Torsten Vildgaard is a Danish chef who spent eight formative years at Noma – as sous chef and head of research and development – before opening the acclaimed Copenhagen restaurant Studio, which won a Michelin star just months after it launched. A twice-named Danish Chef of the Year, he is one of the most respected technicians of the New Nordic generation.
Vildgaard’s cooking is rooted in Nordic ingredients but enriched with French and Japanese influences, reflecting both his Noma pedigree and his own refined, detail-driven sensibility.
TL;DR
- Danish chef, born 1979
- Spent 2005-2012 at Noma as sous chef and head of research and development
- Opened Studio at The Standard in Copenhagen in 2013
- Studio won a Michelin star within months of opening
- Named Danish Chef of the Year in 2005 and 2014
Torsten Vildgaard key facts
| Born | 1979, Denmark |
| Nationality | Danish |
| Known for | Noma R&D; Restaurant Studio |
| Michelin | Star at Studio |
| Honours | Danish Chef of the Year (2005, 2014) |
Eight years at Noma
Torsten Vildgaard learned his craft under Jan Friis-Mikkelsen at restaurant Tinggarden before joining Noma, where he stayed from 2005 to 2012. Over those eight years he rose to sous chef and, crucially, head of research and development – the department at the heart of Noma’s relentless creativity during the years it became the most celebrated restaurant in the world. That experience placed him among the key figures behind New Nordic cuisine.
Studio
In 2013 Vildgaard opened Studio at The Standard, the Copenhagen waterfront project associated with Claus Meyer. The restaurant earned a Michelin star only months after opening – a rare achievement – and became known for a cuisine that combined Nordic ingredients with French and Japanese technique and influence. It confirmed Vildgaard as a chef able to translate the ideas of a great test kitchen into a refined, personal restaurant of his own.
Recognition
Vildgaard has been widely honoured by his peers and the industry: he was named Danish Chef of the Year in both 2005 and 2014, won the Nordic Challenge in 2007, and in 2015 was voted “Chef of chefs” by fellow Danish chefs – a mark of the respect he commands within the profession. His brother, Eric Vildgaard, is also a Noma alumnus and runs the three-Michelin-star restaurant Jordnaer.
Signature style
Vildgaard’s cooking is precise, seasonal and technically assured. He builds on the Nordic foundation of superb local produce, then layers in the discipline of French cuisine and the clarity of Japanese cooking, creating dishes that are refined without losing their connection to nature and place.
Torsten Vildgaard in context
Vildgaard is one of the influential chefs to emerge from the Noma of Rene Redzepi, and his Studio was part of the Copenhagen food world shaped by Claus Meyer.
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Torsten Vildgaard FAQ
Who is Torsten Vildgaard?
A Danish chef, former head of R&D at Noma and founder of the Michelin-starred restaurant Studio.
What did he do at Noma?
He was sous chef and head of research and development from 2005 to 2012.
What is Studio?
His Copenhagen restaurant, which won a Michelin star shortly after opening in 2013.
What awards has he won?
Danish Chef of the Year in 2005 and 2014, and “Chef of chefs” in 2015.
Is his brother also a chef?
Yes – Eric Vildgaard runs the three-Michelin-star restaurant Jordnaer.
