Discovering Danish Design: A Curated Guide to Copenhagen’s Best Kitchen, Craft, and Gourmet Food Stores

Copenhagen, the vibrant capital of Denmark, is globally renowned for its impeccable sense of style and innovative design. It’s a city where aesthetics meet functionality, creating an effortless elegance that permeates every aspect of daily life. From the captivating interiors of Copenhagen rental apartments, which often feel like pages from a high-end design magazine, to the architectural marvels lining its historic streets, the city is a living museum of contemporary and classic Scandinavian design. Even a casual stroll can make you feel as if you’ve stepped into the pages of The Sartorialist, where every passerby embodies an understated, yet sophisticated, fashion sense.

During my exploration of Copenhagen, I was particularly drawn to the diverse array of shops. Beyond the familiar international brands, the city’s streets reveal a treasure trove of local designer boutiques, charming vintage stores, and exquisite gourmet food establishments. What truly sets Copenhagen apart is how widely accessible cutting-edge modern design is, spanning a spectrum of price points. Even large department stores proudly showcase and support local creations, making it delightfully simple to find unique, beautifully designed Danish souvenirs and gifts that reflect the city’s distinctive character.

My retail journey took an especially inspiring turn when I discovered Copenhagen’s incredible selection of kitchen and craft stores. These aren’t just ordinary shops; they are carefully curated havens brimming with a wide range of thoughtfully selected products. Imagine shelves filled with stylish kitchen gadgets and accessories, inspiring craft and gift-wrapping materials, compelling books, and in some instances, even gourmet foods and chic furniture. Each store presented an invitation to linger for hours, immersing myself in the world of Danish aesthetics. The only real obstacle to over-indulgence was the practical constraint of airline baggage allowance!

For fellow enthusiasts of home design, culinary arts, and unique crafts, Copenhagen offers an unparalleled shopping experience. To help you navigate this stylish city, I’ve compiled a list of five exceptional kitchen, craft, and gourmet food destinations that left the most lasting impression on me. If you’re planning a visit, ensure you allocate ample time for each, as I’m confident you’ll uncover all the beautiful, distinctive gifts and souvenirs you’ve ever dreamt of finding in Denmark. Who knows, a piece of Danish design might just be your first step towards embracing that effortlessly stylish Scandinavian lifestyle yourself.

1. Notre Dame / Website / Map

For any aspiring food blogger or home entertaining enthusiast, Notre Dame is nothing short of a paradise. This spacious and vibrant store, centrally located on Nørregade, instantly captivated me with its sheer abundance of charming and affordable home goods. If only it were closer to my home, it would undoubtedly be my exclusive destination for prop shopping, offering an endless supply of visually appealing items for food photography and table styling. The shelves are thoughtfully arranged with an incredible variety of individually sold bowls, plates, glasses, and cups, allowing for creative mixing and matching. Beyond dinnerware, you’ll discover an extensive selection of cutlery, unique kitchen accessories, and an ever-changing assortment of colorful seasonal decorations that make it easy to refresh your home decor for any occasion. From elegant gift-wrapping materials and witty greeting cards to stylish lamps, cozy throws, and plush pillows, Notre Dame provides everything you need to infuse your living space with warmth and personality. The atmosphere itself is bright, playful, and so utterly inviting that it sparks an immediate desire to host a party and showcase your beautiful new finds. It’s a place where inspiration flows freely, and every corner promises a delightful discovery that can elevate your home and entertaining game.

2. Søstrene Grene / Website / Map

Søstrene Grene, or “The Sisters Grene,” emerged as my absolute favorite in the “everything under one roof” category, offering a truly delightful and diverse shopping experience that extends well beyond typical home goods. While it shares Notre Dame’s commitment to providing a wide array of flatware, drinkware, cutlery, and essential kitchen accessories, Søstrene Grene distinguishes itself with its extensive selection of lifestyle products that cater to every facet of modern living and entertaining. Imagine stepping into a charming labyrinth, where each turn reveals new treasures: from whimsical party supplies like colorful flags and disposable placemats to elegant napkins, engaging games, and an assortment of small, thoughtful goodie-bag gifts perfect for any celebration. What truly sets this Danish retail gem apart is its impressive food section. Here, you’ll find a carefully curated collection of gourmet foods sourced from both Denmark and around the globe. The products are selected not only for their exceptional taste but also for their beautiful visual appeal, with cool, artistic labels adorning many items that make them ideal for gifting or display. There’s a particularly enticing selection of sweets, including exquisite jams, artisanal cookies, and traditional candies, making it the perfect destination to stock up on authentic Scandinavian treats and edible souvenirs. Søstrene Grene embodies the spirit of Danish hygge, inviting you to discover joy in everyday items and creative pursuits, all within an affordable and inspiring setting.

3. Illums Bolighus / Website / Map

Illums Bolighus stands as a true icon of Copenhagen’s design scene, embodying the very essence of Scandinavian elegance and craftsmanship. Stepping into this prestigious establishment on Amagertorv feels less like entering a store and more like being admitted into a meticulously curated museum of Nordic design. Here, the very best of Scandinavian aesthetics is showcased, with an exquisite range of products spanning from sophisticated kitchen accessories and innovative gadgets to timeless toys and contemporary furniture pieces. The store’s entrance itself is an experience, featuring a long, pristine white “runway” where objects are artfully arranged in captivating vignettes, often grouped by color or thematic elements. This deliberate presentation transforms shopping into an exploratory journey through modern art and design principles.

Despite its luxurious and super-elegant ambiance, Illums Bolighus thoughtfully caters to a variety of budgets, offering options across different price ranges. Savvy shoppers will appreciate the well-stocked Sale section, where I personally discovered remarkable finds, including the renowned Eva Solo teapot, at a fraction of its original price. Beyond home goods, I was particularly impressed by the jewelry and accessories section, which features stunning creations crafted from uncommon and intriguing materials. For instance, you can find unique pieces like Anna Black’s distinctive ceramic jewelry, showcasing the innovative spirit of Danish artistry. Illums Bolighus isn’t just a place to buy; it’s a destination to experience the enduring beauty and functional brilliance that defines Scandinavian design, making it an essential visit for anyone seeking high-quality, inspiring souvenirs and investment pieces for their home.

4. Magasin / Website / Map

Magasin du Nord, affectionately known as Magasin, is Copenhagen’s premier luxury department store and a true institution in Danish retail. Conveniently accessible directly from the Kongens Nytorv metro station, right in the pulsating heart of the city, it offers far more than just fashion and cosmetics. While its upper floors boast an impressive array of international and Danish brands, it’s the basement floor that truly captures the imagination of any food lover. This expansive lower level is a magnificent gourmet food hall, thoughtfully laid out like a classic European market, offering a sensory feast for visitors.

Here, you’ll discover an incredible selection of fresh, seasonal produce that showcases the bounty of local farms. The meticulously presented fish and meat sections offer premium quality ingredients, while rows upon rows of shelves are laden with an astounding variety of gourmet local and imported products. Imagine artisanal cheeses, handcrafted charcuterie, freshly baked pastries, delectable sweets, and an extensive collection of fine wines – all perfect for creating an exquisite Danish culinary experience. Magasin’s food hall is truly the ideal place to stock up for a delightful picnic in one of Copenhagen’s beautiful parks or along its scenic canals. Beyond the grocery offerings, various kiosks feature some of the city’s finest independent shops, providing a unique opportunity for hungry customers to sample different Danish specialties all in one convenient spot, from smørrebrød to local pastries. Furthermore, the floor’s dedicated newspaper kiosk boasts the city’s widest range of international magazines, making it a perfect stop for a quiet moment of browsing with a gourmet coffee. Magasin is not merely a shopping destination; it’s a comprehensive lifestyle experience, reflecting Copenhagen’s commitment to quality, taste, and elegant living.

5. Torvehallerne KBH / Website / Map

If there’s one minor regret from my unforgettable trip to Copenhagen, it’s that I didn’t get to fully experience the magnificent Torvehallerne KBH. The day I had eagerly planned to immerse myself in this dynamic market coincided with a national holiday, resulting in the vast majority of its 80 fine shops and restaurants being closed. Despite this, my brief encounter left me utterly convinced of its unparalleled charm and quality.

Opened a few years prior on Israels Plads in the vibrant Nørreport neighborhood, Torvehallerne has swiftly established itself as Copenhagen’s largest and most celebrated food market. It is a veritable epicurean’s dream, a bustling hub for everything food-related. Imagine a place where you can find the freshest catch from local fishmongers, artisanal breads from master bakers, exotic spices, gourmet cheeses, organic produce, and exceptional fair-trade coffee from renowned roasters. Beyond raw ingredients, the market offers an incredible array of prepared foods, from traditional Danish delicacies to international street food, ensuring there’s something to tantalize every palate.

The market’s architecture itself is a testament to Danish design prowess, featuring two sleek, modern glass pavilions that house the various stalls. These pavilions gracefully converge towards a central open space where stylish picnic tables and benches are thoughtfully installed. This design invites visitors to sit, relax, and savor their gourmet finds in a lively, communal atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for lunch or an afternoon coffee break. Even with most stalls shuttered during my visit, the sheer quality of the architecture, the thoughtful layout, and the palpable potential for culinary discovery convinced me that Torvehallerne KBH is among the finest markets I’ve ever encountered. Its reputation for offering top-notch produce, gourmet specialties, and a vibrant community atmosphere makes it an absolute must-visit for any food enthusiast exploring Copenhagen. Don’t make my mistake; prioritize a visit here and allow plenty of time to explore its full glory.

All these exceptional stores and the bustling Torvehallerne Market are conveniently located within comfortable walking distance of each other, right in Copenhagen’s captivating city center. This makes for an ideal itinerary for anyone passionate about design, culinary delights, and discovering unique treasures. Embark on this journey through Copenhagen’s vibrant retail landscape and bring home not just souvenirs, but a piece of the city’s celebrated design philosophy and its effortlessly stylish way of life. It’s a perfect walk for design lovers and foodies alike, promising inspiration at every turn.

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Photo credits: All photos by me, except those of the Torvehallerne Market. The first photo (exterior shot with bikes) is by Sean Ganann, and the other four photos are by Premshree Pillai.