Kanal-Caféen

We really enjoyed our first meal in Copenhagen, trying a traditional Danish lunch that exceeded our expectations. The dish was authentic and delicious, just like the photo - no instagram vs. reality issue! We also tried their signature dessert, pairing perfectly with our coffee. The service was fantastic, with friendly chef and attentive staff. The atmosphere was serene and relaxing. What surprised us most was the warmth of the Danish people; we had a lovely encounter with locals who initiated a friendly chat, a hospitality we hadn't experienced in the other two Scandinavian countries we visited.

It’s right by the canal so the ambiance and view is pretty good. Service was on the rougher side. Food was meh. They looked nicely presented but they were too oily. The chicken one was showered in mayonnaise. The potato one had bacon on it so our vegetarian friend couldn’t eat anything. The pork belly one was okay but again too oily.

Kanal-Caféen: Where Smørrebrød Meets Superstar Service We had an unforgettable lunch at Kanal-Caféen—a true Copenhagen classic that delivers on every level. The setting is charming and authentically Danish, but it’s the food and service that really shine. We went all-in on the smørrebrød, and every bite was next-level. The crumbed fish with prawns was crispy and fresh, the roast beef with remoulade was bold and satisfying, and the roast pork with cabbage and pickle hit that perfect balance of rich and tangy. All washed down with an excellent selection of Danish beers—cold, crisp, and expertly recommended. But the real MVP? Kim, our waiter. Kim didn’t just serve us—he hosted us. Warm, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable, he made us feel like old friends. Honestly, someone needs to clone this man and send him around the globe to teach the fine art of Nordic hospitality. Kanal-Caféen is a must for anyone wanting a true taste of Denmark—with heart, humor, and flavor to spare.

Now this place is one of a kind. Let me explain… So I arrived in Denmark to visit my brother and wanted the one food I really miss - Danish Smorgasbord, so he booked us in for the first day serving their Christmas special. We turned up to our 1pm reservation to start our just short of 5 hour marathon ‘jule frokost’ (Christmas lunch for the non-Danes). So this is one of Copenhagens oldest traditional restaurants. There is a boat in the summer, but we were in the main dining area - a very cosy original setting. The staff were amazing throughout and attentive. So ambiance and service at a full 5, but let’s get on to the food….. So my brother had booked the Xmas lunch, a set menu of 7 fish dishes followed by 7 meat dishes and finishing off with cheese followed by tradition Danish ris a la mande. 16 dishes. Crazy! But forget the numbers… The food quality was amazing and the condiments were varied and plentiful. I can’t think of a situation in any restaurant where the servings were so ‘unmeasured’ meaning no thimbles or short measures. Neither of us could get through it all. Oh, and did I mention that it is all home made…. We washed it all down with the traditional beer and snaps. We tried 3 types and they leave the bottles and measure at the end how much we drank. Value for money if you look at the enclosed menu, was excellent - other than this will become a yearly tradition now so I’m going to have to fly in the end of November now next year and going forward. Truly amazing - thank you Kanal Caféen!!

During our weekend trip to Copenhagen, this was our first and favourite place to eat and drink. Kim (Bassinger!) Was possibly the smiliest and most friendly person I've ever met in a restaurant. Really enjoyed trading SE Asian travel stories in between courses and beers. 💯 recommend this place.

Genuinely one of the better places to eat at. Offers authentic Danish food that was VERY tasty. 2 smørbrød are more than enough per person since you get served a mountain of food on some bread. It also doesn't cost all that much. Around 100 per smørbrød and you are good for a while. Atmosphere inside is quite lovely as well. Highly recommend but you do need a reservation.

Unfortunately we did not have a good experience at Kanal Cafeen. As we did not have a reservation, we were told we have "1 hour" at the table. That much we did not have a problem with, as we wanted a quick snack before catching our boat trip. However, it took some time before our orders were taken. Thereafter, it took 40-45 minutes for our food to arrive. Remember that "1 hour" proscription; well, it made things significantly more difficult as we had to rush our food to meet that timeframe. It was unjustified to wait so long for 2 small plates of food. The food itself was decent. It was neither amazing nor atrocious, though you can find better plates at lower prices and improved service at many, many other places in Copenhagen. Would I come back? Not in a million years.

Truly some of the best food in Copenhagen! We didn’t realize how big the portions were, so we ordered four smørrebrød for two people, and we could’ve done with just two! Will be going back!

Excellent food. Healthy open faced sandwiches with either seafood, beef, lamb or pork options. I had the smoked salmon and the fried cheese and jam as a dessert.

So far I've been here twice on both trips to Copenhagen and would definitely come back again on a future trip. The place has gotten very popular with tourist and locals so just expect a wait. Definitely ton of locals when I went both times, so you know it good for local cuisine. Definitely need to like fish to go here as that is the staple in everything.

I've visited Copenhagen twice and had to return to Kanal Cafeen again, and I tell everyone I know who is traveling there that they have to go! It is popular with the Danes, has a inside of an old ship feel and Smørrebrød that's is the best. Luckily both times we visited I was with Danes and they helped us along and we shared plates so we could sample a lot of different dishes. . We started with a platter of fish, from marinated to smoked and fried. I loved the pickled herring so much I had to order it again 3 years later. Then we had a platter of mixed meats, all served Danish Smørrebrød style as well. Of course we had to have both Carlsberg beer and aquavit with lunches, so the lunch might just last a long long time. You don't want to miss this traditional Danish delightful restaurant.

It is Friday today and we were looking for a place for lunch close to the National Museum. It was raining lightly and there was still covered outdoor seating available. Inside looked busy. At the entrance there was a man with restaurant uniform standing, we requested for a table of three and he said they were full. I then asked for the wait time and he said they are full till Monday. How is that possible? I believe this restaurant is racial discriminatory and denied to serve us or let us even wait (we are a family of Asian Canadians). Non-whites be aware and do not eat there.

Okay fellow English speakers! If you like delicious food, reflective of the local culture of Denmark, and served with an almost Japanese focus on displaying food so that it is not only tasty but nice to look at, this place is for you! It specializes at lunch so it will not kill the pocketbook (though as with most places, the beer is pricey - about $55 Kronor for a large Carlsburg) - but get at least a small beer to go with the meal if you want the full cl assic Danish open faced sandwich experience. You can get a list in English and as with a sushi menu, you mark off the options you want (get at least 1 herring option), and then you pick one of three bread options. The items chosen will be brought to your table on a large silver tray with a bevy of traditional additional toppings like capers and diced red onion. You will get a great meal and a connection to the past and history of Coppenhagen and the staff, extremely nice!

Extensive menu and generous portions; start with two selections per person--that will probably be enough. We had traditional herring and the very good curried herring, as well as hot pork with red cabbage, and mild cheese. Unfortunately, we also ordered the camembert, but it tasted fishy and bad, so we could not eat it. Service could have been faster, but then we went at the lunch rush and were trying to get to the airport. Much better if you have time to sit and savor your meal and all the flavors in the classic atmosphere of the restaurant.

This cute cafe is actually on a boat, so you get to sit right on the canal with a view of Christiansborg. We ordered salmon and curried herring sandwiches and they didn't disappoint. I was surprised by how delicious the curried herring was. They give you a generous portion of meat along with condiments. Service was friendly, view was great, food tasty, and pricing reasonable. Highly recommend if you are in Copenhagen and want to try the traditional Danish open sandwich.

Amazing place. Huge menu (bring a Dane to guide you!), and an absolutely special place for your typical and traditional Danish lunch. Plates are huge, so 2 pieces of smørrebrød each is likely a good start, and don't forget the Danish beer and a snaps or two with your meal. Service is quick, but take your time to enjoy the excellent food and unique ambiance.

So good. It was a cold afternoon when we stumbled in on the recommendation of our Segway tour guide. We wanted something very Danish and was told that this place was it. We order 3 open faced sandwiches (Chicked Salad, Pickled Herring,etc). The service was fast, courteous, and the food was so good! Yes. recommended.

Fantastic place if you want to experience traditional Danish lunch and other dishes. The atmosphere is authentic and pleasant and the staff was very nice! Comes with my very beat recommendations!

Delicious sandwiches served right alongside a canal (or on it, if you sit outside). We found the price very reasonable, especially given the pleasantness of the setting. The herring and smoked salmon were both delicious and came in large portions.

Cosy, old, traditional lunch restaurant just behind the Danish Parliament and almost next door to the National Museum. Given the location you could 'rub shoulders' with some famous (in Denmark) politicians or editors, journos, etc. - but you can also meet just ordinary friendly danes out to enjoy a good lunch. The restaurant is only open for lunch (Mo - Fri 11:30 - 17 and 11:30 - 15 on Saturdays) and only serves typical Danish lunch fare (smoerrebroed). Seating outdoor by the canal if the weather permits. Great place if you like this kind of food.