Where to eat in Bergen, Norway

For the first 20 years of my life, Bergen, Norway's second largest city and one of the rainiest places in Europe, was my one an only home.

Born and raised in the 'city between the seven mountains' I spent my childhood and teenage years walking the cobbled streets of the small city, usually wearing wellies and a windproof rain jacket.

Although technically a city, Bergen has more of a town vibe, with colourful wooden houses and a very walkable city centre. What draws me to come back home several times a year is the slow and relaxing pace, the sea-side, and all the stunning hikes available from the city centre.

However, since I moved away, I have also taken the opportunity to try out the city's food and drink scene whenever I go back home. 

Even after living in London for nearly 10 years, the vibe and the life of Bergen's restaurant scene is still exciting to me. While the selection of cafés, restaurants, and bars is not comparable to London, Bergen has more than enough to keep a self-acclaimed restaurant enthusiast satisfied.

So where to go? Here are my best recommendations, in no particular order.

Awarded a Michelin star in 2025, Gaptrast is by far one of Bergen's best restaurants. A dimly lit dining room decorated in Scandinavian style, with an open kitchen, Gaptrast is a meal to be experienced, not read about.

As any good fine-dining restaurant, the food is focused around seasonal and local produce and ingredients. Its wine list is perfectly curated with something for every palate, with a number of local drinks options.

The restaurant was founded by head chef Kristian Vangen and general manager Øystein Ellingsen, who were a part of the team that secured Bergen its first Michelin star in 2020, so it's safe you say that your dining experience is in safe hands.

Baneveien 16, 5010 Bergen, Norway

Probably the best French restaurant in Bergen and the iconic, whimsical interior makes it even better.

Floral wallpaper, plush sofas, and fringe lampshades make you feel like you've stepped into a 1920s French club, but more importantly: the food is simply magnifique.

Chefs Morten Tungesvik and David McCarthy both brings experience from the Michelin-scene and focuses on local, seasonal ingredients and follows a Nose-To-Tail concept (a practice where you use the entire animal).

Skostredet 12, 5017 Bergen, Norway

Arguably Bergen's best looking restaurant as it is situated in the former stock exchange building, with graceful frescos on every wall. In the middle, there's a two-storey bar, jewelled with mirrors just to top things off.

The food is stunning, with dishes such as truffle pasta, steak tartare, or traditional Bergen fish soup. It's a perfect spot for a lunch, as it is situated only a couple of minute walk from the historic Hanseatic harbour and the local Fish market.

However, I can also strongly recommend stopping by for a drink or two (or five) after dinner, as their cocktails are top tier.

Vågsallmenningen 1, 5014 Bergen, Norway

With a wide selection of natural wine and pizzas with innovative — and sometimes quite different — toppings, Hoggorm will serve you one of the best pizzas in Bergen.

They make the dough and all the toppings from scratch, using local produce. The pizza is crunchy and flavourful, and to me, it is one of the most memorable pizza restaurants I've been to.

Nygårdsgaten 29, 5015 Bergen, Norway

I say touristy because the location is a must-visit for any tourists in Bergen, but it's far from a tourist trap

Located at the top of one of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen, the views from the restaurants are quite impressive. For sporty visitors, you have the option of walking up — it's not a challenging hike —, but you can also take the funicular up, which is a tourist attraction in itself

The Brasserie at Fløirestauranten is the perfect lunch spot, serving a selection of open sandwiches, moules frites, fish soup, and much more. The restaurant itself is decorated in a true Scandinavian fashion with large windows for diners to enjoy the view.

Fløyfjellet 2, 5014 Bergen, Norway

A Bergen staple. Trekroneren is a small kiosk serving a huge selection of hot dogs, including sausages made from reindeer. The kiosk has been running since 1946 and has, according to themselves, the largest selection of sausages in Europe.

Although not exclusively reserved for people on their way home from a night out, it is a popular night food option for tipsy Bergen locals, as it is opened until 4am on the weekends and 3:30am on weeknights.

Kong Oscars gate 1, 5017 Bergen, Norway

This cool, rustic wine bar is perfect if you fancy something a bit different, yet tasty.

Their wine list is centred around natural wine and 'low-intervention beverages', but even for natural-wine sceptics (like myself), there's something there to tickle your fancy.

The menu consists of small platters, served by really friendly staff. You can also get a tasting menu for a pretty decent price, which I can highly recommend.

Domkirkegaten 6A, 5017 Bergen, Norway

Allmuen is a casual neighbourhood restaurant in the centre of Bergen. The word "Allmuen" is an old Scandinavian word meaning "The Common People", which mirrors the restaurant's concept of high-quality food for a reasonable price.

The menu changes daily, depending on the availability of produce, but regardless of the day, the food is excellent. The most popular option is to go for their "Open Food” concept, which is their take on a tasting menu.

Perfect if you fancy 'fine dining food', but more casual prices and atmosphere.

Valkendorfsgaten 1B, 5012 Bergen, Norway

Serving traditional Norwegian food and located right on the harbour, Bryggeloftet used to be my grandparents favourite restaurant.

The interior is very classic and traditional, with a lot of wood, which gives a cosy and homely feeling.

Whenever I go here, the staff is always friendly and the food is consistently good. A personal favourite is the reindeer fillet, but for the seafood lovers the Bacalao is always very good too.

If you're a tourist interested in a traditional, local meal, this is the place to go.

Bryggen 11, 5003 Bergen, Norway

I have called this a bonus because it felt wrong to include it in the list of my unbiased recommendations — it is my family's business, so it would be impossible to be impartial.

That said, Pergola Mat og Vinbar has one of the largest wine lists in the city, and the price is rather decent. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and the pizza is delicious.

If you fancy a glass of wine in a cosy, Italian-inspired wine bar, some anti pasti or a pizza, Pergola is a pretty good spot.

Nedre Korskirkeallmenningen 9B, 5017 Bergen, Norway