The Accolade Geranium Achieved Before It Won World's Best Restaurant

There must be something in the brackish waters of Denmark. Within two years, it has produced two restaurants that topped The World's 50 Best Restaurants list, which is based on the reviews of industry experts, comprising chefs, restaurateurs, food critics and writers, and well-travelled gourmets. In 2021, Copenhagen's Noma won the top title, with Geranium, also based in Copenhagen, coming in second. Geranium has since taken over the top spot for 2022 to become the World's Best Restaurant, after first appearing on the list in 2012 at number 49.

Located in a unique location, on the 8th floor above Denmark's national soccer stadium in central Copenhagen, and offering sweeping views of the Fælledparken (Common Gardens), Geranium is known for its New Nordic cuisine and hyper seasonal menu, which, according to chef Rasmus Kofoed, features "seafood from the pristine waters and vegetables from the local, organic and bio-dynamic farms" of Denmark and Scandinavia (per Food & Wine). The dishes also carry an aesthetics that's been described as "pure art on a plate." According to Geranium's website, it offers a multi-sensory experience that "restores, challenges and enriches." The restaurant offers a tasting menu of around 20 courses of appetizers, savory servings, and sweets, with wine and non-alcoholic pairings.

Being named the world's top restaurant is actually not the first top culinary accolade that Geranium has received. In 2016, Geranium became the first restaurant in Denmark to earn three Michelin stars, considered the "holy grail of the restaurant world," reports Scandinavian Traveler. It's also one of only 137 restaurants in the world with three Michelin stars. Not only that, but it's managed to maintain its three stars for seven years so far. Within just five years of opening in 2007, Geranium earned its first Michelin star in 2012, with a second star awarded in 2013. Chef Rasmus Kofoed is also the only chef in the world to have won all three medals (gold, silver, and bronze) in the prestigious Bocuse d'Or international cooking competition.

Since the 1920s, the Michelin Guide has been awarding stars to noteworthy fine dining restaurants (via the Michelin Guide website) and earning a Michelin star is considered the highest honor in the culinary world, per Discover.Luxury. The three Michelin stars denote a restaurant with "exceptional cuisine" and one that's "worth a special journey." In the case of Geranium, planning that special journey (if you don't live in Denmark or Europe) may be difficult, though not impossible — reservations are released three months in advance and usually book out within minutes. Those who can be flexible on their special journey can get on the waitlist and hope for a cancellation.