Best Restaurants in The North Sea Islands

Tucked on Copenhagen’s Refshaleøen, Noma is a serene, barn-like fine-dining restaurant that helped define New Nordic cuisine. Inside low-slung wooden buildings framed by wild grasses and water views, an open kitchen team crafts seasonal tasting menus that explore Nordic seafood, vegetables, and game with avant‑garde techniques and foraged ingredients. The setting feels both polished and quietly rustic, pairing meticulous service with an intimate, almost workshop-like atmosphere.

Hidden in a former industrial shipyard on Refshaleøen, **Alchemist** is Copenhagen’s most ambitious fine-dining stage – an immersive, multi-sensory restaurant where a 45–50 course menu unfolds over five “acts” in different rooms beneath a vast projected dome. Chef Rasmus Munk fuses cutting-edge technique, art installation and social commentary into what he calls “holistic cuisine,” turning dinner into a six-hour exploration of flavours, ethics and spectacle that feels closer to experimental theatre than a conventional meal.

Nyhavns Færgekro is a classic Danish restaurant tucked into one of the colorful townhouses along Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn canal. Set over several levels with low ceilings, maritime details and candlelit tables, it serves traditional smørrebrød, a generously stocked herring buffet and hearty Nordic mains. With both snug indoor rooms and coveted outdoor seating facing the water, it blends old-harbor atmosphere with easy access to the city’s liveliest waterfront promenade.

A Copenhagen institution since 1877, Restaurant Schønnemann is one of Denmark's oldest and most authentic smørrebrød establishments. Located in a basement on Hauser Plads, this historic lunch-only restaurant serves traditional Danish open-faced sandwiches alongside over 140 varieties of aquavit and schnapps. The dark-wood interior, white tablecloths, and period décor transport diners back to a bygone era, while the menu features organic ingredients, freshly baked rye bread, and house-cured herring prepared by expert chefs.

Selma is a contemporary Danish restaurant in central Copenhagen that has reimagined the classic smørrebrød with seasonal Nordic produce, clean Scandinavian design and a relaxed, buzzing atmosphere. Led by Swedish chef Magnus Pettersson and awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, this compact spot near Nørreport station serves beautifully composed open-faced sandwiches, creative small plates and a strong craft beer and schnapps list, making it a standout choice for a modern take on Copenhagen’s lunch tradition.

Tucked beside a village pond in leafy Holte north of Copenhagen, Søllerød Kro is a historic Danish inn turned Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant. Behind the whitewashed, thatched facade, candlelit dining rooms and a sheltered courtyard set the stage for refined French-inspired cuisine with Nordic accents, exceptional wines, and poised, old-school hospitality. This is destination dining that feels both intimate and timelessly elegant.

Tucked in woodland just outside Aabenraa, Restaurant Knapp occupies a lovingly restored old mill beside a tranquil pond, where yellow half-timbered buildings glow against the trees. Inside, candlelit dining rooms, antiques and white tablecloths set the stage for refined French-inspired cuisine built on peak-season Danish produce. With just a handful of nostalgic rooms upstairs, it doubles as a romantic countryside inn ideal for long dinners, celebrations and slow stays.

Set on the edge of Vejle Marina, Restaurant Remouladen pairs classic Danish smørrebrød and brasserie-style cooking with bright, contemporary interiors and broad views over the water. Inside, white tablecloths, generous windows and warm service create an inviting setting for both leisurely lunches and unhurried dinners, with a strong focus on Danish seasonal produce, animal welfare and carefully sourced local ingredients.

A beloved Copenhagen institution specializing in traditional Danish smørrebrød and classic homemade dishes served in a cosy, old-fashioned basement setting. Located in one of the city's oldest buildings dating to the 1600s, Restaurant Kronborg captures the essence of Danish hygge with impeccable service, seasonal menus, and an impressive selection of aquavit and schnapps. Perfect for experiencing authentic Danish lunch culture in the heart of the Inner City.

Perched on the 12th floor of the Tivoli Hotel’s City Tower, MASH Penthouse is a sleek modern steakhouse pairing premium cuts with sweeping views over Copenhagen’s skyline. Deep-red velvet, dark wood and golden accents create a moody, clubby atmosphere, while floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious rooftop terrace make this an indulgent spot for sundowner cocktails and long, lingering dinners.