Noma’s 2026 Los Angeles Residency: A Culinary Homecoming
Noma, the acclaimed Copenhagen restaurant led by chef René Redzepi, is all set to bring its unique dining experience to Los Angeles in 2026. First announced in July 2025, the highly anticipated residency will run from March 11 to June 26, 2026, for a spectacular 16 weeks. For those eager to secure a reservation, a link will be sent to Noma’s newsletter list on January 23, with bookings opening on January 26 at 9 a.m. PST.
Pricing and Expectations
Guests can expect an immersive culinary experience, albeit at a premium cost of $1,500 per person. This price includes a meticulously crafted tasting menu, diverse alcoholic beverages, a hospitality fee, and applicable taxes. Interestingly, this pricing reflects the considerable expenses involved in transporting approximately 130 staff members from Copenhagen to Los Angeles, accommodating their lodging needs, and even covering schooling for some staff’s children.
For comparison, Noma’s current winter menu in Copenhagen is priced around $700 per person before drink pairings, which can add around $330 for lunch. The significant jump in price for the LA residency highlights not only the logistical demands but also the ambition to deliver an unparalleled experience.
A Unique Opportunity for Young Professionals
For the budding talents of the hospitality industry, Noma is introducing an innovative initiative: an “industry table” aimed at professionals under 25. Selected applicants will enjoy a complimentary meal at Noma, further cementing Redzepi’s commitment to fostering new talent in gastronomy. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, allowing a variety of young professionals a chance to experience the pinnacle of fine dining.
Community Connection: Noma Projects in Silver Lake
In addition to the residency, Noma plans to set up a Noma Projects shop in Silver Lake. This initiative emphasizes community engagement, focusing on local craftsmanship and sustainable practices. Noma will also host events in collaboration with Mad, Redzepi’s non-profit that champions sustainability in food systems, further enhancing its connection to the Los Angeles food community.
Shochu Night at Firstborn: A Cocktail Collaboration
On another culinary note, the restaurant Firstborn in Chinatown is set to host a special Shochu Night on January 20. The event will feature a collaboration between Tom Liu from Thunderbird and Firstborn’s own Kenzo Han. Together, they will craft cocktails showcasing the versatility of shochu, a Japanese spirit. Adding to the excitement, Brandon Skier, known as Sad Papi, will bring a unique flair with a special menu curated alongside chef Anthony Wang. This delightful partnership will spotlight inventive dishes including a walnut blue Caledonian shrimp roll and a short rib beef roll, available for walk-ins from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m..
Dispatches from the Golden Globes
Meanwhile, the glamour of the 2026 Golden Globes, held on January 11 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, brought a star-studded affair filled with noteworthy moments. Journalist Bex Castillo, stationed on the red carpet, engaged attendees with a thought-provoking question about which Los Angeles landmark they would want to preserve. Guests leaned towards iconic movie theaters, while Castillo nostalgically highlighted the once-beloved Good Luck Bar in Los Feliz.
In a more gastronomic spotlight, journalist Kyle Buchanan shared an inside glimpse into the Golden Globes dinner, featuring a lavish Nobu spread. The menu boasted delicacies like yellowtail jalapeño, caviar, nigiri, and the renowned miso black cod. Amidst the celebrations, actress Rhea Seehorn, while accepting an award for her performance in Pluribus, reminisced about a chance meeting with Queen Latifah two decades earlier at a Koo Koo Roo, a delightful anecdote that underscored the intertwined narratives of Hollywood’s veterans.
This vibrant tapestry of culinary events and cultural moments paints a vivid picture of Los Angeles’s dynamic food scene as it gears up for Noma’s remarkable debut in 2026. Whether indulging in high-end dining or discovering local gems, Angelenos are in for a treat as the city’s culinary landscape continues to thrive.
