Nordic Michelin Stars & Food Culture

The Nordic region has emerged as a hotbed of culinary innovation, drawing attention from food enthusiasts and critics alike. Nordic Michelin Stars of 2024 were revealed in May with some exciting newcomers.

Image: Geranium

The Nordic countries – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden – have long been celebrated for their culinary traditions rooted in nature, seasonality, and a deep respect for local ingredients. However, in recent decades, a new generation of chefs has redefined Nordic cuisine, blending tradition with innovation to create dishes that are at once timeless and avant-garde.

In 2024, the Michelin Guide continues to shine a spotlight on the Nordic culinary landscape, recognising restaurants that epitomise excellence in their craft. The selection includes a total of 268 restaurants. There are now a record number of 6 Three Star restaurants in the region. There are also 2 new Two Michelin Star restaurants and 9 new One Michelin Stars, alongside 4 new Green Stars and 8 establishments newly awarded a Bib Gourmand.

Let's have a look at some of the the Michelin-starred establishments of the region, exploring their unique philosophies, signature dishes, and the stories behind their success.

Image: Noma

Denmark:

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, has established itself as a culinary mecca, with a constellation of Michelin-starred restaurants illuminating its dining scene. At the forefront is Noma, the iconic restaurant helmed by chef René Redzepi. Renowned for its innovative approach to foraging and fermentation, Noma continues to captivate diners with its ever -evolving tasting menus that celebrate the bounty of the Nordic nature.

Joining Noma in the ranks of Michelin stars is Geranium, where chef Rasmus Kofoed orchestrates culinary symphonies that marry precision with creativity. With its breathtaking views of Copenhagen and a menu that showcases the best of Danish produce, Geranium offers a dining experience that is both refined and exhilarating.

Jordnær becomes Denmark’s third establishment to receive the distinction of 3 Stars. Chef-Owner Eric Kragh Vildgaard and the whole team are richly deserving of their new status, having wowed the Inspectors with enormously skilful, intelligent and, above all, delicious cooking. Seafood and vegetable produce of the very highest quality is used in technically magnificent dishes that fuse delicate complexity with classical restraint.

Image: Restaurant Jordnaer

In addition there are 7 two Star restaurants and 9 one Star restaurants located in Denmark. Restaurant Aure in Copenhagen being the newcomer with its 1 Star. According to the Inspectors: "Its unassuming exterior and pared-back dish presentation belie the supreme skill and enormous amount of flavour in each course. Exceptional produce is given the space to shine thanks to refined, thoughtful combinations."

Sweden:

In neighbouring Sweden, the city of Stockholm boasts its own Michelin star establishments, with restaurants like Frantzén with its 3 Stars leading the charge. Helmed by chef Björn Frantzén, this eponymous restaurant offers a sensory journey through Swedish cuisine with Japanese touch, with dishes that are as visually stunning as they are deliciously complex.

On the southern tip of Sweden, Chef-Owner Daniel Berlin has turned a former farmhouse into VYN fine dining restaurant with an adjoining a boutique hotel with 15 hotel rooms. Here the produce is superb and the cooking is precise and technically accomplished. This has earned Daniel Berlin two Michelin Stars.

In total you can find 4 two Star and 9 one Star restaurants in Sweden.

Image: Frantzén

Norway:

Heading westward, we arrive in Norway, where the coastal city of Oslo is home to some of the country's most exciting dining establishments. Among them is Maaemo, the three-Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by chef Esben Holmboe Bang. Maaemo's hyper-seasonal menus reflect Norway's rich natural bounty, with each dish telling a story of place and time.

RE-NAA has become the first-ever restaurant in Stavanger to be awarded three Michelin Stars. Headed up by Chef-Owner Sven Erik Renaa, its enormously talented team treat outstanding Norwegian produce with an impeccable understanding and a sense of balance, leaving the Michelin Inspectors thoroughly impressed.

Kontrast in Oslo in the city’s former industrial district received 2 Michelin Stars. This restaurant uses world class, organic and ethically sourced ingredients from within Norway showcasing the farmers who produce them. After having been in business for over 10 years, this distinction represents a huge achievement for Mikael Svensson and his team, who hold sustainability in the forefront of their cooking, while using their technical skill to make every dish soar. Kontrast also received a Green Star for its sustainability.

In addition to the above Michelin Starred restaurants, Norway is home for 17 one Star restaurants.

Image: Kontrast -Elisabeth Heier

Finland:

Travelling eastward, we reach Finland, where the capital city of Helsinki boasts a burgeoning food scene anchored by Michelin-starred establishments like Palace. Palace is located on the 10th floor of a modernist building constructed in 1952 . Enjoy magical views over the harbour while savouring beautifully delicate modern dishes packed with well-balanced flavours.

Additionally there are 8 one Star restaurants in Finland. The northernmost restaurant to receive a Michelin Star is located in Ruka. Owners Johanna Mourujärvi and Connor Laybourne received their first Michelin star this year! Tapio, a 18-seat restaurant, is located in the ski village of Ruka offering understated gourmet delights made of fresh local produce.

Image: Tapio Restaurant

Iceland:

Finally, our culinary journey concludes in Iceland, where the capital city of Reykjavik boasts two Michelin-starred gems. Among them is Dill, where chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason showcases the best of Icelandic ingredients with a contemporary twist. Sustainability drives everything they do and the team's pride in this is clear. Their cooking soars thanks to clever combinations and an ability to elevate seemingly simple ingredients - like the humble potato - to something truly special. In addition to its 2 Stars Dill also received a Green Star for its sustainability.

An exclusive 17-seat restaurant created by Chef Thrainn Freyr Vigfusson, ÓX, in Reykajvik also received one Star as did Moss located in Grindavik next to the Blue Lagoon. Moss offers innovative Icelandic cuisine with amazing views of moss-covered rocks and lava fields.

Each of these restaurants tells a story of place, tradition, and innovation, inviting diners on a journey of discovery through the flavours of the North. In a world where culinary trends come and go, these Nordic restaurants stand as beacons of excellence, showcasing a deeper connection between food, nature, and culture.

Image: Moss Restaurant

But let's not forget all the other amazing culinary experiences that you can enjoy in our region. Not all of them have stars to show but still offer amazing creative cuisine and if you wish you can have a hands-on experience.

How about joining your host for a late summer foraging tour picking berries and mushrooms? And then preparing a traditional local dish with your harvest? Or enjoying a tasting session of local berry liqueurs and wines or learning the secrets of how to make traditional Karelian pies or rye bread?

If you consider yourself a 'foodie' or are someone who would like to experience the destination through its flavours, have a look at some itinerary ideas on our website. Or get in touch and we'll create a custom made tour based on your interests! Bon appétit!

Click this link for a full list of Nordic Michelin Star restaurants.

Image: Uhkua