not your USUAL wine bar — Restaurant in Copenhagen Municipality

Last night, our company wine club enjoyed an unforgettable evening at Not Your Usual Vinbar in Copenhagen—a spot that truly lives up to its name. The owner, who impressively wears the hats of chef, sommelier, and winemaker, curated a tasting menu of five small dishes, each expertly paired with a unique wine. His passion and knowledge added a personal touch that elevated the whole experience.

We kicked off the night with a glass of Romanian bubbles (Avincis vin spumante, Vila Dobrusa) as the last guests arrived, setting a festive tone right from the start. The first dish was a classic: blinis topped with crème fraiche and generous spoonfuls of trout roe, paired with a crisp Blanc de Blancs Brut Vintage 2021 from Te Wā Wines—hailing from the owner’s home country, Moldova. The pairing was spot on, with the bubbles cutting through the richness and highlighting the delicate flavors.

Next up was a zucchini carpaccio, a beautiful plate of raw zucchini drizzled with olive oil, brightened with orange zest, shavings of Danish hard cheese from Mammen (“forkælet”), and scattered flower petals. This dish was paired with a fresh white wine from Ukraine (Eduard Gorodetsky, My Wine Suholimansky, Odesa, 2024), which brought out the subtle vegetal notes and the citrus lift.

The third starter was a bruschetta topped with beef tartare—simple, yet bursting with flavor. It was paired with my personal favorite of the evening, a spicy and elegant Romanian Pinot Noir from Avincis (2020). The wine’s peppery edge and silky texture complemented the richness of the tartare beautifully.

For the main course, we enjoyed a comforting pork stew served over creamy mashed potatoes made with Moldovan spuds—a true showcase of the chef’s ability to turn humble ingredients into something memorable. This was paired with a robust Moldovan red made from 100% Saperavi grapes (Divus, Saperavi, 2019), which brought depth and a touch of earthiness to the dish.

We finished on a high note with a small, decadent chocolate fondant featuring a perfectly runny center. The dessert was paired with a homemade Moldovan black cherry liqueur, crafted from cherries macerated with their pits to lend a subtle marzipan edge. The spirit’s warmth and complexity were the perfect match for the chocolate, ending the evening on a deliciously indulgent note.

Throughout the night, the owner’s enthusiasm and attention to detail made us feel genuinely welcome. He remembered my previous visit ten months ago and even recalled my interest in his unusual wine selections—a testament to his dedication and hospitality.

All in all, Not Your Usual Vinbar delivers exactly what its name promises: a unique, expertly curated experience where the food, wine, and atmosphere come together seamlessly. If you’re looking for a wine bar that goes beyond the ordinary, this is the place to be. Can’t...

Our experience at this restaurant was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warmth and elegance, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. The ambiance was intimate and sophisticated, with soft lighting and a cozy atmosphere that made us feel right at home.

The highlight of the night was the incredible wine tasting experience curated by none other than Daniel, the owner. His passion for wine was evident from the very first moment. Daniel took the time to explain each wine pairing, sharing stories about the vineyards and the thought process behind the selections. His knowledge and enthusiasm were infectious, and it truly elevated.

What made the evening even more special was Daniel’s personal touch. He took the time to chat with us, share his vision for the restaurant, and ensure that every detail of our experience was flawless. His passion and dedication shone through in every aspect.

Leaving the restaurant, we felt not just satisfied, but genuinely uplifted. It’s rare to find a place that combines exceptional food, exquisite wine, and such heartfelt hospitality. Thank you, Daniel, for an unforgettable evening. We can’t wait to return and experience more of your...

We stumbled over this terrific wine bar after looking for somewhere close by and Google pointing us in their direction. I received a warm welcome upon arrival and, after my wife arrived, we ordered some food & snacks along with some wines from their extensive and very unusual menu. Refreshingly, many of the wines were from central and eastern Europe and we were offered some advice and help in choosing a selection. The bar offers a 'Wine Flight' - a tasting of three different wines from their menu, not your usual winery tasting, but half a glass of each wine at a very reasonable price. The tasting threw up some really interesting wines that certainly held their own with the usual French, Italian and German selections.

The staff were prompt, courteous, personable and extremely knowledgeable. The food was brought to the table quickly and was fresh and tasty.

We left feeling that we'd found a real diamond buried amongst Copenhagen's many, many bars. We'll certainly be going back to try more from their unusual...