Restaurant: Kontrast
Chef: Mikael Svensson
Cuisine: Nordic
Kontrast is located in Oslo’s vibrant Vulkan neighbourhood near the Akerselva river, 10 minutes north of the Central Station. Renowned for its sensitive transformation of hyper-seasonal, local, organic and wild produce and ingredients, its creative, constantly-evolving dishes change not just by the season but by what the vagaries of the Norwegian climate permit.
Approximately 98% of the kitchen is governed by this principle, with the remaining 2% sourced from elsewhere, such as saffron, caviar, and truffle.
Set within a modernist, industrial-style building, the stark elements of polished concrete, ceiling-to-floor glass, and exposed ductwork are tempered by clever touchpoints of textured soft fabrics and leather, oiled walnut tables, and ambient directional lighting, creating a softly lit intimacy. This minimalist palette allows the eye to focus not just on each dish as it arrives at the table, but also into the open kitchen, dramatically lit to observe the choreography of the chefs at work.
Born and raised in Skåne, Sweden’s southernmost county, Chef Mikael Svensson’s childhood was surrounded by family, food, sport and the great outdoors. The region is renowned for its rich history, diverse farming and fishing industries, extensive forest trails, and pristine beaches. Being immersed in such a varied and abundant landscape throughout his childhood gave him direct experience of how an environment sustains a community.
Mikael trained in some of Europe’s most respected kitchens, including Le Canard in Oslo, 28+ in Gothenburg, and the three Michelin-starred Martín Berasategui and Quique Dacosta in Spain. After returning to Norway in 2013, he opened Kontrast, which quickly earned a reputation for its innovative approach to local, wild and organic produce and was awarded its first Michelin star in 2016.
Animal husbandry, soil health, and marine conservation are at the forefront of Kontrast’s supply of ingredients, and the kitchen has established personal relationships with like-minded, caring, and thoughtful small-scale local suppliers, producers, and farmers. Hyper-seasonal, certified organic fruit and vegetables, and the finest line and creel-caught seafood, are brought in daily. Only whole animals or birds are delivered to be prepared in-house, minimising waste. Bee-friendly herbs and other small plants are grown on the building's roof.
In 2024, Kontrast was awarded its second Michelin star alongside a coveted Green Star, an accolade within the Michelin Guide that recognises restaurants demonstrating exceptional commitment to sustainable gastronomy.
In parallel to his work at Kontrast, Mikael co-founded b.culture in 2020, a fermentation project that transforms kitchen by-products into high-quality pantry staples using global preservation techniques. With distribution now spanning Norway, the UK, Germany, France, Sweden, Switzerland, and Dubai, Mikael continues to push boundaries in both fine dining and food sustainability.
For Mikael, Kontrast is more than just a restaurant. It is a tribute to the people who share his values; from the farmers who practice exceptional animal husbandry, delivering the finest meat and poultry, to the growers who protect the soil, providing a ready supply of nutrient-dense, organic fruit and vegetables. To the fishers who catch the quality shellfish and seafood with sustainable practices that do not destroy the sea floor, nor pollute the ocean. And to the team he leads, which helps create extraordinary dining experiences, proving that culinary excellence and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
We are delighted to be managing Chef Mikael Svensson and his availability for:
Interviews, congresses, cooking demonstrations, social media collaborations, chef collaborations and features
Opportunities at Kontrast
Partnerships, design projects and brand collaborations
b.culture social media HERE
Full press pack HERE
Images HERE
If you think Mikael Svensson and Kontrast would be a good fit for something you’re working on, or if you would like to discuss it more, please email Connie Morphet at connie@lotuslandagency.com
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About Lotus Land Agency
Lotus Land Agency specialises in representing the world's most talented chefs and their restaurants, hotels, and hospitality lifestyle brands. We offer comprehensive public relations and communication services designed to enhance our clients' profiles in the global market. With a deep understanding of the hospitality industry and a passion for storytelling, Lotus Land Agency is committed to highlighting the unique qualities of each client we represent.