Taste Copenhagen’s Nordic Italian Food Wave At These 5 Restaurants

In the heart of Copenhagen, a culinary revolution is unfolding. The traditional Italian kitchen, one of the most revered in the world, is being reinvented by a group of young and innovative Italian chefs who have found their creative haven in the Danish capital.

Over the years, many young Italian chefs were drawn to Copenhagen’s hot food scene in search of opportunities. In Copenhagen they discovered they could experiment with Italian food in ways that would not necessarily be tolerated in their home country where culinary traditions are sacrosanct. These pioneers are breaking dogmas and embracing experimentation, infusing the Italian kitchen with a Nordic twist, and creating an exciting fusion that challenges the conventions of both cuisines.

Here is just a small sample of some of the restaurants that best encapsulate the growing Nordic-Italian food movement in Copenhagen.

SURT

Think you know pizza? Check out chef Giuseppe Oliva’s original take on nature’s most perfect comfort food at SURT. The restaurant challenges conventional notions of pizza by infusing the time-honored Italian dish with a distinct twist. Using a sourdough-based pizza crust (made with Oliva’s own lovingly nurtured yeast) and a meticulous selection of high-quality ingredients, SURT embraces the Italian-Nordic approach of breaking away from culinary dogmas and enjoying experimentation. The menu, evolving with the seasons and the availability of fresh produce, shows what can happen when tradition meets innovation.

Barabba

Barabba, pulsating with energy and culinary innovation, is a standout dining destination in Copenhagen. It offers a unique blend of high-level service with an approachable atmosphere. The Italian-inspired menu takes a delightful departure from tradition, focusing on a unique blend of fun and flavor. Standout dishes include the sweetbread with cured egg yolk and artichoke, and the spaghetti with butter, colatura and caviar. The menu, offering a fusion of authentic international flavors alongside modern creations like seaweed tiramisu, showcases Barabba’s dedication to a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Topicàl

If you’re looking for the hottest tasting menu in town, look no further than one of the newest additions to Copenhagen’s Italian food scene. Nestled in the space that once hosted Michelin-starred restaurant Relæ, Topicàl offers a fresh perspective on traditional Italian dishes, blending Mediterranean flair with a Scandinavian twist. Chef Davide Laudato deftly redefines the Italian dining experience by taking the simplicity of Italian cuisine and infusing it with a burst of colorful flavors and local ingredients. If the restaurant’s philosophy could be summed up in one phrase it would be: simple food made great through innovative approaches.

Masseria

Masseria, located in the vibrant neighborhood of Vesterbro, wins over diners with its dedication to high-quality pasta and a wide selection of dishes. Specializing in fresh pasta and delectable starters, the menu is a testament to the chef’s commitment to using local, organic ingredients. The atmosphere is steeped in Italian conviviality, creating a warm and inviting space for diners to savor the joy of good food and great company. Masseria enjoys experimenting with Italian classics by introducing inventive twists that result in even more delectable creations, exemplified by the mouthwatering reginette featuring regional lobster. The menu is packed with delicious choices so if you find yourself overwhelmed ask the enthusiastic staff for recommendations. Be sure to wet your whistle with a Negroni; it’s one of the best in the city.

Apotek 57

If you’re looking for breakfast or a light lunch, head to this Italian-inspired bakery with a chic Scandinavian style. Here, each dish is a testament to the core values of seasonality and organic excellence and it offers a delightful blend of vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options. The use of ingredients like miso caramel, sesame, matcha, and tonka bean add unique and creative elements to the dishes.

.