Christian Wenande
September 13th, 2021

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Gastronomy connoisseurs were on high alert across the Nordics tonight as the 2021 Michelin Guide Nordic Countries was unveiled in Stavanger, Norway.

And as many experts had called for, perhaps the biggest story was the long-awaited leap to the top of the foodie pops by Nordic cuisine icon Noma.

Head chef René Redzepi’s and his crew were handed their elusive third star – the restaurant had never had more than two stars despite being recognised as the best eatery in the world four times.

“The seemingly impossible has happened. Noma got the news today that the Michelin Guide has given us their highest praise of three Michelin stars,” Noma wrote on Facebook.

“To us, this is an achievement that solidifies Copenhagen as one of the best places in the world for restaurants right now. We want to thank our wonderful guests for their support over the last 18 years and a huge shout of course to all our collaborators—farmers, winemakers, foragers—everyone that’s been a part of our giant puzzle, and most of all our team both past and present.”

Noma thus joins Geranium as the only two restaurants in Denmark with three stars.

READ ALSO: Copenhagen 2021: Top picks!

A king in a basement
Redzepi topped off a cracking night by being awarded the MICHELIN Chef Mentor Award, which recognises his immense influence and inspiration for the many chefs who have worked in his kitchen over the years.

Elsewhere, Christoffer Sørensen, the head chef at Stud!o, The Standard in Copenhagen, was awarded the MICHELIN Young Chef Award.

Another Copenhagen stalwart, Kong Hans Kælder, was the only new two-star restaurant in the guide this year.

And Denmark got four new one-star joints this year in The Samuel (Copenhagen), Substans (Aarhus), LYST (Vejle) and Syttende (Sønderborg).

And in recognition of their work within the realm of sustainability, Domestic (Aarhus), Henne Kirkeby Kro (Henne), LYST, and Ark, Brace and Tèrra (Copenhagen) were given a Green Star.

“This is a region that really is ahead of the game when it comes to sustainability; a collection of countries that embrace working hand-in-hand with nature and set an example for the rest of the world,” said Gwendal Poullennec, the international head of Michelin Guide.

READ ALSO: Guess who’s back! Noma makes triumphant return to Michelin heaven

Purely digital now
Finally, the four Danish eateries axn (Aarhus), Møntergade, Silberbauers Bistro and Norrlyst (all Copenhagen) were handed Bib Gourmand award, which rewards the ability to serve delightful food at an affordable price.

This year is the first time that the renowned guide is purely in digital format, and it can be found on the guide’s website and in the Michelin Guide App, found here for  iOS or Android.

Overall, Denmark now has two three-star, seven two-star and 18 one-star restaurants. Check out them all in the list below.