When you think of Nordic Europe, it’s unsurprising that the culinary scene is just as innovative and utopian as the countries themselves. Modern, refined and elegant cuisines await eager diners in the abundance of Michelin star restaurants in Denmark, 26 to be exact. A total of 36 Michelin stars have been earned by Denmark, making it the most awarded country in Scandinavia.
Where Northern temperatures can result in a unique array of seasonal produce, the great Michelin star chefs of Denmark are left to get creative – churning out dishes of world-class excellence, becoming a strong competitor for fellow Mediterranean countries like France and Italy. Salt cures, fresh seafood, minimalist plating and fascinating takes on root vegetables are to be expected.
Three Michelin Star Restaurants In Denmark
Geranium
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Copenhagen’s pride and joy “Geranium” made history as the first dining experience in Denmark to be awarded a perfect score of three Michelin stars, an accolade many world-famous chefs dream of. This Michelin star restaurant in Copenhagen not only has a full three stars under its belt but it is also known for its sustained commitment to sustainable practices, with a tasting menu that is often meatless.
Geranium’s take on plant-based cuisine is wondrous and insightful, with special attention to detail on every element of the dish. One of their latest spring dishes simply consists of asparagus, aged cheese and seasonal greens – with a presentation so beautiful you almost don’t want to eat it. Or their take on a classic nordic ingredient; lumpfish roe – slightly smoked with layers of milk, kale and apple.
If you’re interested in exploring the biodynamic wonders of Geranium, you’ll have to book at least 90 days in advance. The summer tasting menu will cost you a pretty penny too, sitting at around 366 pounds per person, excluding a wine pairing.
Noma
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Noma is a seaside sanctuary taking great pride in the produce from the surrounding Norwegian and Baltic seas. The interiors perfectly embrace the simplistic beauty of Scandinavian architecture, with tan-hued wooden panels, stone fireplaces and inviting warm light surrounded by a greenhouse filled with natural treasures.
The “Ocean Season” menu runs from Feb to June, the perfect time to dedicate the dishes to the abundance of sustainably caught seafood. Dishes will include a seared fillet of Fjæsing with cod mouse and barley and mustard seed sauce. Or what appears to be a sea nest, comprising of quince and fermented rice ice cream with an oyster caramel – each mouthful filled with surprising textures, temperatures and flavours to explore.
The ocean season menu comes at 332 pounds per person and an extra 200 pounds for wine pairing, and 100 pounds for juice pairing. The juice pairing is a unique characteristic of Noma and offers a curated pairing for those with sober habits or those who want to enjoy their meal on a lunch break.
Two Michelin Star Restaurants In Demark
Kadeau
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Kadeau is a Bornholm inspired rustic treasure of a Michelin star restaurant in Copenhagen, masterfully combining century-old nordic techniques of salt curing and fermenting with modern style and finesse to create the most stunning dishes. Every menu item looks like it was foraged straight from the sea and served in an elegant yet cosy space, decorated with Scandinavian wood furniture and furs.
The picturesque dish of queen scallop is served in its blush pink shell to mirror the flavours of pickled rose and salted quince. Or there’s the raw shrimp, walnut oil, and heavy cream topped with a generous amount of caviar, a well-known staple in Scandinavian culture. The razor clam dish with rhubarb and dried plum is also served in the shell and atop a pile of ice – a visual nod to the icey Northern climate from which Kadeau acquires their inspiration.
The Alchemist
The Alchemist is another of the Michelin star restaurants in Copenhagen you need to visit It’s known for its combination of art, theatre and food – transforming the dining space into a madly creative and fascinating experience. Be prepared for a dinner adventure of a lifetime as the space transforms into a planetarium-like screening of various artful themes and topics, some fun and some serious.
The 50-course dinner is separated into 5 acts, each touching on its own topic. The Alchemist has been described as the new frontier of fine dining and is more of a performance than an average dinner or lunch. The combination of science and food results in some incredible creations – a lot of them being handheld to really immerse the diner.
Start with items like cotton candy spring rolls, “the perfect omelette” which is an immaculate cornel shaped egg structure filled with comte and truffle. Move onto a pallet cleanser of “gin and tonic” – a white cube that melts in your mouth. At the next act, you can find grilled cod jaw with smoked bone marrow and edible “plastic” cod skin – a way to touch on the environmental impact of plastic in our oceans.
You’d have to purchase tickets for this immersive performance, and they start at around 435 pounds per person, with additional charges for “essential” wine pairing. Although it may seem steep, the effort put into the alchemist is priceless and is worth taking a journey to Copenhagen especially for it.
Jordnær
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If you’re looking for something a little lighter, Jordnær is the place to be. Sophisticated, elegant and pristine dining at its best – Jordnær is a heavenly and tranquil establishment bringing the finest details and elements to its dishes. Dishes like the oyster salad with spring shoots and Dashi look immaculately curated and picturesque. Or the signature dish of turbot, covered in paper-thin slices of truffle and served with a beurre blanc.
Jordnær takes inspiration from what you might find in the Michelin star restaurants of France, following the formula of crisp white linen table cloths, perfectly polished glasses and a light and airy atmosphere – all set to magnify the flavours and beauty of the food.
Find the extensive list of Denmark’s Michelin star restaurants on their website. The refined and sophisticated cuisine of the culinary masters of Scandinavia can often be overlooked when compared to the Mediterranean giants, but once you look past the impossible to pronounce names – these Michelin star restaurants in Denmark deserve all the attention.