Esmée

Some restaurants are simply about good food.
And then there are places like this — where everything works toward a single feeling:
“I feel good. Right here. Right now.”

An atmosphere that awakens all five senses.

This isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a feeling of Paris in the heart of Copenhagen.
Everything — from the terracotta potted plants to the crisp white tablecloths and the sparkle of glass — whispers of effortless chic without the arrogance.
There’s no shouting about luxury here — they simply live it, quietly.

The interior was designed by Space Copenhagen — the studio behind noma and SAS Royal.
Their signature is instantly recognizable:

details — lush plants, velvet cushions, brass lamps, marble tables
lines — simple, yet intentional
colors — warm, muted, natural

And then — there’s the light.
There’s a lot of it here.
By day — natural and bright.
By night — soft, warm, honey-toned.
It transforms the space into something between a winter garden and a Woody Allen film.

Who is this restaurant for?

• For aesthetes who value atmosphere as much as taste
• For lovers of style and beautiful details
• For couples wanting to feel like they’re in Paris for just one night
• For those who crave a celebration — without clichés

This is not the kind of restaurant you stop by just to “grab a bite.”
This is an experience: a lunch that stretches into two hours.
A dinner that seamlessly flows into a glass of wine.
A Friday night that feels like a stage play.

Freshness you can actually taste.

At Esmée, ingredients aren’t just a backdrop — they’re the star of the show.
The fish — fresh from the fjords that very day.
The vegetables — seasonal, sourced from local farms.
The greens — crisp, as if just picked moments ago.

The chef handles each ingredient with care — not to overwhelm, but to highlight its natural flavor.

Even the simplest dish tastes extraordinary here,
because when the product is truly high-quality — nothing more is needed.

Cuisine: French elegance with a Danish twist

The menu is small, but so thoughtfully curated that you wouldn’t want to add or remove a thing.
The focus is on seasonality, simplicity of flavor, and premium-quality ingredients.
What to try:

Desserts — a sweet finale with character

At Esmée, desserts aren’t just the end of a meal — they’re a story of their own.
Here, French patisserie classics meet Danish lightness and freshness in every bite.

The presentation is striking — neat, elegant, and full of thoughtful details: mint leaves, fresh berries, delicate swirls of sauce.

Cheese, sides, wine

Cheese plate (≈ €23.50) — a selection of four aged cheeses, served with nuts, honey, and crisp crackers.

Fries and mac & cheese (≈ €10–16) — sides so tempting, you’ll want to order them even without a main.

At Esmée, drinks aren’t just an accompaniment — they’re an essential part of the culinary experience.
And while the cuisine hints at France, the wine list quotes it outright — at its very best.

It’s well worth speaking to the sommelier — the team knows their wines inside and out and will effortlessly help you find something special.

Perfect — here’s the addition to the review with a dedicated cocktail section to complete the experience.
The menu is minimalist, but carefully curated. Here are a few highlights:

Impressions

In short: you could come here just for a glass of wine.
Sit on the terrace, order a frizzante or a great glass of Chardonnay, chat — and suddenly, it feels like a holiday.

Service

Service is one of Esmée’s strongest points. The staff:

• offer recommendations without pressure
• are friendly, but never intrusive
• explain the menu without giving a lecture

You feel like a welcomed guest — not an actor in a performance.

Drawbacks?
Yes. A few — but fair and honest:

• Reservations are a must. Even during the day, it can be hard to get a table without one.
• Prices are high, even by Copenhagen standards. This isn’t an everyday restaurant.
• Noise — it gets quite loud in the evening. Not ideal for quiet conversations or romantic proposals.

Conclusion

Esmée isn’t just dinner — it’s an event.
It’s a place you want to be. To put on a shirt, switch into “effortless chic” mode, order a glass of champagne, and allow yourself to feel the moment.

This is a place that brings people together — business partners, lovers, friends reuniting after summer.
And most importantly, it’s a place that reminds you: food isn’t just about taste. It’s about life.

Information

Address: Kongens Nytorv 8, 1050 København, Denmark Phone: +45 33 13 37 13
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday: 12:00 – 24:00 Please note: the restaurant operates in two dinner seatings — the first at 17:30, the second at 20:15. Reservations between 19:00 and 20:00 are not available.