Head-to-Head · Copenhagen
Jordnær vs Damindra
Jordnær's three stars on the Gentofte water against Copenhagen's most serious sushi counter. Book Jordnær for the once-a-year splurge.
The Verdict
Jordnær is the landmark splurge. Eric Kragh Vildgaard holds three Michelin stars in a waterfront hotel in Gentofte, north of the centre, and the restaurant is one of only three three-star tables in Denmark, beside Geranium and Kadeau. The cooking rests on seafood and vegetables with classical restraint, from langoustine to caviar, and the room is small. It scores 10 for food, 9 for the room and 8 for value, strong for a three-star at this tier.
Damindra is the sushi pick. Open since 2006 and run by Damindra Tillekeratne, it is the most serious Japanese room in the city, with fish flown from the Toyosu market in Tokyo and a chef-driven counter that also runs kushiyaki, tempura and toban-yaki. It sits in Indre By, the inner city, and serves both lunch and dinner. It scores 9 for food, 8.5 for the room and 7.5 for value at the four-dollar-sign tier.
Scores, Side by Side
| Score | Jordnær | Damindra |
|---|---|---|
| Food | 10 / 10 | 9 / 10 |
| Atmosphere | 9 / 10 | 8.5 / 10 |
| Value | 8 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 |
Which One for Which Occasion
| Occasion | Editorial Pick |
|---|---|
| Once-a-year splurge | JordnærA three-star tasting on the Gentofte water is the city's landmark big-night table. |
| Best sushi | DamindraToyosu-flown fish and a chef-driven counter make the strongest raw-fish meal in Copenhagen. |
| Solo dining | DamindraA counter seat facing the chef suits a single diner better than a tasting-menu room. |
| Anniversary | JordnærThe intimate waterfront room and the long tasting give a milestone the space it needs. |
| Value lunch | DamindraLunch at the counter is the cheaper way into top-end Japanese cooking in the city. |
Price Comparison
Jordnær is the heavier bill. A three-star tasting on the Gentofte waterfront sits at the top of the local price ladder, and the wine pairing pushes it higher. Damindra is a top-end Japanese room as well, but a sushi dinner there costs less than a Jordnær tasting, and lunch is the cheapest door of all. On value Damindra wins, while Jordnær earns its tier as one of three three-star kitchens in Denmark. Set both against the wider field in our best New Nordic restaurants guide and our best sushi guide.
How to Book
Jordnær releases reservations in batches on its own site, and the three-star tables go fast, especially at the weekend, so set a reminder for the drop. Damindra books by phone and online for lunch and dinner, and weekday seats are easier to land. Plan Jordnær well ahead, and Damindra you can usually get sooner. Start from the Copenhagen dining guide, then read the Jordnær review and the Damindra review in full.
For occasion fit beyond this pairing, weigh them against our guides to the best anniversary restaurants, rooms for solo dining and tables for a proposal. For more Copenhagen match-ups see Jordnær vs Kadeau and Jordnær vs Sushi Anaba, and browse the full set on the compare index.