Le Saint Jacques

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A French Bistro That Takes Its Heritage Seriously

On Sankt Jakobs Plads in the Østerbro neighbourhood of Copenhagen, Le Saint Jacques makes a quiet but confident case for classical French cooking. The restaurant is the domain of Daniel Letz, who may not stand behind the pots every day but – as the White Guide puts it – "tastes everything that is created and safeguards the French heritage down to the last sprig of thyme." That level of personal oversight shows on the plate.

The White Guide recognised Le Saint Jacques at its "Very fine level," noting that the kitchen produces a "well-groomed salad and an airy omelet" worth travelling far for. The fact that you don't have to travel far at all is part of the restaurant's enduring appeal to Copenhagen diners.

The Menu: French Classics, Honestly Executed

The menu reads like a love letter to the French bistro tradition, and it means it. Starters include a foie gras terrine, a scallop soufflé with tomato relish, olives and Sauce Vierge, and the house signature – smoked salmon à la Daniel Letz. At lunch, a ham and cheese omelet holds its own alongside chèvre chaud with salad and olive tapenade.

Main courses follow the same honest logic: steak frites with sauce tartare, boeuf béarnaise with pommes frites (evenings only), a daily fish, and a pan-fried guinea fowl breast with cabbage, peas and sauce Poulette. The dessert list closes the loop neatly – crème brûlée with sorbet, marinated strawberries with crème Diplomate and pistachio ice cream, or a selection of five French farmhouse cheeses.

On Sunday evenings the kitchen offers a three-course menu at 350 kr, with Boeuf Béarnaise and the smoked salmon among the anchoring choices – a generous way to end the week.

The Room and the Occasion

The premises have grown in recent years, giving the restaurant more space without losing the character that regulars have always come for. Le Saint Jacques works equally well for a weekday lunch, a relaxed dinner, or a private party – the kitchen caters to all three. The French bistro atmosphere is consistent throughout: unfussy, warm, and focused on the food.