Florencia Abella, the creative force behind the kitchen at Ekstedt, has recently received two of the most prestigious accolades in the Nordic culinary world: Stella Chef of the Year 2025 and Nordic Chef in the newly released Falstaff Restaurant Guide. That both honors were awarded within days of each other highlights the impact she’s currently making in the region’s gastronomy.

The Stella Awards, held annually in Sweden, celebrate women who are reshaping the restaurant industry. Florencia was recognized for her strong culinary identity, technical craftsmanship, and role as a mentor and inspiration. Around the same time, the Austrian-based publication Falstaff released its Nordic guide, naming her Nordic Chef – a title given to chefs who are defining the future of Nordic cuisine. Their jury praised her ability to fuse fire, precision, and elegance into a distinctly modern expression.

Florencia has been a cornerstone of Ekstedt since 2015, bringing influences from her native Argentina, years in top Spanish kitchens, and a deep passion for open-fire cooking. These two awards confirm what we at Ekstedt have long known – that she is one of the leading chefs in the Nordic region.

We are incredibly proud to have Florencia at the helm of our kitchen, and thrilled that her work is receiving the international recognition it deserves.