Chef Matthew Orlando Returns to Copenhagen with New Restaurant, ESSE
Acclaimed chef Matthew Orlando is making a highly anticipated return to Copenhagen with the opening of his new restaurant, ESSE, scheduled for late fall.
After several years immersed in Southeast Asia’s vibrant food scene, Orlando is returning to Denmark with a fresh perspective on circular cuisine while highlighting the importance of adopting this mindset for the future.
The restaurant’s name, ESSE, a Latin word meaning “to be,” “to reflect,” and “to exist,” embodies the spirit of personal and professional reflection Orlando has undergone recently.
"The past few years have been a time of real growth—for me professionally, opening a restaurant in Singapore, and personally, reflecting on what truly matters. I’m ready to refocus on what I believe in and what brings me genuine fulfillment." – Matt Orlando
Photo: Pumpkin, Pumpkin, Pumpkin. Photo: Emily Wilson Photography
Since closing his award-winning Copenhagen restaurant Amass in November 2022, Orlando has been involved in pioneering culinary projects in Southeast Asia. He collaborated with chef Will Goldfarb (Room for Dessert, Bali) and Ronald Akili (Potato Head, Bali) to create AIR (Awareness, Impact, and Responsibility), a revolutionary food campus situated on 3,700 square meters of reclaimed jungle in Singapore’s Dempsey Hill. The campus features a two-story restaurant, a cooking school, research facilities, and extensive gardens, all designed to promote education, sustainability, and regenerative food practices.
After two years at AIR, Orlando returned to Denmark in December 2024 with a wealth of new ideas and perspectives.
A seasoned veteran of the culinary world, Orlando has worked in some of the top kitchens worldwide, including Aureole, Le Bernardin, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, The Fat Duck, and Noma, where he served as sous chef and later as first head chef. At Amass, his commitment to sustainable practices earned a Michelin Green Star in its first year, as well as ranking #66 (2015) and voted #89 (2021) on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. In addition, Amass was voted the most sustainable restaurant in the Nordics two years in a row by the 360°Eat Guide.
Photo:Salted Zander - Preserved Tomato - Toasted Tomato Leaf Cream - Smoked Tomato Oil. Photo: Emiliy Wilson Photgraphy
While ESSE will continue the sustainability ethos that defined Amass, Orlando says this new venture signifies a deeper evolution in his philosophy, shaped by his global experiences and a desire to blend ethics with enjoyment.
"Deliciousness is our driving force. Sustainability isn't a slogan—it's built into our DNA. By working within a certain mindset, we've unlocked new levels of creativity, resulting in bold, unique flavors." – Matt Orlando
ESSE will welcome guests in an intimate 42-seat main dining room, complemented by a lounge for drinks and snacks. Four additional high-chair seats will be reserved for walk-ins, who can order à la carte selections from the tasting menu.
The restaurant will be open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner (18:00 – 23:00), with Friday and Saturday lunch service (12:00 – 14:00).
Guests can expect a distinctive experience where circularity, creativity, and conscious cooking merge. ESSE will open its doors late October, 2025 in Copenhagen.
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