Copenhagen's Noma to reopen in August under new leadership after founder's exit

The world-famous Danish restaurant Noma in Copenhagen is set to reopen in August, nearly six months after it closed its doors. The new chapter for the acclaimed establishment will be under the leadership of Pablo Soto, a Mexican national.

This transition comes after Noma's co-founder, René Redzepi, stepped down in March. His departure followed reports in The New York Times detailing allegations of mistreatment by former employees, including claims of physical violence and public humiliation. While Redzepi will remain the owner and creative director, he will no longer be involved in the restaurant's day-to-day operations.

In a statement released by the staff, they expressed a period of introspection: "We have thought more closely this spring about who we are, what is most important to us, and where we want to go." The restaurant announced it would "return home" in August, introducing a monthly changing menu. The entrance price for this new offering will be 4,500 Danish kroner, approximately $600 euros.

Noma, whose name is a portmanteau of the Danish words 'nordisk' (Nordic) and 'mad' (food), has been a fixture in Copenhagen since 2003. After a temporary closure in 2016, it reopened two years later in a different part of the city. The restaurant has earned numerous accolades, including being named the world's best restaurant multiple times.