No. 2

The location is top-notch on the edge of Hammershøi Kaj, where the canal meets the harbor right across from the Black Diamond. No. 2 is AOC's little brother in the restaurant family, which also includes Trio at Axel Towers. The interior is sleek and modern, and when the weather permits, the large waterside terrace is naturally often packed with happy guests. Since opening in 2014, head chef Nikolaj Køster has steered the kitchen with a steady hand, and co-owner Christian Aarø can be found on the floor himself, where he, alongside a capable team of waiters, delivers knowledgeable and pleasant hospitality. Aarø is also responsible for a well-curated wine selection featuring excellent bottles from both the Old and New Worlds, and whether you want individual glasses, whole bottles, or a well-matched wine menu to accompany your dishes, you are unlikely to be disappointed. They offer both à la carte dining, a vegetarian menu, and a menu featuring fish and meat dishes. The kitchen's style is modern Nordic, yet still comforting, and it is impossible to fault the craftsmanship or the quality of the ingredients. The vegetarian menu is taken just as seriously as the regular menu, which is evident, for example, in a dish of white asparagus, poached egg, smoked butter, and sea aster, where crisp freshness meets soft umami in beautiful balance. White asparagus reappears in a dish of firm and flavorful pan-fried turbot with a lovely elderflower sauce that adds balanced acidity. This is followed by a beautifully and perfectly cooked piece of entrecôte (of course organic and Danish) with more sea aster, grilled onions, and a rich jus, matched in the glass by a Rosso di Montalcino from Cava d'Onice. The Tuscan wine is spicy and full-bodied with dark berries on the nose and forms a beautiful pairing with the beef. You should not deprive yourself of the venue's cheese plate, which can be added to any menu. Tonight, it consists of thin slices of firm Tegel from Almnäs Bruk in Västergötland, layered with crispy cheese waffles, onion compote, and cheese cream – delicious! No. 2 is essentially a luxurious, seasonally driven bistro version of AOC, with a simpler expression, a more informal atmosphere, and, of course, at a much more accessible price point. Here, the focus is on great taste without too many frills, and when you add the excellent wine selection and pleasant service, we are surely landing in Masterclass territory.

good quality, good value cooking