A brand-new restaurant ESMÉE, found its location in the very heart of Copenhagen at the beautiful “Kings Square”, is a tribute to the classic embodiment of French restaurant with an inherent ambiance and genuine cuisine in a classy yet modern interpretation.
Just a few steps from the Royal Danish Theatre and Charlottenborg Palace, ESMÉE is a pure quintessence of aesthetics: the elegant interiors of the restaurant were designed by the creative duo from the Space Copenhagen design studio.
Shades of Green
Drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean, the interior offers a nostalgic nod to Southern European dining echoed throughout the interiors.
Founders of Space Copenhagen Signe Bindslev Henriksen and Peter Bundgaard Rützou wanted to create the feeling of a fun, lively urban greenhouse by adding a lot of green plants and trees to the entire restaurant space.
In addition, the use of the green colour in a multitude of shades, both on the walls and on the upholstery has created a noble and naturalistic pattern, adding vibrancy to the space.
In the Photo: Executive Head Chef Andreas Bagh
Divided into three sophisticated areas, the restaurant offers an elegant yet playful destination for socialising. Starting with a relaxing morning coffee, the restaurant becomes the ideal place for a business lunch in a casual atmosphere, and then turns into a place for an early evening cocktail, and of course, a fancy dinner with a choice of dishes from the à la carte menu, based on classic French dishes with a focus on Nordic flavors. The ESMÉE kitchen is les by Executive Head Chef Andreas Bagh.
The wine list of the restaurant was developed by Wine Director Peter Pepke, who is also ESMÉE General Manager.
La Soirée
Meals are served either in the ESMÉE’s green outdoor courtyard, or in dining rooms with mirrored panels that create depth among natural sand tones and marble-effect paint.
Recommended by chef Andreas Bagh, a variety signature snacks and a platter of oysters can turn a start of any dinner into perfection.
– CHIPS & DIP — Crispy potatoes with sour cream & onion;
– GREEN OLIVES “Bella di Cerignola Verde”;
– Oyster Selection: PETIT GARMEN OYSTER,
L’ANTILOPE 1858 OYSTER, JOSEPHINE OYSTER;
– GOUGÉRES COMTÉ & TRUFFLE (4 pieces);
– JAMÓN IBÉRICO ON TOASTED BRIOCHE & GRUYÈRE (4 pieces)
Along with these Appetizers, ESMÉE Bar Manager Thibault Tamisier recommends to go with signature aperitif cocktails that add a special touch to the start.
Those who like more savory & experimental cocktails still with classic reference, will love
CAVIAR MARTINI — Vodka, Dill & Caviar Aquavit, Dry Vermouth, 4g ROSSINI Caviar Spoon.
For ladies — Light & bubbly cocktail based on champagne MON SHERRY — Amaro, Fino Sherry, Lemon, Cucumber, Champagne;
An exclusive choice — ESMÉE OSCIETRA HOUSE CAVIAR BY ROSSINI — is a gastronomic collaboration with the famous caviar brand ROSSINI.
Served with buckwheat blinis, red onion and crème fraîche.
The most essential pair to the Caviar serving is undoubtedly Champagne (Chartogner-Taillet Le Rosé Brut Champagne N.V. France).
Continuing with the starters, you should also pay attention to DANISH HAMCHI CEVICHE WITH ICELANDIC WASABI.
If you decide to stay with fish, by all means the choice is obvious: GRILLED WHOLE TOPSIDE OF TURBOT WITH BEURRE BLANC, excellent with sides — ESMÉE GREEN SALAD WITH GRILLED ZUCCHINI, ELDERFLOWER, PISTACHIO as well as FRENCH FRIES.
For this flavorful dish the sommelier offers
White wine Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Blanc, France 2020.
Au Fin
Impossible to leave ESMÉE without taking a look at the desserts.
– SOFT ICE CREAM with Hazelnut (the filling changes seasonally);
– FROZEN FRUIT in the form of sorbet
Beyond the dining areas while starting or finishing the dinner, guests can enjoy a range of cocktails and wines at the hand-painted, deep plum bar that is designed to evoke the doors of traditional Copenhagen homes. This area with a sensual dark palette of red and burgundy complements the inner restaurant’s more neutral colour palette.
The cocktail menu relies on the Danish and French heritage that defines ESMÉE’s unique state of mind, reviving the Belle Epoque. Iconic flavor combinations were explored and transformed into modern and exciting cocktails to pair with ESMÉE signature dishes or enjoyed on their own.
TARTE AU CITRON — Vodka, Lemon Liqueur, Plum Kernel Distillate, Lime, Meringue Foam;
ASTRONAUT — White Chocolate Liqueur, Dry Vermouth, Lime, Citron Thyme Syrup
Andreas Bagh: “Creating ESMÉE, we wanted to make a space which delivers a real sense of joy and celebration anytime and for any occasion, that is essential in the time we live. ESMÉE is multifaceted — you can easily have a casual lunch here in the daytime whether spend a romantic dinner or gather with friends for cocktails & snacks. Same time, for me and my team it’s an ideal platform for the meticulous and creative preparation of food as well as a place full of refined elegance and sublime ambience”.
ESMÉE
Address: Kongens Nytorv 8, 1050 Copenhagen
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 12.00 – 24.00
Contacts: +45 33133713; info@esmee.dk
Instagram: @esmee_cph
Editor-in-chief: Patricia Kolari
Text Writer: Marina Timoshevskaya
Technical Director: Evgeny Fedorov
Photos: EATWEEK GUIDE
