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oChef » Taste of Denmark – San Diego
Taste of Denmark - San Diego
Photo from Taste of Denmark
Taste of Denmark at a glance
San Diego Hillcrest
- 🇩🇰 Danish Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 80 of the guests
#24 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#1 Danish Restaurant out of 1 in San Diego
Excellent
9.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
708
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food Quality
- Friendly Service
- Cozy Atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Parking Difficulty
- Limited Seating
- Restricted Hours
The restaurant Taste of Denmark, a charming Danish Restaurant nestled in San Diego’s vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood, invites you to experience its cozy atmosphere. You’ll find a delightful array of organic dishes and vegetarian options, perfect for a casual meal.
Whether you’re stopping by for brunch, lunch, or dinner, you can expect a warm and inviting setting that feels just right for you.
Overview: Introducting Taste of Denmark
Taste of Denmark presents a charming culinary journey, often praised for its incredibly inviting atmosphere and the genuine care from the owners. Guests consistently highlight the fresh, high-quality ingredients and the generous portions, making for a satisfying meal.
However, visitors should be aware that parking can sometimes be difficult to secure, and the interior space is quite cozy with limited seating. Despite these minor considerations, Taste of Denmark maintains a strong reputation for its authentic offerings.
Excellent
9.1
out of 10
708
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
8
negative
20
neutral
680
positive
Taste of Denmark consistently earns high marks, reflected in its impressive overall score of 9.1 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 96%. This strong performance is built on a foundation of overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 680 positive comments against only 8 negative ones across 708 total reviews.
The culinary experience stands out, with Food scoring an excellent (9.1), closely followed by exceptional Service (9.5). The welcoming Ambience (8.5) also contributes significantly, creating a cozy and authentic setting.
Furthermore, guests find considerable Value (8.2) in their dining experience, appreciating the reasonable pricing for the quality offered.
What people like
- Exceptional Food Quality
- Attentive, Friendly Service
- Inviting, Cozy Atmosphere
What people don't like
- Difficult Parking
- Limited Seating
- Restricted Operating Hours
For those seeking an authentic and high-quality Danish culinary experience, Taste of Denmark comes highly recommended. With a strong recommendation score of 9.3, it’s clear this establishment delivers on its promise of delicious food and exceptional hospitality.
While you might need to plan for parking and potentially a short wait, the overall experience, from the genuine service to the flavorful dishes, makes it well worth the visit. It’s a place that consistently leaves guests satisfied and eager to return.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Taste of Denmark
Food (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.1 and a stellar 96.5% customer satisfaction, it's clear diners are raving. Out of 481 comments, a whopping 464 praise the real home cooked food, describing it as delicious, authentic Danish food, and highlighting that everything made from scratch.
While overwhelmingly positive, a couple of comments (2 out of 481) gently suggest areas for growth. Some wished for more vegetarian/vegan options, and a few noted limited choices among the open-faced sandwiches. These are minor points in an otherwise fantastic culinary experience.
Food
481
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
2
negative
15
neutral
464
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Danish food
- Everything made from scratch
- Delicious, flavorful dishes
What people don't like
- Limited vegan/vegetarian options
Often praised
- foodThey genuinely care, which is a rare find these days. For that alone, I would give 5 stars, but as I mentioned, the food was exceptional : -)
- rye breadTheir rye bread paired with their remoulade was like nothing I’ve had before with whole sunflower seeds throughout the bread, the texture was such a nice surprise.
- meatballsI might ask for sauce on the side next time. The hotdog had a great pop and the meatballs were delicious. Just a heads up, the burger is made with pork belly, not ground meat.
- FoodFood is fresh and made upon order
- hot dogI absolutely loved the food. Both the hot dog and fresh juice were delicious, but my favorite was the 3 open sandwich dish. The owner was so lovely and clearly puts a lot of care into her food.
- tartletI had the tartlet and my boyfriend had the grill bar burger. Both were so amazing
- flavorsMy experience at this restaurant was an adventure of amazing fresh flavors and high quality ingredients. Our host, Tina, was the best and truly made the experience special.
- pickled herringMy experience at this simple yet legitimately Danish cafe was wonderful. They offer craveable rye bread, baked in-house, along with pickled herring, smoked salmon, pickled cabbage, and roasted pork. The husband expertly preps the food, and the wife is the welcoming front-of-house staff.
- Danish pastryWe found everything we had to be of impeccable quality and perfectly balanced for seasoning. The Danish pastry is among our favorites ever, and their rye bread is fantastic! It's definitely worth a visit.
- apple danishapple danish was not too sweet allowing the apples to shine
Frequently criticized
- open-faced sandwichesonly two open faced sandwiches available
- vegetarian/vegan optionsoffering some vegetarian/vegan options. It would be very wonderful
If you're looking for an authentic, delicious Danish culinary adventure with food made from scratch, this place is absolutely worth a visit. Expect generous portions and incredible flavors, though those seeking extensive vegetarian or vegan choices might find the menu a bit limited.
Service (9.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.5 and a whopping 98.1% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Out of 160 comments, 157 rave about the owner , staff , and their friendly , attentive approach, making every visit special.
However, a couple of comments (2 out of 160) did touch on minor points like wait times and operating days and hours . While these are infrequent, its something to keep in mind, though most agree the experience is well worth any brief delay.
Service
160
Reviews
98%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
157
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly owners
- Attentive staff
- Excellent service
What people don't like
- Long waits
- Limited hours
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was a 5 Star experience. The highest quality food was served with personalized service. I enjoyed sitting on the street front patio, perfect for people watching in Hillcrest.
- ownerBoth the hot dog and fresh juice were delicious, but my favorite was the 3 open sandwich dish. The owner was so lovely and clearly puts a lot of care into her food.
- ownersThey offer a great collection of both savory and sweet authentic Danish eats. The owners are so friendly and fun to talk to. I hope to become regulars here now that things are reopening!
- TinaAs a Dane, it's so nice having a local Danish restaurant with authentic food and flavors. Tina is great and the food is beyond tasty!
- staffThe staff are very warm and welcoming.
- ServiceService is top notch
- waitressthe waitress was extremely attentive
- OwnersOwners were very friendly and took care of us
- excellent serviceHer passion for her establishment and for sharing Danish food with the community was evident. With great prices and excellent service, this is a must-visit unique lunch spot.
- hostTina is the best host
Frequently criticized
- operating days and hoursWe were sad that they only opened on certain days and for even shorter hours on those days too but still we impatiently waited and it paid off.
- waitsometimes the wait can be slightly long
If you value a dining experience where the staff genuinely cares and goes the extra mile, this place is definitely worth a visit. Expect warm welcomes and attentive service, though be mindful of potential wait times or specific operating hours.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
The vibe at this spot is definitely a winner, with a solid score of 8.5 and an impressive customer satisfaction of 88.9%. Many guests, 48 out of 54, rave about the personal dining experience and the super cozy atmosphere. Its often described as a "cute little place" and a "hidden gem, " offering that delightful "hygge" feeling, especially with its lovely patio seating.
However, a few voices, 3 to be exact, did point out some minor snags. The "inside is tiny with just a few tables, " which might feel a bit cramped for some. Plus, finding a "parking space" can be "somewhat difficult, " so plan accordingly if youre driving.
Ambience
54
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
3
negative
3
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
- Authentic Danish feel
- Lovely outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Limited indoor seating
- Challenging parking
Often praised
- atmosphereIncredibly inviting atmosphere
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeAs an explorer of flavors, finding Taste of Denmark was a delightful discovery that brought so much delicious taste to my journey. This family-owned business is the cutest place, with small tables. A sweet Danish young lady explained everything they created and had to offer.
- hidden gemMy experience at this restaurant was amazing! We went for my mom's birthday brunch and it was a fantastic hidden gem. The service was great, the food was amazing, and we experienced no wait times.
- noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- restaurantAbsolutely phenomenal and authentic restaurant
- Danish restaurantThe most authentic Danish restaurant in the SoCal area!
- areaFilled with shade and also comfort
- cafesuper authentic little cafe
- casual, inviting, cozy spotMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful! It's a casual, inviting, cozy spot with a large open window in the front, offering both indoor and patio seating. The comfort food is great, and Tina always makes spot-on recommendations.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- insidethe inside is tiny with just a few tables
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
If you're seeking a charming, authentic, and cozy spot with a great outdoor option, this place is absolutely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potentially limited indoor seating and a bit of a hunt for parking, but the overall inviting atmosphere makes it a delightful experience.
Value (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 9% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.2 and a customer satisfaction of 84.6%, its clear guests are thrilled. Many rave about the great prices, noting its not expensive for the generous portions and lunch deal you get, based on 11 positive comments.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. Out of 13 total comments, just one pointed out a potential snag: Parking can be difficult and costly. While this is a minor point compared to the overall positive feedback, its something to keep in mind when planning your visit.
Value
13
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great prices
- Generous portions
- Excellent value
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- priceFor all that food I just mentioned we pay between $40 to $55 tip included!
- $3 mimosas$3 mimosas - how can you go wrong
- Great pricesGreat prices
- fraction of the costSan Diego, how did you get so lucky? I had an experience here that offered high quality at a fraction of the cost you would pay anywhere else. This restaurant truly knows what they are doing.
- lunch dealthe open face trio for lunch was a great deal
- menuThe menu is reasonably priced
- not expensiveand not expensive
- portionsPortions are very generous for the price and all very delicious.
- price per personspend around $20-25 a person, and we were all happy and stuffed
- pricesThe prices are budget-friendly too.
Frequently criticized
- ParkingParking can be difficult. You will pay for it.
If youre looking for a place that offers fantastic bang for your buck without compromising on quality, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Youll likely leave feeling satisfied and your wallet happy, though you might want to factor in a little extra time or cost for parking.
How are the prices at Taste of Denmark?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 80 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Danish Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find themselves spending in the $11–$20 or $21–$30 range, showing prices cluster nicely around the average, with plenty of accessible options mixed in.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 80 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Danish Restaurant, offering good value with options for various budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Taste of Denmark
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Charming Danish Gem with Delicious Surprises
This is such a cute little place with amazing owners. I had lunch here and was unfamiliar with Danish food. The owner was incredibly informative and guided us with her suggestions.
I absolutely loved the rye bread, though my son humorously noted it might need more bread to be called rye bread 😆. Make sure to end your meal with a Danish, and order it at the start so it can be baked. If I'd known how delicious they were, I would have ordered more to go!
The one I ordered went straight into my mouth, I didn't even get to share it. The chocolate milk, typically enjoyed in Denmark with hotdogs, was so good. I'm eager to return and explore more of the menu, including the juices!
My son is already planning a visit with his wife, which speaks volumes about how good it was. Parking can be difficult and paid, located in the heart of Hillcrest. We then strolled over to No 1, which was so fun!
They offer both indoor and outdoor seating. Nearby bakeries are also available if you have a sweet tooth like me.
- place9
- owners10
- owner9
- Parking3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Unique Food and Exceptional Service
My experience at this restaurant was quite unique. The inside is tiny with just a few tables, creating an intimate atmosphere. I was served quickly.
The Danish woman working there provided exceptional service, taking the time to talk us through the menu. I ordered a roast beef sandwich on rye, and my friend had a hot dog. The food was truly unique and unlike anything I’ve had before.
We also enjoyed a glass of chocolate milk from Denmark. To finish, she suggested a fresh Danish, which was absolutely delicious!
- service10
- roast beef sandwich8
- hot dog6
- inside4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Authentic Danish Flavors and Warm Service
My experience at Taste of Denmark was reminiscent of communal lunches I used to share with colleagues, where we'd stop at a local Danish bakery for hearty rye bread. The service here is warm and personal, and the food is truly authentic. Whether you're already familiar with Danish cuisine or seeking a unique first-time experience, I highly recommend Taste of Denmark.
- service10
- food10
- experience9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent food and beer selection
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. I particularly enjoyed the excellent food and the very nice import beer selection. I enjoyed the place very much.
- food10
- import beer selection9
- place9
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
A Unique European Culinary Gem
This is a very interesting place, and ideal if you want to try something different. I have tried a few European cuisine restaurants and I always enjoy the food 😊. The owners seem very nice – it looks to be a mom and pop shop, and the wife will take care of you.
She pops in frequently to see if you're loving everything 🏃🏼♀️😅. Onto the food: it's homemade with generous portions. The rye bread with kernels is goooood, and very filling.
The Danish pastry is not too sweet (unlike American danishes), but the filling was lovely 💜. They sell loaves of homemade rye bread and Danish cheeses. I bought "faetter kras"(?) which translates to "cousin harsh" – great cheese with toast, butter, and jam 😋.
Give this place a go if you want a taste of something you can't get anywhere else. I'll definitely be back in the future!
- rye bread9
- Danish pastry8
- cheese9
What Taste of Denmark offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Does Taste of Denmark offer options for those with dietary preferences?
Yes, Taste of Denmark thoughtfully provides vegetarian options and organic dishes on its menu. You can explore these choices while enjoying the casual and cozy atmosphere in Hillcrest, making it a welcoming spot for diverse tastes.
What are the parking and accessibility options at Taste of Denmark?
Parking can sometimes be difficult, but free and paid street parking are available. Taste of Denmark is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
How does Taste of Denmark perform overall?
Taste of Denmark achieves an excellent overall score of 9.1, driven by exceptional Service (9.5) and Food (9.1). Its Ambience (8.5) and Value (8.2) also contribute significantly to its high customer satisfaction.
What makes the food at Taste of Denmark stand out?
Guests frequently praise the fresh flavors, high-quality ingredients, and authentic Danish offerings like the rye bread and pastries. The food is often described as exceptional and made with care.
Are there any challenges visitors should be aware of?
Some visitors note that parking can be difficult to find, and the restaurant has limited operating days and hours. The interior seating is also described as cozy with a few tables.