In a landmark moment for global gastronomy, Swedish chef Björn Frantzén has today achieved an unparalleled feat, becoming the only chef in the world to currently hold three Michelin stars for three distinct restaurants simultaneously. [read the full champagne story]
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Stockholm, Sweden – May 23, 2025 – The historic third jewel in his culinary crown, FZN in Dubai, was awarded the coveted three-star rating by the Michelin Guide on May 23, 2025, less than a year after its opening in November 2024. This remarkable achievement solidifies Frantzén’s status as a titan of the culinary world, celebrated for his innovative blend of Nordic, Japanese, and French influences and his relentless pursuit of perfection.
Frantzén’s other three-Michelin-star establishments are the eponymous Frantzén in Stockholm and Zén in Singapore. This triple constellation of excellence places him in a stratosphere previously unoccupied, underscoring his unique vision and exceptional execution across diverse culinary landscapes.
“This recognition is an incredible honour, not just for me, but my entire team,” Frantzén stated regarding FZN’s new accolade. “Receiving three Michelin stars for FZN is a proud moment for us and reflects the hard work and creativity of everyone involved. We always knew we wanted to launch a restaurant in Dubai, and selecting the right partner was paramount. We are grateful to the Atlantis Dubai team for supporting our journey and helping to bring to life our vision.”
The International Director of the Michelin Guides, Gwendal Poullennec, praised FZN as offering a “highly sophisticated experience with an array of dishes blending Scandinavian and Asian influences that make great use of the finest luxury ingredients.”
The Journey to a Triple Triumph: A Tale of Three Restaurants
Frantzén, Stockholm: The Genesis of a Gastronomic Revolution
The foundation of Björn Frantzén’s empire, Restaurant Frantzén in Stockholm, began its journey in 2008. Originally opened as Frantzén/Lindeberg with pastry chef Daniel Lindeberg, the restaurant quickly garnered acclaim for its ambitious and refined Nordic cuisine. It received its first Michelin star in 2009 and a second in 2010.
A pivotal moment came in 2013 when Lindeberg departed, and Frantzén took sole ownership, renaming the restaurant simply Frantzén. Driven by an unwavering commitment to achieving the pinnacle of culinary excellence, Frantzén relocated the restaurant in 2016 to a 19th-century townhouse in the Norrmalm district. This move allowed for an even more immersive and intimate dining experience, spread across multiple floors, for just 23 guests. The meticulously designed space includes a top-floor lounge for aperitifs and ingredient showcases, a stunning counter-style dining room overlooking the open kitchen, and a final lounge for desserts.
In February 2018, Restaurant Frantzén became the first restaurant in Sweden to be awarded three Michelin stars. The Guide lauded Frantzén for creating a “unique vision of Nordic cuisine, combining sublime ingredients with astounding culinary techniques… truly worth the journey, and is a gustatory experience like no other.” The cuisine is characterized by its sophisticated interplay of Nordic produce and Japanese umami, with French techniques providing a refined backbone. Signature elements include the use of open fire, exceptional raw materials, and dishes like its famed French toast with truffle and aged cheese.
Zén, Singapore: Nordic Kaiseki in the Lion City
Building on his Stockholm success, Frantzén looked towards Asia, opening Zén in Singapore in late 2018. Housed in a three-story shophouse in the vibrant Bukit Pasoh Road, Zén mirrors the multi-level dining concept of its Stockholm sibling, offering an intimate and theatrical culinary journey.
Zén quickly established itself as a beacon of gastronomy in Singapore, showcasing Frantzén’s signature “Nordic Kaiseki” style. This philosophy marries the precision, seasonality, and ingredient-focus of Japanese haute cuisine with distinctively Nordic flavors and techniques, alongside subtle French influences. The restaurant’s dedication to this unique vision paid off handsomely when Zén was awarded three Michelin stars in 2021.
Guests at Zén embark on a progressive experience, starting with snacks in one part of the house, moving to the main dining counter, and concluding with desserts in a tranquil lounge. The meticulous attention to detail, the quality of ingredients sourced globally, and the seamless service have made Zén a jewel in Singapore’s glittering culinary scene.
FZN, Dubai: A Meteoric Rise in a Global Culinary Hub
The latest chapter in Frantzén’s extraordinary story unfolded in Dubai with the opening of FZN at Atlantis, The Palm in November 2024. Designed to feel like stepping into the chef’s own luxurious home, FZN offers a 27-seat fine-dining experience that encapsulates Frantzén’s culinary evolution.
The restaurant presents a meticulously crafted tasting menu that blends modern European cuisine with Japanese finesse, featuring both new creations and beloved signatures from the Frantzén universe, such as its famed miso madeleines. The experience is highly interactive, with guests beginning their journey in a stylish living room for canapés, enjoying a guided house tour, and then proceeding to the main dining room before concluding with petit fours.
FZN’s ascent to three Michelin stars in May 2025, a mere six months after its grand opening, is a testament to the refined concept, the strength of the culinary team led by Executive Chef Torsten Vildgaard, and Frantzén’s proven formula for excellence. This achievement not only marks a personal milestone for Frantzén but also a significant moment for Dubai’s rapidly maturing fine-dining landscape.
The Frantzén Philosophy: Precision, Passion, and Personality
At the heart of Björn Frantzén’s success is a distinct culinary philosophy. It is a meticulous blend of:
- Ingredient-Driven Cuisine: An almost obsessive focus on sourcing the absolute best, often luxurious, ingredients from around the world, with a deep respect for seasonality.
- Nordic-Japanese Harmony: A sophisticated fusion that combines the fresh, often preserved or fermented, notes of Nordic tradition with the umami depth, precision, and aesthetic of Japanese gastronomy, often underpinned by classical French techniques.
- Immersive Dining Experience: Frantzén’s restaurants are more than just places to eat; they are destinations offering a multi-sensory journey, often across different spaces within the establishment, encouraging guest interaction and a sense of theatricality.
- Relaxed Fine Dining: While the cuisine is intricate and the service impeccable, there’s a conscious effort to create a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere, moving away from the staid formality traditionally associated with three-star dining.
- Constant Evolution: Frantzén’s cuisine is not static. While signatures remain, there’s a continuous refinement, an exploration of new techniques, and an adaptation to local palates and ingredients, as seen in his global outposts. He has noted an evolution towards lighter dishes, reducing lactose and gluten, without sacrificing flavor.
Drawing parallels to his earlier career as a professional footballer, Frantzén emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and the drive to perform at the highest level consistently. He is known for his hands-on approach, creating every dish on his menus to ensure his personal imprint and standard are maintained.
A Rarity in the Michelin Firmament
Achieving three Michelin stars is the highest honor for any restaurant, signifying “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.” For a chef to helm one such establishment is a career-defining achievement. To concurrently lead three is almost unheard of.
While a few chefs, like Alain Ducasse, have historically achieved three stars in three different cities, Björn Frantzén’s current position as the only chef globally to simultaneously hold three active three-star restaurants is a unique and monumental accomplishment. Thomas Keller, for instance, is renowned for holding three stars for two of his U.S. restaurants (The French Laundry and Per Se) at the same time. Frantzén’s trifecta across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East demonstrates not only his culinary genius but also his remarkable ability to replicate and maintain the highest echelons of quality and innovation across vastly different cultures and logistical challenges.
Impact and Legacy
Björn Frantzén’s influence extends far beyond the walls of his restaurants. He has been a pivotal figure in elevating contemporary Nordic cuisine to global prominence, while also forging a unique path with his distinctive Nordic-Asian fusion. His success in international hubs like Singapore and Dubai showcases the global appeal of his innovative and meticulously executed culinary vision.
His commitment to creating holistic and memorable dining experiences has also contributed to evolving trends in fine dining, moving towards more interactive, personal, and less formal environments without compromising on luxury or culinary artistry.
As Björn Frantzén stands at this unprecedented pinnacle with 3 x 3 Michelin stars, the culinary world watches with anticipation to see what new heights this visionary chef will explore next. For now, he has not only carved a unique niche but has also set a new benchmark for global gastronomic excellence.
