AOC

AOC (Aarø & Co.) is a restaurant in Dronningens Tværgade in the center of Copenhagen, a quick walk from Nyhavn, Kongens Nytorv and Amalienborg. AOC received its first Michelin star in March 2010, in recognition of the high standards of dining it offers. A truly sensory experience, all aspects are catered for, from sight to smell, sound and of course taste. The kitchen is led by Ronny Emborg and Michel Munk who, alongside their team, create modern and sophisticated Danish cuisine. Ronny Emborg received a Chef of the Year award in 2007 and he leads the talented group in creating exciting, original flavors using only the finest, freshest products available.

There are four, five and six-course tasting menus on offer, always complemented by an outstanding selection of wines from around the world that has been put together by three-time Danish sommelier champion (and the eponymous owner) Christian Aaro.

Christian Aaro took full ownership of AOC in 2008, after having opened it in a partnership in 2004. He comes from a classic restaurateur background and has experience as a chef, a sommelier, and a waiter, having worked in some of the top restaurants in Denmark, France and the UK. What that means is attention to detail and very high standards prevail.

AOC is located in a 17th century vaulted cellar, and has a main dining room that seats 30 as well as two private dining rooms. Tables are set with Royal Copenhagen porcelain and everything is decorated in a modern Scandinavian style. Customers sit on elegant furniture from Gubi and Eames.

Onto the food. Perhaps the flagship offering, the Sensory Evening, weighs in at DKK 900 but offers nine servings, champagne, wine, coffee and dessert. You can add one of two premium wine lists to bring the price to DKK 1795 or 2095.

Four, five and six course menus are also available with the five courses offering costing DKK 650. Choose from dishes such as Danish oysters with parsley, organic cucumbers and horseradish, or Red deer with charcoaled salsifies, celeriac and winter berries. Try the unique Vanuatu chocolate with caramel sauce and dill ice cream for dessert.