Flora Danica, Maison du Danemark, 75008 Paris

This Danish restaurant in the Maison du Danemark on the Champs Elysees has been open since 1973 – though sadly the boutique selling wonderfully designed Danish houseware has now been closed – and instead,  in addition to the modern first floor dining room, the restaurant has been enlarged with both an enclosed and an open terrace on the pavement of the bustling Champs Elysees. There is also a catering service available, complete with bottles of Aquavit, and also take-away sandwiches. And for English readers the recently opened branch of Marks and Sparks is just down the Champs !

The accent is definitely on fish – particularly marinated and smoked salmon, salmon caviar, smoked fish, and eels – presented either as platters or with Danish flat bread or cracker biscuits and a selection of salads – the potato one is particularly delicious.  You can also get cold cuts such as marinated roast beef, and a variety of hot dishes.  But I came for the smoked salmon accompanied by the delicious Gravelaks sauce,  and it was well worth the trip – in fact there was more than I could eat. There are some good desserts too, particularly the Gouter Gourmand, which included some unusual Danish cakes. On Sundays there is an all you can eat brunch which looked a pretty good deal compared with the prices of the individual dishes.

The prices are on a par with most cafes on the Champs Elysees, the very copious platters for example are Euros 22.90, but there are also smaller versions available. The main attraction however is that the food is authentically Danish and definitely not what you find elsewhere.In addition the service is particularly friendly and attentive.