Marchal — Restaurant in Copenhagen Municipality

Long story short: this experience fell well short of what one would expect from a Michelin-star restaurant.

First misstep: the service lacked coordination. We ordered white wine with the appetizers and red with the mains, yet the red wine was decanted and poured long before the white even arrived. The situation was awkward and easily avoidable. To their credit, the waiter did apologize and made an effort to correct the mistake, but the lapse in communication set the tone for the evening.

The foie gras canapé was disappointing - served too cold, with a “crust” that tasted like plain white bread. Rather than enhancing the foie gras, it dulled it.

The sourdough bread was serviceable but unremarkable - dense, and lacking the refinement and lightness expected at this level.

My blue lobster appetizer was the most concerning. The intestine tract was still intact in the tail - a basic oversight that simply shouldn’t happen in a Michelin-star kitchen. When I mentioned it to the waiter, the kitchen’s response was that there “might be some tender parts” and that they “could not identify what it was.” That explanation felt dismissive and unprofessional. The dish was removed from the bill, but the handling of the issue fell below Michelin standards.

To be fair, the lobster itself tasted quite good. Still, these early missteps - especially in service and attention to detail - undermined the experience before the meal had a chance to recover.

The rest of the dinner, including the venison main and crêpe Suzette dessert, was well-executed and pleasant, but by then the impression had already been shaped.

Overall, the atmosphere didn’t help redeem the evening. The dining room felt sterile - no music, little warmth, and a formality that bordered on uncomfortable. Service, while polite, lacked genuine hospitality; it felt procedural rather than personal. At this level, one expects a sense of ease and flow, but here the mood was cold and stiff, leaving the impression of a place more focused on maintaining appearances than on creating an enjoyable dining experience.

I’ve dined at several Michelin-starred restaurants, and while not every meal must be flawless, there’s a certain grace and attentiveness that defines the best of them. Unfortunately, this one missed that mark in both execution...

We called to ask for lunch reservations for a birthday and were told there was a table available and we could either choose from the lunch menu or the brunch which was being offered on a Monday because it was Easter. When we arrived at the restaurant we were seated at a table and offered the brunch menus as well as the lunch menu. My friend was about to order from the lunch menu when the waitress apologized and said sorry I have to take the lunch menu back, we are only offering brunch today or a fixed lunch menu: she mentioned the only lunch option which had pork and my friend didn't eat pork and was not hungry enough for the brunch. I kindly asked the waitress if there was an alternate lunch option without pork or a smaller brunch menu. The waitress then said "no we don't have any other options, you are actually lucky to have a table here". This was completely rude, unprofessional and uncalled for. I was taken back by this comment, as it was unnecessary. Two of us were gladly about to order the brunch, and my friend was going to get it also since there were no other options but once treated so rudely we wanted to reconsider going to another restaurant where we would actually be treated as human beings with respect. The waitress then asked us what we wanted to order. I told her we just need a moment, we may consider going elsewhere. She then said "why don't you move to the bar and decide". She clearly kicked us out of our table even though we were still thinking about staying and needed a moment. This arrogant and snobbish behavior clearly degrades a Michelin starred restaurant. What is the point of "exceptional food" if you are provided with despicable service? This was horrible service and definitely not what I expected as treatment from a Michelin starred restaurant. The way we were treated was unfair and uncalled for, we were kind in our questioning and a waitress should have the interpersonal skills to answer guest questions without being snobby and rude.

Based on this experience I would say you are better off skipping the Michelin star and going to a restaurant where you are actually treated with dignity and respect. However, to give the benefit of the doubt maybe we were just really unlucky with a...

Marchal in Copenhagen offers an exquisite dining experience that perfectly blends the elegance of its Michelin star with the vibrant energy of the city. The 6-course menu I had was a culinary journey that showcased the chef's exceptional skills and creativity.

The meal began with the Caviar en Surprise with Lobster and Jerusalem Artichokes, a delightful start that set the tone for the evening. Each subsequent dish, from the Scallop with Marinated Cucumber, Kohlrabi, and Horseradish Cream to the Danish Turbot with Gourgette, Peas, Cockles, Razor Clams, and Mussel Sauce, was a testament to the restaurant's dedication to high-quality ingredients and innovative pairings.

The highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the Filet of Danish Summer Roebuck with Beets, Quince, Blackcurrants, and Jus, paired perfectly with the 2020 Côte Rôtie by Patrick Jasmin. This pairing was a match made in heaven, enhancing the flavors of the roebuck and making each bite a memorable experience.

The view of the park outside, as seen from my table, added a serene backdrop to the evening, making the ambiance truly spectacular. The service was impeccable, with Luca, my server, embodying joy and warmth. He was attentive and welcoming, eagerly taking feedback to ensure an exceptional dining experience.

One minor note of constructive feedback would be the Langoustine with Fennel, Tomato, Crispy Rice, and Pontarlier Bisque. While the dish was flavorful, the bisque overpowered the delicate langoustine, making it feel more suited to a fall menu rather than a light summer evening in Copenhagen. A bit more fennel and less bisque would help balance the flavors and let the langoustine shine.

Overall, Marchal delivers a worthy experience that leaves a lasting impression. The combination of stellar service, picturesque views, and an innovative menu makes it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a top-tier dining experience...