Copenhagen’s famed Noma restaurant to reopen without founder Redzepi at helm

Copenhagen's renowned Noma restaurant, set to reopen on August 5 without its founder and celebrity chef René Redzepi, is making a significant shift in leadership. Redzepi announced his departure in March following allegations of abuse and assault that stretched back over a decade. Despite Noma's storied history, which included topping the World’s 50 Best Restaurants List five times for its innovative "New Nordic" cuisine, the restaurant is embarking on a "new chapter" with longtime chefs taking the reins.

The new executive head chef, Pablo Soto, acknowledged the challenges the restaurant has faced, including intense media scrutiny and questions about its future direction. Redzepi, who is now in a creative director role, apologized for the mistreatment of staff and his use of unpaid interns, expressing excitement for a fresh energy at Noma.

The restaurant will also be without its three Michelin stars, which it lost in May when it decided not to be included in the 2026 guide due to not meeting its requirements for being open long enough.

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