Breakfast in Copenhagen is a breath of fresh air, especially if you’re tired of the usual Aussie-style avocado on toast or eggs benedict that dominate London brunch menus.

In Denmark, breakfast is more about simple, high-quality ingredients that reflect local traditions. From hearty breads to flaky pastries, starting the day in Copenhagen feels like a delicious ritual. After our trip in 2024, we missed the Danish breakfasts so much that we started recreating our own Scandinavian-style breakfasts at home.

Here’s a guide to typical Danish breakfasts and where to find the best spots in Copenhagen.

Typical Danish Breakfasts

Danish Breakfast Plate (Morgenmadplade)

A typical Danish breakfast plate is a spread of simple, fresh ingredients: sourdough bread, butter (or smør), a soft-boiled egg, local cheese, and jam. The cheeses are often local varieties like Danbo or Gammel Knas, which you might not easily find outside Denmark, but they’re well worth seeking out.

Atelier September – Famous for its whipped butter tower, served alongside high-quality bread and local produce.
Coffee Collective – Perfect for pairing your breakfast with world-class coffee.

Breakfast Is Just the Beginning

Why stop at Øllebrød? Explore Copenhagen’s foodie culture with a local guide, sampling everything from street bites to iconic Danish classics.

Explore Copenhagen’s Flavours

Rye Bread (Rugbrød)

Rye bread is a staple in Denmark and the base of smørrebrød, the classic Danish open-faced sandwich. It's dense, hearty, and packed with flavour.

Bread Roll with Cheese (Bolle med Smør og Ost)

This humble roll with butter and cheese, known as BMO for short, was one of the most surprisingly delicious things we ate in Copenhagen. We first tried it at Lille Bakery, and after that, we were hooked. Simple but elevated by the quality of the ingredients—the cheese is always a local Danish variety.

You can find BMO in most cafés and bakeries, but we recommend:

Pastries Galore

It’s no surprise that Copenhagen has some of the best pastries in the world. We visited multiple bakeries every day and even took a baking class while we were there; making Danish pastries at copenhagencookingclass.

Our favourite pastries included:

Juno – Known for their famous cardamom roll and an incredible selection of pastries (expect a queue).
HART Bageri – As seen on ‘The Bear’, don’t miss their cardamom croissant.
Lille Bakery – Their cinnamon bun is a must-try. They have a little sun trap outdoor area if you get the day for it.
Skt. Peders Bageri – One of the oldest bakeries in Copenhagen, dating back to 1652. The pastries here might not be as refined as newer establishments, but they carry a nostalgic charm, offering delicious, traditionally made treats.

*Lille Bakery (spot the bread roll with cheese)*

Smørrebrød (Open-Faced Sandwiches)

A Danish breakfast classic, smørrebrød is a slice of rye bread topped with anything from cured meats to fish, cheese, and pickled vegetables. Once a humble dish, it’s now available with an array of creative and gourmet toppings in both casual cafés and high-end restaurants. You’ll find it pre-prepared in markets or made fresh to order.

Hallernes Smørrebrød – Located in the TorvehallerneKBH market, offering a variety of traditional and modern options.
Aamanns Deli – Known for their elevated take on smørrebrød, using seasonal and local ingredients.

Porridge (Grød)

Porridge might sound simple, but the Danes elevate it to an art form. Whether it’s classic oats or more creative grains, porridge in Copenhagen comes with an array of toppings that can make it as indulgent or as healthy as you like.

GRØD – Specialising in porridge, this spot has perfected the art of turning a simple breakfast dish into something extraordinary, with a range of sweet and savoury options.

Wake Up in the Best Part of Town

Stay close to your favourite cafés so your mornings start with fresh coffee and flaky pastries just steps away.

Best Hotels in Copenhagen

Where to Stay in Copenhagen for Great Coffee and Breakfast

To make the most of Copenhagen’s breakfast and bakery scene, location really matters. You want to be close enough to walk to the classics first thing, while still having easy access to bikes or public transport for reaching spots like Juno in Østerbro or Lille in Refshaleøen.

We recommend basing yourself in Indre By (the city centre) or near the Lakes. This puts you within easy walking distance of Torvehallerne, while turning trips to the more far-flung bakeries into a scenic morning cycle.

Here are a few hotels we recommend, all well positioned for a pastry-filled start to the day.

Hotel Kong Arthur - (£££)

Best for: Rolling out of bed and straight into breakfast

Located right by the Lakes, this hotel is a dangerously convenient three-minute walk from Torvehallerne. You can roll out of bed and be at Hallernes Smørrebrød or GRØD before the crowds arrive. The hotel itself has a cosy, historic feel, with a spa that comes in handy after a full day of eating.

25hours Hotel Indre By - (££)

Best for: For café-hopping and style lovers

If you love the colourful, considered aesthetic of Copenhagen’s cafés, this hotel fits right in. Sitting in the heart of the city, it puts you a short walk from Skt. Peders Bageri (for that cinnamon roll) and Coffee Collective on Bernikowsgade. They also have bikes to rent, which just happens to be the best way to reach Lille Bakery or Atelier September.

Coco Hotel - (££)

Best for: For an effortless, stylish city stay

Set in Vesterbro, this boutique hotel feels more like a friend’s stylish apartment than a traditional hotel. While it’s not walking distance to most of the bakeries on this list, it’s surrounded by excellent local coffee spots and just a quick cycle from the Meatpacking District or the harbour. It captures that effortless Danish style that makes you want to redecorate your entire home.

Note: If you are determined to be first in line at Juno in Østerbro, an Airbnb/guesthouse in that neighbourhood can be a good option, as hotels there are limited. That said, Copenhagen is so well connected by bike and metro that staying central is usually the better choice.

Conclusion

Copenhagen’s breakfast scene is a beautiful reflection of Danish culture—simple, wholesome, and centred around quality ingredients. Whether you’re indulging in pastries, sampling a traditional Danish breakfast plate, or enjoying a humble BMO, there’s something for everyone. From the iconic smørrebrød to artisan porridge, these breakfast spots in Copenhagen are well worth exploring. Breakfast like a Dane, and you’ll see why we’ve adopted these habits at home.

Breakfast in Copenhagen Map

How to use our maps

Click on the menu icon on the top left to show a list of all places on the map. You’ll find our notes by clicking on each place. Click on the fullscreen icon on the top right to open the map in Google Maps.

The Best Breakfasts in Copenhagen