What they say: “Lively, loud, busy, fast, authentic and cool.”

We say: for a spot this good you’ll have to wait. Spend a good 45 minutes in one of the coolest contemporary ante-chambers in Europe supping a couple of rum, mint and lime Lê Lê mint lemonades beneath the exposed pipes and shabby chic frescoes. Enjoy the buzz and candlelight as Copenhagen’s copious well-dressed citizens saunter around the bar area waiting for their table. When you move through into the restaurant, the food is modern, fresh Thai made with excellent ingredients. We had tiger prawns, make-your-own pancakes with prawns and pork and excellent salmon sashimi served with spinach and soy. Total £66 for two, with mains for around £18.

Café Oieblikket
Copenhagen. Søren Kierkegaards Plads 1, Mon - Fri 8am - 7am, Sat 8am - 6pm. Recommended by Spotted By Locals.

What they say: “It is definitely about the location. Both the building and its surroundings.”

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We say: inside the new Black Diamond which bosses Copenhagen’s central harbour-side skyline. The building houses the Royal Library and a smart little café - which has unexceptional coffee (£3) and sandwiches (£4) but boasts ample tables and chairs outside on the quayside.

Sweet treat
Copenhagen. Sankt Annæ Gade 3a | Christianshavn. Mon - Fri 7.30pm - 7pm, Sat - Sun 10am - 5pm. Recommended by Spotted by Locals.

What they say: “A lovely little café.”

The sensational death by chocolate cake (£3) was accompanied by a dollop of sour cream and half a sharp kiwi to cut through the sweetness. Perfection. As was the macchiato (£3). This is more than a cake shop - they really know what they are doing with flavour combinations. Our slice of carrot cake had probably been on the counter for a few hours past its best - but that’s home baking for you. If you ask nicely to use the toilet they will take you out the back to the owner’s half-finished outbuilding where he keeps his store cupboard and a pristine toilet. With jazz playing gently on the stereo, classic black and white photography on the walls and a selection of English magazines including Wallpaper and Vogue you could happily while away a few hours in this subtly designer café. More cake over here, please.

Bastionen+Løven
Copenhagen. Lille Mølle, Christianshavn. Every day Midday -midnight. Recommended by Wiki travel.

What they say: “Romantic green surroundings."

We say: nestled in lush parkland in Christianshavn, this lovely converted old windmill has a delightful courtyard with dappled sunlight and two airy classically decorated dinning rooms. It serves a brunch that’s loved by the locals at the weekend and seasonal meals in the evenings. A set menu (£40) included white asparagus with poached egg, ox steak and green tea panna cotta. On our visit a couple were planning a wedding reception at the restaurant and I can think of no finer venue.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

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