Inside the Holy Grail of Fine Dining: Tai Lopez's Unforgettable Journey to Noma, Copenhagen's Culinary Crown Jewel
TL Team Jun 17, 2025
The Night Tai Lopez Scored the Most Exclusive Dinner in the World

If you ask Tai Lopez what his ultimate food pilgrimage was, the answer is immediate and resolute: Noma, the Copenhagen-based restaurant that redefined fine dining globally and is arguably the greatest restaurant in the world. But getting in? Nearly impossible.

Tai and his party had been on the waitlist for what felt like forever, with no guarantees. But fate had its own plans. During the 2021 UEFA Euro Cup quarterfinals, Denmark was playing England, and much of the city was glued to their screens. With the whole country caught up in football fever, a rare series of last-minute cancellations opened up. One of those golden tickets fell into Tai's hands. At 3 PM, they got the call: “We’ve had an early dinner spot open at 5 PM—can you make it?”

Cue the scramble. Within two hours, Tai went from casually walking Copenhagen’s cobbled streets to walking into the world’s most elusive dining room. He scored what thousands dream about, and all because the nation was watching a football match. It was dramatic, surreal, and downright cinematic.

An early dinner at 5 PM let him experience culinary nirvana and still make the Denmark vs. England match later that evening. Serendipity never tasted so good.

Noma isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an institution, a cultural reset, and to Tai, it was the LeBron James of gastronomy. "You can go to a hundred of the top places in the world, and a lot of them won't live up to the hype. But Noma? Noma exceeded it," Tai said, still glowing from the memory.

Welcome to Copenhagen: A City Where Food, Design, and Culture Collide

Nestled in Scandinavia, Copenhagen is more than just a capital city–it's a playground for architectural buffs, design lovers, and foodies who fly across the world just to take a bite. Home of hygge, bike lanes, pastel-colored buildings, and a skyline that combines storybook charm with clean modern lines, Copenhagen has evolved into one of the world’s top gastronomic destinations.

As the capital of Denmark—a nation known for its high quality of life, progressive values, and beautiful landscapes—Copenhagen has become the culinary crown jewel of Scandinavia. While cities like Stockholm and Oslo have their own notable food scenes, Copenhagen has far surpassed them in global culinary influence. It's the epicenter of New Nordic cuisine, where innovation meets nature, and where some of the most creative chefs in the world are redefining what fine dining means.

In fact, Copenhagen now regularly ranks alongside culinary powerhouses like Paris, Tokyo, and New York. The city's commitment to sustainability, hyper-local sourcing, and design-forward presentation has positioned it as a must-visit destination for any serious foodie. Whether you're dining in a three-star Michelin temple like Noma or nibbling open-faced smørrebrød in a cozy café, the level of care and craft is unmatched.

The rise of New Nordic cuisine has put it squarely on the map. Local, seasonal, sustainable, and artistic—it’s food that looks like nature and tastes like a revelation. And Noma? It didn’t just put Copenhagen on the foodie map. It created it.



Noma: A Legacy Too Grand for the Word "Restaurant"

With three Michelin stars and five wins for "Best Restaurant in the World" by The World's 50 Best, Noma has long been the culinary world's Super Bowl. But the twist? Recently, the rules changed: once you've won, you can't win again, which is the only reason it hasn't racked up even more wins.

Created by the brilliant and boundary-pushing chef René Redzepi, Noma (short for "Nordisk Mad," meaning Nordic food) started in 2003 in an old warehouse on the waterfront. In 2018, it moved to its current location in Refshaleøen, a former military area now transformed into a creative enclave.

The new space? Imagine a Nordic farmhouse designed by a minimalist god. A cluster of glass and timber buildings, greenery everywhere, cozy while pristine. You don’t walk into a restaurant; you enter an ecosystem.

In early 2023, Noma announced that it would temporarily close at the end of 2024 and evolve into a new concept—Noma 3.0. The team hinted at a reimagining of their creative process, potentially shifting toward an experimental food lab model with occasional pop-ups. So if you’re planning a trip, be sure to check the latest updates before you book. This next chapter is still in the works, but knowing Redzepi, it’ll be nothing short of revolutionary.

The Rene Redzepi Effect

René Redzepi is more than a chef. He’s a visionary, fermentation wizard, and the godfather of modern Nordic cuisine. Trained at El Bulli under Ferran Adrià and formerly at The French Laundry, Redzepi returned to Copenhagen with a mission: to reinvent Scandinavian food using wild herbs, insects, pickled pinecones, and the bounty of the land and sea.

Redzepi's influence is everywhere. A generation of chefs trained at Noma has gone on to open places like Geranium, Amass, and Iluka. If you’re eating at a buzzy Nordic place, there’s a decent chance someone in the kitchen is a Noma alum.

What Tai Ordered (Or Rather, What Noma Served Him)

Noma is a tasting menu-only experience, with the menu changing seasonally across three themes: Seafood Season, Vegetable Season, and Game & Forest Season. Tai's visit was during Game & Forest. Think venison tartare with fresh pine, roasted reindeer brain custard, mushrooms foraged that morning, and yes—ants. Delicious, lemony, impossible-to-believe-they’re-insects ants.

"They brought us things I'd never think to eat," Tai said, "but every bite was insane. You trust them completely. They're scientists and artists all in one."

From flowers that burst with unexpected umami to emulsions made from ingredients you'd need a field guide to identify, it was an endless parade of brilliance.



And the wine pairing? Legendary. One person in Tai’s group may or may not have gotten a little too into the pairings (let's just say the game-watching portion of the evening got off to a wobbly start). As if that wasn’t enough, the staff even handed him a couple of locally brewed beers to take on the road for the match—Copenhagen hospitality at its finest.

Menu Highlights Over the Years

While the exact dishes change constantly, some Noma icons include:
  • Live shrimp served moments after plating – A jolt of freshness and oceanic intensity, showcasing just how pristine and simple seafood can be.
  • Moss and cep mushrooms – A dish that looks like it was pulled from the forest floor, earthy and deeply umami.
  • Sea buckthorn leather – A sweet-tart fruit roll-up made with foraged berries, balancing nostalgia with Nordic innovation.
  • Fermented cricket broth – Deep, savory, and rich, this broth is a prime example of Redzepi’s mastery of fermentation.
  • Beef tartare with ants – Citrusy ants add zing and crunch to this raw beef classic, creating a surprising harmony of flavors.
It’s experimental, sure, but deeply rooted in place. And shockingly tasty. In the past, Tai’s had meals at ultra-fancy restaurants where things got a little too out there—he’s even had to eat other people’s plates just to avoid offending the chef. But not here. Every plate was devoured. Nothing too weird, nothing wasted. Just pure, elevated brilliance.



Atmosphere + Service: Clean, Warm, Otherworldly

Don’t be fooled by the serene wood beams and relaxed tone. Everything here is timed to the millisecond. When a new dish is served, an entire squad of 5–10 servers will emerge, depending on your party size, and approach the table with silent precision. They move in unison, placing each dish in front of every guest at the exact same moment. It’s eerily perfect—like a scene out of a highbrow horror film or a gold medal-winning synchronized swimming routine. At first, it's startling. But quickly, you're just in awe.

And then there’s the storytelling. Each server doesn't just drop a plate—they give a passionate, detailed breakdown of what you're eating, including the history, preparation, where the ingredients were foraged or grown, and even how it connects to the overall theme of the meal. Ask a question about the dish, and they'll go deep with knowledgeable, enthusiastic answers. You can tell they live and breathe this philosophy.

They also anticipate your every move. The moment you get up, even for a second, your napkin is quietly refolded. Behind the scenes, staff are in constant communication to sync the timing of the next course with your exact table status. It's not just a meal—it's a choreography of hospitality.

From the welcome drink in a cozy barn lounge to the fermentation lab tour post-dinner, it's immersive. Tai even saw René himself picking herbs outside—a true fanboy moment.

Ratings by Tai Lopez
  • Food: 10/10 – "No misses. Just hits. A symphony."
  • Service: 10/10 – "Impeccable. Intuitive. Warm."
  • Ambiance: 10/10 – "Relaxed but precise. Like entering a dream."
  • Location: 9/10 – "A little secluded, but that adds to the mystique."
  • Value: 9/10 – "Pricey, but you're paying for a culinary masterclass."
  • Overall Experience: 10/10 – "This is it. The GOAT."
Tips for Visiting Noma
  • Get on the waitlist early and be nice. The team is accommodating.
  • Don’t plan a quick meal. This is a 3-4 hour experience.
  • Allergies? Let them know in advance.
  • Wine pairing is generous. Pace yourself.
  • Ask for the kitchen and fermentation tour afterward. It’s magical.
Perfect For:
  • Bucket list dinners
  • Celebrations (they’ll make it special)
  • Foodie couples trips
  • Solo food pilgrimages
  • Flexing on Instagram without saying a word
Nearby Spots & Copenhagen Itinerary
  • After Dinner Drinks: Ruby – A dimly lit, intimate cocktail bar with expertly crafted drinks and a speakeasy vibe. It’s tucked into an old townhouse and perfect for a quiet nightcap after Noma.
  • Pre-dinner vibes: La Banchina – A relaxed harbor-side wine bar and sauna located on the edge of the water. During summer, locals (including many women) sunbathe topless on the dock—don’t stare, it’s part of the culture. The atmosphere is peaceful, free-spirited, and totally Copenhagen.
Daytime Exploring:
  • Torvehallerne Market – A vibrant food hall with dozens of stalls featuring everything from gourmet smørrebrød to local chocolates and craft beer.
  • Nyhavn – The iconic harbor with colorful buildings and canal-side cafés. Great for a scenic stroll or a boat tour.
  • Superkilen Park – A multicultural urban space filled with global design pieces. Perfect for architecture lovers and Instagrammers.
  • Louisiana Museum of Modern Art – A short train ride north, this world-class museum offers an unbeatable combo of contemporary art and seaside views. It makes for a perfect day trip, especially when paired with a visit to the charming town of Helsingør (home of Kronborg Castle, aka Hamlet’s castle) or a stop at the Karen Blixen Museum in Rungstedlund, just along the coast. It’s a great way to soak up Denmark’s rich cultural heritage while enjoying stunning coastal scenery.
You can get to all of these spots (except Louisiana) by bike—Copenhagen’s preferred mode of transport. Consider renting a Christiania bike, a popular Danish cargo-style bicycle originally designed in the city’s free-spirited Christiania neighborhood. It’s practical, iconic, and very Copenhagen.

The Copenhagen Fine Dining Foodie Crawl

Copenhagen has quietly (and now loudly) become one of the most important cities on the global culinary map, packed with Michelin stars, world-ranking restaurants, and a fine dining ethos rooted in innovation, nature, and art. Whether you're coming for a week or just a long weekend, this city offers a tasting tour like no other. Here's a fine dining crawl to hit while you're in town:
  • Noma – The icon. With 3 Michelin stars, the five-time winner of the World’s Best Restaurant title is the summit of New Nordic cuisine and the ultimate foodie pilgrimage.
  • Alchemist – A theatrical, immersive, and wildly creative dining experience, this 2-star Michelin spot is like dining in an art installation crossed with a science lab. Ranked among the World’s 50 Best.
  • Kadeau – With 2 Michelin stars, Kadeau brings the soul of Bornholm Island to Copenhagen. Known for its deeply personal and seasonal tasting menus, it's elegant and deeply rooted in terroir.
  • Geranium – The #1 restaurant on the World’s 50 Best list in 2022 and the only other Danish restaurant with 3 Michelin stars, Geranium offers an ultra-refined, cerebral take on seasonal Scandinavian flavors.
  • Barr – Housed in Noma’s original location, this place is a tribute to Northern European comfort food, with dishes like schnitzel, pork knuckle, and fermented sauces—refined but rustic.
  • Baest – A modern pizzeria with its own organic dairy and butcher shop. Their sourdough crusts and housemade charcuterie earned them a Bib Gourmand and a cult following. Think Italian via Copenhagen, redefined.
Local Flavor: Cheap Eats and Everyday Classics

Fine dining may dominate Denmark’s headlines, but Copenhagen’s local favorites hold their own when it comes to flavor, culture, and charm. If you’re not in the mood for a multi-hour tasting menu, here are some delicious, affordable dishes you need to try while in town:

- Smørrebrød – Denmark’s iconic open-faced sandwich served on dense rye bread. Classic toppings include pickled herring, roast beef with crispy onions, and eggs with shrimp. Try it at:
  • Schønnemann – Old-school and beloved since 1877. Expect white tablecloths, schnapps pairings, and a long list of smørrebrød options.
  • Restaurant Palæet – Tucked near the Royal Theatre, this historic gem serves traditional Danish fare with elegance.
- Danish Hot Dogs (Pølsevogn) – A street food staple. These aren’t your average dogs. They're piled high with crispy onions, pickles, remoulade, mustard, and ketchup on a soft bun or wrapped in bacon (the legendary 'ristet hotdog'). Look for red sausage stands around the city, like:
  • DØP (Den Økologiske Pølsemand) – An organic hot dog stand near the Round Tower known for using free-range meats and whole-grain buns.
  • Harry's Place – A cult favorite in Nørrebro known for their classic hot dogs and local charm.
- Frikadeller – Danish meatballs, usually pork-based, served with potatoes and rich brown gravy. You’ll find them in many casual eateries or even at the buffet in a traditional Danish home.

- Rødgrød med Fløde – A summer dessert made from red berries and cream. Difficult to pronounce, but easy to love.

These dishes offer a taste of everyday Danish life—simple, hearty, and packed with personality.

Quick Danish Phrases

Scandinavians in general can be a bit reserved, and Denmark is no exception. That said, in Copenhagen, you’ll find that 99% of people you talk to will speak excellent English, especially in restaurants, shops, and tourist areas. Still, it’s always appreciated when visitors make a small effort with the local language. Don’t take it personally if a conversation doesn’t take off right away—people value their space and privacy. Even so, Tai found the Danes to be noticeably more outgoing and warm than their Swedish neighbors. A little friendliness and effort with the language goes a long way.

Here are a few key phrases that will serve you well:
  • Hej! (Hi!) – A simple, friendly greeting used throughout the day.
  • Tak! (Thank you!) – Probably the most-used word you'll say. Politeness is key.
  • Skål! (Cheers!) – Use this when clinking glasses. It’s an essential part of Danish drinking culture.
  • Undskyld (Excuse me/Sorry) – Great for getting someone’s attention or bumping into someone.
  • Taler du engelsk? (Do you speak English?) – Most Danes do, but asking politely never hurts.
Tai’s Final Thoughts

Tai Lopez has dined at the finest restaurants in the world. And yet, when people ask him which place lives up to the hype? He points to Noma. It's not just a meal. It's an experience. A museum. A memory.

"If you're lucky enough to eat here, you're lucky enough."

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