Experience the World's Northernmost Michelin-Starred Restaurant

In the remote hamlet of Ilimanaq, Greenland, adventurous food lovers can experience the unique offerings of the world's northernmost Michelin-starred restaurant, helmed by acclaimed chef Poul Andrias Ziska. Accessible only by boat or helicopter, this culinary destination promises an unforgettable journey for those who dare to venture into this Arctic frontier.

Chef Ziska made the bold decision to relocate his restaurant KOKS from the Faroe Islands to Ilimanaq in mid-June, seeking to bring his unique culinary flair to a more isolated yet intriguing location. Ilimanaq, nestled behind icy landscapes at the 69th parallel north and home to just 50 residents, presents an extraordinary backdrop for gastronomic exploration.

The restaurant is situated in one of Greenland's oldest black wooden structures and can accommodate only about 20 guests at a time. Given the challenges of sourcing fresh ingredients in such a harsh climate, Ziska focuses on innovative dishes utilizing local produce, including seafood like whale and seaweed.

In his culinary quest, Ziska emphasizes the richness of Greenlandic ingredients, showcasing offerings such as Greenland halibut, snow crabs, musk ox, and ptarmigan, as well as an array of local herbs and berries. His passion for exploring the region's flavors reflects in every meticulously crafted dish.

Previously, Chef Ziska earned notoriety as the operator of KOKS in the Faroe Islands, where he gained his first Michelin star in 2017 followed by a second in 2019, making it renowned as one of the world's most isolated Michelin-starred restaurants. Although he intends to return to the Faroe Islands eventually, his desire to explore culinary opportunities in the North has led him to Ilimanaq.

Located just an hour's boat ride from Ilulissat, Greenland's third-largest town known for its colossal glacier, Ilimanaq proved to be an appropriate choice. "We just found it more suitable, more fun to do something completely different before we move back into our permanent restaurant," Ziska shared, while cooking in his temporary kitchen set up outside the dining area.

Guests can indulge in an extensive tasting menu of 20 courses, priced at approximately 2,100 kroner or $280, excluding wine and beverages. Enthusiastic patrons have praised the menu for its ability to transport diners to the far north with its rich and diverse flavors.

The exquisite offerings range from whale bites to fresh fish, shellfish, and artfully curated desserts. While whale meat remains a traditional staple in Greenland and the Faroe Islands, it faces controversy elsewhere, prompting activists to call for an end to whaling operations that have been banned in many regions.

Surprisingly, Ilimanaq offers an enticing convergence of natural beauty and culinary excellence. The charming community, characterized by its picturesque wooden houses and scenic hiking trails, along with a luxury hotel, presents a perfect haven for affluent tourists eager to explore uncharted territories.

For Chef Ziska, the clientele in Greenland has shown a distinctiveness that excites him. "There are many people for whom visiting Greenland is the number one priority, and then they come to our restaurant," he noted, highlighting the difference from the Faroe Islands where guests primarily sought to dine and explore the local attractions.

The Greenlandic Tourist Board also envisions the restaurant as a catalyst for attracting gourmet travelers to the region. Hjortur Smarason, director of Visit Greenland, expressed that the unique blend of high-level gastronomy, sustainable North Atlantic cuisine, and the stunning resources of Disko Bay captivates all senses.