Kontra Coffee

Kontra was founded in 2005 by Martin Hildebrandt, World Barista Champion in 2001, and later brought on Troels Poulsen, the 2005 champion, giving the roastery a founding bench about as decorated as Danish coffee gets. Two decades on, the Østerbro café and shop combines a working espresso bar with a full retail operation: bags of the house roast sit alongside brewing gear, grinders, and full espresso machines for anyone building a home setup rather than just grabbing a cup.

Staff lean into the teaching side of the business, walking customers through a bean or a piece of equipment in as much detail as they want, and the shop backs it up with in house courses on brewing and tasting. A simple bread roll with cheese has become an unlikely house favorite alongside the espresso, and the room itself stays calm and unhurried, more coffee education showroom than quick counter stop.