Two Hidden Gems in Copenhagen - Culinary Excellence Just Below Michelin Level

In the heart of Copenhagen lie two restaurants that represent the very best of Danish gastronomy without having chased international stars. Here, international gourmet enthusiasts find an authentic taste experience that unites classic French culinary art with Danish character - and both places bear the mark of an artistic sensibility that makes dining an experience for all the senses.

The Discreet Pearl Behind the Red Door

Behind an anonymous red door on Store Kongensgade lies what must be described as a living gastro-museum. Here, one of Denmark's most iconic chefs over the last 40 years has created his own private universe - an intimately furnished restaurant with room for only 32 guests, where art and gastronomy merge in a unique whole.

The venue functions as both restaurant and art gallery with rotating exhibitions by local artists. The walls are covered with sensual artwork, and the intimate space is centered around a large communal table, creating an almost club-like atmosphere where guests can observe the kitchen's work.

The culinary philosophy is uncompromisingly classic. "The gastronomy with me is unchanged. No nonsense. No foam. Not too much garnish," as the chef himself puts it.

There is no online booking - the place runs "old school, with old-fashioned contact and presence." You call or drop by to speak directly with the chef.

Elegant Salon in the Heart of Frederiksstaden

In the beautiful premises on Bredgade, which once housed the legendary Le Sommelier, now sits a restaurant that truly lives up to its name. The salon belongs to the Danish golden age, where literature, art, music and politics were often at the center of lively conversations.

The restaurant offers both lunch with classic Danish smørrebrød and dinner with French-inspired gastronomy. The menu and wine list span high and low, covering everything we love.

Here you'll find the chef's two most famous signature dishes: "The Whale" - the legendary baked turbot with black lobster, spinach and lobster bisque. A giant fish-shaped package of crispy puff pastry, complete with carved details like fins and scales, swimming in a lake of rich, fragrant lobster bisque. The dish is also available in a smaller version called "The Dolphin."

The other classic is Beef Wellington - beef wrapped in puff pastry with red wine sauce and garnish, a dish that requires precise timing and perfect craftsmanship.

This place is likewise characterized by aesthetic perfection and great love for food, drink, and art, of which there is plenty at the venue. Hospitality is top-class, and the wine cellar is one you'd wish to take home.

For special occasions, the restaurant offers private dining rooms with space for up to 30 people in beautiful, exclusive rooms behind the restaurant, where dedicated servers are assigned to ensure a completely exclusive experience.

The Role of Art in Gastronomy

Both restaurants are characterized by their close connection to the art world. The first functions directly as an art gallery with rotating exhibitions, while the second continues the tradition from salon culture, where art and gastronomy naturally belong together.

There is always art hanging on the walls at the places the chef opens, and this is not coincidental. It's about creating a complete experience, where the meal becomes a journey through both taste and aesthetics.

For the International Gourmet

For visitors to Copenhagen seeking authentic Danish gastronomy at the highest level, these two places represent something unique. Here you won't find modern techniques or molecular experiments, but rather uncompromising quality in ingredients and perfected craftsmanship developed over decades.

Both places are in the more expensive range, but for those who value timeless gastronomy and unsurpassed personal hospitality, it's an investment in a memorable experience.

The restaurants represent each their approach to excellence: One as an intimate museum for the art of gastronomy, the other as an elegant salon where past and present meet around the common goal - to create the perfect setting for the culinary experience.

Let Us Secure Your Table at Copenhagen's Finest

Discovering these culinary gems is one thing – securing a coveted table is another. At Golf Travel Denmark, we possess insider knowledge of Copenhagen's best restaurants and maintain the relationships that open doors to exclusive dining experiences.

Let us be your gateway to Copenhagen's hidden gastronomic treasures.