Small, understated and world-famous, homely Restaurant Relæ in out-of-town quarter Nørrebro is garnering attention yet again, this time for its change in menu policy. Already focused on healthy, locally-sourced produce, the Michelin-starred restaurant on Jægersborggade has opted to pare down its kitchen even further to offer exclusively organic ingredients.
Dishes at Relae exploit the vibrant colors of nature — Photo courtesy of Restaurant Relae
The restaurant, which is number 56 on the list of the world's best restaurants, went organic in early May. Its organic credentials are certified by Organic Denmark, which documents that 90-100 percent of everything served by the Relæ kitchen, including drinks, is organic.
"Good ingredients should be harvested organically with consideration for ethics, quality and nature," says Christian Puglisi, owner and head chef at Relæ.
On lively, creative street Jægersborggade, Relæ is small and informal, with a simple decor, bare brick walls and long, plain tables. Often referred to as a breakaway of Noma, Relæ stands out in its own right for its innovative set menus and simple dining philosophy. We already had the feeling that dining here was a fairly environmentally-friendly experience: now the restaurant has that in writing.
Can't get a table at Relæ? Other recommended organic restaurants in Copenhagen include 'bio trattoria' Ché Fè on Borgergade and climate-friendly Restaurant Julian in Copenhagen's National Museum.