Nørrebro
Establishment
neighborhood
Ro Chokolade
Jægersborggade 25, Nørrebro
All the artisanal chocolates and ice-cream sold at this tiny store are made on site in the back room—which explains the rich, chocolatey scent the second you walk in.
Meyers Bageri
Nordre Toldbod 16, Nørrebro
Known for its organic bread, cakes, and most importantly, the best kanelsnurrer in Copenhagen (it's essentially a cinnamon bun layered with Vahlrona chocolate), Meyers Bageri is the brainchild of Danish entrepreneur and chef Claus Meyer. It's tiny (read: fits five people) so it's always packed. Get there early before everything sells out.
The Coffee Collective
Jægersborggade 57, Nørrebro
Founded by four friends, the Coffee Collective is all about sustainability—meaning, all the beans are direct trade only and roasted to perfection in their own energy-efficient roaster. The café itself has a modernist vibe and is sparsely furnished with stone floors and low-hanging light bulbs. For a taste of this artisan coffee on the go, pop by their second location at Torvehallerne market.
Baest
Guldbergsgade 29, Nørrebro
If you've overloaded on Nordic cuisine and are craving something familiar, head to Italian-centric Baest. With their own in-house charcuterie operation, wood-fired pizza oven, and mozzarella hand-made by the kitchen's chefs, you'll struggle to find better Italian food outside of Italy. Baest uses only stone-ground flour to make their signature sourdough crust pizzas, charred to perfection and cooked to order. The interior is mom-and-pop style red brick walls, wooden tables, and simple polished stone floors. Reservations recommended.
Grød
Jægersborggade 50, Nørrebro
This is the world's first, self-proclaimed porridge bar—Grød literally translates to porridge. The founders wanted to showcase not only the humble dish's versatility but also its assimilation into regional cooking all over the world. Porridge is really just a grain cooked in liquid until soft and thick and Grød offers sweet and savory versions, cooked with several different grains, from traditional oats to barley and quinoa. If you feel like trying something other than the typical oats, milk, and fruit version, order the congee (savory, slow-cooked, Asian rice-based porridge). If you can't make it to the Nørrebrø flagship, stop by the stand in Torvehallerne Market.
Manfreds
Jægersborggade 40, Nørrebro
Copenhagen's first natural wine bar was conceived by culinary entrepreneur Christian Puglisi (also of Relae), and quickly evolved into a full-service restaurant. Despite being nearly completely vegetable-focused, the meat tartare here has developed an almost cult-like following. As with Relae, Puglisi won't compromise on quality and sustainability: all the produce is not only hyper-seasonal but comes from nearby organic farms. Most of the entrees are vegetarian but so satisfying, like the charred broccoli with parsley purée or seared romaine with walnuts and anchovy vinaigrette, and there are experienced sommeliers on hand to help navigate the natural wine list. Manfreds is a tiny restaurant, perfect for an intimate dinner with one other person—the tasting menus are also conveniently designed for two.
Mirabelle
Guldbergsgade 29, Nørrebro
More of a multi-functional, food-focused space than a traditional restaurant, Mirabelle operates as a restaurant, deli, and bakery in one. Given that they share a kitchen with Baest next door, it's no surprise that the menu is Italian inflected, with especially good house-made pasta. The space is small and cozy with monochromatic checkerboard floors, a few tables, chalkboards, and freshly-baked loaves stacked on shelves above the coffee machines. The croissants and coffee to-go are a big hit with the locals, but if you choose to eat in, all your breakfast choices are served together on cute little utilitarian trays.
Relae
Jægersborggade 41, Nørrebro
Relae, founded by two former Noma grads and now run by Canadian chef Jonathan Tam, is the only restaurant in Denmark with an organic gold star (along with a few from Michelin) for using over 90% organic produce.
Brus
Guldbergsgade 29F, Nørrebro
Brus is probably the classiest brewpub you'll ever visit (despite being located in a gritty former iron foundry) with exposed brick walls, copper taps, and sculptural wood light fixtures illuminating the bar. Part of the To Øl brewery—founded by two former Mikkeller brewers—there are over twenty craft beers on tap. If the mood takes you, there are kegging and brewing classes available, but the more vacation appropriate choice is to take a seat, order a few snacks, and get acquainted with a craft beer or two.
The Barking Dog
Sankt Hans Gade 19, Nørrebro
This bar is an informal, relaxed spot for a drink with comfy sofas and a chic, checkerboard floor. The owners have gone for an upscale British pub vibe with plenty of beers and wine by the glass on the menu, as well as a solid mezcal selection. Unlike many bars in the city, the music is low enough to have proper conversations and the cozy seating invites you to linger through the evening. The owners have also put real thought into their non-alcoholic cocktail list, which features fresh juice blends with spicy kicks like chili and ginger for the more abstemious among us.