About Us | NOMA-DK.org

Our Story

How NOMA-DK.org came to be the trusted voice in culinary reviews

Founded on Expertise and Integrity

NOMA-DK.org was established in 2018 by a group of former Michelin-starred chefs, food critics, and culinary academics who saw a need for more transparent and expert-driven restaurant reviews in the Nordic and European dining scene.

Our founders, led by renowned chef Henrik Jørgensen and food journalist Isabella Thorsen, wanted to create a platform where culinary expertise met journalistic integrity – a place where readers could find honest assessments based on deep knowledge of cooking techniques, ingredients, and traditions.

Our Mission

To provide readers with expert, unbiased reviews that celebrate culinary excellence while maintaining the highest standards of integrity.

Our Vision

To become Europe's most trusted resource for culinary guidance, helping diners discover exceptional food experiences while supporting the advancement of culinary arts.

Today, NOMA-DK.org has grown to include a diverse team of culinary professionals who review restaurants across Europe, with a special focus on Nordic cuisine. We remain committed to our founding principles of expertise, honesty, and independence.

Culinary Expertise

Our team consists of trained chefs, food scientists, and culinary historians who understand the complexities of food preparation and cultural context.

Editorial Independence

We never accept free meals or compensation from restaurants. All reviews are conducted anonymously, with meals paid for by NOMA-DK.org.

Cultural Context

We evaluate restaurants within their cultural and regional context, recognizing that excellence comes in many forms across different culinary traditions.

Meet Our Team

The culinary experts behind NOMA-DK.org's trusted reviews

Henrik Jørgensen

Founder & Executive Director

Former head chef at two Michelin-starred restaurants with over 25 years of culinary experience across Scandinavia and France. Henrik brings deep expertise in Nordic cuisine and traditional preservation techniques.

Isabella Thorsen

Co-Founder & Editorial Director

Award-winning food journalist with 15 years of experience at major European publications. Isabella holds a Master's degree in Food Culture and Communication from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy.

Matthias Keller

Head Sommelier & Beverage Director

Master Sommelier with experience at top restaurants in Germany and Denmark. Matthias specializes in European wine regions and emerging natural wine producers, with particular expertise in food and wine pairing.

Sophie Laurent

Pastry Specialist

Former head pastry chef at a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris. Sophie brings technical expertise in classical and modern pastry techniques, with a focus on innovative dessert compositions.

Anders Nielsen

Visual Director & Photographer

Award-winning food photographer with work featured in major culinary publications. Anders captures the visual essence of each dining experience, with a keen eye for plating aesthetics and restaurant ambiance.

Dr. Elena Petrov

Culinary Historian & Researcher

PhD in Food History with expertise in European culinary traditions. Elena provides historical and cultural context for our reviews, specializing in the evolution of regional cooking techniques.

Our Review Methodology

How we ensure fair, expert, and consistent restaurant evaluations

Rigorous Standards, Transparent Process

At NOMA-DK.org, we believe that meaningful restaurant reviews require both culinary expertise and methodical evaluation. Our review process is designed to provide readers with assessments that are thorough, fair, and consistent.

Multiple Anonymous Visits

Each restaurant is visited at least twice by different team members, at different times and days, to ensure consistency. All visits are conducted anonymously, with reservations made under different names.

Comprehensive Evaluation Criteria

We assess restaurants across multiple dimensions: food quality and execution, service, ambiance, value for money, and overall dining experience. Each category is rated on a 10-point scale.

Expert Panel Review

After individual visits, our team meets to discuss findings and compare notes. Final ratings are determined through consensus, drawing on each reviewer's area of expertise.

Contextual Consideration

Restaurants are evaluated within their appropriate category and price point. A neighborhood bistro is not held to the same standards as a fine dining establishment, but excellence is expected at every level.

Our Rating System

Food Quality & Execution 40%

Service & Hospitality 25%

Ambiance & Setting 15%

Value for Money 10%

Beverage Program 10%

Star Rating Explanation

Exceptional, world-class dining experience

Outstanding, worth a special journey

Excellent, highly recommended

Very good, worth visiting

Good, has potential but inconsistent

What People Say

Feedback from restaurants and readers who value our honest reviews

"NOMA-DK's review of our restaurant was the most insightful and fair assessment we've ever received. Their technical understanding of our cuisine and attention to detail was impressive. Their feedback helped us improve significantly."

Mikkel Larsen

Head Chef, Havnen Restaurant

"As a food enthusiast who travels across Europe, I've come to trust NOMA-DK.org completely. Their reviews are detailed, honest, and spot-on. They've led me to incredible dining experiences I would never have discovered otherwise."

Camilla Bergström

Food Blogger & Regular Reader

"What sets NOMA-DK apart is their deep culinary knowledge and integrity. Their review of our bistro was constructive and fair, acknowledging our strengths while offering valuable insights for improvement. A true culinary authority."

Marie Dupont

Owner, Bistro Lumière

"NOMA-DK.org has established itself as the most respected voice in European culinary criticism. Their expert team brings unprecedented depth and nuance to restaurant reviews."

— The European Culinary Journal

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About NOMA-DK.org