Business of the Month – Esme Lounge: The Mediterranean Atmosphere in the Heart of Nuuk
In the middle of Nuuk, behind Café Esmeralda, you’ll find Esme Lounge – a restaurant with roots in Greenland and flavors from the Mediterranean. Born out of a time of crisis, it has grown into an ambitious, warm, and flavourful meeting place.
The idea for Esme Lounge emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, when limited guest capacity forced the team behind Esmeralda to think creatively. A back room was transformed into a lounge and testing ground. The concept quickly took shape. Today, the lounge has undergone a major renovation and can now accommodate around 55 guests. The style remains intimate, but with higher ceilings – both physically and gastronomically.
The kitchen draws inspiration from Spain, Italy, and Greece, with Greenlandic ingredients at the center. Locally caught fish and shellfish are combined with imported vegetables, lemons, olive oil, and herbs. Flavors are balanced with homemade dips and sauces, and every cocktail is fine-tuned with tweezers, herbs, and craftsmanship – always with a focus on balance and depth.
Esme Lounge works uncompromisingly with quality and atmosphere: “It doesn’t matter how good the food is if the service isn’t,” says the owner and founder. This applies to everything from restrooms to ambiance and service, where every member of the team is trained to deliver the same high standard every single time.
Sustainability is not just a goal – it’s an operating principle. Everything from oil heating to packaging and food has been reconsidered. Today, all heating is based on district heating, half of the vegetables are organic, and meat, eggs, and bread have been replaced with organic alternatives. There is also a strong focus on food waste, staff well-being, and social sponsorships, especially for activities benefiting children and youth.
New menus and ongoing development continue, but the focus is more on refinement than expansion.
Esme Lounge stands as an example of how local roots can be combined with international culinary inspiration.