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Copenhagen Specialty Coffee Guide

BY BENJAMIN SAND

Newer to the specialty coffee world than their upstairs neighbour Norway, Copenhagen has come leaps and bounds in the past few years. You might even say the city has a healthier scene currently than Oslo, based on the variety of high-quality coffee on offer, and the amount of people competing at the highest level.


For those who want to dig their heels in, and hit multiple shops, you'll find the ultimate guide for all your needs below. From the tiny espresso bars to hand-pour counters, too-cool-for-questions hipster holes and places with great sunshine seating, the guide covers all the places you need for your coffee-tinerary around this charming capital.


Our personal opinion is quality can vary wildly, especially at places like Coffee Collective where it really depends whos working. One day you can get a nice clean coffee, the next a muddy, sour, acidic mess.


Though the Danes do tend to brew their espresso more acidic & silty than their Northern neighbours, there are some places where you can enjoy sweet, clean, expressive cups.

This guide will show you where.

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APRIL / SP

Newly located to a singular coffee shop, they offer an Omakaze-style tasting, along with their regular coffee menu. Next-door is a more casual coffee shop, (SP Coffee Shop), serving a wider array of beverages, but still under the April umbrella.

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LA CABRA

Most people come here for the pour-over style coffee and the baristas are knowledgable and accommodating. The seating is limited so be prepared to rub shoulders with the locals. Expect incredibly long lines during summer.

NORANGE

A relative newcomer to the Copenhagen scene, this ultra-minimalist shop brews great, clean, washed coffee in a calm environment. They also roast and sell coffee by the Greek Champion Coffee roaster of 2022.

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PROLOG

With four locations around town, Prolog is beginning to spread. The downtown shops are more tourist-infested than the Roastery, which lies in a nice residential area and has mellow vibes.

Their batch-brew can be quite tasty, and reasonably affordable.

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COFFEE COLLECTIVE

No talk of coffee in Copenhagen is complete without a tip of the hat to Coffee Collective. Known for the great lengths they go to to ensure transparency throughout the coffee chain, they roast and prepare coffee in multiple locations.

Not all branches are equal, but more times than not you'll at least get a decent cup at one of the many outlets. Bonus being you can always stock up on great light-roast beans at all their stores.

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DARCY'S

Sunspots, decently priced drip coffee and space for conversations, this cafe in Nørrebro is popular and for a reason (they have a new location too near the meatpacking district).


Pro tip: Their espresso tends to lean a bit muddy/murky lacking clarity and sweetness so stick to drip here. This of course can depend on who's working and what their specials are, but the drip is a safe bet.

ALICE

Not strictly a coffee shop, but a worthy addition to this guide. Alice, in Amager serves up excellent ice-creams and decent coffee for those with a sweettooth that needs tempering with some caffeine. If their milk ice-cream with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt is on offer, then snap it up!

THE ARTISAN

Situated by the middle lakes between Nørrebro and Østerbro, The Artisan specialise in single origin Peruvian coffee from farmers they personally have visited and formed relationships with. If you are a fan of pour-over they have a decent variety, and the staff are happy to recommend some more exciting things if you feel like taking the plunge.

DET VIDE HUS

Opposite the Rosenborg Castle, this is a cute specialty coffee shop to sip on a nice light roast pour-over before tackling the sights.

They are super friendly and informative.

KAFE DEPARTEMENTET

Slightly outside the central areas, but serving good coffee and plenty of seating space. If you fancy something to eat after head opposite to Flere Fugle for their famous pizza.

KONTRA COFFEE

If you happen to be in Østerbro, this is the locals pick for good coffee. They also have a large selection of reasonably priced light-roast beans for sale.

ORSA

Copenhagens new kid on the block, serving food and mostly espresso-based coffees. They have some pour-over but you have to ask for it (if you dare). They are firmly planted in the no-laptop brigade with numerous stickers all over the cafe reading NO FUCKING LAPTOPS, and the tone is mirrored by some of the staff in their interactions.