10 Best Restaurants in Frederiksberg

As someone who has spent more weekends than I can count strolling Frederiksberg's leafy streets, I’ve come to believe this is one of Copenhagen’s most satisfying areas to eat and drink. With its royal gardens, calm boulevards, and independent spirit, Frederiksberg is full of surprises - and the food scene is no exception. From buttery pastries to bold Nordic tasting menus, these are the places I always return to. If you're hungry and curious, here are my top 10 places to eat and drink in Frederiksberg.

1. Restaurant Alf: New Nordic with Soul

What I love about Restaurant Alf is how it takes New Nordic principles and makes them feel human, warm, and utterly delicious. Run by two chefs passionate about sustainability and local produce, Alf offers a seasonal tasting menu that leans into fermentation, organic vegetables, and soulful plating. The name comes from one of the founders’ grandfathers, and that familial spirit is baked into every dish. Expect to taste Danish nature, but with a story behind every bite.

Did you know? Alf mills its own flour and works directly with small-scale Danish farmers.

2. Hart Bakery: A Carb-Lover’s Paradise

You’ll often spot a queue outside Hart Bageri, and as someone who’s waited in that line many times, let me assure you - it’s worth it. Created by Richard Hart, formerly of Tartine in San Francisco, this bakery is all about sourdough perfection and flaky wonders like cardamom buns and croissants. Everything is made with organic grains milled on-site. The vibe is minimalist but warm, with the smell of toasted crust and good espresso in the air.

Did you know? Hart’s founder was invited to Copenhagen by Noma’s René Redzepi to start this bakery.

3. Tap 21 Craft Beer: Cheers to Local Flavour

When I want a laid-back evening with great beer and better conversation, I head to Tap 21 Craft Beer. This cozy craft beer bar has 21 rotating taps featuring Danish microbreweries, often with experimental or seasonal brews you won’t find elsewhere. It’s relaxed, pet-friendly, and filled with regulars. The bartenders are always up for a chat about hops or flavour profiles, and there's often a pop-up food option to keep you going.

Did you know? Tap 21 regularly collaborates with small Copenhagen breweries like Gamma and Alefarm.

4. Cafe Væksthuset: Garden Café Bliss

Hidden inside the Landbohøjskolens Have, a quiet botanical garden behind the University of Copenhagen, you’ll find Hav a Java Cafe Væksthuset. It feels like a secret retreat - one where you can sip elderflower lemonade, nibble on homemade cakes, and watch the bees float between flowers. The café is simple, seasonal, and soul-soothing. I always come here for a break from city buzz, and time seems to slow down with every sip.

Did you know? The garden was originally created for agricultural students in the 19th century and is still used for plant science.

5. Forvent Smørrebrød: The Sandwich, Reimagined

Smørrebrød might be Denmark’s most iconic lunch dish, and Forvent Smørrebrød gives it a bold, modern update. I discovered this spot last year, and it’s quickly become one of my go-to lunch places. Think beef tartare with capers, smoked halibut with pickled onions, and whipped butters that change with the season. Every dish is beautifully plated and deeply satisfying. The space is clean and welcoming, just like the food.

Did you know? “Forvent” means “expect” in Danish - a playful nod to the unexpected twists on classic dishes.

6. Social Foodies: Sweet Treats with Purpose

Whenever I need a guilt-free indulgence, Social Foodies is where I go. They serve incredible homemade ice cream, fair-trade chocolate, and crunchy nut clusters, but the best part is knowing every bite supports social and environmental projects in countries like Ghana and Uganda. From baobab smoothies to caramel spreads, it’s a shop where everything tastes good and does good. It’s a feel-good must-visit in Frederiksberg.

Did you know? Profits from Social Foodies fund schools and micro-loans in West Africa.

7. Frederik VI: Classic Comfort with a Royal Touch

Frederik VI is one of those rare spots that balances classic Danish pub culture with a surprising culinary edge. I often come here for their frikadeller or roast pork with parsley sauce - both staples of Danish comfort food. The atmosphere is unfussy but cozy, and they pour an excellent selection of local beers. It’s a place where locals linger and stories are shared across tables.

Did you know? The restaurant is named after King Frederik VI, who once ruled Denmark during the early 1800s.

8. Sokkelund Café & Brasserie: Everyday Elegance

Sokkelund Café & Brasserie is the kind of place I go when I want something elegant but unpretentious. A classic French-style brasserie with a Danish twist, it’s known for rich French onion soup, steak frites, and the best burger in the district. It’s also open from morning till late, which means I can enjoy a café crème at breakfast and return for Chablis and crème brûlée at night. It’s popular for good reason.

Did you know? Sokkelund has been a Frederiksberg staple since 1994 and is still independently owned.

9. Vagns Kaffe & Vinbar: Where Coffee Meets Natural Wine

There’s something I love about places that effortlessly shift from day to night, and Vagns Kaffe & Vinbar does it beautifully. In the morning, I stop in for expertly made pour-over coffee. In the evening, it’s natural wine and seasonal snacks in a sunlit window seat. Located on Smallegade, just off Frederiksberg Gardens, Vagns is minimal, inviting, and ideal for solo visitors or quiet conversations. Bonus: their wine list is ever-changing and full of surprises.

Did you know? All the wines at Vagns are natural or biodynamic, sourced from small producers across Europe.

10. Ipsen & Co.: My Bonus Pick for Cozy Coffee Breaks

I couldn’t wrap this up without mentioning Ipsen & Co., a small corner café that feels like a hug in coffee form. With rustic interiors, kind staff, and some of the best cinnamon buns in town, it’s my favourite rainy-day hideout. The café also serves a solid brunch and seasonal salads, plus coffee that’s strong and lovingly brewed. It’s not flashy - just perfect.

Did you know? Ipsen & Co. was one of the first cafés in Frederiksberg to offer specialty coffee and brunch under one roof.

Ready to taste your way through Frederiksberg? Join the StoryHunt Frederiksberg Food & Culture audio walk and uncover the stories, secrets, and local legends behind these beloved places. Whether you're sipping wine, nibbling smørrebrød, or strolling past rose gardens, StoryHunt turns every step into part of the story.