Akmē
This intimate counter restaurant offers fine dining with a view of the harbour in stylish Nordhavn, along with some truly sensational precision-made French-Japanese-Danish food. A limited number of guests (usually 8-10) are seated along a pine counter and watch the chefs at work, just as they do in the restaurant’s big sister, Sushi Anaba, a little further down the quay, which used to occupy this space. It’s a captivating experience to watch their precision craftsmanship firsthand. The restaurant serves a tasting menu with an optional beverage pairing, featuring exceptionally fresh langoustine, mallard or pigeon dishes, and delightfully light financiers to finish. The vintage ceramics they are served on are a treat in themselves. As is often the case in Copenhagen, minimalist restaurant design means there’s nowhere to hide any flaws, neither in the design of the space nor in the creation of the dishes. Thank goodness then, that there aren’t any. It’s a small space, so if you want to guarantee a spot, be sure to book three to six weeks in advance.
Address: Sandkaj 39, 2150 Copenhagen, Denmark
Website: akme.dk
The Japanese Pagoda at Tivoli
Ice creams and candyfloss rule the culinary roost at most theme parks, but not in Copenhagen, where, alongside Gasoline Grill, the city’s top burger joint, you’ll find a Japanese-style pagoda building hosting touring Michelin-starred chefs. Set up in lockdown, the restaurant continues to offer visiting chefs from all over the world a six-week stint in the city, in a space overlooking rollercoasters and boat rides. It’s an unusual concept, and it’s all the more delightful for it. In summer 2026, culinary teams arrive from the Alps and Vienna to bring their internationally renowned flavours to the city, with Knustaforsen from neighbouring Sweden joining in winter. The space has previously hosted chefs, including Poul Andreas Ziska of Koks fame and Atsushi Tanaka of AT in Paris. As with all Copenhagen’s restaurants, booking in advance is highly recommended. Walk-ins are unlikely, but it is sometimes possible to get a seat at the last minute here than at many other Michelin-starred spots in the city.
Address: Tivoli Gardens, Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 Copenhagen V, Denmark
Website: tivoli.dk/en/food-and-drinks/the-japanese-pagoda
