Visiting the Facebook page of Deligreco, a Frederiksberg-based Greek restaurant, wine bar and deli, is a mouthwatering experience in itself, so you can only imagine what it felt like to be there in the flesh.
Among the inclusions on its menu of late have been cod with kale and tomato cream, braised veal with mushrooms in beer, lamb with fresh tomato sauce, mashed potatoes and Jerusalem artichokes, stuffed calamari, shrimp saganaki, seafood pasta … need I go on?!
I had never been a huge fan of Greek food before, but this visit completely turned the tables on me. Two hours later I was leaving with a smile as broad as the Parthenon, my stomach dancing a sirtaki with Zorba the Greek.
An ideal locale
As I entered the restaurant, I immediately noticed its cosy and warm feeling. I was welcomed by a very friendly waitress and seated at a table in the middle of the room – an excellent refuge after a long walk in the cold, Danish weather.
This is the perfect place to hang out and have a pleasant dinner with family, friends, or your significant other. From its selection of around 60 Greek wines donning the wall on one side of the room to the vintage table settings, everything about it whispered charming.
Founded in September 2013, it’s a modern Greek restaurant with a traditional essence. Theodore the chef explained to me that most of the recipes are traditionally Greek but with a modern twist. They use local produce as well, so eating here supports Danish farmers.
Deli delights
As both a wine bar and deli, they unsurprisingly serve a huge range of wines and olives.
As the original home of wine, Deligreco is keen to showcase you should continue to beware of Greeks bearing gifts as it becomes almost impossible to refuse another glass. Theodore confirmed they have 60 varieties – all from Greece.
The same is true of the legions of olives, which are served as authentically as possible – their appearance and aroma will whisk you back to the old country at the speed of an ancient Olympian sprinter.
Just recently, their offer of the week was 300 grams of kalamata olives for just 50 kroner – a deal only surpassed by the one offering 200 grams of oak barrel-matured feta for 50 kroner. Look out for deals like these and more on their Facebook page.
Simple, yet savory
While the menu itself was relatively small, it certainly didn’t lack variety, but on this occasion I thought it would be rude if I didn’t let Theodore choose for me.
As a starter I was served their original handmade chips served with a tzatziki. Initially, I was confused, wondering whether this was a pre-meal snack, but I quickly discovered the missing ingredient: the combination! The bitterness of the vinegary dip paired perfectly with the homemade spiced chips. Cue a flavour explosion. Never has garlic and salt complemented one another so well.
After allowing me time to soak up the ambience of the room with my white wine, the chef appeared brandishing the kind of large dish you instantly imagine is going to the VIP table. But on this occasion, I winced, it was mine, all mine.
By the time it had hit the table, my insides had already performed a loop-the-loop at the sight of the calf sausage and bacon marmalade in a red pepper sauce sitting on top of feta cheese-encrusted potatoes.
The ingredients performed their own symphony in my stomach, rejoicing in the greatest steal (just 100kr) since Prometheus stole fire from the gods of Mount Olympus. To think, the meal is only considered a snack on the menu.
Regardless, I was completely full. It was the best meal I have had for months. With an average score of 4.6/5 from 96 reviews on its Facebook page, you can chalk up another perfect five for Deligreco.
