It’s official!

Restaurant Magazine’s coveted Best Restaurant in the World Award for 2021 has gone to Denmark’s Noma Restaurant, who regain their crown after a 5-year hiatus.

Fresh after being awarded their third Michelin Star, it’s safe to say, 2021 has been an exceptional year – here’s a video of the whole team; chefs, waiting staff and front-of-house celebrating as the news broke…

A history of culinary achievement

This is Noma’s fifth victory, the first being back in 2010 when, they broke El Bulli’s four-year winning streak.

Over the years, Noma has not been afraid to reinvent itself – after astonishing success in the early-to-mid 2010s they closed for two years, reopening in a new Copenhagen location in 2018

Ever the adventurers, René Redzepi and head chef Mette Søberg, pioneer New Nordic Cuisine with forest-to-table seasonal menus and a near-limitless fear of embracing unconventional ingredients such as bee larvae and reindeer penis (we did say unconventional).

Moreover, Noma’s alchemistic abilities stretch beyond ingredients – over the years they have pulled a surprising move or two (literally) by decamping from Copenghen to open popup kitchens in London, Mexico and Australia

Moreover, they reinvented themselves again during the pandemic (Noma 3.0!) by operating as an outdoor burger joint – who knew and Uber could deliver something so delightful!

Congratulations to everyone at Noma!

12 Facts about Noma

  1. ‘Noma’ is a blend of two Danish words “nordisk” (Nordic) and “mad” (food)
  2. Noma was established in 2003
  3. Owner & Head Chef is René Redzepi
  4. Noma has three Michelin Stars
  5. In May 2020, due to the pandemic, Noma reopened as Burger Bar
  6. They have won the Best Restaurant in the World award 5 times, matching El Bulli’s record
  7. Head Chef René Redzepi worked at El Bulli in 1998 & 1999
  8. In 2012, Time Magazine named René Redzepi as one of the World’s 100 Most Influential People
  9. Whilst in Mexico for a pop-up, culinary students could enjoy the $600 experience completely free
  10. In 2012, when Noma popped up in London, they served up live ants
  11. Price per head with wine is around £525 (DKK4,600)
  12. Be quick! Getting a table is tricky – Noma releases reservations only three times per year