Llama

Latin American Fire in the Heart of Copenhagen

Llama sits on a small street just off Kongens Nytorv, yet the moment you step inside you leave northern Europe behind. The space opens as a low-lit den of patterned tiles, dark wood and greenery, with a soundtrack and energy that feel more Lima or Mexico City than central Copenhagen. It is part of the Cofoco group, but here the focus is firmly on Latin American flavors interpreted through a Nordic lens. The menu ranges across Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile and Mexico, drawing freely from street food and traditional home cooking. This is a place where smoky grilled meats in asado style share space with delicate bites and bright seafood, and where the rhythm of the evening is as important as the individual dishes.

Plates to Share and Dishes with a Kick

Llama’s kitchen is built around sharing: smaller plates, tacos and ceviches arrive in waves, encouraging you to mix and match rather than follow a rigid starter–main–dessert format. Ceviche might come dressed in sharp citrus and chili, with plenty of fresh herbs, while anticuchos highlight skewered, chargrilled morsels brushed with punchy marinades. Tacos are compact but layered, often pairing slow-cooked meats or grilled vegetables with salsas, crema and crunchy toppings. Flame-grilled cuts in the asado tradition supply the deeper, smokier notes – charred edges, juicy centers and accompaniments that balance richness with acidity and spice. Desserts tend to be playful rather than heavy, often weaving in caramel, chocolate or tropical fruit to echo the region’s sweet tooth.

Cocktails, Pisco and Late-Night Energy

The bar is a central character at Llama. Latin American spirits take the lead, with pisco, tequila and mezcal anchoring a list of signature cocktails. Expect citrus-driven sours, smoky long drinks and drinks layered with fresh herbs, chili or tropical flavors. Classic options sit alongside house creations, making the bar an easy choice whether you are pairing drinks with food or dropping by late. On Friday and Saturday nights, the restaurant shifts gradually into Llama After Hours, with DJs, dimmer lighting and a more overt cocktail-bar feel until the early hours. The music lifts, conversations rise to match the soundscape, and the room feels more like a lounge than a dining room, while the kitchen continues to send out late-evening bites.

Design Details and a Copenhagen–Latin Blend

The interior is as curated as the menu. Intricate floor tiles in vivid patterns, sculptural lighting and a mix of banquettes and smaller tables carve the space into intimate pockets. The design nods to Latin colour and geometry but is restrained by Copenhagen minimalism, giving the restaurant both warmth and polish. Behind the scenes, Llama leans on local Scandinavian produce wherever possible, applying Latin American techniques and flavor profiles to ingredients sourced close to home. The result is not a strict recreation of any one regional cuisine, but a hybrid that feels rooted in Copenhagen while clearly speaking with a South American accent.

What to Expect from an Evening at Llama

A meal here typically stretches over multiple shared plates, cocktails and conversation. Early in the evening the room feels more relaxed, with couples and small groups easing into the night over tasting menus and drinks. As the hours pass, the lighting seems warmer, the music grows more insistent and the atmosphere livens considerably. Located in the city center, Llama draws a cosmopolitan mix of guests, from locals starting a night out to visitors seeking something beyond traditional Nordic fare. It works equally well as a pre-theatre dinner, a sociable group meal or a place to linger over late-night cocktails, with its Latin-inspired pulse running steadily throughout.