200 Best Restaurants in Norway

The beer couldn't be any better than at the waterfront Bryggeriet, which brews its own at its restaurant on the pier at Zachariasbryggen. The gleaming copper vats, tucked away behind a pane of glass, give the place a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Look for the strikingly modern glass building tucked between two clapboard houses.

A spacious outdoor terrace and seafront location with unparalleled views over the harbor and distant mountains assure Bryggerikaia a steady clientele. But it's the menu of fresh seafood—local mussels, shrimp, and salmon, for starters—and market-fresh produce, as well as hearty meat dishes and their famous grilled stockfish, that keep diners coming back. There's live entertainment in the bar on weekends.

Located in the cellar of an old brewery dating from 1855, Bryggerikjelleren has been serving Lillehammer's best steaks for at least three decades. The interiors are dark, intimate, and cozy, consisting of three rooms with vaulted ceilings centered around a stylish bar. The wine cellar is unmatched in Lillehammer.

Decorated like a vintage video game---look for characters from Pac-Man and other favorites in the mosaic tiles---Burgr is the hippest place in Tromsø. There are plenty of beefy choices on the menu, from traditional varieties with lettuce and tomato to one topped with a habanero sauce that will knock your socks off. Side dishes include onion rings, French fries, and even kimchi. The service is swift, and vegetarian options are available.

The star attraction at this café may be the two blue-eyed huskies that roam freely about the space, but Café Huskies isn't just a gimmick. The coffee, chai, and large tea selection are all decent, too. Order yourself a hot drink and, while you wait, pet the dogs (if they're willing, of course) and peruse the wall of quality local gifts. If the sun is out, take a seat on the deck where warm blankets are provided.

A classic, this eatery sits in a pretty clapboard building across from the National Theater. During the day, it's the place to grab a bowl of fish soup for lunch or more substantial fare like panfried salmon for dinner, but in the evenings it becomes more of a bar and can get crowded on the weekend.

In the Myrdal train station (you get here by train or foot), Cafe Rallaren caters to travelers during the busy summer season. It serves local dishes in a diner-style atmosphere, and also offers bicycle rentals and luggage storage. Hikers often fortify themselves here with Norwegian waffles and other sweets displayed behind the counter.

This place makes its own cider and expertly pairs it with creative Norwegian and Mediterranean dishes. Dry cider and herbs from the garden fill the soups, while fruit from the garden finds its way into the desserts. Join a cider tasting and learn how they make sparkling cider using traditional methods.

Even the name—which translates as the Old Bakery, Cheese and Wine Room—has plenty of charm at this eatery in an 18th-century wooden house painted an earthy red. Drop by early for salads and sandwiches, or later in the day for such hearty fare as salmon in a mouthwatering sweet-mustard sauce. Classical music concerts are held on weekends.

The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, and perhaps a little loud at peak hours, but you won't find a better spot for a quick meal. There are wood beams, exposed brick walls, and cozy booths with rough-hewn furnishings. The food is family-friendly, including generous salads and sandwiches and pizzas.

Egon, a Norwegian restaurant chain, serves no-fuss food such as burgers, salads, pasta, pizza, and steaks. This eatery has a cozy dining room and a small terrace on the street; orders are usually placed at the bar before you find a table. 

An idyllic little family-run café and shop serving homemade Greek and Italian dishes like gyros, pasta, pies, salads, sandwiches, and soups—all made with imported, high-quality ingredients. There are super cozy spots to sit both inside and out, and if you’re there in summer, you’ve got to try their Italian gelato or sorbet.

One of Trondheim’s most acclaimed restaurants, Fagn has earned international recognition for reimagining classic Norwegian flavors in bold and unexpected ways. Guests are invited to settle in for the evening as chefs in the open kitchen prepare meticulously curated 10- or 20-course tasting menus. The ground-floor dining room offers an intimate fine dining experience that earned the restaurant a Michelin star in 2019. Upstairs, the more casual bistro serves a relaxed version of Fagn’s inventive, seasonal cuisine.

The name is German, but the food at this warm and stylish eatery spans the globe. Owners Lars Erik Underthun, one of Oslo’s foremost chefs, and Bengt Wilson, a leading food stylist, make sure each dish looks as good as it tastes. Feinschmecker is a haven for seafood lovers—especially those looking for something a little more interesting, like trout tartare—with three-course menus that change according to the season.

Above the Holmenkollen ski jump, Finstua at Frognerseteren is a great spot to take in sweeping mountain views. With chefs well versed in traditional Norwegian fare, this rustic and elegant spot serves salted and smoked fish, game, and more. Downstairs is the more casual Kafe Seterstua.

Located in Bergen's bustling fish market, this eatery takes advantage of the fresh seafood in icy display cases not far from your table. In warm weather, the umbrella-shaded terrace is the place to be, and the best seating is at the tables located in the two glass cubes with unobstructed views across to Bryggen. The kitchen has a strong focus on sustainability and uses only local suppliers who share that philosophy.

Centrally located in Eidfjord, this charming café with a handful of tables outside bakes some of the best pastries around—make sure to get some to take along on your adventures. This is the perfect place for a light lunch—with the best local produce—a filling snack, or a great cup of coffee.

This mountaintop café covered with a dramatic glass canopy has tremendous views over the surrounding peaks, islands, and fjords. A wraparound terrace opens when the weather allows, and it's a popular spot for lunch, or an ice cream, after climbing the steps to the Kniven—aka Mount Aksla—scenic overlook.

This bakery serves up some of the best cinnamon rolls you have ever tasted, and of course the famous Norwegian skolebolle (buns with custard and coconut). In the summer, they move the chairs and tables outside so you can enjoy the sunshine. In cooler weather the space is limited, so you might want to take your treats with you.

A Trondheim favorite for more than 50 years, Frati serves refined Italian classics in a lively, modern setting. Expect more than just pizza and pasta—think house-made gnocchi, saffron risotto, and grilled meats—all paired with an excellent wine list and warm, attentive service.

The glittering chandeliers and velvet sofas here make it look like a vintage neighborhood hangout. Locals gather here for fresh, well-executed comfort food—especially the spicy chicken salad, a house specialty. On weekends Fru Hagen lets its hair down, becoming a bar that's open until the wee hours.

Known as "the northernmost chocolate factory in the world," Fruene sells its unique handmade chocolates—some shaped like polar bears and others inspired by the colors of the aurora—alongside more common café fare. There are cinnamon buns and hjertevaffle (heart-shaped waffles) lining the counter and a build-your-own sandwich bar to satisfy your lunchtime hunger. Linger a little longer and peruse the handmade soaps, or purchase some yarn, settle in, and knit a scarf over a coffee.

A well-heeled arrival on the city's gastronomic scene, this bistro has a candlelit dining room with brick walls, an arched ceiling, and a huge terrace shaded with umbrellas. From the platters of fresh shellfish to the grilled-to-perfection steaks, this place is an all-around winner for those who want Nordic fare served with flair. The service is very friendly and professional.

This restaurant in one of the region's most beautiful villages takes you back in time and serves superb local dishes. From the cozy and rustic dining room you have views of the ocean and mountains beyond. The building itself dates back to the 1700s and has a warm fireplace for cold, wintry days.

In the center of Odda, the Glacier Restaurant couldn't be more relaxed: there are picnic tables outside, a casual eatery on the main level, and a slightly more formal dining room downstairs. With Asian, European, and even Middle Eastern dishes on the menu, everyone in the family will find something they like.

This restaurant is bright and breezy, with huge windows letting in lots of light, but the real reason to come here is what's on your plate: beautifully prepared, locally sourced meals by Norway's originator of New Nordic cuisine. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the location is right across from the water.