Frank’s Kro

Frank's Kro was my first food stop in Copenhagen, and it set the standard for all meals to come. Located on Fredensgade in the Nørrebro neighborhood, Frank's Kro is a traditional Danish restaurant specializing in classic comfort food. The restaurant isn't huge, but there are enough seats to keep a solo waitress on her toes. With no reservation, I was seated at a small table for two right by the door, and from the moment I walked in, I was kindly greeted and made to feel welcome. The entire front of house was ran by one waitress, but despite this, it was always easy to get her attention. The vibe of the restaurant is very homey. It isn't trying to be anything over the top or fancy. With a cozy interior, Frank's Kro is a place that is simply focused on serving delicious traditional food in a warm and relaxed setting. The menu is intentionally limited, with only two starters, three mains, and three desserts. Pricing is based on courses, starting at 265 DKK for one and increasing to 350 and 400 DKK for two and three courses respectively. Although the price is steep, the signature stegt flæsk is all you can eat and comes with boiled potatoes, parsley sauce, and pickled beets. They also offer a Wienerschnitzel, but I opted for the pork. The stegt flæsk is the dish that Frank's Kro is known for, and it's clear why. The pork was prepared using Ladegaard Duroc pork, and the texture was perfect. The skin was crispy while the meat stayed moist and flavorful. The potatoes were delicious, seasoned nicely and soft without being mushy. The parsley sauce was rich and creamy, bringing everything together nicely. The pickled beets were a necessary addition, cutting through the richness of the pork and parsley sauce with a sharp acidity that kept every bite balanced. Together, the pork and parsley sauce are so indulgent that it's tough to eat more than one portion, but the all-you-can-eat format is still a nice touch. For a first meal in Copenhagen, I couldn't have asked for a better introduction. Frank's Kro set a high bar for hospitality as well as the high level of cooking common to many restaurants around Copenhagen. The food was perfect, and the vibes were unique. Despite the hefty price, Frank's Kro stands out as an amazing place to try traditional Danish cuisine.