It has become a tradition for Copenhagen’s Michelin restaurants to open a low-priced version of their star awarded originals. Here’s our guide for visitors who like food at Michelin-level, but are not ready to empty their piggy bank.
Throughout Copenhagen starry Michelin restaurants open cheaper versions of themselves. The suppliers are often the same, the food is tasty, the ambition level is high, but the prices are affordable for the common man.
Formel B’s sibling Uformel (Informal)
Formel B’s cousin Uformel opened in Studiestræde 69 in May 2014. The name Informal is both a word play of the name and a description of the restaurant’s atmosphere.
Even with the price of a starter of DKK 100, the ambition level in this super trendy restaurant is sky high. Perhaps not surprising, knowing that the chef and co-owner Frederik Rudkjøbing, former assistant of Rasmus Kofoed, is a gold medal winner in Bocuse d’Or.
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AOC Bistro’s sibling No. 2
The gourmet restaurant AOC has long been considered one of Copenhagen’s top restaurants. First, Ronny Emborg acquired a Michelin star. Later Søren Selin has been responsible for the stylish restaurant.
However, if you’re not looking for crisp tablecloths and costumed waiters, you should head for Christianshavn.
No. 2 is a Nordic bistro with an international perspective with an impressive wine list. The bar is also worth a visit.
Noma’s sibling 108 (Closed in 2020, due to the pandemic)
Noma’s sibling 108 offers the same style as Noma, but has lower prices and a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s located just a stone’s throw from the original Noma in Strandgade 108, hence the name.
The smaller dishes start at 100 DKK, larger dishes around 135-180 DKK and desserts around 80 DKK. Often the chefs present the food at the table and unlike Noma the ingredients are from all over the world. Therefore don’t be surprised to find yuzu, sweet potatoes or combo on the menu.
Related: Star Food in Copenhagen
Kiin Kiin at Nørrebro has long been one of the world’s best Thai restaurants. If you want to enjoy Thai food at Michelin level, just visit Chai Wong at Fredriksberg.
Chai Wong gives you value for money and even if the dishes not are quite as elaborate as at Kiin Kiin, the taste is surprisingly close – the prices taken into consideration.
No doubt there are family relationships here. Pony restaurant is located in the premises where Michelin big brother Kadeau started it all before moving to Christianshavn.
Pony has now inherited the room with adventurous chefs taking a little more culinary chances. It’s a slightly more noisy place but with prices starting at 110 DKK you’ll feel relaxed all right.
Jægersborggade has become a true food mecca, and when Relæ was awarded a Michelin star the street became a culinary attraction. But before all this, it all started in fact with Manfred & Vin just across the street.
So to speak, Relæ is in fact the little brother in this gastronomic relationship, but let it lie.
The fact is that Manfreds & Vin serves food that you can understand and consists primarily of small dishes in the starter size, which are split across the table and are served continuously from the kitchen. 7 dishes are available for 250 DKK.
Michelin Restaurants’ Lower-priced Siblings in Copenhagen, compiled by Tor Kjolberg
Feature image (on top): Dish from Manfreds