Restaurant
Kokkeriet
Copenhagen, Denmark
Kokkeriet might seem like several of the fine dining restaurants in Copenhagen with its focus on seasonal local produce, but there is a difference. The difference is that the food gets its inspiration from traditional Danish cuisine and flavours which then is reinterpreted into delicious new dishes.
Kokkeriet is situated in a charming residential area of Copenhagen on the corner of two quiet streets with several beautiful older buildings surrounding it. The interior is subdued and casual elegant. An interesting part is the designed background music where sound engineer and disc jockey Jean Von Baden has shaped a soundtrack with a focus on Danish music. It is background music that you do not really listen to, but is more supposed to support the changing mood during a meal.
The kitchen is not visible from the dining room, but from the street outside you have a great view of what is happening in the kitchen. It is well worth to go outside and take a peek during a meal.
Sammy Shafi runs and owns the restaurant together with his brother Mikkel Shafi. Sammy is both Restaurant Manager and Head Sommelier. As Sommelier he has created a wine list with a wide selection of interesting wines from around the world. There is of course a matching wine menu to the tasting menus, but also a juice pairing.
Head Chef since 2008 is David Johansen. He has a long experience and has worked and trained as a chef since the nineties in Danish restaurants such as Kong Hans Kælder and Prémisse.
The focus of the kitchen is rediscovering and reinventing Danish classical dishes and tastes. They deconstruct classical Danish dishes and recreate them in a modern fine dining style. The dishes are all very creative, but also well-grounded in traditional Danish taste combinations that really work. The staff also guides you knowledgeably through the dishes so you do not have to know anything about Danish classics to enjoy the meal.
Kokkeriet also connects with the area and every Christmas invites neighbours in for a traditional Danish Christmas drink and snacks. They have also run events such as a day for homeless where they not only served great food, but also invited everyone in for a whole day of more general hospitality and new clothes.
So if you would like some hospitality and seasonal dishes with a connection to Danish classical dishes and flavours, then Kokkeriet is the place to visit in Copenhagen.
Written by Joakim