Selma
Bib Gourmand–awarded smørrebrød spot in central Copenhagen, where a Swedish chef turns classic Danish open-faced sandwiches into modern, artfully plated Nordic bites.
Tucked away on Rømersgade in Copenhagen’s Indre By, Selma is a modern Danish restaurant reimagining the classic smørrebrød. In an intimate, light-filled space, Swedish chef Magnus Pettersson serves artfully composed open-faced sandwiches that balance Nordic seasonality with playful flavor combinations, from inventive herring preparations to delicate vegetables and cured fish. Craft beers and thoughtful drink pairings round out a relaxed yet culinary-focused experience that bridges tradition and New Nordic creativity.
A brief summary to Selma
- Rømersgade 20, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1362, DK
- +4540277203
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11:30 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 11:30 am-4 pm
- Thursday 11:30 am-4 pm
- Friday 11:30 am-4 pm
- Saturday 11:30 am-4 pm
- Sunday 11:30 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Reserve ahead for lunch and all evening services, as the dining room is small and popular, especially from Thursday to Saturday.
- Plan on two to three pieces of smørrebrød per person for a satisfying lunch; add a dessert or extra piece if you prefer a longer meal.
- Ask staff for beer pairings; the craft selection is chosen to complement herring, salmon and richer meat toppings.
- If you have dietary restrictions, mention them when booking and again on arrival so the kitchen can adapt the selection where possible.
- Aim for an earlier or later lunch slot if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, as the small room can feel very lively at peak hours.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Selma location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Selma
Modern smørrebrød in the heart of Indre By
Selma sits on a quiet stretch of Rømersgade, a short walk from Copenhagen’s busy market streets, yet it feels like its own intimate world. Inside, a compact dining room with simple wooden tables, soft lighting and closely spaced seats creates the feeling of a contemporary Nordic bistro rather than a formal dining room. The focus here is firmly on lunch and early evening dining, reflecting the smørrebrød tradition while giving it a distinctly modern rhythm. The space is small enough that you can hear the low hum of conversation and the gentle clink of glasses from every corner. Shelves with bottles, jars and a line of taps behind the bar hint at the restaurant’s love of pickling, fermenting and pairing food with good beer. It is casual, but with the quiet confidence of a kitchen that knows exactly what it wants to do.A reimagined take on Denmark’s open-faced classic
Selma’s menu is built around smørrebrød, the iconic Danish open-faced sandwich traditionally served on dense rye bread. Here, the format becomes a canvas for highly composed dishes: layers of herring with beetroot or herbs, salmon with bright accompaniments, slow-cooked meats topped with delicate salads, and seasonal vegetables arranged with near-artistic precision. Each piece arrives more like a small plated dish than a simple sandwich. The kitchen leans heavily into Nordic seasonality, changing toppings with the rhythm of local produce. Herring, potatoes, brassicas and root vegetables appear in different guises through the year, joined by fresh herbs, flowers and tangy dressings that cut through the richness of rye and butter. Portions tend to be moderate, encouraging diners to order several different pieces and build a meal as a progression of flavors.From Swedish chef to Michelin Bib Gourmand
Unusually for such a quintessentially Danish concept, Selma is led by a Swedish chef, Magnus Pettersson, whose outsider’s eye has helped push the genre in a fresh direction. Trained in contemporary Nordic cooking, he treats smørrebrød with the same attention to balance and detail as a multi-course tasting menu, working with small producers and carefully sourced seafood. That approach has earned Selma a coveted Bib Gourmand listing in the Michelin Guide, highlighting its combination of quality and relative value in a city known for serious gastronomy. Rather than chasing fine-dining formality, the restaurant channels that recognition into meticulous cooking in a relaxed, almost neighborhood-like setting, making high-level Nordic cuisine feel approachable at lunchtime.Laid-back atmosphere with a serious beer list
While wine is available, Selma places special emphasis on beer, particularly Danish and Nordic craft brews that complement the robust flavors of rye, cured fish and pickled vegetables. A rotating selection on tap often includes styles ranging from crisp pilsners to more aromatic ales, offering pairings that can either mirror or contrast the food. The atmosphere remains informal throughout: staff move easily between tables, explaining the composition of each piece of smørrebrød and happily talking through menu choices for those unfamiliar with the tradition. Seating is close and the room fills quickly at peak times, adding to a convivial, buzzy feel rather than a hushed fine-dining mood.Planning your ideal Selma visit
Given the restaurant’s compact size and its reputation among both locals and visiting food enthusiasts, advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for lunch at the end of the week and for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday. Typical visits run from a simple one-hour lunch with two or three pieces of smørrebrød to a more extended meal approaching two hours if you opt for a broader selection and drinks. Selma’s city-centre location makes it easy to fold into a day of exploring Copenhagen: it works as a destination lunch before an afternoon of museums, or as an early dinner followed by an evening walk through Indre By. For many visitors, it becomes a reference point for modern smørrebrød—a place where a familiar Danish staple is transformed into something quietly inventive yet still rooted in everyday Nordic eating.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
Fiolstræde 42
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Jorcks Passage
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Gammeltorv
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Nytorv 2
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Nytorv
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Strøget
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Amagertorv
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Sankt Hans Torv
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Stork Fountain
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Gammel Strand
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Højbro Pl.
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Unmissable attractions to see
Copenhagen Food Tours - Best-Rated Experiences
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TorvehallerneKBH
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Nørre Voldgade 11
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Botanical Garden
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Skaal
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Kultorvet
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Dronning Louises Bro
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Copenhagen’s granite social bridge, arching over the city lakes with historic elegance, everyday bike traffic and some of the best urban sunsets in town.
Søtorvet 2
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Ørstedsparken
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Københavns Synagoge
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Rosenborg castle
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The Danish Natural History Museum
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Essential places to dine
Selma
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Modern Nordic smørrebrød and craft beers in a cozy Copenhagen corner, where a Swedish chef turns the classic open sandwich into refined, Bib Gourmand–worthy plates.
ARK
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Høst
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The Olive Kitchen & Bar
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Restaurant Schønnemann
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Det Lille Apotek
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ferment, ramen izakaya
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Vækst
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Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
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Kate's Joint
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Alouette
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Quirky Lane
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Bar'Vin
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Gejser Bar
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Strøm
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The Jane
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Bar7
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Bæst Cocktailbar
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Luke's Bar
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Bo-Bi Bar
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Trykbar
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Floss Bar
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Copenhagen's legendary dive bar: punk rock heritage, cheap beer, and authentic character until 2 AM.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
