City Guide: Freelance writer and producer Ella Taverner’s top spots in Copenhagen
WORDS BY CAIT EMMA BURKE
“Whether you’re a design enthusiast, a food lover or a wine connoisseur, the city has something for everyone.”
Here at Fashion Journal, we want to unearth the hidden spots in Australian cities that only the locals know about. There’s no gatekeeping here – this is a breakdown of the best bits of our cities. We want the underrated date spots, favourite restaurants, treasure trove op shops and the bars people will always want to go back to.
This week, we’re hearing about freelance writer and producer (and Fashion Journal‘s former Partnerships and Campaign Manager) Ella Taverner’s favourite spots in Copenhagen. Like many of us, she’s long been drawn to the Scandinavian lifestyle and culture. “I first visited Stockholm as a bright-eyed 19-year-old in the thick of winter and remember being completely captivated by the cool nonchalance of the city,” she tells us.
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“Last September I visited Copenhagen with the same eagerness to explore, and I was not disappointed. Whether you’re a design enthusiast, a food lover or a wine connoisseur, the city has something for everyone. From its early roots as a fishing village to its unrivalled modern architecture, Copenhagen offers a blend of culture, history and design.” Below, Ella shares some of her must-see spots for any first-time visitors.
Eat
Bevi Bevi
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If you’re in the mood for some good quality antipasti, Bevi Bevi has you covered. Nestled on the outskirts of Vesterbro in an unassuming side street, we opted for the chef’s set menu which featured all the Italian classics – stracciatella with fresh tomato, prosciutto-wrapped melon and a ricotta cannoli that even rivalled Brunetti’s.
Bageriet Brød
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It’s not a trip to Copenhagen without a visit to a classic Danish bakery. Specialising in sourdough bread and treats, Bageriet Brød is a sweet tooth’s haven. Pop inside for a great coffee and artisan pastry to-go, or take a seat out front and enjoy a fresh pilsner while people-watching.
Kødbyens Fiskebar
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If there’s one restaurant I implore you to visit, it’s this one. Kødbyens Fiskebar is a cool, industrial-style seafood eatery situated in the Meatpacking District. Serving up fresh seafood, easy-drinking wines and an overall great vibe, it’s one not to miss. We ate here on my last night in Copenhagen, and the muscles and razor clams were the only thing occupying my brain space all the way back to Australia.
Slurp Ramen
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I know what you’re thinking – good Ramen in Denmark? But hear me out. Off the back of a glowing recommendation from a friend (thanks Gabs) and post a typical Danish downpour, we rode our bikes over to Slurp in search of shelter and a hearty broth. I don’t mean to sound dramatic when I say this is probably the best ramen I’ve had outside of Japan. The neon-lit eatery offers a great selection of snacks (the Hamachi Tartar is a must), delicious ramen, and a sizeable collection of funky merch and beautifully designed cookbooks.
Delphine
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In the heart of Vesterbro, you’ll find the large and light-filled restaurant Delphine. Fusing food from Southern Italy and the Greek archipelago, the menu is just as good as the atmosphere. Sip on a Santorini mule while you gush over the taramasalata and grilled flatbread.
Drink
Dyrehaven
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The Danes’ answer to a cosy yet chic pub, Dyrehaven boasts a deliciously unfussy seasonal menu of fresh local ingredients and a trendy wine list to boot. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s clear why this hangout is a favourite among locals. With an à la carte menu that fuses classic British and French cooking, you can bunker in for the afternoon and treat yourself to a traditional Danish smørrebrød, or cosy-up outside with a glass of its low-intervention wine.
Pompette
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A relatively recent addition to the Nørrebro neighbourhood, Pompette is a must-visit for any natural wine lovers. Open daily from 12 til midnight, the walk-in wine bar is the perfect pre-dinner rest stop for a crisp pet nat.
Rascal
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Another local favourite, Rascal is a great one-stop shop for your wine and charcuterie needs. With an impressive wine list of reds, whites and oranges from across the globe, there’s something for everyone here.
Shop
Thrift Planet
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Modern vintage shop Thrift Planet stocks a thoughtfully curated selection of secondhand gems from Italy and Berlin. The store itself is beautifully designed, and decorated with vintage mirrors and plinths, while the racks are filled with a playful selection of ’90s and Y2K apparel, bags and accessories.
Frederiksberg Flea Market
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Each Saturday between April and October, the affluent neighbourhood of Frederiksberg plays host to one of the largest and busiest flea markets in Copenhagen. Featuring over 90 stalls, you can shop anything from secondhand clothes and designer goods to antique furniture and vintage Danish homewares. Better yet, food stalls, beer tents and coffee carts are scattered throughout the market so you can stay fuelled while searching for sartorial gems.
Studio Arhoj
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If you’ve seen a selection of colourful mouth-blown glass pieces pop on your Instagram feed, there’s a good chance they’re from Studio Arhoj. You’ll find the store tucked away in the cobblestone streets of downtown Copenhagen, where you can often find team members hand-glazing and decorating pieces before they hit the shop floor. Expect unique, mismatched glassware, ceramics, sculptures and wall hangings. I picked up one of these cute Pebbles, perfect for burning incense.
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