix of five different organic flours from Italian producers is used, and even the kneading process is something they keep to themselves.

The wine list is also worth exploring. A sommelier has selected quality wines, many of them natural and most from small Italian producers. As for the atmosphere, MaMeMi is family-run by two brothers and their cousin, who are present in the restaurant every day, adding to the authentic Italian feel.

Where: MaMeMi, Mysundegade 28, 1668 København V

Abrikos

Named Best Sandwich in the City 2025, Abrikos is a good stop if you are looking for a sandwich with a strong reputation behind it. The team opened the place out of a love for sandwiches, but felt that Copenhagen was missing a spot where everything was made from scratch using quality ingredients. In 2023 they decided to change that.

The sandwiches are neatly layered and almost too photogenic not to share. Abrikos also works with small local producers and focuses on seasonal ingredients.
At the base is their own organic potato and sourdough loaf, soft and airy but sturdy enough to hold the fillings.

Tip: Try the sandwich of the month, where new flavours are introduced.

Where: Abrikos, Nørregade 38, 1165 København K

&deli

A good stop when you want something quick that still feels like a proper meal. The menu revolves around sandwiches on homemade bread and salads, with warm dishes on rotation as well as wine and other drinks if you have time to stay.

The kitchen works with seasonal vegetables, quality meat from selected suppliers and ingredients chosen for their natural flavour. The warm dishes change regularly, and there are always two options – one with meat and one vegetarian.

At the counter you will usually find neatly prepared sandwiches and colourful salads lined up, ready to take away or enjoy on the spot.

Where: &deli, Bohrsgade 44, 1799 København

Slagterens Smørrebrød & Delikatesse

Smørrebrød is almost an art form in Denmark, and everyone has their own preferences for how to make, assemble and eat this classic Danish lunch. At Slagterens Smørrebrød & Delikatesse, the craft is taken seriously.

The rye bread is dark and malty, the mayo rich and creamy, and the meat carefully carved and cured. The kartoffelmad with crispy onions is a standout – one of those simple dishes that suddenly comes to mind when the craving hits.

If the sun is out, there are a few tables outside in the old working-class neighbourhood of Islands Brygge. But it is also worth trying the traditional way: your smørrebrød wrapped in blue-and-white paper and packed like a proper Danish madpakke.

Where: Slagterens Smørrebrød & Delikatesse , Leifsgade 17, 2300 København

Banh Banh

Bánh mì has become a popular quick lunch in Copenhagen, and Banh Banh is one of the newer places dedicated to the Vietnamese sandwich. The bread is baked in-house each day and filled with fresh herbs, pickled vegetables and marinated meat. There are also noodle salads if you are in the mood for something lighter.

The place opened in 2024, started by two friends who decided to build something of their own after losing their previous jobs. Much of the food is prepared in the open kitchen.

Everything is made to order, so it is always fresh.

Where: Banh Banh, Kattesundet 8, 1458 København

KUKU

Iranian street food is still relatively rare in Copenhagen, which makes KUKU in Nørrebro Street Food stand out. The kitchen focuses on classic dishes from the Iranian tradition, prepared with plenty of herbs, spices and slow-cooked flavours.

One of the best-known dishes is ghormeh sabzi, a stew of herbs, beans and dried lime served with saffron rice. The dish helped earn KUKU awards at both the Danish Street Food Awards and the European Street Food Awards.

Food is served both inside Nørrebro Street Food and outside on the small square by Nørrebro Station.

Where: KUKU, Lygten 2L, 2400 København NV

Tacopop

Craving something spicy? Tacopop is one of the places in Copenhagen dedicated to Mexican street food made from scratch. Soft tortillas are filled with slow-cooked meats, vegetables and fresh salsas.

The kitchen has also received recognition at the European Street Food Awards.

Besides the savoury dishes, there are also churros on the menu, along with weekly offers.

Where: Tacopop, Smallegade 20A st.tv, 2000 Frederiksberg