Restaurant Toppen

Wanna experience a total flashback to the mid 90s? An era with rotating restaurants, wooden trellised ceilings, and video fireplaces? Well say hello to Toppen, a restaurant which time has seemingly forgotten both for better and for worse.
At the top of a re-​purposed water tower (really), the restaurant doesn’t, thankfully, rotate. Being the highest point in Roskilde does afford it some tremendous views of an otherwise unsurprising suburban town however. Do look for the fjord, that is something which is quite nice from a highpoint in the city. Even better, there is a ring balcony which surrounds the restaurant so you can enjoy a drink or your meal outdoors if it’s warm out. Speaking of food, Toppen is essentially a steakhouse (didn’t see that one coming either, did ya?). Yup, the menu has plenty of your grilled favorites to choose from — salads, shrimp cocktail, and more for an appetizer, and steaks with a variety of sauces and even Wienerschnitzel for main courses. But if you’re going to come here, I’m pretty sure I know what you are going to, and should, go for — the Colorado steak.
It’s a funny thing, the use of American state names in dishes. For example — the «Alabama Burger» I saw at a café in Copenhagen; I didn’t know Alabama was famous for their burger making prowess, but I digress. The Colorado steak will satisfy your inner viking with all its hunk-​o-​meat goodness presented before you, ready to carve and serve with baked potato, salad, and two, yes TWO sauces. Jeez, I feel like I just won The Price is Right. All kidding aside, it’s actually a decent meal. Also, I was not kidding when I said you receive a literal hunk of grilled meat at your table. You get a carving knife, you go at it, and serve and eat at will. It’s a nice concept which I appreciate and like. The beef was tender enough, cooked about medium which is fine, and is served with a rich Bearnaise or my preferred red wine sauce. Alone, however, the beef reminded me a little too much of the bag of beef jerky I have sitting in the drawer of my desk at home. It’s hard to describe, but something about the seasoning blend felt «off». That problem aside, the baked potato was nothing exciting and the salad was good, but once again, nothing surprising, good or bad. After your dinner of roast hunk o’ beast, you might be craving something sweet. The varm chokolade my host mom got was very, very dark and rich looking. The pancake with ice cream I decided on was also pretty good. If you have room, indulge a little and get something.
Moving on to service, I came on a Saturday for dinner and it wasn’t terribly busy. There was only one server for all the tables but she did an admirable job keeping things efficient. The space, as I mentioned, is really dated. That and the round rotating restaurant that doesn’t actually rotate feel just adds to that feeling. Nevertheless, if you enjoy that quirkiness, you’ll probably like Toppen. Finally, as for value, Toppen is pretty mid-​range. If you go for the Colorado steak, expect to pay around 200DKK per person not including appetizers, drinks, etc. But, there is a party piece. If you have guests under the age of 12 with you, they may share your Colorado steak for free! That’s pretty grand and makes it good for families, that and the fact kids will probably like how the place is high up on a tower. Otherwise, appetizers and desserts otherwise run around 50DKK and entrees 150DKK. Not too bad.
Overall, if you’re in Roskilde and are looking for something a little different, Toppen could be a good choice. If it’s summer and the nice Danish breeze is blowing, then definitely grab a beer, a table on the balcony, and enjoy the outdoors with your friends and family.