Top 5 Places to Eat in Bergen

Written by Elsa Holm, Graham Smith, Julien Lambert
05/09/2025
Scenic view of Bryggen's historic wharf with boats in Bergen, Norway on a cloudy day.
Jonathan Borba, Pexels

Bergen's dining scene is a dynamic blend of traditional Norwegian flavors and innovative culinary concepts, heavily influenced by its abundant local seafood and fresh regional produce.

1. Lysverket

Cuisine: New Nordic Cuisine

Nestled within the KODE 4 museum, Lysverket offers a refined journey through New Nordic flavors. The minimalist Scandinavian design of the dining room sets a serene atmosphere, perfect for savoring their carefully crafted 10-course tasting menu. Expect creative dishes that celebrate seasonal, local ingredients, often featuring exquisite seafood preparations like roasted redfish. This is a destination for those seeking an elevated culinary experience with attentive service and artful presentation.

Price: Approximately 1,500-2,000 NOK per person (140-190 USD) for the tasting menu, excluding drinks.

Getting There: Located in Sentrum, adjacent to the Grieghallen concert hall. It is easily walkable from most central Bergen accommodations. Trams and buses are readily available if preferred.

2. Bryggeloftet & Stuene

Cuisine: Traditional Norwegian

Stepping into Bryggeloftet & Stuene feels like a journey back in time, with its century-long history and family-run tradition evident in the warm, homey atmosphere of the Bryggen docks. The upper floor, Bryggeloftet, offers a more formal dinner setting with scenic views. Guests can indulge in hearty traditional dishes, with the Bergen fish soup being a creamy, flavorful highlight filled with shrimp, mussels, and fish. Reindeer and various fish main courses are also popular choices.

Price: Main courses typically range from 250-450 NOK (25-45 USD). Expect a full meal with appetizers and drinks to be around 600-900 NOK (60-90 USD) per person.

Getting There: Situated directly on the historic Bryggen wharf, it is easily accessible by foot from anywhere in the city center.

3. Enhjørningen

Cuisine: Contemporary Norwegian Seafood

Enhjørningen, meaning 'The Unicorn,' is housed in a charming old wooden building in a historic alley of Bryggen. This restaurant is a prime destination for seafood lovers, offering a menu that changes daily based on the freshest catch. While the setting has an old-world charm, the dishes present contemporary Norwegian preparations of local seafood like steamed halibut. Enjoy the unique ambiance of one of Bergen's best seafood establishments.

Price: Main courses typically cost 350-600 NOK (35-60 USD). A three-course meal could be around 800-1200 NOK (80-120 USD) per person, excluding drinks.

Getting There: Located in the heart of Bryggen, it is within easy walking distance of the central harbor area.

4. Pingvinen

Cuisine: Traditional Norwegian Comfort Food (Gastropub)

Pingvinen offers a welcoming, informal gastropub experience, serving generous portions of traditional Norwegian comfort food with a modern touch. It is a favorite among locals for its unpretentious atmosphere and authentic dishes. Must-try items include 'plukkfisk' (a blend of cod and mashed potatoes with bacon and flatbread) or their famed potato dumplings. It’s an ideal spot for a hearty, satisfying meal in a casual setting.

Price: Main dishes range from 200-350 NOK (20-35 USD). A meal with a drink could be around 300-450 NOK (30-45 USD) per person.

Getting There: Located in downtown Bergen, it is a short five-minute walk from the city’s central square.

5. Trekroneren

Cuisine: Sausages/Street Food

For a quick, iconic, and budget-friendly bite, Trekroneren is a beloved hot dog stand that has been a Bergen institution since 1978. It offers an impressive selection of sausages, including the famous reindeer sausage, which can be topped with traditional Scandinavian condiments like crispy onions and lingonberry jam. It is perfect for a fast meal or a late-night snack while exploring the city.

Price: Sausages typically cost 60-100 NOK (6-10 USD).

Getting There: Centrally located on Kong Oscars gate, it is easily found on foot within the city center.

Check out our other pages on Bergen

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