Noma finally reaches the gastro zenith...3 Michelin Stars

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 (2008-2020) despite being recognised as the best eatery in the world four times (2010, 2011, 2012, 2014).

“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.”

On achieving the 3-star rating, Redzepi looked stunned.

"I'm completely flabbergasted. I really, honestly am completely surprised," he said, with a glass of wine still intact in his left hand. I feel something I haven't felt before, I don't know what to express right now.

This is 14 years of waiting. We have patience, but at one point you also think maybe it's just never going to happen."

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