Nour — Restaurant in Stockholm

“Hi max, and welcome to our apartment!” Those were the first words I was greeted with as I entered the doors to Nour. It really summarized the experience well, as it felt like I was welcome into someone’s very neat and luxurious home.

Chef Sayan Isaksson creates his own modern take on classic Japanese dishes, but does so with local, Nordic produce, which clearly indicates Nour’s focus on sustainability.

At the time of my visit (November 2023), Nour offered 2 set menus of either 5 or 9 courses, but I hear they’ve now started with a 3 course menu as well. In terms of drinks, they offer a full drink pairing, hybrid pairing or alcohol free pairing.

Sipping a pre dinner cocktail while enjoying some beautiful snacks, I decide to go for the 9 course menu and the hybrid drink pairing. Hats off to sommelier Samuel for a great Cinema Old Fashioned to start off with, perfect start to a great evening!

One by one the dishes arrive, and do so at a comfortable pace. As with many Japanese dishes, the foundation is simple, yet packed with a depth of flavor, and the same goes for the dishes served at Nour. I have to especially mention the octopus tsukemen, which was the highlight of the menu for me. It was made even better by the sour beer that was served along with it and truly made it a masterful combination of flavors!

The interiors are minimalist, but beautiful, and the walls have modern art being displayed. My only feedback is that they didn’t use more of the space that they have. The whole evening was spent in the dining hall, while there is also a lounge where it would have been lovely to enjoy the petit fours. I know this is done sometimes, but I’m confused as to why that wasn’t a thing during my visit.

The visit came to a perfect end when I spotted my favorite umeshu on the menu, a perfect drink to have with the petit fours!

A huge thank you to Chef Sayan and the whole team at Nour, you made the evening truly special, and I’m looking forward to...

This Japanese / French restaurant, using plenty of locally sourced ingredients almost started in 2020. Yeah, well.

Finally fully open in December of 2021, my server tells me, as a semi-hidden restaurant, with no indications that it is up on the third floor, except for a single 15cm sign on the glass entry door, behind the doorman for the ground floor restaurant/bar. (BTW, It's not really a secret if you have a Michelin review.) The space is a collection of isolated, small rooms, each with space for maybe 16 guests. No view of the kitchen or chefs in action until a glimpse as you are finally escorted to the digestif / coffee room.

The servers are more than competent, and very attentive. But, I do think that they need to stop the early hard sell, and tell you the real reason you're going to need at least one appertif: The amuse bouche consists of six different and interesting small plates, spread over 20 to 30 minutes. You'll need an appertif, and also, an extra glass of wine. Maybe two.

Several plates did stand out, once the actual meal began, especially the, "every part of the duck:" dried, roasted breast, thigh, heart, liver, bones.

I did enjoy myself, with my late dinner, and hope to return on my next...

My experience of every single dish in the 9-course dinner was: “what in the world is this!??” “I didn’t know this combination of flavors existed,” and the “how is this so incredibly delicious!?”

I’ve been to 34 countries, ate all different cuisines, and went to many 1-Michelin star restaurants, and Nour is now at the very top of my all time favorite list. I could say it’s the most deserving of all 1 star places I’ve been to.

The flavor and ingredient combinations were outstanding, creative, and delightful. The photos and how the food look don’t even do it justice. Every bite was a puzzling burst of delight in your mouth. No exaggeration at all.

We had mixed alcoholic and non-alcoholic pairing, and we actually preferred non-alcoholic beverages. I supposed the bartender just had to be extra creative when they can’t rely on alcohol. They felt like drinking delicious cocktails that are complementary sauces to the dishes.

Service was also excellent. The staff created the atmosphere like we we’re being served by master craftsmen with how they explain the dishes and drinks. It was polished and refined, but not too posh or stuffy.

If you’re in Stockholm, this is a must. If you can afford it,...