Denmark’s leading food critics have announced the 2025 winners of the annual culinary award show Årets Ret, celebrating the most distinctive dishes and dining experiences of the past year.
Denmark’s leading food critics gathered in Copenhagen this weekend to present the Årets Ret 2025 awards, honoring the country’s most outstanding dishes, restaurants, and hospitality achievements of the past year. The awards are presented annually by the association Danske Madanmeldere and are regarded as one of the most influential honors in Danish gastronomy.
In the main food categories, the jury highlighted three dishes distinguished by originality, craftsmanship, and a clear personal signature. In the category Hav (Sea), Ræst in Tórshavn took top honors with a Faroese taco featuring langoustine, created by Sebastian Jiménez. In the category Land (Land) Kadeau emerged as the winner, where Nicolai Nørregaard’s venison with mushrooms stood out for its depth and elemental expression. In the category Sødt (Sweet), Bjørnekælderen received the award for a dessert of cultured milk ice cream with sugar kelp, created by Thomas Wetle Andersen.
Beyond the main categories, several additional awards were presented. Restaurant Bavn was named Årets Smørrebrød (Smørrebrød of the Year), while Restaurant VIE received the title Årets Bistro (Bistro of the Year). Årets Bar (Bar of the Year) went to Bar Vitrine, and Årets Betjening was awarded to Peter-Marc Højlund-Carlsen of Fakkelgaarden in Southern Jutland.
Ræst also received the award for Årets Udskænkning, allowing the Faroese restaurant to take home two prizes from the evening. The honorary award Årets Ærespris was presented to Bo and Lisbeth Jacobsen in recognition of their long-standing contribution to Danish restaurant culture.
The Årets Ret awards celebrate both innovation and continuity within Danish gastronomy, reflecting a dining scene increasingly shaped by international influences, regional ingredients, and a strong sense of identity across the country.
