Barr

Nordic comfort cooking by the Copenhagen waterfront

Barr sits in a handsome old warehouse on Strandgade, right on Copenhagen’s inner harbor, where trading ships once unloaded grain and spices that fed the city for centuries. Today, the focus is on the culinary traditions of the North Sea region: Denmark, Germany, the Benelux countries and beyond, interpreted with a modern, produce-driven sensibility. The menu leans into heartiness and warmth, with rich sauces, carefully sourced meat and fish, and an almost scholarly love of bread, butter and beer. At lunch, the kitchen turns out refined takes on classic smørrebrød – open-faced rye sandwiches topped with curry herring, fried pickled herring, shrimp, roast beef or potato with Danish cheese. There is also a three-course set menu built around a grilled waffle with bleak roe, the signature schnitzel and a bright, creamy dessert of preserved cherries. Dinner shifts the mood to more generous, often shared plates, including grilled haddock or pork chop for two, alongside starters such as Jerusalem artichoke soup, beef tartare and oysters.

Inside a former noma home with modern Danish design

The building once housed the first home of noma, and Barr embraces that legacy of understated, high-end Nordic design rather than fine-dining formality. The interior is all soft, undulating blonde oak, stone floors and simple, tactile materials that echo the warehouse’s working past without feeling austere. Large windows frame views of the water and cobbled quayside, while low lighting and candles create an intimate glow even on winter evenings. Tables are generously spaced and the room is divided into smaller sections, giving a sense of privacy whether you are at a two-top by the window or a larger table for a convivial lunch. The open kitchen and bar area add a casual energy, with chefs and bartenders in constant quiet motion. It feels both polished and relaxed: a place where you can linger over a long tasting of dishes and drinks without the stiffness of white tablecloth dining.

Signature dishes and a focus on beer and pairings

Barr’s food celebrates familiarity while adding detail and depth. The much-discussed schnitzel "Wiener art" uses free-range pork, fried to a delicate golden crust and served with brussels sprouts, horseradish cream and a deeply savory butter sauce scented with anchovies. Smoked herring appears in several guises, paired with beetroot, rhubarb or herbs, underlining the kitchen’s fondness for smoke, acidity and seasonal produce. Bread and potatoes are not afterthoughts here: poppyseed white bread and dense rye arrive with salted butter; Hasselback potatoes are crisped and served with crème fraîche or ramson buds. Desserts often pair Nordic fruits with dairy and subtle herbal notes, such as cherries with milk sorbet, or poached pear with sheep’s milk yoghurt. Alongside the food, Barr is known for its beer program, offering a substantial list of craft brews and frequently a dedicated beer pairing to match a set menu, as well as a considered wine selection.

Planning your meal and what to expect

Barr operates primarily for lunch on selected days and dinner most evenings, with the kitchen usually opening from midday into late night on weekends and from late afternoon on earlier weekdays. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for prime dinner hours or if you are planning a special occasion. Prices reflect its status as an upscale Copenhagen restaurant, with multi-course menus and à la carte options in a higher bracket, though you can also stop in simply for a lighter meal and a drink at the bar. Dietary options are accommodated to a reasonable extent, with vegetarian-friendly dishes and the possibility of gluten-free choices, though the menu is rooted in bread, butter and meat. Most of the experience is indoors, making it a good choice in any season, but the waterfront setting is particularly atmospheric on bright spring and summer days, when the light over the harbor filters softly into the dining room. Expect to spend at least two hours if you choose a menu with pairings, as service unfolds at a measured, unhurried pace.

Christianshavn setting and nearby atmosphere

Located in Christianshavn, a historic district of Copenhagen crisscrossed by canals and low, colorful houses, Barr benefits from an evocative urban backdrop. Before or after your meal, you can stroll along the quays, watch boats moving through the harbor or explore the narrow streets that radiate inland. The area has a relaxed, almost village-like feel despite being a short distance from the city center, with other notable restaurants, cafés and bars spread along the water. The restaurant’s position in a preserved warehouse connects it not only to the city’s maritime history but also to its more recent rise as a global food destination. Dining here feels like stepping into a chapter of that story: contemporary Nordic cooking rooted in place, served in a building that has witnessed Copenhagen’s transformation from working port to culinary capital.