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The finalists for Chef of the Year and Server of the Year 2026 have been found.

24 November 2025

Six chefs and six servers have qualified for the finals of Chef of the Year and Server of the Year 2026 after Sunday’s semifinals at Kold College in Odense. The chefs were tasked with preparing a main course featuring hake, mussels, and shrimp, as well as a shared buffet, while the servers were tested in everything from wine and spirits knowledge to table setting and mixology.

- The semifinals once again demonstrated the incredibly high gastronomic level we have in Denmark. This applies both in the kitchen and on the floor, where the participants delivered performances that reflect great professional pride and dedication. The group of finalists is impressively strong, and we look forward to following the talented chefs and servers as they compete for the titles in March, says Pia Svane, Head of Competencies, Sustainability and Certification at HORESTA.

Finalists – Chef of the Year 2026:
Daniel Kruse (Det Røde Pakhus, Rønne)
Lucas Nielsen (Restaurant TreeTop, Vejle)
Lukas Grøntved (Dune Dining, Hjørring)
Magnus Carlsen (Alchemist, Copenhagen)
Martin Önnerth (Kold College, Odense)
Michael Nørtoft (Restaurant Ti Trin Ned, Fredericia)

Finalists – Server of the Year 2026:
Emil Berlenborg (Restaurant Aure, Copenhagen)
Emil Pandrup (Restaurant Calma, Copenhagen)
Helle Lieffroy (Restaurant Lieffroy, Nyborg)
Lena Hahn Atzen
Marc Thejl Hansen (Schackenborg Castle & Slotskro, Tønder)
Oskar Mathiassen

The finals will take place on the opening day of Foodexpo 2026, 22 March, where the winners will receive DKK 40,000 and the title of the best in their profession.

📷 Thanks to HORESTA for the use of the photo.

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The finalists for Chef of the Year and Server of the Year 2026 have been found.

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