Tag Archives: Copenhagen

Höst, Copenhagen

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The first thing that struck me when I walked into Höst restaurant in Copenhagen, was the lovely atmosphere. The charming eatery is filled with whimsical plants and twinkling lights, and tables are tucked away in romantic corners.

Höst, Copenhagen

The restaurant has dimmed lighting and a cosy feel, not great for food photography but lovely for a long wintery dinner. Höst has won numerous awards for its creative ‘raw’ design style in the restaurant; think recycled wood, plenty of concrete and lambskin throws.

Höst, Copenhagen

Each day a 3 and 5 course set menu is offered, showcasing the best Danish produce and typical Nordic cuisine. After a delicious glass of Cremant we indulged in the Höst sourdough bread, served with wonderfully light whipped butter.

Höst, CopenhagenHöst, Copenhagen

My starter was a beautiful piece of baked cod with lumpfish roe and jerusalem artichokes. The disc of fish was charred on the outside giving a lovely smokey taste and was topped with a creamy fish sauce. The vegetarian option was a woody rustic risotto with mushrooms and herbs, a comforting dish for a cold winter’s night.

Höst, CopenhagenHöst, Copenhagen

The main course was a fine quality piece of beef sirloin concealed within a pile of beetroot spaghetti. The meat was cooked to perfection with a juicy flavour and a velvety texture, on top the beetroot (of which perhaps there was a little too much!) had hints of tarragon. Apparently the dish also had cep mushrooms in, but I couldn’t identify or taste that flavour anywhere in the dish.

Höst, CopenhagenHöst, Copenhagen

Höst don’t skimp on the in-between-course extras. We were treated to plenty of palate-cleansers and pre-desserts, including a refreshing pear sorbet before pudding. Just as I thought I couldn’t fit anything else in our final course arrived, Birch bark ice-cream with herbal chocolate, pear and caramel. It was an intriguing mix of magical textures and tastes, with almost medicinal fruity components and the satisfying frozen chocolate crumbs.

Atmospheric and delicious, Höst restaurant always ensures its guests have a memorable Nordic meal that you will remember long after leaving Copenhagen.

More information and book a table here.

Marchal Restaurant, Copenhagen

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Copenhagen has an array of amazing restaurants, from cute cosy cafes to smart fine dining establishments. Marchal manages to offer Michelin starred food in a welcoming and comfortable dining room, so guests can enjoy the best quality food without the fuss.

Despite its home within Copenhagen’s most luxurious hotel (D’Angleterre) this eatery aims to be inclusive, with a reasonably priced lunch menu for hotel residents and outside visitors to enjoy.

Marchal

After a glass of delicious champagne we were excited to see a basket of warm bread arrive at our table. Our early morning flight from London had left us ravenous and we were ready for a feast. The golden nuggets of sourdough bread were divine, made with beer and honey and topped with plenty of crunchy toasted seeds.

MarchalMarchal

The menu is a sensible length with several options for vegetarians as well as delicious meat and fish dishes. To start we chose the Winter salad with poussin and the Truffle Bouillion with agnolotti. The salad was light and healthy with a subtle vinegary dressing and pieces of poussin breast meat strewn through the leaves. I can’t think of a better dish for Danish winter than truffle bouillion… it was like a big warm hug, woody flavoured warm broth filled with perfect little parcels of pasta filled with an artichoke puree.

MarchalMarchal

For main course we sampled the Sole with apple and fennel, and the Iberico pork with palm cabbage. It was nice to see that both dishes truly showcased the fine fish and meat produce, providing just a few other complementing flavours on the plate. The sole was delicate, cooked to perfection and topped with samphire and the stronger flavoured fish roe… the buttery sauce added a touch of richness and indulgence. My Iberico pork was concealed with a giant palm cabbage leaf and seasoned with walnuts and black cardamom. It was a majestic and delicious dish, coated in a wonderful sauce.

MarchalMarchal

Desserts felt slightly like an afterthought, with less care and attention going into the dishes. The Gold bar with hazelnuts and chocolate was a strange texture, but was served with a tasty calvados ice-cream. The millefeuille was too heavy and hard in my opinion. The caramel flavours were nice but the presentation seemed lazy and unexciting compared to the beautiful previous courses.

We loved our lunch at Marchal; where the food, wine and service really is exceptional.

More information and book a table at Marchal here.

Things to do in Copenhagen

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Cool and chic, Copenhagen is my kind of city. For food, drink and design this city is hard to beat and at Christmas the Danish capital is alight with festive fairs and events.

Eat

Geist – try stylish and artful Danish food created by celebrated chef Bo Bech. The menu is refined and concise and filled with genius tapas-style dishes. Cauliflower and black truffle was particularly memorable; both tastes and visuals are spectacular.

Era Ora – the talented team here provide the ultimate Italian food and wine experience. Expect a banquet and spend an afternoon indulging in the finest culinary creations.

Cocks and Cows – voted best burger in Copenhagen a few years ago, this joint still excels at American classics. Any variety is possible (bun, sauce, fillings and toppings) and the results are faultless. Chips receive top marks too: homemade, thin, crispy with a sprinkling of sea salt.

Ricemarket – from the founders of Kiin Kiin (the only Michelin starred Thai restaurant in Europe), Ricemarket is a delicious casual alternative, easy to get a table and less threatening to your wallet!

Drink

Ruby – established in 2007, Ruby soon became a popular choice for the discerning Copenhagen cocktail drinker. Masters of mixology, the bartenders will create any drink you desire. I chose the off-menu strong but brilliantly balanced Brooklyn.

The Union – concealed completely on a quiet street in town, we almost interrupted several private parties before eventually discovering the inconspicuous black door. Truly outstanding cocktails, we loved the Pinky and the Roscoe.

See

Louisiana – venture out of town to the staggeringly beautiful modern art museum. Currently on show: a passionate Jorn and Pollock exhibition and an exploratory show about the Arctic.

Christiania – take a stroll around this freetown built on a dream of freedom and the notion of a place governed by its residents. An alternative, anarchistic area – definitely worth exploring.

Shop

Playtype – letters of all shapes, sizes and forms fill this tiny eclectic shop.
Pick up an alphabet poster or buy your very own special Playtype font on a memory stick.

Acne Archive – a haven for Acne lovers, this outlet store sells past seasons’ rejects for a fraction of the price.

Finders Keepers – an occasional, very special fair celebrating the best young designers on the Scandi scene. Bring cash.

Do

Tivoli Gardens – one of the world’s oldest amusement parks – during the festive season experience the warmth of Christmas with the festive stalls, rides and restaurants.

Canal tour – tick off all the sights in 90 minutes on this informative and picturesque tour. The impressive opera house, little mermaid and black diamond are all en route.

Many thanks to the Copenhagen Tourist Board for their help with this trip, more information here.