Key facts
- Noma restaurant is reopening under new leadership after allegations of physical and psychological abuse against co-founder René Redzepi.
- Pablo Soto has been appointed executive head chef, aiming to maintain Noma's reputation while implementing significant changes.
- The restaurant will introduce a new, evolving monthly menu, replacing its previous seasonal structure.
- A key focus for the relaunched Noma is ensuring employees can maintain full lives outside of work.
- René Redzepi, though no longer involved in daily operations, will retain a creative influence.
- Noma, previously closed, will reopen in Copenhagen next week.
The renowned Copenhagen restaurant Noma is preparing for its reopening next week, marking a significant shift following allegations of abusive working conditions against its co-founder and star chef, René Redzepi. Redzepi has stepped down from the restaurant's day-to-day operations, issuing an apology for his past behavior.
Pablo Soto, who has been with Noma for nearly a decade, will lead as the new executive head chef. He stated that while the restaurant remains 'the same Noma,' substantial changes have been implemented. These include a new, dynamic monthly menu that replaces the previous seasonal structure, and a heightened emphasis on ensuring employees can lead fulfilling lives outside of work.
Noma, which has been awarded three Michelin stars and ranked as the world's best restaurant five times since its inception in 2003, faced a crisis earlier this year after a New York Times investigation detailed accusations of punching, screaming, and public shaming by Redzepi between 2009 and 2017. These allegations led Redzepi to announce he would "step away" from the restaurant.
Despite earlier plans to transform the Copenhagen location into a food laboratory after its closure in 2024, the decision was made to reopen it following the international fallout. Soto expressed relief that the restaurant could return to stability, acknowledging the instability the allegations created. He remains confident in Noma's ability to regain its top-tier status, citing the enduring strength of the team.
Daily operations will now be managed by Soto, alongside CEO Annika de Las Heras and Head of Research and Development Mette Brink Søberg. Redzepi will focus on creative projects, with Soto emphasizing that his input is still desired. The new menu, priced at 4,500 DKK per head plus an optional 2,000 DKK for wine pairing, will feature seasonal ingredients that change daily, moving from berries and flowers to wild mushrooms and game as the year progresses.
Soto also highlighted the priority of staff well-being, aiming to support employees in having lives outside work, including pursuing hobbies and family. The restaurant employs approximately 100 people.