Restaurant Cofoco

A pioneering basement in vibrant Vesterbro

Restaurant Cofoco sits below street level on Abel Cathrines Gade, a calm residential side street just a short stroll from Vesterbro’s busier arteries. Descending the steps, you leave the city behind and enter a bright, low-slung space that feels both secluded and central. Opened in 2004, this was the first restaurant in the Cofoco group and quickly became a reference point for modern, accessible Copenhagen gastronomy. The room is divided into smaller zones, so even when the restaurant is full it retains an intimate feel. Light walls, simple wooden furniture and carefully placed lamps create a soft glow that flatters both people and plates. It is an easy-going setting where you can dress up a little for a special night or keep things casual after a day of exploring the city.

Nordic ingredients with a global accent

The kitchen starts with seasonal Danish ingredients – vegetables from local farms, sustainably sourced fish and well-raised meat – and builds dishes that feel familiar yet surprising. Menus change frequently, but the idea is consistent: small plates that highlight one or two main elements, supported by precise sauces, pickles or purées. While the foundation is Nordic, flavours wander. You might find a delicately seared fish paired with citrus and herbs that nod to the Mediterranean, or slow-cooked meat brightened by spices borrowed from further afield. Portions are designed for trying several courses, and many guests treat the menu as a relaxed tasting journey, sharing plates across the table.

Design details and private dining corners

Cofoco’s interior balances Danish restraint with a few playful touches. Clean-lined tables and chairs are softened by textiles and candlelight, while muted tones keep the focus on conversation and food. Artwork and small decorative objects break up the walls without overwhelming the room. Two private dining rooms are tucked away from the main space, seating roughly a dozen and around twenty guests respectively. These snug rooms are often used for birthdays, business dinners or gatherings of friends who want the atmosphere of the restaurant with a little extra privacy. In the main room, a long table can host a larger group while still keeping them embedded in the flow of the restaurant.

A smooth, structured dining experience

Evenings here follow an unhurried rhythm. The restaurant opens for dinner only, with guests typically settling in for two to three hours. Set menus are common, giving a clear structure to the meal while still allowing for individual choices, including vegetarian paths through the menu. Wine plays an important supporting role, with pairings that move from crisp whites to richer reds or lighter, more experimental bottles, depending on the dishes. Non-alcoholic options are thoughtfully considered, often built around juices or infusions that echo the flavours on the plate. Courses arrive at a measured pace, leaving time between dishes to talk, taste and take in the atmosphere.

Who it suits and how to make the most of it

Cofoco works well for couples looking for a date-night setting, small groups of friends catching up over multiple courses and solo diners who enjoy sitting with a good meal in a calm, well-designed room. The price point sits in the middle range for Copenhagen: not an everyday canteen, but more approachable than many of the city’s fine-dining temples. To get the fullest sense of the kitchen’s style, it is worth committing to a full menu rather than a single course. Allow time to linger over dessert and a final glass; the basement setting and warm lighting make it easy to lose track of the evening as the street life continues quietly above.