30 Best Restaurants in The Western Fjords, Norway

Being one of the best restaurants in Geiranger may not seem such a feat (there's only a handful), but this place distinguishes itself with a stunning fjordside setting and excellent no-nonsense cuisine that capitalizes on the area's abundant and fresh local seafood, artisanal cheeses, wild game, and produce, not to mention a huge selection of local beers.

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.

At the top of Loen Skylift, this strikingly modern restaurant is perched off the edge of a cliff. On one side of the dining room is an entire wall of glass, so every table has a spectacular view. Expect Nordic dishes with the freshest local ingredients and a warm atmosphere.

In a picturesque white clapboard house that was Geiranger's first grocery store, this restaurant is a popular choice for sophisticated, modern fare. A bright, cozy dining room on the second floor focuses on small plates with an emphasis on local veggies, seafood, and meats: wild poached salmon with parsley butter, scallops, and cauliflower purée; venison medallions with bacon and buttered beets. In mild weather the terrace is a lovely place to dine, and there's live music on weekends.

Today's catch is all over the menu---crayfish, klippfisk (fish salted and dried in the sun on slabs of rock), and grilled monkfish, to name a few---at this casual eatery. The seemingly mismatched, umbrella-shape roof atop this rectangular blue waterfront restaurant offers a lesson in Norwegian history, culture, and cuisine: it's where locals of yesteryear dried fish by night. It's the modern day preparation, though, that's earned the restaurant a status as one of the best in town.

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. They also offer a four-course dinner.

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.

Centrally located in Eidfjord, this charming café with a handful of tables outside bakes some of the best pastries around---make sure to to get some cinnamon rolls 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 restaurant covered with a dramatic glass canopy has tremendous views over the surrounding peaks, islands, and fjords. It serves a mix of national and international dishes, and on the menu might be Norwegian salt cod or baked salmon. A wraparound terrace opens when the weather allows, and it's a popular spot for lunch after climbing the steps to the Kniven scenic overlook.