"Copenhagen's fastest Michelin star — chef Nicky Arentsen's seafood tasting in an 18th-century gunpowder house, earned just 81 days after opening."
Aure opened on Refshaleøen in 2024 and was awarded a Michelin star just 81 days later — about as fast as the distinction is ever given. It occupies an 18th-century gunpowder house on the harbour island, seating 35 guests, and it is the personal universe of its young owner-chef rather than a corporate dining room.
It sits on the same post-industrial island as Copenhagen’s wave of destination kitchens; for the maximalist counterpoint, compare Alchemist or the wood-fired Amass nearby.
Chef Nicky Arentsen — a Young Chef Award winner — builds the menu around seafood and fish, with game appearing when the season allows. The format is two set menus, of four and seven courses, with the longer tasting from around 1,350 DKK. The cooking is precise and Nordic in spirit but warmer and more playful than the city’s austere benchmarks, which is exactly what the Michelin inspectors rewarded so quickly.
The gunpowder house gives the room thick walls, low light and a sense of occasion that a new-build could never fake. With just 35 seats, the service is close and, by design, genuinely fun rather than reverent. It is intimate, characterful and clearly the work of one chef’s vision.
A historic room, 35 seats and a tasting menu worth the trip make Aure a standout anniversary or celebration dinner. The intimacy and the warm service also make it a memorable proposal, and it will comfortably impress visiting clients.
Not for a quick or casual meal, large groups, or diners who dislike a fixed seafood tasting — it is a small, set-menu, special-occasion restaurant.
Aure won a Michelin star just 81 days after opening on Refshaleøen in 2024 — one of the fastest stars ever awarded. It is led by Young Chef Award winner Nicky Arentsen and serves a seafood-focused tasting menu.
Nicky Arentsen, the young owner-chef, who received the Young Chef Award. Aure is his personal project, built around seafood, fish and seasonal game.
Aure offers two set menus, of four and seven courses, with the longer tasting from around 1,350 DKK per person. Wine pairings are extra.
On Refshaleøen, the post-industrial harbour island east of central Copenhagen, in an 18th-century gunpowder house. It seats just 35 guests.
Difficult. With only 35 seats and a Michelin star, tables release in advance and go quickly — book as far ahead as possible, especially for weekend evenings.
Only 35 seats; book well ahead, especially weekends.
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A Michelin seafood tasting in an 18th-century powder house is a milestone dinner by any measure. See where Aure ranks among Copenhagen’s celebration tables.
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