Given its reputation for hot dog stands, meatballs, oysters, and butter-laden pastries, you might assume Denmark isn’t very vegan-friendly. However, this Nordic country is actually one of the top destinations for plant-based food in Europe. In fact, in 2018, it was ranked as the seventh-best country in Europe for vegans by Chef’s Pencil, largely thanks to its capital, Copenhagen.
When it comes to outstanding food, Copenhagen boasts a world-class reputation, and its plant-based scene is no exception. From mouthwatering pizzas and juicy burgers to Michelin-starred fine dining, the city has something for every palate. Explore our top vegan restaurant recommendations below.
Is Denmark going plant-based?
Denmark, in general, is trying to encourage its citizens to shift to a more sustainable plant-centric diet. Last year, it became the first country in the world to publish a 40-page roadmap outlining its commitment to transitioning its food system away from a reliance on meat.
“[The roadmap] will accelerate the uptake of plant-based food in the public sector and support the agricultural sector to position itself for supplying alternative proteins to a growing plant-based market,” Jasmijn de Boo, CEO of food awareness organization ProVeg International, said in a statement at the time.
“The shift to alternative protein is as important as the shift to renewable energy as a solution to climate change. Denmark’s Action plan marks a milestone in food system transformation,” she added.
The country’s capital Copenhagen is undeniably helping to lead this shift.
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Is Copenhagen good for vegans?
Chef’s Pencil credited Copenhagen, specifically, in its “20 Most Vegan Countries in Europe” report in 2018. “It’s likely Denmark got so high up the charts because of the lively vegan scene in Copenhagen,” the publication noted.
Since then, the capital city has only gotten steadily more vegan-friendly, with more plant-forward eateries opening all of the time. In fact, according to Happy Cow, the city is currently home to almost 300 vegan-friendly restaurants and cafés.
Where to find vegan food in Copenhagen: 7 restaurants to look out for
If you’re heading to Copenhagen soon, which ones should top your “must-try” list? To help you narrow it down, we’ve picked out a few favorites below.
Ark
1 Ark
This 100-percent vegan restaurant in Copenhagen specializes in Michelin-quality fine dining. No, really—In 2021, it was awarded a Michelin Green Star by the prestigious organization due to its top-quality, sustainable multi-course menus, which feature plenty of local and foraged ingredients. The menu isn’t available in advance, just turn up and prepare yourself for a next-level tasting experience with courses inspired by the seasons.
Find it here
Bistro Verde
2 Bistro Verde
In the bustling heart of Copenhagen, you’ll find Bistro Verde. The popular plant-based restaurant is committed to showing just how innovative, creative, and exciting vegan food can be. You can try everything from a fish-free salmon open sandwich to a plant-based camembert salad to an ultra-creamy carbonara with plant-based bacon bits. There are even traditional Danish cream puffs for dessert.
Find it here
Atlas Bar
3 Atlas Bar
After you’ve spent the afternoon strolling through Copenhagen’s quirky and colorful Latin Quarter, head to Atlas Bar for a drink and a bite. There, you can choose from tasty options like Filipinx-inspired fried rice with ginger and tomato sauce, king oyster mushrooms, and crispy smoked tempeh. If that wasn’t enough, there’s another vegan cafe upstairs, too, called Urten, where you can snack on fermented cashew cheese and homemade bread.
Find it here
Beyla
4 Beyla
Beyla is the sister restaurant of Ark, so you know it’s going to be good. Just like its Michelin-recognized sibling, it offers a 100-percent plant-based tasting menu in the evenings. Want more of a casual vibe? Sample its lunchtime menu which features options like waffles with fried mushrooms, fries, and banh mi with marinated tofu.
Find it here
Eden Jaxx
5 Eden Jaxx
Eden Jaxx is a small plant-based burger chain with three locations in Copenhagen. It’s the perfect place to go when you’re in the mood for a classic burger and fries, but its creations are from standard. It has three burgers to choose from: The Classic, which features a juicy Beyond Meat patty and organic local pickles; The Rudimental, with roast aubergine and a whole baked portabello mushroom; and The Garden, which features poached celeriac and tomato chili relish.
Find it here
Pow Pizzeria
6 Pow Pizzeria
Who doesn’t love vegan pizza? Head to Copenhagen’s Pow for a slice of delicious “Tokyo,” which comes loaded with the restaurant’s house sauce, as well as dairy-free mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and basil, or maybe the “Nairobi.” The latter is a white pizza with vegan cheese, potatoes, and herb oil. There are plenty more delicious red and tomato pizzas available. Note that this is more of a takeaway pizza place, with limited seating available.
Find it here
V’Italian
7 V’italian
For an Italian feast, you need to get yourself down to V’italian. Start your meal with a classic aperitivo, like sourdough focaccia or olives, before moving on to antipasti (options include pickled and fried melons and bruschetta), and your primi piatti. Delicious-looking options include the saffron risotto with crispy chickpeas and the mixed herb pesto gnocchi. Still got room? Check out the dolci menu for options like tiramisu and lavender chocolate mousse.
Find it here
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
