On the list of "50 World's Best Restaurants", the "Alchemist" in Copenhagen "only" made it to the 5th place. But that doesn't dampen the hype around the Danish restaurant. Foodies from all over the world come to indulge in the experience in the former shipyard. They put up with long waiting times. The "Alchemist" is currently considered to be the restaurant where it is most difficult to reserve a seat. But why? What makes the restaurant so special - apart from its two Michelin stars?

© Søren Gammelmark / @gammelmarkphoto

Food as an experience

Even before the first course makes its way to the plate, there is reason enough to be amazed. The restaurant in Refshaleøn is hidden in an abandoned industrial area. And behind a bronze door that weighs two tons. As if you were following Alice into Wonderland or Bilbo through Middle Earth, you land on the other side in a (culinary) fairy tail.

© Søren Gammelmark / @gammelmarkphoto

The setting is different from any other place in the world. So is the food itself. It is taken like a journey in different rooms. Divided into "acts," it's like going to the theater. Whether food or location play the main role is to be debated. One thing is certain: Chef Rasmus Munk pulls out all the stops when it comes to artistry.

© Søren Gammelmark

Dinner Drama

Some of the food is served under a dome that serves as a surface for changing graphics. Nevertheless, the all-around doesn't outshine the one thing you actually come for: the food. Even that is dramatic in its sheer numbers. The menu is comprised of 50 courses. Therefore one should take around 7 hours time and be prepared to pay €660 without beverages and tip. Accordingly, one does not simply reserve. One must register on a waiting list for tickets. Allegedly, the waiting list is five-digit long.

© Kim Høltermand

In return, there are dishes that are unparalleled in composition and presentation. Munk creates modern dishes using only the best ingredients the renowned chef can find. Different types of caviar are used, as well as squab aged in beeswax and unusual tableware. 

"Deep Dishes"

Each course has a deeper meaning. And that's important to Munk - for all the outward appearances that make up the dinner. For example, a giant, caviar-filled eye pays homage to George Orwell's "Brave New World." It's meant to provoke critical thinking about media and surveillance. Edible plastic draws attention to the destruction of oceans by garbage. And a coffin-shaped chocolate bar reminds us that there is a large proportion of child labor in the cocoa industry. 

© Claes Bech Poulsen

Doesn't sound like fun? Anyway, on its website the restaurant asks you to come with an open mind. And perhaps not to have your first date or business meeting here. After all, the "Alchemist" Copenhagen experience is one that appeals to all the senses. And is meant to be a physical as well as palpable journey.

© Claes Bech Poulsen

Munk, at least, is making the most of the hype. He uses it to raise funds for the homeless and advocates for clean drinking water in African countries. If you got a craving for it, you can register for the waiting list on the restaurant's website.

Alchemist
Refshalevej 173C, 1432 København K, Denmark
Tel.:+45 31 71 61 61
Web: alchemist.dk
Price: Menu from approx. €660,- per person without drinks