For those who can’t get a space at Noma there are plenty of other Michelin-starred successes on the Copenhagen restaurant scene. Northern Italy is particularly well represented by the glorious fine dining restaurant, Era Ora. This inconspicuous dining room is found in Christianshavn, and showcases the very best of Italian cuisine. With ingredients shipped in from Italy, the freshest and most authentic flavours are guaranteed.
On a quiet Saturday lunchtime we had the full attention of Simone Celeghin, officially the sommelier but brilliant at handling every aspect of service required in such a high standard restaurant. His accommodating and inspirational character made the whole experience so special.
Wine is obviously a big deal at Era Ora and their cellar contains over 97,000 bottles. Featuring carefully selected vintages from Italy alone, many may want to visit this eatery just for the wine experience. Wine can be chosen from the extensive carte, or enjoyed as part of a wine menu, meticulously paired with your food for an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
Era Ora was launched in 1983 by founders Elvio Milleri and Edelvita Santos with the aim of expanding knowledge and perceptions of Italian cuisine in Copenhagen. The imaginative and expertly created dishes of Head Chef Andrea Guglielmi have rightfully earned the team a Michelin star.
We started with a glass of Barrone Pizzini sparkling rose. No menus were given to us; Simone had complete control over our lunch! Five glasses of wine beautifully accompanied our five food courses. Slow-cooked chicken with bell pepper and lentils in Guazzetto was a delicate and delicious appetiser, immaculately paired with a glass of crisp and full bodied 2007 Villa Fidelia Bianco from Umbria.
My favourite dish came next, Homemade Trofie pasta with wild boar ragout and lightly grilled Savoy cabbage. It was an aromatic and irresistible sauce, and the homemade pasta was cooked to perfection. Perhaps the first time I’ve had a bowl of pasta and not needed Parmesan on top. To accompany this course we were treated to a glass of 2009 Nebbiolo from Piemonte, a light and fruity red.
The braised veal main course with a chocolate and red wine sauce, was a slightly more experimental recipe, that intrigued the palate but didn’t stun. A petite cheese course featured a unique blue variety of Pecorino with nutty bread and citrus foam. Dessert was lovely and light with orange, sbrisolona, and pistachio served on a beautiful Venetian plate, a playful and pretty pudding.
Initially I felt guilty for indulging in Italian food whilst in Denmark, but when it is this good how could one resist? Era Ora offers Italian food and service at its very best, and as I put this thought in the comments book on departure, I noticed every other message expressed the same sentiment.
More information and book a table here: www.era-ora.dk
Many thanks to the Copenhagen Tourist Board for their help with this trip, more information here.
