Norway is home to world-renowned restaurants serving classic Norwegian fare as well as global cuisines, such as Maaemo’s menu featuring ingredients sourced from biodynamic farms as well as foraging trips into the mountains.
Oslo’s Maaemo and Re-Naa in Stavanger are Norway’s only restaurants to boast three Michelin stars, while K2 in Stavanger provides sustainable cuisine that stands out. Additionally, Bar Amour Hermetikken and Hardanger’s Iris restaurant all earned one Michelin star each.
1. Sostrene Hagelin
Sostrene Hagelin should be on everyone’s bucket list when visiting Bergen. With original recipes from two sisters (Elna and Gudrun Hagelin), who founded it in 1929, you’re guaranteed an authentic Norwegian culinary experience here – serving fish soup, fish cakes, takeaway orders & Norwegian local ingredients such as scallops from Oygarden, duck from Vestfold & deer from Fusa (deer can also be purchased there!). Furthermore, Sostrene Hagelin has become famous for its famous kaviar.
Bryggens Fish Restaurant stands out among Norway’s many fine eateries with its charming atmosphere and delicious seafood dishes, making it one of the best dining experiences in town. While not particularly fancy in appearance or pricing, its cuisine is of exceptional quality at fair prices.
This cozy cafe is ideal for quick meals or drinks at an affordable price, offering an excellent selection of drinks and desserts – with friendly service provided by friendly staff in an inviting ambiance – including vegan-friendly options as well. A popular destination among both locals and tourists.
2. Enhjorningen
Bergen Restaurant is an absolute must. Situated close to the city center, this delicious eatery boasts delicious cuisine and outstanding service. Their extensive menu offers many vegetarian-friendly dishes. Their friendly and helpful staff ensure an enjoyable dining experience, and their prices are competitive given the quality of the cuisine served up here.
Enhjorningen is an unexpected gem tucked away in Bryggen. Access is up a flight of stairs and unmarked; only its entrance marked with an unmissable wooden sign featuring an illustration of a unicorn fish remains visible upon entry. Once inside, be prepared for an unforgettable experience!
The Unicorn Fish Restaurant in Bergen offers an unforgettable traditional Norwegian dining experience. Their chefs are widely respected, serving mouthwatering cuisine that will leave your tastebuds craving more. Their extensive menu features many seafood items such as oysters and lobster as well as classics such as fish soup. Brunost cheese is one of Norway’s most beloved delights with its caramel hue and subtle flavors; an absolute must try when visiting Bergen!
3. Harald’s Vaffel
Grunerlokka offers cozy dining experiences such as this traditional kitchen and lots of local art. The menu reflects Scandinavian culture while emphasizing fresh seasonal produce. Try out polse i lompe, the national sausage served on soft potato flat bread topped with ketchup and mustard or wrapped around banana leaves for an unforgettable bite.
Skaal Matbar’s Chef Fridtjof Nilsen has created a menu inspired by Norwegian history, culture and natural ingredients, such as lamb burgers, steam buns and their famous grilled cheese sandwich with cheddar and jalapenos – but for something more relaxing they offer natural wines as well.
This restaurant is an absolute carnivore’s dream, serving succulent grilled meat from an open fire and other classic Nordic dishes. Although prices can be somewhat pricey, but the food definitely justifies itself! Don’t miss their legendary horse tartare or cote de boeuf dishes (with excessive bearnaise sauce) along with their signature cheeseburger!
4. St. Lars
St. Lars is a bountiful feast for carnivores, offering enormous portions of meat accompanied by an extensive wine selection and offering relaxed neighborhood dining in Bislett area – earning high ratings on Google! (Original)
European and Scandinavian barbecue-inspired cuisine served here features top quality ingredients with impeccable service, boasting an exceptional wine list. Accolades for its incredible cuisine have included whispers of Michelin stars.
For meat lovers, this restaurant is definitely an oasis. From ribs to whole roasted suckling pig, there’s plenty to enjoy here, although expect to pay slightly more than elsewhere for its quality cuisine. Of course, extra calories should always be reserved for dessert! Bring plenty of energy if you plan on trying their famous burgers; I can vouch that they truly are some of the best I have had anywhere in Oslo; though book early as they only serve 10 per day!
5. Smalhans
Smalhans’ casual dining area and rustic wood bar in Oslo’s St. Hanshaugen neighborhood have set it up to become the ultimate neighborhood restaurant – one that you could drop by any time of the day and feel at home. Offering simple traditional home cooked food known as “Dagens Husmannskost,” as well as family style set menus every weeknight for dinner service, Smalhans is truly the original neighborhood restaurant!
Smalhans is a Bib Gourmand-rated restaurant, which means they serve carefully prepared dishes at moderate prices. Furthermore, Smalhans boasts an impressive and interesting wine list stocked with organic wines (biodynamic and natural varieties are also offered).
The restaurant embraces a rustic style of cuisine, using locally produced ingredients to highlight their best qualities and creating as much sustainable value from their offerings as possible – by using whole animals and bycatch as much as possible. They pride themselves on providing a relaxing, welcoming experience where sustainability is not simply lip service but a core value for all team members.
