A bistro in Denmark has topped the list of the 50 best restaurants in the world – despite feeding guests from an unusual location.
Geranium sits on the eighth floor of the National Football Stadium, Parken, in Copenhagen, where diners can overlook the pitch while they eat.
Overlooking the beautiful Fælledparken gardens, Geranium invites guests to taste nature while simultaneously observing it around them. The locally-inspired, seasonally-changing ‘Universe’ tasting menu takes place over a minimum of three hours with around 20 courses split evenly between appetisers, savoury dishes and sweets.
Since making Geranium the first Danish restaurant to win three Michelin stars in 2016, co-owners Rasmus Kofoed and Søren Ledet have never rested on their laurels, keeping it fresh and exciting for regulars and destination diners alike. In 2022 they reach the zenith of their careers, with Geranium named The World’s Best Restaurant, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna.
Meatless menu: Five years after he stopped eating meat, in 2022 Kofoed made Geranium a meat-free zone, focusing solely on local seafood and vegetables from organic and biodynamic farms in Denmark and Scandinavia. Artful creations on the ‘Spring Universe’ menu include lightly smoked lumpfish roe with milk, kale and apple, and forest mushrooms with beer, smoked egg yolk, pickled hops and rye bread. Each dish is an intricate work of art served on nature-inspired crockery.
Masters of hospitality: A natural-born people-person, charming host and outstanding sommelier, Ledet welcomes each guest into Geranium like family and makes them feel at home for the duration of their meal. His constantly-evolving drinks programme and warm service style helped the restaurant to win the Art of Hospitality Award in 2018. His extensive wine list focuses on low-manipulation labels to complement Kofoed’s food, and there’s a unique and refreshing juice pairing featuring creations such as rhubarb with geranium and carrot.
Scandi vibes: With panoramic park views and a glimpse of the national soccer stadium next door, Geranium’s dining room is a large, light and airy space with direct access to the chefs in the open kitchen. For special occasions, diners can request the fireplace table overlooking the park, or the larger private dining room and Inspiration Kitchen. The whole multi-space restaurant features open fires, blonde wood and modern Scandinavian décor. It’s a world-leading setting for officially the world’s leading restaurant. Although the restaurant is currently taking a break from service for the summer, diners will be able to taste its Summer Universe menu for around $700 per person (DKK3200).
