Epicurus is synonymous with luxury and the indulgence of sensual pleasures, which is exactly what they strive to offer at Epicurus. What begins as an elegant dinner in a grand bistro transforms into a mesmerizing jazz experience—an unforgettable journey for the senses. Join me as I relive an evening at Epicurus, a place I never knew neither me or Copenhagen needed.
At its core, Epicurus is a harmonious blend of a luxury bistro, an ambitious cocktail bar, and a jazz hall with international aspirations. This combinations allows for a versatile evening—whether you wish to experience just one aspect or indulge in all three. Naturally, our evening would embrace everything.
We began our night with a five-course tasting menu in the elegantly designed restaurant. The space, with its high ceilings and rich wooden panels, exuded a sense of refined luxury, effortlessly transporting us to an international setting.
Our culinary journey began with an array of classic snacks— a gougère filled with truffle cream and Ibérico ham, fresh oysters, a decadent fried chicken topped with caviar and vanilla syrup, and a shiso leaf with trout. Every bite was a delight, but it was the fried chicken that stood out—the unexpected sweetness of the vanilla syrup elevating a familiar dish to something memorable.
For the two starters, we embraced comfort and simplicity. First, we savored cabbage from the renowned farmer Søren Wiuff, paired with delicate scallops and a sweet green apple juice sauce. This was followed by a beautifully prepared tartare, where the earthy crunch of black trumpets added depth to a classic preparation. It was clear by this point that the menu’s intent wasn’t to shock or challenge but to envelop you in warmth and satisfaction.
Our main course was a perfectly grilled pigeon, served alongside vibrant green asparagus and luscious mashed potatoes—a celebration of robust, classic flavors executed with precision.
We concluded our meal with a dessert of vanilla ice cream, white chocolate and blueberries. While the execution was solid it just lacked something to lift it to the level of the previous dishes.
But our evening was far from over. With time to spare before the jazz concert, we eased comfortably into the grand jazz hall—an impressive space filled with plush, inviting chairs. Settled in the second row, a glass of Ruinart in hand, life felt undeniably good. The concert came with an optional pairing—wine, cocktails, or non-alcoholic options—allowing us to seamlessly transition from the culinary delights to a night of music.
Though I consider myself a jazz novice, it took mere moments for the music to captivate me. It was reminiscent of my first experience at a fine-dining restaurant— a new World was blast open. One I never imagined I would have any interest in and yet I was completely in love. The musicians’ mastery, their ability to improvise within the structure of a composition, was nothing short of mesmerizing. Sir Niels Lan Doky’s hands danced across the keys was both enchanting and awe-inspiring.
Over the course of an hour, we savored two expertly crafted cocktails. The first an aromatic cocktail of strawberry and fig leaf and the second one of apple and jasmine with a clarified milk punch. Each perfectly tuned to complement the music and enhance the experience but never overshadow.
Epicurus is a place I never realized that either Copenhagen or I needed, but now cannot imagine being without. It is a flawless union of a luxury bistro, an exceptional cocktail program, and world-class jazz. It’s the harmonious combination of all three that makes Epicurus extraordinary—an experience so profound it made me fall in love with jazz, which I consider quite the achievement.
Practical information
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Menu: A al carte and tasting menu
Website: https://epicurus.dk
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