Restaurant of the week: "Ākme"

Copenhagen’s new Nordhavn district has rapidly become one of city’s most intriguing destinations—not least from a culinary perspective. Between piers, container yards, cruise ships, and innovative sustainable housing projects, you’ll find numerous quality restaurants like  Sushi Anaba, Vie, and, most recently, Matt Orlando’s Esse. And right in the middle is Ākme, occupying the space where Mads Battefeld’s Sushi Anaba originally stood before relocating elsewhere in the neigh­borhood. Indeed, both of its founders, Emil Hassan Lyngbæk and Valdemar Junge, used to work at Sushi Anaba, which explains the distinctly Japanese foundation of their new project.

Their set menu follows an omakase format with 14 courses (DKK 1,300/approximately 174 euro), yet unlike its predecessor, Ākme adds a subtle French sensibility without straying into fusion cuisine. The dominant Japanese influence remains evident in their frequent use of raw fish, refreshing dashi, seaweed, fresh wasabi, yuzu—to say nothing of the precise, restrained presentation. Yet despite its Japanese sensibilities, most of the ingredients are Danish.

A serving of canette with mushrooms channels the smoky depth of a yakitori grill, while a pepper sauce with exotic undertones reinforces the nod to Japan. With just 16 seats—a counter and eight additional covers in the adjoining room—Ākme delivers an intimate and immersive experience few can match in Denmark.

Dishes unfold before your eyes as the kitchen slices, brushes, arranges—a choreography of quiet concentration in the service of excellence. At present, Ākme stands among Copenhagen’s most captivating restaurants, offering exceptional value for the high quality it delivers.