Noma (restaurant)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | René Redzepi, Claus Meyer |
| Headquarters | Copenhagen , Denmark |
Key people | René Redzepi (Chef), Kenneth Foong (Head Chef), Ava Mees List (Head Sommelier) |
| Products | New Nordic Cuisine |
| Website | noma |
Noma () is a three-Michelin-starred dining establishment situated in Copenhagen, Denmark, under the leadership of chef René Redzepi and co-founded by Claus Meyer. The restaurant’s name merges the Danish terms "" (Nordic) and "" (food). Established in 2003, Noma has gained acclaim for its dedication to foraging, culinary innovation, and its unique approach to New Nordic Cuisine. It was honored as the Best Restaurant in the World by Restaurant magazine in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, and again in 2021.
History
Noma initially operated from a former warehouse at Strandgade 93, located along the waterfront of the Inner Harbour within the Christianshavn district of central Copenhagen.
This building stands adjacent to the Greenlandic Trading Square, historically significant as a trading center connecting with regions such as the Faroe Islands, Finnmark, Iceland, and particularly Greenland. Commodities including dried fish, salted herring, whale oil, and animal pelts were stored there prior to shipment across European markets.
In 2003, the warehouse was transformed into the North Atlantic House, serving as a cultural hub for North Atlantic countries. Concurrently, Noma was inaugurated by René Redzepi alongside Claus Meyer. The interior design was crafted by Space Copenhagen.
Between February 12 and 16, 2013, a norovirus outbreak affected 63 out of 435 guests who dined at Noma, presumably transmitted by an infected kitchen staff member.
Redzepi declared intentions to close Noma after December 31, 2016, with plans to relaunch it in 2017 as an urban farm near Copenhagen.
After a year-long closure, Noma reopened on February 15, 2018, relocating from Strandgade to Refshalevej 96. The original premises have since been taken over by Restaurant Barr.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020, Noma resumed operations as a wine and burger bar offering takeaway services—a format sometimes referred to by media as "Noma 3.0." Redzepi aimed to maintain this concept throughout summer 2020.
In 2021, Noma regained its position atop the World's Best Restaurant rankings.
Plans indicate that Noma will cease regular service at the end of 2024 and transition into a test kitchen named Noma Projects focused on online ordering. The dining spaces will occasionally be used for pop-up events.
Food
Noma’s menu represents a modern reinterpretation of Nordic and Scandinavian culinary traditions as envisioned by founders Redzepi and Meyer. The emphasis lies on innovation within Nordic heritage rather than replicating classical recipes. Among its notable dishes is "The Hen and the Egg," an interactive creation featuring wild duck egg accompanied by potato chips, herbs, hay oil, and wild garlic sauce.
Staff
René Redzepi’s culinary background includes experience at prestigious establishments such as The French Laundry, El Bulli, and Le Jardin des Sens. Kenneth Foong currently serves as head chef following his succession of Benjamin Ing in July 2020. Former head chefs include Dan Giusti and Matt Orlando. The head sommelier position is held by Ava Mees List.
Temporary locations
To broaden its reach and explore diverse gastronomic territories, Noma has undertaken several notable pop-up ventures. In 2012, it held a ten-day residency at London’s Claridge’s hotel featuring a nine-course menu priced at £195 per person that blended British ingredients with hallmark Danish flavors.
In early 2015, Noma temporarily relocated to Japan for two months before embarking on a ten-week stint in Australia in early 2016. April 2017 saw the opening of Noma Mexico in Tulum through collaboration with Traspatio Maya. This project incorporated regional ingredients such as Naal Teel corn and Melipona honey sourced from local Maya communities. The pop-up concluded operations in May 2017.
In May 2022, Noma hosted a pop-up event in Brooklyn, New York. During spring 2023, it staged another ten-week residency in Kyoto, Japan. The restaurant announced plans to return to Kyoto from October through December 2024 for its final service before ending regular operations.
Looking forward, Redzepi revealed intentions for an extended residency beginning spring 2026 in Los Angeles. This initiative is designed to connect with the city’s vibrant culinary creative community and draw inspiration from its diverse talents.
The World's 50 Best Restaurants, Restaurant
- 2006: Ranked 33rd among the World’s Best Restaurants
- 2007: Achieved 15th place globally
- 2008: Positioned as the 10th Best Restaurant worldwide
- 2009: Secured 3rd place globally; awarded Chefs' Choice
- 2010: Crowned Best Restaurant in the World
- 2011: Maintained the title of Best Restaurant worldwide
- 2012: Retained status as Best Restaurant in the World
- 2013: Ranked 2nd Best Restaurant internationally
- 2014: Regained the top spot as Best Restaurant globally
- 2015: Placed 3rd among the World’s Best Restaurants
- 2016: Ranked 5th best restaurant worldwide
- 2021: Once again awarded Best Restaurant in the World
Additional Honors
- 2008: Named International Chef of the Year at Lo Mejor de la Gastronomia conference (San Sebastián, Spain)
- 2008: Recognized by TripAdvisor as the world’s best restaurant
- 2008–2020: Held two Michelin stars consistently
- 2021: Elevated to three Michelin stars
In 2010, despite being relatively new on the scene, the establishment claimed the Best Restaurant award, a title previously dominated for four years by El Bulli. This achievement coincided with announcements from chefs Ferran Adria and Heston Blumenthal regarding temporary closures of their venues. Noma quickly rose as a leading figure in the New Nordic culinary movement.
Following El Bulli’s permanent closure in 2011, Noma retained its position as Best Restaurant worldwide, even without holding a third Michelin star.
In 2012, Restaurant magazine lauded Redzepi and Noma as "the standard bearer for the New Nordic movement," highlighting their inventive approach to sourcing local and seasonal ingredients from coastal and forest environments.
In 2013, Noma was ranked second globally, yielding first place to El Celler de Can Roca located in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. The following year, Noma reclaimed its position at number one.
Additional Recognition
The restaurant was featured on Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown on October 6, 2013.
See also
Further reading
- René Redzepi and the story of Noma, Phaidon Press, 2010 (Video)
- Anthony Bourdain, Season 2, Episode 4: Copenhagen. Happiness, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, CNN, October 6, 2013 (Includes video)