Recently I returned for another business trip to Copenhagen. Last time, I learned the hard way that the Danes are nutso for dinner reservations, so I didn’t make that mistake again. This go around, I pre-booked a spot at Madklubben, where my previous efforts to dine had been thwarted by reservation-crazed throngs of Scandinavians. Their website is all in Danish but it’s not too hard to find your way to their reservations page.
It may come as a surprise, but I have other interests besides just food, and as of late, I’ve become a Scandinavian mid-century design fanatic. I can wax poetic for ages on the glories of Wegner wishbones and Arne Jacobsen swan chairs, but I’ll spare you. Suffice it to say, I was thrilled to find that Madklubben is choc-a-bloc with gorgeous chairs – eiffels, and pantones, and navy oh my!
Even better, Madklubben, which translates as Food Club, is quite reasonable in a land of sky-high dinner bills. Diners select 1-4 courses at fixed prices, ranging from 100 to 250 kroner (~$20-50), and then you just pick from a limited list of course options. I opted for a veal starter and lamb main. Considering a burger and beer can sometimes run you $50 there, this was quite a bargain for really good food. My veal didn’t knock my socks off, but the lamb, no longer on their current menu, was tender and full of flavor.
The gracious staff didn’t complain or look miserable even when we were the last people in the restaurant, by a long shot. I’m sure a table of giggling American ladies was not exactly their ideal table, but still, they were lovely. That’s my kind of service!
All in all, when you consider the atmosphere, price, service, and quality of food, Madklubben was the best meal I’ve had in Copenhagen by a landslide. I’m not sure if work will take me back there any time soon, but if I return, I have a feeling Madklubben will be a great sure thing to have in my repertoire.