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.

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.

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.

The Best Breakfasts in Copenhagen