A Gala celebration in Malmö on March 31st, 2025 marked the launch of the acclaimed second edition amid raucous applause.
Denmark and Sweden have long been at the forefront of global gastronomy, renowned for their innovative take on New Nordic Cuisine and deep respect for local, seasonal ingredients. From cutting-edge fine dining to coastal gems, the countries offer extraordinary culinary diversity.
In Sweden, challenging times have inspired innovation: A wave of new wine-focused bistros has emerged, emphasizing a warm, family-like atmosphere, curated wine lists, seasonal ingredients, and mid-sized dishes. Copenhagen remains the epicentre of Denmark, home to world-class restaurants setting new standards in creativity and sustainability. Beyond the capital, Denmark’s excellence extends nationwide with hotspots like Substans and Gastromé offering refined yet relaxed fine dining, whilst Kadeau, Syttende and Lyst champion hyper-local flavors.
The Falstaff Restaurant Guides for Sweden and Denmark 2025 showcase the best of this dynamic scene, from Michelin-starred icons to hidden gems, all united by a dedication to quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship.
At the grand presentation in Malmö, the winners were honored by Falstaff Nordics editor Tove Oskarsson Henckel and Falstaff Publisher Wolfgang Rosam in an exclusive awards ceremony.
On the Swedish side, Frantzén took the top spot once again, closely followed by AIRA (who also won Service of the Year), and VYN, with the latter also taking Restaurant of the Year. Florence Abella of Ekstedt was honored as Chef of the Year, while Sören Polonius nabbed Sommelier of the Year; the Rising Star Awards in the categories Kitchen and Service went to Andreas Romer Vejs Lund of VYN and Tilde Schedin of Hantverket, respectively, while culinary legend Crister Svantesson recieved a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Denmark's award ceremony was no less exciting, with Alchemist and Geranium both getting the full 100 points, followed closesly by Jordnær, Kadeau and Noma with 99 points each. Alchemist was a big winner that night, also taking home Restaurant of the Year and Chef of the Year for Rasmus Munk; fellow perfect scorer Geranium also received Service of the Year. The Rising Stars in Kitchen and Service were awarded to Rebecca Siri Corbo of Søllerød Kro and Andreas Kobs Laursen of Lyst; the Lifetime Achievent Award went to Corbo's colleague and hospitality legend Jan Restorff, with Helle Lieffroy of Restaurant Lieffroy winning Sommelier of the Year.
Following the Award Ceremony, it was apparent that both Sweden and Denmark remain exceptional culinary nations marked by innovation and commitment to regional and sustainable produce. Falstaff cannot wait to see which delectable innovators will be honored next year!
