l’Alsace, Copenhagen

A slice of France on Ny Østergade

Set on a chic side street off one of Copenhagen’s prime shopping arteries, l’Alsace brings the feel of a traditional French brasserie to the Danish capital. Step inside and the mood shifts from polished Scandinavian street life to soft lighting, close-knit tables and the quiet clink of cutlery. The space is intimate rather than grand, designed for conversation and lingering rather than spectacle. The restaurant takes its name and much of its inspiration from Alsace, the borderland between France and Germany, where hearty cooking, crisp wines and convivial dining rooms rule. Here, that spirit is translated into a Copenhagen context: linen-covered tables, a long, well-stocked bar and an open room that buzzes at lunch and slowly deepens in tone toward evening.

Classic French and Alsatian flavours

The menu at l’Alsace reads like a love letter to French bistro cooking. Rich starters such as foie gras, escargots or a well-made fish soup often set the tone, balanced by lighter seafood preparations and salads that lean on seasonal produce. From Alsace itself comes flammkuchen – a thin, crisp flatbread traditionally topped with cream, onions and bacon – alongside other regional touches. Fish and shellfish are a particular strength, whether it is simply sautéed fillets with brown butter and almonds or more elaborate plates built around turbot, halibut or trout. Meat dishes tend to be comfortingly classic: veal with glossy jus, slow-cooked beef or well-charred tournedos paired with potatoes and vegetables that soak up every drop of sauce. Desserts rarely stray from tradition, with chocolate, fruit and cream taking centre stage.

Wines with a European accent

L’Alsace backs its kitchen with a thoughtful, European-focused wine list. France is naturally prominent, from crisp Alsatian whites to Burgundian reds that flatter the richer dishes, but there is also a clear affection for Austrian bottles, particularly food-friendly whites. Glass and bottle options usually cover an accessible spread of prices, with enough depth for those looking to explore more serious labels. The staff are used to guiding guests through pairings, whether you are choosing a single bottle to carry you from starter to dessert or taking a different glass with each course. Long lunches can easily evolve into informal tastings, especially if you are curious about grape varieties that rarely appear on more mainstream lists.

Atmosphere built for lingering

More than a place to eat and go, l’Alsace is set up for unhurried meals. Tables are close enough to generate a gentle hum without tipping into noise, and the pace of service encourages an extra glass or an additional course if you feel like stretching out the evening. In daylight the room suits business lunches or shopping breaks; after dark it takes on a more intimate tone, ideal for dates, anniversaries or catch-ups with old friends. In summer, when the weather cooperates, seating spills toward the street, and the restaurant becomes a front-row seat on Copenhagen’s city-centre life. In colder months, candlelight and heavy curtains turn it into the kind of snug refuge that makes winter feel shorter.

Planning your visit

Given its central location and established following, l’Alsace rewards a bit of planning. Midday service typically spans from late lunch into the afternoon, flowing directly into dinner, which continues until late evening most days of the week. The kitchen leans toward multi-course dining, but there is flexibility to opt for a single main if that better fits your schedule or appetite. Dress leans smart-casual: you will see everything from crisp shirts and jackets to relaxed knitwear and dresses. The focus is on comfort rather than formality. Portions are generous by Nordic city-centre standards, and prices reflect the quality of ingredients and the prime address, placing the restaurant firmly in the treat-yourself bracket rather than the everyday canteen category.