Copenhagen Restaurants

Denmark's undisputed speciality when it comes to the realms of gourmet food is the 'smørrebrød' (known to non-Danes as 'smorgasbord'). This consists of a selection of open sandwiches, served for lunch, usually made up of a variety of fish and seafood. The smorgasbord 'queen' in Copenhagen is Ida Davidsen, who is the fifth generation of her family to serve up this unique cuisine during the past 100 years. Ida can now claim to offer the longest smorgasbord menu in Denmark at six feet (2m) long! An example is the 'Victor Borge' sandwich, piled with salmon, freshly marinated lumpfish caviar, crayfish tails, Greenland shrimp, lime and dill mayonnaise. Open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm.

Address: Store Kongensgade 70; Tel: 3391 3655; E-mail: reservation@idadavidsen.dk

Nyhavn, alongside the canal connecting the harbour to the inner city, is the busiest dining district in Copenhagen, crammed with restaurants and cafes and frequented by thousands of tourists. One of the best restaurants in this area is the Den Sorte Ravn (The Black Raven), which serves up fine Danish cuisine with some classic French touches. Speciality of the house in this comfortable establishment, which has been operating for 28 years, is fillet of turbot prepared in puff pastry, with lobster salmon mousse and parsley, served with lobster sauce flavoured with cognac. The other items on the menu, particularly the fish dishes, are just as mouth-watering. Reservations are recommended. Open weekdays from 11.30am to 10.30pm.

Address: Nyhavn 14; Tel: 3313 1233; E-mail: rest@sorteravn.dk

Those who enjoy digesting some history along with their delectable dinner will enjoy experiencing Sankt Gertrud's Kloster, a medieval monastery dating back 700 years that now houses one of Copenhagen's most stylish international restaurants. Swallow oysters, followed by tenderloin lamb or rabbit ragout, and finish off with a selection of Danish cheeses, for example. The restaurant offers what it calls 'trilogy cuisine', endeavouring to include three different taste nuances in each dish. The atmosphere is warm and cosy, and the restaurant can cater for large groups in an intimate, candle-lit atmosphere. Reservations recommended. Open daily from 4pm.

Address: Hauser Plads 32; Tel: 3314 6630

Dining out in Copenhagen can be expensive, but for a good value traditional meal and a good time follow the local workers to their popular luncheon spot, the Café Sorgenfri. The simple 150-year old basement restaurant in the heart of the city's pedestrian precinct was originally a sailor's tavern and is still a very lively drinking hole after the kitchen closes. The Cafe's décor reflects old Copenhagen with its gilt-framed pictures, wrought-iron chandeliers and leather-panelled walls. At lunch time it is sought after for its excellent classic Smørrebrød (open sandwich) selection at reasonable prices, which provides the perfect midday meal washed down with a Carlsberg beer. Reservations recommended for groups of four or more. Opens 11am to 8pm.

Address: 8 Brolæggerstræde; Tel: 3311 5880

This cosy, traditional restaurant is reputedly the oldest eatery in Copenhagen, dating back to 1720. In days of yore it was an artist's meeting place and now features menu items named for Danish celebrities who used to dine here, like Hans Christian Andersen and Søren Kierkegaard. The restaurant has a nostalgic ambiance, enhanced by leaded windows, wood panelling and paraffin lamps. The food is traditional Danish at moderate prices. The house speciality is 'Stone Beef': diners get to cook their own piece of succulent beef tenderloin on a hot lava stone, served up with sauce, potato and mixed salad. There are several seafood dishes, delicious schnitzel and steaks on the menu. Reservations recommended, as this is a popular tourist restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner daily.

Address: Store Kannikestræde 15; Tel: 3312 5606; E-mail: contact@det-lille-apotek.dk

Italian cuisine has become the international favourite and Copenhagen's copious list of restaurants would not be complete without an Italian gem. The Ristorante Vesuvio fits the bill, serving up a heart-warming 'Chef's Pasta Parade' of tasty options, and a selection of pizzas. The menu also features numerous Italian gourmet meat and fish dishes. Open daily from 12pm until late.

Address: Radhuspladsen 4; Tel: 3315 3315; E-mail: info@vesuvio.dk

There are several excellent gourmet restaurants in Copenhagen's famous Tivoli Gardens, but those who wish to grab a quick, affordable bite while enjoying the sights will be well satisfied at the bustling Promenaden in Tivoli 'multi-food-house'. The two-storey restaurant on Tivoli's main avenue has a view to the Garden's open-air stage, an international menu and vibey atmosphere. The premises include a bar and café, and there is live music at weekends. On offer are staples like barbecue spare ribs, steaks and pasta, or for a real budget snack head for the back corridor where there is a sausage bar and beef sandwich deli. The restaurant functions during the summer season only when Tivoli itself is open from 12pm to midnight.

Address: Vesterbrogade 3, Tivoli; Tel: 3375 0770; E-mail: info@promenaden-tivoli.dk