If you're in Odense and looking for something out of the ordinary, Den Grimme Ælling ('The Ugly Duckling') is a great choice, provided you can get a seat!
I've been going to this restaurant for years, whenever I'm visiting Denmark, and it's always one of my favorite spots to dine with family and have a nice, slow evening of fine food and, during the holidays, traditional desserts.
Nestled in a quiet corner of Odense, away from too much of the hussle and bustle and within walking distance of the Hans Christian Andersen museum, Den Grimme Ælling sports a subtle, old-world exterior that beckons to hungry passersby. Take a step through their small, short (watch your head!) door and you'll find the interior is also reminiscent of an era gone by, with large, heavy wooded beams and all the trappings of what might have once been a farm house or old-world pub. It really doesn't get much more authentic or less pretentious than what you find here. While the atmosphere and service staff is very formal, there's no expectation of, nor have I ever really observed, formal dress on the part of the guests, so you can come as you are and not look like a bum, which is always a good thing!
The food is, as you might expect, absolutely top shelf. There's an all-you-eat option that is the main draw for this place, and for good reason. It starts off with a large salad buffet, replete with authentic and fresh Danish style warm (and cold) potato salads, along with fresh bread, all types of greens and cheeses. Round the corner and its time to pick your choice of fresh-from-the-oven meat dishes. Typically they have roast beef, pork roast, veal and turkey. Having sampled them all, I still have a hard time picking a favorite. If I had to, I'd probably lean towards the beef and the turkey, because they go so well with the potato salad, warm or cold.
If you're lucky enough to be in Odense for the holidays, you'll find that Den Grimme Ælling's dessert is typically offered. You'll get the traditional risalamande with warm, luscious cherry sauce that you can pour on to your heart's content. Honestly, anyone that skips this dessert when it's offered for free as part of the buffet is seriously forsaking one of Denmark's finest culinary offerings, so just take my advice and force yourself if you have to, but try it at least once!
Whether you're after authentic Danish culture, historic eateries or just an above-grade buffet with some of the best food in Odense, this place will not disappoint. One word of caution, as hinted above, they tend to get busy in a hurry and reservations are highly recommended. read more