Reykjavík’s Dill restaurant was awarded one Michelin star last night at the Michelin Guide’s 2020 awards ceremony for the Nordic region. Dill was the first restaurant in Iceland to be granted the distinction, but then lost it last year. Gunnar Karl Gíslason, the restaurant’s chef and owner, says his sights are now set on getting a second one.
When Dill lost its Michelin star last year, Gunnar Karl was living in New York. He decided to return home to Iceland and work to regain the star, whatever the cost. He says there was a lot of work behind getting the star back and praised the restaurant’s staff for their efforts. “It’s a very good feeling. We are unbelievably pleased and happy,” Gunnar Karl told RÚV reporters after the award was granted. He hopes the distinction will spark more opportunities in Iceland’s restaurant industry.
Gunnar says it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what changes led the Michelin Guide jury to change their mind about Dill – they publish no comments on their decisions. “Michelin makes sure no one has any idea about what they’re doing, what you have to say, how you have to build up your restaurant.” It’s clear, however, that Dill is on the right track.
Asked whether his goal for the coming year was to hold onto the star or to add a second, Gunnar said: “In the old days, I said I would be very happy with one star, but when you have one then you want two.”
