About 14 hours after eating at Noma, I was at lunch at Geranium, the other wildly-lauded (World’s Best Restaurant, three Michelin stars) Copenhagen restaurant. And Noma and Geranium are vastly different. Where Noma experiments (with plating and flavor), Geranium is extremely solid. The kitchen is pristine and precise, and everything is perfectly executed to impress. The two restaurants are so different it’s like comparing an obscure art film to a superhero movie.
So rather than compare, I’ll just focus on Geranium. My thoughts on Noma are in an earlier post.
Geranium was a remarkable experience—easily one of the most polished and elegant fine dining meals I’ve had, rivaling Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare (when in Brooklyn), Single Thread, or Atelier Crenn (before the third star). Highlights included a perfectly cooked hake stuffed with crab, an oyster dish that was as beautiful as it was delicious, and an exceptional bread service. The scallop course might honestly have been the best scallop of my life. Desserts were also plated with stunning artistry.
What stands out most about Geranium is the sheer cleanliness and freshness of everything—flavors, textures, presentation—nothing ever felt heavy or overwrought. The design of the dining room itself reflects this ethos: airy, modern, and serene, with thoughtful touches like the art on the walls enhancing the atmosphere without distracting from the food.
If there’s a drawback, the caviar supplement was fine but not worth the price, and a few dishes looked less impressive than they tasted. But overall, Geranium is an extraordinary restaurant, where precision, clarity, and elegance define the entire experience.
by eal219
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You’re having the best week aren’t you.
Now you just need Alchemist for the trifecta