Nine new restaurants awarded one Michelin star

The 2021 Michelin Nordic Guide - covering Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden - was launched in September. Nine new restaurants have been awarded one Michelin star. Here, we learn more about these restaurants and what makes them the winners of this award.

FINLAND

Finnjävel Salonki

Helsinki

With just ten tables, this intimate restaurant is located in the Kunsthalle art gallery next to its sister restaurant, the larger Sali Brasserie. The fixed menu offers modern interpretations of traditional Finnish dishes, using locally sourced, high-quality ingredients carefully paired with skilled combinations. The service is chatty and relaxed, and everything from the hand-forged cutlery to the impressive hand-blown carafe is made by local artisans.

SWEDEN

Aira

Stockholm

This striking modern building enjoys a delightful location on the island's waterfront, with beautifully designed interiors, a light and airy feel and an impressive open kitchen at its centre. Delicately prepared and flavourful dishes are prepared with high-quality Scandinavian ingredients; choose from an à la carte or balanced 10-course tasting menu. Charming service completes the picture.

Project

Gothenburg

Promoted to one Michelin star from Bib Gourmand in the 2021 guide, Project is a cozy restaurant proudly run by a married couple. They offer tasting menus that showcase local seasonal produce - some of which they grow themselves in their vegetable gardens - resulting in dishes that are balanced, refined and full of flavour. Sit at the counter or ask for a table in the back for more privacy.

ÅNG

Tvååker

ÅNG includes a vineyard, hotel and spa, as well as a beautiful restaurant owned and operated by three siblings. The surprising tasting menu is based on produce from the farms and forests of the Harran region, and the dishes are refined, balanced and very tasty. ÅNG was also awarded a Michelin Green Star in the 2021 guide for its commitment to sustainability, including using products from its own organic vegetable farm and its zero waste philosophy.

Hotell Borgholm
Island of Öland
This restaurant, located in a historic hotel, has been promoted to one Michelin star from Bib Gourmand. It is closely related to the beautiful island of Öland on which it is located, both in terms of the local ingredients used and the ingredients used to create dishes with bold flavours (many of which come from their own delightful garden oasis). Wine lists are a treasure trove for collectors and wine lovers.

DENMARK

The Samuel

Copenhagen

Named after the chef owner's eldest son, this warm and romantic red brick villa consists of several lovely retro-style rooms with parquet floors, a beautiful glass cheese cabinet and a herb garden. The fixed multi-course menu offers creative and refined dishes with the perfect combination of textures and flavours, served by an attentive and enthusiastic team.

Substans
Aarhus

Located on the top floor of an apartment building next to Aarhus Harbour, the sleek and modern Substans is full of light and offers great views of the surrounding sea. Dishes offer creative combinations. The chefs finish the dishes at the central counter and then present them to the guests, with well-coordinated wine pairings.

LYST

Vejle

This unique restaurant is located on the first floor of a striking futuristic building that rises above the sea in the city's harbour, and its modern interior design is themed around circles. Dining is a multi-course experience, with diners moving between shared horseshoe-shaped counters, individual glass-topped tables and small outdoor patios. High-quality ingredients are sourced within 100km, and creative, modern dishes are full of flavour. LYST also received a Michelin Green Star in the 2021 Guide.

Syttende

Sønderborg

This luxurious restaurant on the 17th floor of the ultra-modern hotel Alsik offers stunning views of the Flensburg fjord. Chef Jesper Koch grew up in southern Jutland, and his menu showcases local products in carefully prepared innovative dishes and harmonious flavour combinations. The selection of wines is impressive and the young service team takes care of all guests' wishes with grace and charm.