Höst truly embodies Danish values through its welcoming and cozy atmosphere, functional yet aesthetically pleasing design structure, and its unique approach to hospitality.
My group of four arrived at the restaurant for our 5:30 reservation (which we surprisingly were able to make only two days in advance) and the staff promptly invited us inside as they opened their doors for business. The restaurant is divided into three main sections: the garden area, where fresh green plants are tastefully placed throughout to separate tables, contributing to the simple yet well conceived layout; the upper section, with only a few, more private tables; and the basement, complete with sheepskin rugs and pine armchairs. We were seated in the garden area, and our lesson in Danish culture continued.
The Danes value together time and trust, placing emphasis on family meals and activity clubs, in efforts to foster an extraordinary national sense of community. The atmosphere was relaxed and homey, even though about 75% of the clients were tourists. The staff was patient and friendly, even though at times we acted like giddy middle-schoolers, giggling and telling the waiters “Tusind tak” every time we saw them in response to our excitement elicited by each delicious and unique combination of food. The chef coped well with our dietary restrictions offering delicious gluten and lactose free rolls with parsley oil and a juice pairing which replaced the normal bread and the wine pairing. Clementine and Connor interacting with a Höst waiter
Many upscale restaurants can overwhelm diners with an excess of hospitality and over-the-top, fancy decorations and customs, including pushing clients’ chairs in or placing clients’ napkins in their laps for them. However, Höst has managed to find the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. The design of both the restaurant and the waiter teamwork were fascinating, as they were functional and impressive. The surrounding plants were not overwhelming, and the neutral greys, nudes, dark browns, and blacks of the furniture and décor were comforting, not boring. The restaurant featured a simple yet elegant layout, real towels in the bathrooms, and waiters that gracefully described all aspects and ingredients of each course. The food presentations were aesthetically pleasing and unique, but not so much that the food content was unclear. For example, our meringues still resembled meringues, even though they were made from more exotic and unexpected elements such as beetroot and served with smoked yogurt and onion ash.
All the waiters wore casual all black outfits, including black jeans, black mini skirts, and black t-shirts. For shoes, all the waiters sported black sneakers, mostly black Nikes with white swooshes (which, in general, seem to be a popular trend amongst the Danes.) Throughout the night our table had six different servers waiting on us, something I have never experienced before. Many restaurant-goers frown upon such behavior, as they want the consistency of having one waiter with whom they can develop a relationship and call upon when needed. On the contrary, having multiple waiters allowed us to meet even more Danes; we even had conversations about the Danish way of life and working at Höst with a few.
Finally, in addition to the atmosphere, design structure, and hospitality balance, Höst is a big bang for your buck. The menu is reasonably priced and, although it advertises only three courses, it comes with a world of extra surprises.
Beet root meringues with smoked yogurt and onion ash
Open 7 days a week 17:30-24:00
275-775 kr., depending on wine pairing and Normal vs.
Signature Menu
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