I was super excited for this spot. I hadn't treid much traditional food in Scandinavia and I…read morefigured this was the best spot to do it. Food was incredible. Although, my Lapskaus was a bit unevenly heated. Reindeer was fun to try. Had a chat with a couple from England next to me at the bar. Service was good. They seem like they're usually booked but you can walk in and sit at the bar. Which is what I did.

Pingvinen was interesting, somewhere between seaside pub and upscale dining, with some elements of…read moreeach. I got the fish soup, following advice from Yelp, and was very happy with the meal. Simple, straightforward, and very well cooked. It was a hearty bowl of soup, loaded with large chunks of white fish, a delicious creamy base, and some buttered bread on the side. The soup was robust without feeling oily or heavy. The portion was a bit small for me, but I still enjoyed the flavors and was glad to have come here for a delicious lunch!

Great local restaurant with amazing food and the friendliest service ever. We got to meet the…read moreformer 3rd generation owner along with the new owner, both lovely women.

We loved this local restaurant very much! The food was so unique and delicious. When we went, the…read morerestaurant was only open two days a week. We tasted three main course (see pic), a lamb dish, the potato dumplings (with lamb), and one fish dish. The owner made her own butter for the fish dish. The traditional Norwegian potato dumplings were very tasty. We also tried homemade whiskey ice cream and Soufflé. All were very good. The restaurant deco is very pleasant too. I almost had a feeling of eating at home. The owner is very friendly and takes care of the customers very well.

This is a tiny cozy restaurant in Bergen! We dined here for dinner and started with an appetizer…read morealong with catch of the day which was cod. I really enjoyed the cod here, it came with some great combinations - did not expect crispy potatoes to be a part of it. Very flavorful and fresh. Dessert was alright! It was particularly warm and stuffy in the restaurant which made it a bit uneasy in the beginning but we got used to it with time.

Mind blowing, every course from start to finish was fantastic. Service was also very nice. Nothing…read morebut good things to say

Restaurant review: We enjoyed our first meal at Ullensvang…read moreGjesteheim so much we ate there again! Other restaurants in town were either over priced or had weird hours so Ullensvang Gjesteheim became a reliable option for us. The serve both Scandinavian and Thai food with lots of local beers and ciders. The shrimp Thai dish we had on our first visit was over-peppery so on our second visit we asked for less pepper and the dish was perfect. You can eat your meal inside, outside, or take it to go. I'd definitely recommend Ullensvang Gjesteheim for a delicious, casual, and well-priced meal in the Ullensvang / Lofthus area.

Note: This review is for the restaurant only. We stayed elsewhere down the road and this was…read morerecommended to us by our local host as a place to eat. It should not be classified as a $$$$ restaurant IMO, as it had extremely reasonable prices when you consider that Norway is a very expensive country. The guest house Ullensvang was easy to locate on our drive. It's a beautiful red building right off the narrow fjord road. There is a small parking lot in the rear that is reserved for guests, so no need to worry about where to park. In mid-September, nearing the off-season for hiking, we didn't have any trouble getting a spot. The restaurant is downstairs in the main building, but still has lots of windows and natural light inside. We came for dinner the night before hiking Trolltunga, thinking it'd be a good idea to stock up on carbs and not stress about cooking anything ourselves. Outside was a little stand selling local fruit, and a few other goodies - but get something before dinner if you're so inclined as they were packed up by the time we left later in the evening. The menu might seem a little odd at first...Thai and Scandinavian, say what?! But the couple who runs the restaurant reigns from each place and knocks their own cuisine out of the park. The last page of the menu was great as a reference key for any type of allergy. There were notations for shellfish, nuts, different seeds, and gluten. I really think the restaurant is knowledgable about their ingredients and would be able to ensure any allergy request was met based on this page. In diving into the menu, I will say that some of the translations from Norwegian to English aren't as descriptive of the traditional Norwegian dishes, so we did do a little looking up to see what the components were (more than just a basic translation). My husband and I decided to order something from both sides of the menu. When in Rome! (Or Århus?) He chose the traditional Hakkasteik while I selected the Kaeng Keaw Wan Khai. Both portions were larger than expected - definitely a good value! The green curry was most definitely spicy, as described on the menu, and tasted very fresh. There was a great balance of veggies mixed in and plenty of rice to soak up that delicious sauce. Originally there was a thought of, "Hey, this would make great left overs. I should really take some home for later", but who am I kidding? I cleaned that plate. The Hakkasteik wasn't as much to my taste, but I knew it probably wouldn't be my favorite dish ever based on the description. It was an excellent take on a traditional Norwegian dish though, and my husband loved it. The Hakkasteik comes with a wafer thin cracker crisp that you can put the meat mixture on. This gave the dish some texture variation (a crunch) since it is a fairly uniform consistency otherwise. His dish was much heavier due to the blend of meats and barley, and VERY filling. My husband somehow finished the entire thing (by now I really shouldn't be surprised by this). We decided to make room for dessert and I'm so glad we did. We ordered the apple cake as the entire nearby region is filled with orchards. It was incredible. We kept joking (kind of?) about licking the dish for that sauce. While I didn't order anything to drink, my husband did have a glass of cider. I snuck a sip and it was absolutely delicious. I would have indulged in a glass had I not been driving. I'd definitely recommend being the passenger on a trip here! Overall, I'd 100% recommend this to anyone in the region and will definitely be back should we travel to this area of Norway again. We were so satisfied after dining here versus some of the other meals we indulged in during our trip that were just as pricey, but left me hungry.

What a lovely place! It's not a traditional pub at all. Instead, it's a small fine dining…read moreestablishment that is locally owned and run. In fact I think our server was the owner, and he let us know that his wife was the cook (after we complimented our meals). Prices are very reasonable and there is a nice selection of fish and meat dishes. My husband and I shared the pork belly taco (appetizer) and the fish and chips plate. Our friend ordered the last available flank steak. Everything came out timely and was delicious! There was enough food to go around and no one left hungry. I'm really glad that our friend stumbled upon this restaurant. It was not crowded and had a lovely evening atmosphere for our last evening in town. It was walkable from our Airbnb and in a cute neighborhood. I would definitely recommend this place to others.

As many have recommended I will echo their sentiment and say, be polite, say "Hei" and then head…read moredown the stairs. A few helpful hints: Ask the bartender for a menu, take a seat and then head back up to the bar to place your order. They have a pitcher of water at the end of the bar with glasses so no need to add an extra expense for bottled water. Remember on Sunday a bar or restaurant is the only spot you will get alcohol so don't think you can grab some beer at the Kiwi or Rema and drink at home/hotel. I got the herring with lingonberries which sounded weird to me but after the first bite I was sold!! I cleaned the whole plate with ease because it was so good. The prices are affordable compared to other spots in Norway so assure you go downstairs because the menu and prices are different.

Great restaurant recommended by a friend of a friend. Be sure to make a reservation- you can do…read moreonline- so you are not disappointed! We ate on the first level. Nice dining room with painted murals and a homey atmosphere. We had great service and the food came out quickly. They are known for the reindeer entree and the Fiskesuppe (fish soup). I had a salad (huge; with a very good mustard dressing) and the Fiskesuppe. The fish soup was creamy and flavorful. My husband had the lamb shank with root vegetables and mashed potatoes. He said it was very good. We shared their caramel flan - it was delicious and the flan itself was perfectly smooth. Highly recommend!

After dropping off our luggage at our hotel in Bergen around 7:00P, we came straight over to…read moreBryggeloftet & Stuene, the oldest restaurant in the city. As anticipated, it was completely full, but surprisingly, we only had to wait about 15 minutes for a table. I had read that the fish soup (appetizer) is a must-try, though the mussels and their burger were super popular that night and looked delicious too. + FISH SOUP: The four of us ordered just one bowl to share as a starter and it was creamy, almost like a chowder! There wasn't a ton of seafood, just a few fish balls and small shrimp, but we still enjoyed the flavor. It came with paper-thin crackers and butter on the side. + PAN-FRIED WOLFFISH: Two thick, moist pieces of wolffish were served in a pool of creamy white wine sauce alongside broccolini and small shrimp. All fish and meat dishes include a choice of potatoes. I selected the dauphinoise (sliced potatoes with heavy cream and garlic) which was so rich and buttery! My sister ordered the slow-cooked LEG OF DEER with baked root vegetables, mashed potatoes, and port wine sauce. The deer was so tender and a sizable portion. She selected the mashed potatoes which were creamy and smooth. My mom got the filet of NORWEGIAN LAMB with seasonal vegetables, mushrooms, baked cherry tomatoes and red wine herb sauce. Of the main courses we all ordered, I considered this my favorite plate. Normally I am not a huge fan of lamb, but it was cooked to a perfect medium and didn't have much gaminess at all. Also super tender! The service was very friendly, but after we received our soup, we waited almost one hour for our main courses. Since the soup was a starter, our waitress asked if we wanted to eat it first or with our meal, so had we known there would be such a large gap between courses, we would have opted to just have everything together. The timing is really my only critique. This was a terrific hearty meal after a full day of travel. Beginning our trip with dinner at such a renowned local spot set our vacation off on the right foot!

Location: In the heart of Bergen and easily walkable if you're staying in the center…read more The place: It reminds me of a super modern, partially hipster-y cafeteria. Great decor - semi minimal but warm and cozy. I dig it. The goods: After eating random Icelandic cuisine for a few days, I was really looking for something light. I order the chicken salad and it was delicious! The greens were fresh, the check was tender, and the whole damn thing was full of flavour. The dressing was similar to a Caesar dressing, which appealed to me less but it was good nonetheless. I got some raspberry juice and that was a lovely treat. Great little spot to check out if you're in Bergen. Service: OK. Price point: All I know is that shit is expensive in Norway. Especially if, like me, you're coming from Canada. Our dollar generally sucks! That said, this didn't break the bank (I don't think... ).

Colonialen Litteraturhuset is one of three elegant upscale Colonialen menus near Old Bergen…read more The room is beautiful with great decorating and a fantastic triptych painting on one wall. The food is arranged artfully. How is the food? * * * * * * * Well, the buttered toast that came with my steak tartare was excellent ... * * * * * * * My wife liked her gnocchi because they had no cheese. * * * * * * * I think I have run out of good things to say. * * * * * * * We had other stuff besides buttered toast garnishes and gnocchi. Nothing was terrible. I have had better pea soups in Swedish sports bars. I have had better steak tartare in American Korean restaurants. Everything looked nice but was undistinguished ... except for the price. * * * One of their sister restaurants offers a tasting menu at a price far higher than what we paid at the Litteraturhuset branch. Given the ho hum nature of what we had ... That tasting menu looks like a bad gamble.

After exploring the University of Bergen, we walked a short distance to Marg & Bein for an early…read moredinner around 3:00P. Because we dined during an off-time, we had the whole restaurant to ourselves, though I imagine it gets busier during peak hours. Our waitress sat us by the window and recommended sharing a few plates family-style. (Note: The menu may rotate.) For anyone who wants their own meal, they do have a main dish that is meant for a single serving. That day, it was the Persetorsk fish with pea purée, cider butter sauce and trout roe. My dad ordered it and thought the fish was good, but found the sauce quite salty (and not just from the roe). + BRAISED OX CHEEK: Super tender, lean, succulent. It fell apart with just a touch of a fork! Served on top of smooth mashed potatoes and a flavorful demi-glace. + STEAK w/ PEPPER SAUCE: My favorite dish! The steak was cooked to a perfect medium and the pepper sauce was subtle, allowing the quality of the beef to shine. I enjoyed alternating bites of it alone and with the baked onion. The broccolini had a great crunch and the celery purée added a fresh, earthy balance. + BAKED CAULIFLOWER: The most flavorful cauliflower that I've ever had! Roasted sections came topped with finely chopped kale chimichurri (mixed with onion, spices & pepitas), all sitting on a cauliflower purée. So good and a perfect vegetarian dish! + CIDER STEAMED MUSSELS: Plump, sweet mussels served in a velvety, slightly briny cider sauce. I couldn't help but drink a couple spoonfuls of the sauce by itself after we finished the mussels. Our waitress was very friendly and we appreciated her help with navigating the menu. The dishes were served at a comfortable pace with the mussels first as a starter, followed by the rest of the dishes. I would consider the pricing to be on the elevated side since it's considered an upscale modern bistro, however it's definitely worth splurging for their creative and well-executed plates. We found Marg & Bein on a whim, and it ended up being one of our top meals in Bergen! 4.75 stars.

Excellent Norwegian food! I had the white fish, which was the wish (and delish), and Norwegian…read morecheeses and cured meats. The chicken pate was delicious, but the bread it was served with was the real highlight of the dish. I can't wait to go back when I'm in Bergen! Hopefully, next time it will be raining!

Historic setting in UNESCO recognized Bryggen. Serves traditional Norwegian fare like whale…read morereindeer and aquavit. Great a little history with your meal.

This is a traditional Scandinavian restaurant located in the heart of Bryggen. Even though we dined…read moreduring the week and during the wintertime, they fill up fast so it may be best to make a reservation. I was excited they were offering their Norwegian tapas style Julemeny. This allowed for sampling of a variety of traditional items. We chose the beetroot salad, lamb meat balls, lutefisk, and rakfisk. The beetroot salad seemed to include about three types of beets, juicy orange, raisins, hazelnuts and lettuce. The meatballs were tender, flavorful and the plum compote complimented the rich flavor of the lamb. If you find yourself in Norway and want to taste traditional foods, lutefisk and rakfisk are a couple to try. The lutefisk, cod preserved in lye that has been rehydrated, was delicious though much saltier than I've ever had. The rakfisk which is fermented trout, was tasty, creamy and well complimented by the onion and sour cream. The decor is gorgeous and the dining area was comfortable.

Location: Third time's a charm... so like I said in my last two reviews: in the heart of Bergen…read more Walk. The place: A bare bones coffee shop with a bit of seating. It's away enough from the core that you don't really see tourists here - my favorite part! The goods: I ordered a Cortado and it was pretty darn good. Definitely a coffee highlight since I've left Montreal. Service: Good. Price point: I forget what I paid but I think it's on average with other coffee shops. Just remember: everything is expensive in Norway.

At first glance, the atmosphere was plain, somewhat worn, and not especially clean. The service at…read morethe counter felt cold, with very little interaction from the staff. On the positive side, there weren't many customers, which made it a nice escape from the tourist crowds. One thing that stood out was the coffee preparation--it involved a surprising amount of loud banging, which took away from the overall experience. Fortunately, the coffee itself was good and had a satisfying flavor. Overall, if you're simply looking for a decent cup of coffee away from the crowds, it may be worth a stop, but don't expect a particularly warm or inviting atmosphere.