Café
Coffee Collective Jægersborggade
The original coffee bar of Copenhagen's best-known specialty roaster, now in a larger space on Jægersborggade in Nørrebro, serving direct-trade coffee seven days a week.
Conditori La Glace
Copenhagen's classic patisserie, founded in 1870 just off Strøget, serving traditional Danish layer cakes such as the Sportskage in an old-fashioned tea room.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic patisserie and tea room
- Area
- Indre By, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- laglace.dk
Good to know
- Layer cakes
- Table reservations
- Cake courses
- Takeaway
Why we recommend it
Conditori La Glace is the grand old patisserie of Copenhagen. It was founded on 8 October 1870 by the confectioner Nicolaus Henningsen at Skoubogade 3, a narrow street just off Strøget in the old town, and it is still in the same place. Today it is run by the third generation of the Stagetorn Kolos family, and most of the cakes are made from original recipes handed down by generations of La Glace bakers.
The house speciality is the Sportskage, a cake built from a macaroon base, whipped cream, crushed nougat brittle and caramelised choux buns. It was first made for the play Sportsmænd, which premiered at the Folketeatret in November 1891, and it has been the signature of the shop ever since. Other famous layer cakes include the Valnøddekage with walnuts, the Othello cake, the Georgine cake and cakes named after Karen Blixen and Hans Christian Andersen. You can take whole cakes away, but most visitors sit down for a slice with a cup of coffee or tea.
Sitting down in the café is part of the experience, and it feels a world away from the shopping crowds on Strøget. La Glace suits families, couples, older visitors and anyone with a sweet tooth, and it is a good place to bring children for a treat after a morning of sightseeing. For those who want to go further, La Glace runs courses, including a Sportskage course and an Othello course, where you can learn to make the cakes yourself.
The patisserie is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 18:00, Saturday from 9:00 to 18:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, with last orders 30 minutes before closing. It closes on New Year's Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Afternoons and weekends are busy, especially in December, so book a table through the website if you have a fixed time, or come in the morning when it is quieter.
Skoubogade is a short side street off Strøget, so La Glace is a few minutes' walk from City Hall Square, the National Museum and Christiansborg. It makes a good stop between museums, or a reward after shopping on Strøget.
Conditori La Glace FAQs
What are La Glace's opening hours?
Monday to Friday 8:30 to 18:00, Saturday 9:00 to 18:00 and Sunday 10:00 to 18:00, with last orders 30 minutes before closing.
What should I order at La Glace?
The Sportskage, made with macaroon base, whipped cream, nougat brittle and caramelised choux buns, is the house speciality.
How old is La Glace?
It was founded on 8 October 1870 at Skoubogade 3.
Can I reserve a table?
Yes, table reservations can be made through the La Glace website.
Is La Glace closed on holidays?
Yes, on New Year's Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Can I take a cake away?
Yes, whole cakes and slices are available to take away.
Does La Glace run baking courses?
Yes, including courses on making the Sportskage and the Othello cake.
Where is La Glace?
At Skoubogade 3-5, a short side street off Strøget in the old town.