Chef Raj Shrestha’s menu takes you on a thoughtful journey through Denmark, before gently bringing you back to Melbourne.
Denmark House was an unexpected discovery. Hidden above the bustle of Melbourne’s CBD, the space feels calm and minimal, with an understated elegance. Nothing demands attention, yet every detail feels considered, inviting you to settle in and experience it at your own pace.
Head Chef Raj Shrestha’s set menu felt like the best introduction, but we began with cocktails. The Koldskål combined lemon, vanilla and elderflower without becoming overly sweet, allowing every element to remain clear and balanced. The King of Denmark was bolder. With the distinctive strength of akvavit leading each sip, it is certainly not for the faint-hearted.
Even the garlic bread became memorable. Calling it one of the finest I have tried may sound excessive, but its generous garlic flavour and fresh thyme made it stand apart.
The menu opened with colourful crudités, sunflower seeds and lemon cream, where fresh Australian produce gave the Danish ideas their distinctly local expression.
Crisp Skagen toast followed, combining prawns, herb remoulade and saltbush. Potato croquettes with leek and mustard, followed by smoked-salmon rösti with finger lime and salted rhubarb, brought crisp edges, soft centres and bursts of saltiness.
The Bøfsandwich alone is worth returning for. Tender slow-cooked brisket sat inside a soft milk bun, covered in rich brown sauce and finished with chilli and crisp onion. The first bite was messy, indulgent and very close to heaven.
The sea perch arrived beneath fish-shaped puff pastry, wrapped in cabbage and spring vegetables, with seasonal greens and crushed potatoes served alongside it. Chive, dill and delicate bisque tied everything together without overwhelming the fish itself.
Finally, the Citron Fromage was light, fresh and exactly the palate cleanser we needed. From the peaceful setting to the progression of flavours, dinner felt like a brief journey through Denmark before gently returning us to Melbourne.
