Food & Drink

In Pursuit of Perfection: Copenhagen’s Best Tacos

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “Taco” as…just kidding. This isn’t a third grade book report. But if it was, we would be including some very finely-rendered ClipArt images of tacos. Instead, we’re going to break down what makes these taco spots so good with our very scientific methodology. So, more like a sixth grade science report.

Unlike our forays into the worlds of burgers or kanelsnegle, the controls for this experiment were a bit looser. As it turns out, there’s lots of ways to make a great taco! Some were bite sized, while others almost constituted a full meal. Some tortillas were made with 100% corn flour, while others had a mixed flour base. Each restaurant provided their own particular take on how to produce the perfect taco.

These are the places to get the best Tacos in Copenhagen:

List Marker: Number 1Hija de Sanchez

When pastry chef Rosio Sanchez left noma to start a taco stand at Torvehallerne food market, everyone assumed it would be good. Just how good, however, must be tasted to be believed. With homemade tortillas and a commitment to extremely authentic flavors, as well as frequent collaborations with world-famous guest chefs, this is truly food that is made from the heart and good to the stomach. Expert tip: try the hibiscus lemonade!

 

How many will fill me up?

With how good these things are? One million. But you’ll probably get a good meal in from about 3.

Tortillas

Gluten free. Sanchez flies in corn from Mexico in order to make the masa for tortillas; you can purchase the masa or packs of homemade tortillas on-site.

 


 

Meat Taco: Slow Cooked Beef (Barbacoa)

Toppings

Coriander, onion

Flavors

Flavorful, classic, tender

 

Fish Taco: Fried Cod Skin

Toppings

Gooseberry salsa, onion, avocado, coriander, special crema

Flavors

Light, crispy, acidic

 

Vegetarian Taco: Caramelized Cheese

Toppings

Morita salsa, salsa verde, avocado, onion, coriander

Flavors

Simple, slightly spicy, the flavors really sing

 

Hija de Sanchez

Kødbyen
Slagterboderne 8
1716 København V

Opening Hours:
Mon – Thurs 12:00 -10:00 pm
Fri & Sat 12:00 pm- midnight
Sun 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

 
Torvehallerne
Frederiksborggade 21
1360 København K

Opening Hours:
Mon – Thurs 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Fri 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sun 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

NB: Closed November – May

 


 
 

List Marker: Number 2Mæxico

Mæxico was one of the first taco spots on the Copenhagen scene and their central, basement location is very cosy. While their offerings are not authentic in the sense of Mexican flavors, there’s a lot to love about their tasty tacos. The combinations are quite complex, often with a Nordic-twist. In addition to their Mexican plates, they have a mean Mézcal collection!

Tortillas

The tortillas aren’t homemade; they’re shipped in fresh from the UK, but are still light and full of flavor.

How many will fill me up?

These are quite small but do have a lot of filling; we recommend at least 4 and up to 6 for a meal.

 


 

Meat Taco: Braised Veal

Toppings

Red pickled onions, mojo de ajo

Flavors

Well-seasoned, tender meat, strong lime from the guacamole

 

Meat Taco: Pork Belly

Toppings

Guacamole, coriander, onion, roasted corn

Flavors

Heat from the chipotle, crispness from the onion, a nice crunch from the roasted corn

 

Vegetarian Taco: Steamed leek and sweet potato

Toppings

Feta cheese, coriander, roasted peanuts

Flavors

Saltiness from the feta and peanuts, sweetness from the sweet potato

 

Mæxico

Skindergade 36, basement
1159 København K

Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri 5:00 – 10:30 pm
Sat & Sun 12:00 pm – midnight
Sun Closed

 
Guldbergsgade 3
2200 København N

Opening Hours:
Mon – Thurs 5:00 – 10:30 pm
Fri 5:00 pm – midnight
Sat 12:00 pm – midnight
Sun 5:00 – 9:30 pm

 
Vesterbrogade 58
1620 København V

Opening Hours:
Mon – Thurs 5:00 – 10:00 pm
Fri & Sat 11:00 am – midnight
Sun 11:30 am – 9:30 pm

 


 
 

List Marker: Number 3Condesa

Though many people know Condesa as a great bar for a night out, they also serve up excellent food. One of their most popular dishes includes make-it-yourself tacos, which comes with a stack of homemade tortillas, filling and excellent dipping sauces. The flavors are strong and fresh; a lovely combination between the Nordic sensibility and good old fashioned street food style. Their vegetarian option is actually vegan!

How many will fill me up?

These are quite small. Unless you get the full “meal,” we recommend 2 – 3 as a starter or something to eat at the bar with a good cocktail.

 


 

Meat Taco: Pork Belly

Toppings

Fresh pineapple, coriander

Flavors

Braised in dashi, sweetness from the pineapple

 

Fish Taco: Battered Cod

Toppings

Pickled cabbage, sesame oil, sesame seeds, chipotle mayo, coriander

Flavors

A beautiful sweet & sour combination with a bit of heat from the chipotle

 

Vegetarian Taco: Baked Sweet Potato

Toppings

Guacamole, crispy rice

Flavors

A great crunch from the rice, sweetness from the baked potato and the tang of the lime from the guacamole

 

Condesa – Bar & Spiseri

Ved Stranden 18
1061 København K

Opening Hours:
Sun – Tues Closed
Weds 17.00-24.00 (Kitchen 6:00 – 10:00 pm)
Thurs 17.00-02.00 (Kitchen 6:00 – 10:00 pm)
Fri 15.00-03.30 (Kitchen 5:30 – 10:00 pm)
Sat 15.00-03.30 (Kitchen 5:30 – 10:00 pm)

 


 
 

List Marker: Number 4La Neta

La Neta first launched in Stockholm. When they partnered with Danish food & beer company Mikkeller, it was a match made in heaven. This cosy joint on Nørrebrogade serves up hefty, simple tacos that’ll fill you up and let your wallet stay full too. At 100 DKK for five (large!) tacos, you really can’t go wrong here. The concept is simple: order your filling, then add your own toppings and sauces. This is a quick in-and-out meal, perfect for a first stop on a night out or a hangover cure the morning after.

How many will fill me up?

These are big, relative to most tacos. If you’re hungry, a full plate of five will be enough, and if you’re just a bit peckish, 2 – 3 is just fine.

 


 

Meat Taco: Slow Cooked Beef

Toppings

Onion, coriander, salsa buracha

Flavors

Tender meat, fresh, a bit of bite from the salsa

 

Poultry Taco: Slow Cooked Turkey

Toppings

Onion, coriander, salsa verde

Flavors

Flavorful, moist, fresh, tangy

 

Vegetarian Taco: Green Peppers

Toppings

Corn, zucchini, cream cheese

Flavors

Peppers are tender and sweet, cream cheese and corn add additional sweetness and texture

 

La Neta

Nørrebrogade 29
2200 København N

Opening Hours:
Sun – Weds 12:00 – 10:00 pm
Thurs – Sat 12:00 – midnight

 


 
 

List Marker: Number 5Tacos El Patron

Run by Armando, Tacos El Patron is located in WestMarket food hall in Vesterbro. Originally from Mexico, Armando has been in Denmark for 17 years and aims to capture the flavors of his motherland. His tortillas, which are 100% corn, are sourced from Madrid – a sourcing mission that took 6 months. “I’m not going to make salsa with no kick!” he says, and he stays true to his word; El Patron serves up the spiciest of the tacos by a long-shot.

How many will fill me up?

These tacos are medium-sized with a good amount of filling; 3 – 4 will make a meal.

 


 

Meat Taco: Pork (Cochinita Pibil)

Toppings

Salsa verde tatemada, pico de gallo, guacamole

Flavors

Juicy, meaty, heat is balanced with the flavor of the beef

 

Meat Taco: Carne Asada with Chorizo (Campechano)

Toppings

Achiote seed, pickled habaneros chilli, red onions, guacamole

Flavors

Tender, flavorful
NB: currently no poultry/fish available

 

Vegetarian Taco: Slow Cooked Black Beans (Frijoles Negros)

Toppings

Epazote leaf, salsa rosa, pico de gallo, guajillo chilli powder, guacamole

Flavors

Spicy, creamy guacamole, crowd favorite
NB:This taco is vegan

 

Tacos El Patron

Westmarket
Vesterbrogade 97
1620 København V

Opening Hours:
Every day 12:00 – 9:00 pm

 


 
 

List Marker: Number 6Pastor

Mexican siblings living in Copenhagen Hans, Juan and Anita Alvarez have brought their passion for tacos to Amager. Their bright shop is the perfect place to grab a quick lunch bite or dinner takeaway. Their authentic flavors are simple, fresh and totally delicious. You can also get fantastic gringas, burritos, and a side of refried beans with corn chips.

How many will fill me up?

These tacos are medium, on the side of small, with a good dollop of filling. If you feel like a full meal, 4 – 5 should be good.

 


 

Meat Taco: Beef (Carne Asada)

Toppings

Onion, coriander, pineapple

Flavors

Tender, juicy

 

Chicken Taco: Chicken (Tinga de Pollo)

Toppings

Onion, coriander

Flavors

Cooked in tomato and onion sauce, light

 

Vegetarian Taco: Button mushrooms

Toppings

Poblano chilli, feta, seeds, onion, corn, coriander

Flavors

Sautéed in coconut milk, flavorful

 

Pastor

Amagerbrogade 136
2300 København S

Opening Hours:
Mon Closed
Tues – Thurs 11:30 am – 8:00 pm
Fri – Sun 11:00 am – 8:30 pm

 

Honorable Mentions, because you can never have too many tacos

Tacos Chilangos (NB: Verdens Hjørnet location is only open April – October)
Blue Taco

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