Stephan Erletz

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration everywhere—exploring restaurants around the world, cycling through the city, enjoying nature, or savoring baked goods in Copenhagen’s charming bakeries. Your must visit bakeries:

—Juno The Bakery: the best cardamon bun of the city.
Århusgade 48, 2100 København

—Andersen Bakery: Japanese-Danish bakery with an exciting mix of flavors.
Thorshavnsgade 26, 2300 Amager Vest.

A hungry man is an angry man. Best food spots?

As a chef, Copenhagen is synonymous with a true love of food. The city offers an incredible culinary landscape, vibrant and diverse, where you can find everything from bustling street food markets to world-class gourmet restaurants. Its energy and creativity are reflected in every corner, making it a paradise for anyone passionate about flavors and gastronomy. Here, I’ve curated a selection of some of my personal favorite spots that capture the essence of Copenhagen’s rich food scene.

—Møntergade: Best Smørrebrød, for anyone seeking the true taste of traditional Danish cuisine, Michelin recommended.
Møntergade 19, 1120 København.

— Gasoline Burger: it’s a must-visit spot for anyone looking for the city`s best burger, casual, fun, and undeniably tasty.
Strandgade 95, 1401 København.

— Slurp Ramen: a true gem, deeply flavorful broths, perfectly cooked noodles. Expect to wait in line.
Nansensgade 90, 1366 København.

— Fiskebaren: in the heart of the city’s vibrant Meatpacking District, perfect spot to enjoy top-notch seafood.
Flæsketorvet 100, 1711 København.

Where I take friends visiting

First, I would grab a bike and explore the whole city — it’s the best way to experience Copenhagen. Some must-see spots along the route would definitely include Nyhavn, Christianshavn and Freetown Christiania, the historic gardens of Tivoli Gardens, and the beautiful Rosenborg Castle. Along the way, we would also discover many of the city’s great food markets and local spots to stop for a bite.

— Torvehallerne: iconic food market with great specialties.
Frederiksborggade 21, 1362 København.

— Reffen; vibrant waterfront street-food market
Refshalevej 167, 1432 København.

— Broens Gadekøkken: outdoor food stalls by the harbor
Strandgade 95, 1401 København.

Why Copenhagen for a chef? How does it inspire your cooking?

As a chef, Copenhagen is incredibly inspiring because of its strong culinary scene and its deep connection to nature. The use of seasonal ingredients like wild berries, mushrooms, herbs, and seafood plays a big role in the local cuisine. Restaurants like Noma, Geranium, and Alchemist constantly push boundaries and influence how we think about flavors, seasonality, and presentation.

— Noma: iconic New Nordic cuisine.
Refshalevej 96, 1432 Indre By

— Kadeau: inspired by Bornholm with lots of wild herbs and preserved ingredients.
Wildersgade 10B, 1408 København.

— Koan: Korean-inspired fine dining.
Langeliniekaj 5, 2100 København.

—Jatak: creative Asian-inspired cuisine.
Rantzausgade 39, 2200 København.