The Nordics • Eat & drink • Levantin in Copenhagen, Denmark
Levantine cuisine might need introducing to some (it did for us, at least), but it’s a culinary tradition worth knowing. Rooted in the Eastern Mediterranean, it’s defined by bold flavours, vibrant ingredients and a deep sense of community. Copenhagen restaurant Levantin, located in the area lovingly dubbed Little Paris for its Parisian-style shops, cafes and charm, honours these traditions while infusing them with modern sensibilities. This chic bistro, co-founded by Thomas Fabricius-Bachmann and designed by local design practice All That Matters, embraces sharing plates, fresh seasonal produce and warm hospitality. With its French bistro influences, minimalist Bauhaus-inspired decor and inventive take on Levantine flavours, Levantin redefines how this ancient cuisine is experienced.
Each week, Levantin’s purveyor of greens stops outside the restaurant and throws open the truck doors to reveal the freshest seasonal produce. The head chef selects the best of what’s on offer, shaping much of the menu. We opted for the sharing menu. The salatim, a collection of small plates, included a vibrant pickle plate with pear, cucumber, red beet and cauliflower, creamy labneh, smoky paprika paste, in-house baked simit with olive oil and za’atar and velvety hummus. The lamb tartare, with salted lemon, confit garlic and paprika, stood out for its freshness and depth of flavour. Our main, the blue oyster mushroom, grilled with za’atar and served with green salsa and butter hummus, was rich and satisfying. Sides of buttery vermicelli rice, charred greens with salted grapefruit and a fresh cucumber-tahini salad complemented it beautifully. For dessert, the milk ice cream with pistachio and simit crumble had an understated sweetness that rounding off the meal.
Levantin’s drinks menu is as inventive as its food. Signature cocktails, infused with Levantine spices, reimagine classics, while the wine list features natural selections from the Levant alongside French and Italian favourites. A highlight was the palate cleanser – rakı mixed with grape juice in a shot glass – served mid-meal to every table. A traditional anise-flavoured spirit popular across the Eastern Mediterranean, rakı’s light, refreshing quality provided the perfect bridge between courses. Restaurant manager Tom Silbiger’s love of experimentation brought a unique touch to the evening. Mid-service, he offered us a preview of his latest creation – a bold beverage with a base made with cucumber pickle juice. Levantin’s drinks are both unusual and fresh, adding an unexpected touch to the dining experience.
Vesterbro, located just west of Copenhagen’s city centre, is a microcosm of the city’s evolution, shifting from a gritty working-class district to one of its trendiest areas. Its industrial roots are visible in the repurposed warehouses of the Meatpacking District, now home to buzzing bars, artisanal eateries and creative studios. Sønder Boulevard acts as the neighbourhood’s lively spine, lined with cafes, skateparks and picnic spots, attracting families and young creatives alike. Amid Vesterbro’s edgy street art and independent boutiques, you’ll find remnants of its past in traditional beer halls and landmarks like the Carlsberg Brewery. Vesterbro’s blend of history, modernity, and cultural flair embodies Copenhagen’s urban renaissance.
Photography courtesy of Levantin
Urban
Rural
Trendy
Classic
Happening
Serene
Affordable
Lavish
Share this
Urban
Rural
Trendy
Classic
Happening
Serene
Affordable
Lavish
100+
Featuring over 100 places to stay, eat, shop and see for the design-conscious traveller.
€13
Always up-to-date on the city’s latest hotposts thanks to regular automatic updates.
Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance