10 must-try restaurants in Bergen

Are you are looking for a great place to eat out in Bergen, and struggling to choose where to go? Check out these 10 must-try restaurants in Bergen.

Bergen is emerging as one of the cities in Europe where you can truly have a great dining experience. The abundance of first-class ingredients from the sea and land just outside the city, and a blossoming culinary scene where young creative chefs inspire each other, are parts of the reason why Bergen now can offer world-class gastronomic experiences. 

1: Lysverket

Lysverket has been recognized by New York Times as a restaurant that redefines nordic cuisine. Lysverket presents a modern Norwegian cuisine with focus on local seafood, such as handpicked shells and dry-aged fish. The restaurant was awarded their first Michelin star in 2022.  

Photo: Lysverket 

2. Bare by Chef PAK

The head chef Vladimir Pak won gold in the Sushi World Championship in Tokyo 2017. He earned a Michelin star for his restaurant "Omakase by Vladimir Pak" in 2020. Now he runs Bare by Chef PAK in Bergen, combining Nordic and Japanese ingredients.

3: Colonialen 44 Restaurant & Food Bar

Colonialen 44 serves traditional Norwegian cuisine combined with international impulses. As many other restaurants in Bergen they source their food from the local farmers and producers, and focus fully on the inspiration of seasonal ingredients. Colonialen 44 has an extensive wine cellar with several hundred classic wines as well as biodynamic and natural wines. They pride themselves on pairing food and wine to perfection.  

Photo: Colonialen 44 Restaurant & Food Bar 

4: Cornelius Seafood Restaurant

Cornelius Seafood Restaurant is perhaps the most exotic gastronomic attraction in Bergen. The restaurant is situated in the archipelago outside of Bergen, with spectacular views of the sea, mountains and skerries. Cornelius’ famous Meteorological Menu of exquisite seafood and trimmings is inspired by the weather of the day, and always prepared with a genuine passion for seafood. The restaurant is only accessible by boat, with daily departures from the famous Bryggen in the middle of Bergen. 

Photo: Giovanni Tagini - Visit Norway 

Photo: Ida Skeie / Cornelius Sjømatrestaurant

5: Frescohallen

As long as we’re talking seafood, we have to mention Frescohallen, Bergens new seafood “cathedral”. Where delicious local and fresh dishes are served in what must be Norway’s most spectacular restaurant venue. The restaurant is located in a beautiful historical building, adorned with beautiful frescos on every wall.  

Photo: Visit Bergen / Mathias Falcone - visitBergen.com 

6: Skyskraperen Restaurant

Have you ever dined on a mountain top? Skyskraperen Restaurant is situated on top of the world, or at least on top of Bergen. Mount Ulriken is the highest of the seven mountains surrounding the city centre in Bergen, and Skyskraperen offers spectacular views of Bergen and the surroundings, as well as the most delicious food.  They offer a seasonal menu which changes according to the different times of the year. Their menu is inspired by Norwegian nature, tradition and the changing weather of the west coast.  

Photo: Max Igland 

7: Marg & Bein

Not far from the city centre you will find Marg & Bein, a great little neighborhood restaurant. In a modern and informal Scandinavian atmosphere, they focus on nose to tail eating, with an emphasis on sustainable Norwegian produce. They also offer a good selection of craft beers and natural wines. 

Photo: Marg & Bein 

8: Bien Basar

Bien Basar is a classic Norwegian restaurant, inspired by continental restaurants and food markets. Bien Basar is located in another of the city's most iconic buildings, Kjøttbasaren, built in 1877. The restaurant serves classic dishes based on local ingredients, and is famous for their persetorsk, a traditional fish dish unique to Bergen.  

Photo: Bien Basar 

9: Mandelhuset

If you’re feeling adventurous, we suggest you rent a car and travel to the nearby island of Tysnes for a meal in a totally different environment. Mandelhuset is situated just off the immediate waterfront at Våge on Tysnes, and serves homemade deliciousness to everyone who steps inside. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, the food simple, but exceptional. Everything from sauces to purees, bread to pastries, confectionery to ice cream, is made in the restaurant kitchen, based on ingredients brought in by the local fishermen and farmers.  

Photo: Camilla Korsnes 

10: Pingvinen

Last, but certainly not least, we recommend a visit to Pingvinen gastropub, which serves Norwegian food and beer. A visit to Pingvinen feels very much like having dinner at your grandma’s house. Enjoy classic rustic dishes like fish pie, meat balls and meat stew, accompanied by local beer.  

Photo: Pingvinen 

Are you looking for restaurants serving more continental dishes? Check out our full list of restaurants in Bergen, there are certainly something for every taste.