Unfortunately, this is my first ever 1 Star review and subsequently the worst service I have ever had dining anywhere in the world. Being a marketing and restaurant manager, it is really hard for me to even leave a one-star review for another restaurant. Knowing the hard work and behind the scenes, I can completely understand you can't please everyone. However, I draw the line at rudeness. No matter what city, no matter what culture.
On our first and ONLY night in Copenhagen, my boyfriend and I were looking forward to having a nice meal after our 15 hour long day of travel. We chose this place because it was in a prime location and because of its selection of Smorrebrod. Please keep in mind, that we are both down to earth and friendly, easy going people. When ordering (which took forever, despite that the place had maybe only three other tables) we were greeted by the most unenthusiastic server we have ever encountered. I mean ever! We should have just taken that as a clue and left at that point.
Instead, we stayed for the simple fact that we were already seated, tired, and starving. We did ask if they would still be open for awhile because we wanted to have a leisurely dinner. It was our only night in Copenhagen and we wanted to enjoy an experience. She assured us there was no rush. Keep in mind, this place was in a high tourist area, and definitely not cheap.
Our food arrived and to be fair, the portions were large and it came out fast. The fish and chips were quite good. However, we didn't get our full order and once the food was dropped, we had to wait 15 minutes for our server to check back on us (we had to flag her down) so we could ask for more bread for our Smorrebrod (there was not enough bread to accompany the dish) ketchup, water and a few other things we needed. She was talking to a co-worker, completely ignoring us. When we finally got her attention and asked for more bread, ketchup and more water, she told us the kitchen was closed and we couldn't get anything else. Not even water. Ummm hello? We just asked her if the kitchen would be open for awhile as we sat down. Our food had just been dropped. So shady.
She ignored us for so long that we just wanted to get out of there and asked for the check so we could go somewhere else. We were completely disappointed. No shocker that we had to flag down our server for the check. We asked for a take away box. She said they didn't have a take away box. So we pretty much left our entire meals, barely touched. What a waste of money. Did I mention this place is not cheap?
As we were closing our check. We noticed that a new couple just got sat at the table next to us and another at a table on the other side of us. They ordered food off of the menu and the place was still clearly open to them. I was furious that our server had lied to us and told us they were closed when we asked to order more. When I asked to speak to the manager, our server told us she was the manager. She made no apologies, still insisted they were closing and rolled her eyes and walked away.
Now, I can understand, sometimes when you are traveling, different countries have different cultural etiquettes etc. I get that, and actually, I enjoy respecting and learning those things. I travel all over the world and also dine all over the world. I don't consider myself a high maintenance person and because I also work in the same industry, I have a strong patience level for other service industry colleagues. In this case, I really just felt discriminated against because I was American. I felt cheated and lied to about their closing time, and have never been treated as blatantly rude by any other hospitality worker in my life. No matter what culture, I find it hard that any owner of any establishment would find that tolerable.
Luckily we were able to go to the place next door and they welcomed us and we spent the next few hours eating and drinking and have a good "second" meal in Copenhagen.
Very disappointing dining experience. With this type of service in such a high rent area, I will be surprised if they stay in business very long. read more