The best coffee shops and bakeries in Copenhagen

Copenhagen’s bakery tradition dates back to the 1850s, when Danish bakers went on strike and foreign workers, including Austrian bakers, were hired to feed the populace, bringing with them new pastry techniques and recipes, and prompting the development of traditional Danish pastries as we know them today. These range from the humble tebolle (tea bun) to the complex spandauer, made up of layers of buttery pastry and filled with custard or jam.

Copenhagen’s modern bakeries push this tradition forward, with a multitude of establishments helmed by ex-Noma chefs and bakers, who take European and Danish traditional recipes and enhance them with local, seasonal ingredients. Add to this a third-wave coffee movement made up of independent roasters and coffee shops, ensconced in impeccable contemporary Danish design, and you have a winning coffee and bakery scene.

Here are the best coffee shops, cafes and bakeries in Copenhagen for a perfect pour, sweet treat or savoury snack, organised by neighbourhood so you are never far away from a spot-on coffee.

City Center, København K

La Cabra

Best for: Impeccable coffee in the heart of Copenhagen
Location: Møntergade 3A, 1116 København K
Price: Espresso 35 DKK

The Aarhus-born coffee shop La Cabra opened its Copenhagen location in collaboration with clothing brand Another Aspect. Known for exquisite coffees around the world, with locations in NYC, Bangkok and Oman, La Cabra focuses on light, bright single origin roasts. The Copenhagen outpost has limited counter seating inside the shop with a few stools on the street during summer, but it’s perfectly located for grabbing a coffee to go while exploring the shops of Copenhagen. La Cabra is an emblem of the Danish coffee scene, so be sure to sip a cup here while in the city.

Apotek 57

Best for: Modern Danish pastry in a sleek design store
Location: Fredericiagade 57, 1310 København
Price: Savory Waffle 145 DKK

This artisanal bakery and cafe is run in collaboration with design studio Frama, found adjacent to its store and showroom in a former apothecary in the city centre. Their staple pastries are infused with herbs, fruits and flowers depending on which are in season, and are as delicious as they are aesthetically pleasing. Opt for a savoury waffle or the signature round croissant, and be prepared to queue, as this place is popular. The founders’ second spot, Lido (Vester Voldgade 104), and third location Riviera (Nansensgade 64), both opened in summer 2024, and are well worth checking out.

Lille Bakery

Best for: Sourdough plus sweet and savoury pastries just across the harbour
Location: Refshalevej 213 A, 1432 København K
Price: Vegetarian Sausage Roll 45 DKK

Lille Bakery is located on the harbour island of Refshaleøen, accessed by public boat or via a scenic stroll across the bike and pedestrian bridge connecting it with the city centre. The industrial bakery and cafe serves Prolog Coffee on filter, which is always warm and perfectly brewed, and the food menu features topped focaccias, quiche, filled pastry rolls and veggie lunch dishes, making the most of seasonal produce from local farmers. Expect a convivial atmosphere with locals and students from the architecture schools nearby. Take a seat at a communal table and opt for the vegetarian sausage roll filled with a mince of mushroom, barley and spices, wrapped in a flaky buttery pastry, followed by their sweet treat classic – a Berliner doughnut filled with jam or custard.

Democratic Coffee

Best for: Books and coffee
Location: Krystalgade 15, 1172 København K
Price: Espresso 30 DKK, Almond Croissant 45 DKK

Democratic Coffee is located in Copenhagen’s public library. The long coffee counter is just adjacent to the library, and while it’s famous for baking fresh croissants twice a day, the real raison d’etre is the single origin, lightly roasted coffee, poured out to coffee aficionados of all stripes. Pair with its celebrated almond croissant, crispy on the outside yet perfectly soft inside, or savour the ham and cheese croissant sandwich.

Albatross & Venner

Best for: Soft sandwich bread and canelé in a food hall
Location: Hal 2, Linnésgade 17 Torvehallerne, 1361 Kbh. K
Price: Canelé 35 DKK

Bustling Torvehallerne food hall recently added Albatross & Venner to their list of vendor stands – an organic bakery collaboration between Omegn & Venner deli and German bakery Albatross. Head baker Agnese Negrini kneads the dough here to make classic sourdough, rye, and soft white loaves and buns, plus baguettes, savoury and sweet pastries, topped focaccias and of course the must have canelé – a small French classic flavoured with rum and vanilla and served upright with a caramelised crust. Grab a coffee at the Food Hall Coffee Collective and soak up the Torvehallerne vibe.

Østerbro, København Ø

April Coffee

Best for: Minimal, meticulous coffee
Location: Ryesgade 86A, 2100 København
Price: Espresso 60 DKK

Just off the lakes in Copenhagen is contemporary specialist April Coffee. The attention to detail here is next level: everything is dedicated to the quality of the coffee and nothing else. A sense of meticulousness is imbued in every movement of the baristas working here. April roasts the beans itself and stocks beans, brewing equipment and apparel in its shop. The space is bright and warm, fitted out with Danish design classics by Finn Juhl and minimal art on the walls. The owner was a finalist in the 2023 World Barista Championship, which should be reason enough to swing by. When you do, you’re in for a memorable coffee experience: roasts include naturally processed light roasts, such as the Ethiopian Regessa Krume with notes of raspberry, floral and citrus. Pair your cup with the only sweet on offer, a spongy canelé from Albatros & Venner. Tip: the Pilestræde location is the newest April Coffee outpost, conveniently located in the city centre.

Juno Bakery

Best for: The finest kardemummabullar in town
Location: Århusgade 48, 2100 København
Price: Cardamom bun 32 DKK

This is the place to get your cardamom fix. Juno was founded by former Noma chef Emil Glaser to fulfil his dream of baking precise sourdough bread, buns, pastries and cakes with a close attention to local and seasonal produce. His Swedish roots can be detected in the specialty kardemummabullar (cardamom buns), a staple on the menu and perhaps the finest rendition this side of the Øresund. There’s often a line out the door at this corner bakery, however it moves quickly and the team bakes all day, meaning they’re unlikely to run out of your favourite treat. The menu rotates with the seasons, with plenty of berries in the summer and tasty holiday cookies during winter. Note that only outdoor seating is available, so be prepared to grab-and-go during winter.

Atelier September

Best for: Breakfast in contemporary surrounds
Location: Århusgade 128D, 2150 København
Price: Cake 40 DKK, Noisette 40 DKK, Pancakes 135 DKK, Yogurt Granola 95 DKK

Atelier September quickly became a firm favourite for its outstanding breakfasts, and the attention to detail hasn’t suffered from its popularity. The brand’s most recent location in Nordhavn joins its two spots in Copenhagen K and Hellerup, where Atelier September classics can be enjoyed in impressive interiors fitted out with wooden plate racks and antiques curated by Copenhagen architecture studio Mentze Ottenstein. Bakery must orders include its lemon poppy seed tea cake and airy almond pancakes, alongside a glorious granola, served with yoghurt, courgette jam and a sprinkle of matcha. Pair it with a cup of noisette and this might be the perfect morning. Be sure to grab a bag of granola to enjoy at home before you leave.

Nørrebro, København N

Rondo Bakery

Best for: Focaccia sandwiches
Location: Sjællandsgade 7, 2200 København N
Price: Veg sandwich from 85 DKK

Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savoury, Rondo is beyond capable of pleasing both palates. Its focaccia perfectly balances an airy lightness with an oily chewiness and can be found supplying multiple restaurants and cafes around town. Come just before noon to score a focaccia sandwich: vegetarian options include seasonal greens with spicy mayo, pesto or mustard, and there’s always a mortadella sandwich for meat eaters. The chocolate chip cookies balance the same perfect chewiness and crunch and pair wonderfully with the filter coffee supplied by local roastery Coffee Collective. Savoury baked goods include an indulgent bechamel pastry with onion, tomato and parmesan, plus a salty twist on the Danish classic laminated pastry tebirkes, made with spinach and feta. The location, in the midst of residential Nørrebro, adds a local’s feel to this tiny hole-in-the-wall corner bakery. If the weather is fine, grab a seat outside the shop and watch the world go by.

Bageriet Benji

Best for: Tebolle and ice cream
Location: Fælledvej 23, 2200 København N
Price: Tea bun from 15 DKK

Former Noma chef Rasmus Kristensen established this small bakery in the hip heart of Nørrebro just off the lakes, naming it after his son Benji. Although the menu features a variety of special pastries and sourdough bread, the real jewel in the crown remains the on-point, simple and soft tebolle (tea bun) – a traditional kids’ treat that has been revamped here to great effect. The bakery has teamed up with Alice Ice Cream & Coffee, allowing guests to enjoy ice creams and freshly baked cones during summer.

Nordvest, København NV

Flere Fugle

Best for: Urban bakery and pizza bar
Location: Rentemestervej 57, 2400 København NV
Price: Cinnamon Roll 32 DKK, Pizza 130 DKK

Flere Fugle bakery is tucked away from the street in a former garage and set around a secluded sunny courtyard. Flere Fugle makes excellent sourdoughs, cinnamon rolls and other bakery items, and serves artisanal coffee from La Cabra throughout the day. As morning rolls into afternoon, the bakery transforms into an excellent pizza bar, serving pizzas with a crisp crust that remains soft and airy, with locally sourced seasonal produce as toppings. Grab a morning cinnamon roll and coffee or have an unpretentious pizza dinner in the backyard under the glittering string lights. Natural wine lovers will appreciate the large selection of exciting wines.

Frederiksberg

Hart Bageri

Best for: Flavourful consistency
Location: Gammel Kongevej 109, 1850 Frederiksberg
Price: Sausage Roll 38 DKK

Former Noma baker Richard Hart is behind the growing family of Hart bakeries across the city. The quality of the bread at Hart remains consistent no matter which of the eight locations you find yourself in. Its Gammel Kongevej spot is the original – a charming storefront with a small bakery in the back. Grab a sausage roll made with a flavourful seed and spice mix sprinkled on top, and don’t miss out on the tangy Basque cheesecake for dessert. Hit nearby Værnedamsvej for some shopping at elegant Danish clothing brands La Bagatelle and A.P.C. During winter, head to the Reffen location (Refshalevej 159A) for sleek indoor seating designed by Spacon & X.

HipHop

Best for: Coffee with a hip whole in the wall vibe
Location: Frederiksberg Allé 41b, 1820 Frederiksberg
Price: Espresso 30 DKK

A former Prolog employee is behind this vibrant independent coffee shop in the polished residential neighbourhood of Frederiksberg Allé. The street-inspired interior boasts two barstools and a single espresso machine on a counter, however what HipHop lacks in space it surely compensates for in the quality of the brewed coffee and sleek bags of beans from local specialty coffee roaster Sensei. Sip an espresso at the counter or grab a coffee for a stroll up the tree-lined avenue to Frederiksberg Garden.

Vesterbro, København V

Coffee Collective

Best for: Meticulously artisanal coffee
Location: Fadet 8, 1799 København V
Price: Espresso 35 DKK

Coffee Collective boasts eight coffee shops and one bakery, meaning you are never far away from an exacting coffee in Copenhagen. The baristas are fully committed to brewing the best cup every time and suggest specific beans for the respective coffee depending on what’s on the grinder. The newer Carlsberg Byen location is the most striking, with Douglas pine floorboards from Danish wood specialists Dinesen. Be sure to try the Kieni roast – a refined espresso that’s slightly acidic and oily with notes of blackcurrant, plum and marzipan. The pastries and sourdough buns straight from the Collective bakery are not to be missed, especially the BMO – an abbreviation for bolle med ost (bun with cheese).

Orsa Coffee

Best for: An oasis where coffee and music meets
Location: Vesterbrogade 46, 1620 København
Price: Espresso 36 DKK

After just a year in business, Orsa has already become a regular for Copenhageners. With its black and white tiled floor, marble and wood counter, good tunes and tables adorned with stickers saying “no fucking laptops”, Orsa offers a serene moment of pause in vibrant Vesterbro, with sunny stool seats on the sidewalk during summer. The Catalan Nomad coffee is currently the bean in play at this multi-roaster cafe. Be sure to pair an espresso with the scrumptious, spongy banana bread, baked in house.

Prolog Coffee

Best for: Coffee in the heart of the original Meatpacking District
Location: Høkerboderne 16, 1712 København
Price: Espresso 35 DKK

In the industrial Meatpacking District, you’ll find Prolog, a coffee shop that’s as much about the brew as it is about community, with morning run clubs frequently organised from here. The team roast their own beans in small batches with a strict quality control to ensure only the best make the cut. The coffee is on the brighter side, with tasting notes of berries, nuts and citrus. The bean on grind changes regularly, making it both an exciting option for locals and travellers alike.

Sydhavn, København SV

Wild Horses

Best for: Sourced speciality beans on rotation
Location: Borgbjergsvej 1, tv, 2450 København SV
Price: Espresso 33 DKK

Wild Horses is found in the harbourside neighbourhood of Sydhavn, where modern architecture meets traditional bridges and canals. The friendly vibes and not least the coffee will make the journey here well worth your while. An eclectic, personal selection of specialty beans on rotation from Berlin to Rotterdam and beyond means it’s always exciting to see what’s on the grinder. Grab a seat inside and enjoy the chilled out vinyl tunes with your brew, and when you’re done, head to nearby Sluseholmen bath to swim in the harbour.

Amager, København S

Alice Ice Cream & Coffee

Best for: Local with the locals and a scoop of milk
Location: Markmandsgade 1, 2300 København
Price: Croissant 32 DKK, Ice Cream 36 DKK, Espresso 34 DKK

Still somewhat of a secret, this bakery is not to be missed on any Copenhagen itinerary. Alice Ice Cream and Coffee creates some of the best pastries Copenhagen has to offer, and serves the creamiest ice cream in freshly baked tonka bean cones. Guests will find daily-changing pastries on the counter as well as a good selection of sandwiches. Opt for the buttery croissants if they haven’t sold out – these might be the best in Copenhagen. Don’t cheat yourself for a scoop of the milk ice cream during summer, made using the produce of a small local dairy farm. Always say yes when the team ask if you want a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of salt on your ice cream – it works. While you’re there, grab a cup of your preferred coffee – the beans are from Swedish specialty coffee roasters Koppi.