ESSE Restaurant
Copenhagen
At a glance
ESSE Restaurant, located at Trelleborggade 13a in Copenhagen, redefines the dining experience by placing an emphasis on sustainability and community. Nestled in a beautifully restored 19th-century warehouse, the venue offers an intimate setting with its raw exposed walls and vaulted wood ceilings, which encourage diners to reflect on meaningful existence and shared experiences. The restaurant is committed to sustainable dining practices, prioritizing regenerative organic farming and seasonal menus dictated by local Danish produce, occasionally complemented by seafood sourced from Norway.
The ambiance at ESSE is rustic yet sophisticated, allowing guests to explore a thoughtfully curated tasting journey. This journey encompasses dishes that highlight the essence of Danish culinary artistry with a contemporary twist. With a focus on quality, ESSE also offers a la carte selections at the bar for those without a dinner reservation, making it a flexible choice for various dining preferences.
Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the carefully selected wine list that emphasizes sustainably crafted wines from passionate winemakers. These wines not only complement the food but also tell the story of the land and craftsmanship involved in their creation. The restaurant welcomes diners seeking a unique dining journey that goes beyond traditional cuisine, making it a fitting venue for those interested in the intersection of food, culture, and sustainability.
Reviews
The setting of this wonderful restaurant is worth a visit by itself. A relaxed, aesthetic reuse of an old industrial building combined with the typical Danish flair for knowing exactly what and how much quality design details will mesh with the surroundings - creating that uniquely satisfying combination of the casual and the luxurious which in my opinion you only find in Denmark. So what about the food? Oh my dear, our three hour seating was an amazing excursion among sophisticated but still natural taste combinations based on local ingredients prepared by a kitchen brimming with talent. The excellent wines were chosen from the domain of minimum intervention, providing a super fresh and elegantly compatible backdrop to all of the wildly changing and positively surprising tastes of the seven courses served. I could go on writing a small essay here, but will instead refer to the accompanying photos which at least give a hint of the savory cuisine served at this amazing establishment. Mange takk!
The hug. Have never entered a restaurant and just felt immediately relaxed, until today. The space and ambience and artwork and the big jars of colourful preserves, ferments and pickles gave us a metaphysical hug. The chairs and tables are so beautiful and perfect for the room, and comfortable - another hug. The food was beautiful, utterly delicious, comforting, and the absolute best, local produce available - a hug. The service and especially the presentation of the food was given with such a high note of dedication and pride rarely seen - a hug. Hugs back to you Matt and team! Cannot wait to come back for more extraordinary comfort.
Great food, great vibe and one of the best front of house in town. Service is personal, attentive and relaxed. The price point is second to none. Best value fine dining in cph by quite a margin.
Absolutely extraordinary dining experience at Esse. We had the Esse tasting menu, and every course felt like a work of art — not just visually, but in flavor and execution. The service was impeccable from beginning to end: warm, attentive, and perfectly timed without ever feeling intrusive. The asparagus dish literally exploded with flavor. And the chicken breast? Honestly the most tender and flavorful chicken we’ve ever had — a dish that completely redefines what chicken can be. Dessert was unforgettable: a stunning combination of beet meringue, yogurt chips, and milk ice cream that somehow managed to be creative, elegant, and deeply comforting all at once. This wasn’t just dinner. It was one of the most memorable meals we’ve ever had. A true Michelin-level experience without pretension. Five stars aren’t enough.
Not bad, beer, a fried chicken piece and about ten other courses. Service was awesome and knew what they were serving. Good, good, good. Highly recommended.
