20 Best Restaurants in Norway

The Lom Bakery is a popular place to stop for Norwegians driving through the area. Whether it's for a loaf of fresh bread to bring home or their famous cinnamon rolls for the road, the bakery doesn't disappoint. They are always tweaking their recipes to ensure they are improving, and because of this, every batch of baked goods is unique.

Looking for all the world like a traditional chalet, thanks to the massive beams and honey-color wood floors, you'll feel the Scandinavian hygge (coziness) as soon as you walk inside. The restaurant focuses on fresh local ingredients while encouraging creativity among its chefs. This makes for an exciting menu where traditional flavors meet unusual cooking techniques.

Housed in a former dining hall for the town's coal mine managers, this high-end, modern restaurant marries international flavors with quality local ingredients; think king crab from the Barents Sea and chocolate desserts topped with the prized cloudberry. Dine à la carte or treat yourself to a set menu where the dishes go up a notch in composition and complexity.

In the heart of Henningsvær, this charming and delightful café is a favorite destination for both locals and visitors in search of a warming cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The café doubles as an arts-and-crafts store, with a range of lovely items available for sale.

The plant-based and sustainable menu that's sure to satisfy any appetite changes every other month at this all-are-welcome space. Build your own meal by picking from the delicious and mouthwatering options at the salad and warm dish bars, try one of the main dishes, or just swing by for a slice of delicious cake (gluten-free options available) and a cup of coffee or tea. 

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.

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 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.

There's more to Huset than just food, as the building's history is also quite impressive—it served as an airport terminal, a school, and a hospital—with stories of its past preserved on the walls and in the retained artifacts in the space. As far as dining, Huset houses three different spaces and concepts: a café that bakes all its bread and pastries; a less formal bistro serving "Lørdagsbiff," a local Saturday roast tradition; and a fine dining restaurant with an innovative, Spanish-tinged New Nordic tasting menu that's open only for dinner. Game from local hunters and trappers is front and center, with the likes of salt-cured seal, cod tongue, and ptarmigan (grouse) breast.

This café has taken Trondheim by storm, and most locals agree it serves the best coffee in the city. The minimalistic interior is not only inviting, but also cozy enough to make you want to linger on a cold winter's day.

Priding itself on a casual "breakfast, brunch, lunch, and munch" menu, the café at this cultural institution always seems to have a crowd. There's a fantastic array of delicious dishes that provide sustenance for the events that take place here day and night. 

This indoor market is where everyday shoppers, famous chefs, and tourists come to browse the stalls of more than 30 different vendors selling everything from Portuguese desserts to Hungarian wines to Norwegian cheeses and jams. Drop by for a snack or a whole meal.

Many locals will direct you to Melkebaren to sample the møsbrømslefse, a local specialty of cheese melted on flatbread. The extremely popular café has an outdoor terrace and baristas adept at making various types of coffee, including the cortados and lattes you know from back home. There's a wide range of pastries like tasty cinnamon buns and macarons. The cozy and intimate interior makes the perfect escape from Bodø's winter weather.

Step into the heart of Norwegian comfort at Mormors Café, a cozy family-run spot. With a menu inspired by “grandma’s kitchen,” everything is made from scratch with fresh, local ingredients—from traditional baked goods to hearty breakfasts and flavorful lunches. Its welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect gathering place to share good food and feel right at home.

This smart little patisserie serves French-influenced lunchtime fare like croque monsieur or quiche with broccoli or bacon and an impressive array of freshly baked pastries and cakes. Afternoon tea has taken Oslo by storm in the past few years, and Pascal's version has a French twist with cakes, macarons, and chocolates. Whatever you go for, make sure to come early, as the kitchen closes at 5:30. This is the original Pascal, but you’ll also find branches at Tollbugata 11 and Prinsensgate 22 in downtown Oslo and at Ullevålsveien 47 just north of the city center.

There are numerous great dining options in Vollen, but Penny Lane stands out thanks to its great selection of homemade cakes, sandwiches, and salads. Its waterfront location and the fact that the café also doubles as a home design shop are even more reasons to visit.

A century old, this charming café sits in the middle of downtown Otta. Popular among locals, it's known for use of local produce, especially in regional specialties like trout and moose (as well as for toppings on American-style pizzas). The place is named for a legendary local woman who played a key role in the Battle of Kringen against the Scots in 1612. Memorabilia on the walls and the old counter from way back when create a warm and rustic atmosphere.

Come here for the tasty, healthy food, but stay for the amazing view of the Oslofjord. The café, tucked inside the cozy old rooms of a charming villa, also hosts creative workshops and artist studios, some of whose art decorates the café. In winter, the fireplace crackles in the corner, making it extra inviting.