When you visit Bergen during the festive season, you’ll find that Christmas dining is a rich part of the Norwegian heritage - and Western Norway in particular.
Christmas food in Norway is all about hearty, traditional dishes based on locally sourced meat, fish and produce, prepared just like grandma made it. While Norwegians traditionally enjoy Christmas dinner at home on December 24th, restaurants that serve Christmas food offer it on the menu throughout December.
Christmas dinner - What to expect on the plate
Pinnekjøtt - most popular Christmas dinner
Pinnekjøtt is dried and salted lamb or mutton ribs, traditionally steamed over birch sticks. Normally the lamb or mutton is locally sourced. In Bergen and the Vestlandet region it is a signature dish for Christmas Eve and throughout the holidays.
Photo: MatPrat
Sheep farming has long traditions in Norway, and wild sheep roam freely in parts of the coastal landscape in Western Norway throughout the year. Read more about this local delicacy here.
Lutefisk - dried cod
Dried cod re-hydrated and prepared with lye (hence the name), then served with bacon, peas, potatoes and accompaniments. A strong tradition, though perhaps more of a classic than for every household.
Photo: MatPrat
Codfish has long traditions in Norway, and especially in Bergen. In the 1300's the German Hanseatic merchants established a trading office on Bryggen. They bought dried cod from Norwegian fishermen and traded it for grain, salt, beer, and luxury goods from continental Europe. Read more about the tradtional dish made with cod called Persetorsk.
Ribbe (pork belly)
Roasted pork belly with crisp crackling, often served with red cabbage or sauerkraut, potatoes and gravy. This is common for Christmas dinner in many parts of Norway including Bergen.
Side dishes and extras such as mashed turnip (kålrotstappe), potatoes, sausages (vossakorv), and other seasonal condiments complete the meal.
Photo: MatPrat
Nothing beats ribbe that’s juicy and tender, topped with irresistibly crispy crackling. Perfecting the crackling is almost a national tradition, and each year on December 23, a popular TV show demonstrates exactly how to achieve it.
Riskrem
A sweet ending: rice pudding or “riskrem” with red sauce is a classic dessert.
Photo: MatPrat
Where to eat Christmas food in Bergen
Here are three well-known establishments in Bergen where you can savour authentic Norwegian Christmas food. It’s wise to book early, as the holiday season is a busy time for dining out.
1. Bien Basar
Housed in the historic Kjøttbasaren building, Bien Basar combines historic surroundings with a deep respect for Norwegian culinary heritage. In the old days, Kjøttbasaren (The Meat Bazaar) was Bergen’s bustling indoor marketplace for fresh meat and local produce. Built in the 1870s, it served as the city’s main trading hub where butchers, farmers, and townspeople met to buy and sell everything from cured meats to game and poultry.
During the Christmas season, the restaurant highlights traditional dishes such as pinnekjøtt, ribbe, and other festive favourites - all made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. With its beautiful setting and authentic seasonal menu, Bien Basar is an ideal choice for anyone wishing to experience classic Norwegian Christmas food.
2. Bryggeloftet & Stuene
For over a century, Bryggeloftet & Stuene has been serving authentic Norwegian dishes right by the city’s historic Bryggen wharf. During the Christmas season, the restaurant transforms into a warm and festive haven where guests can enjoy true holiday classics like pinnekjøtt, lutefisk, and ribbe, prepared the traditional Bergen way. At Bryggeloftet they also offer a populær combination plate where you get to try both pinnekjøtt, ribbe, and traditional pork sausage served with classic Norwegian accompaniments.
With its cozy wooden interior, harbour views, and rich local history, Bryggeloftet offers the perfect setting for anyone wanting to experience the taste - and spirit -of a genuine Norwegian Christmas.
3. Allmuen Bistro
Located right in the heart of Bergen, Allmuen Bistro is where traditional Norwegian Christmas flavors meet a creative, modern kitchen. Known for using locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce, the restaurant brings a fresh twist to classics like pinnekjøtt, ribbe, and hearty winter sides.
Allmuen offers a cozy atmosphere with warm hospitality - perfect for a true "julebord" experience. Whether you’re after authentic Norwegian holiday food or a more contemporary interpretation of Christmas dining, Allmuen delivers both tradition and innovation on the same plate.
Here you can find a comprehensive list of restaurants in Bergen, both with and without Christmas dishes on the menu.
If you want to go all in on the Christmas food experience, try the warm beverage called "gløgg", a type of mulled wine that’s perfect as an appetizer on a cold winter’s day. It’s often served with a mixture of almonds and raisins.
Final thoughts
When planning your Christmas dining in Bergen:
- Reserve ahead: December is peak "julebord" (Christmas party) season, and many restaurants get booked weeks in advance.
- Check the menu: Some places may emphasise pinnekjøtt, others ribbe, or even lutefisk. Decide what you want to try.
- Dress for the season: Even traditional restaurants get festive; smart-casual works well.
- Enjoy the sides: The potatoes, kålrotstappe, sausage (vossakorv) and gravy are just as part of the experience as the main dish.
When it comes to Christmas food traditions, it’s worth mentioning that Bergen is home to the world’s largest Gingerbread City. Every year, local schools and kindergartens help create a miniature version of Bergen, along with other local and international landmarks - entirely made from gingerbread! While the gingerbread creations can’t be eaten after the exhibition ends, you can still buy gingerbread cookies in the shop. And of course, don’t forget to soak in the delicious aroma.
The bustling Bergen Christmas Market is also a wonderful spot to sample local flavors. While you might not find pinnekjøtt or ribbe here, several vendors offer local cheeses, herbs, and chocolates - and of course, you can warm up with a cup of traditional gløgg.
Discover things to do in Bergen at Christmas here, or learn more about local food traditions here.
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