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FOOD AND DRINK

Five great restaurants for a dinner date in Bergen

Bergen, located on Norway's beautiful west coast, is known for its vibrant culinary scene. Here are The Local's top picks for a dinner date.

Bergen food Bryggen
While there are many great restaurants in Bergen, The Local has singled out our top five spots to wine and dine in Norway's "Rain Capital." Photo by: Millie Olsen/Unsplash ; Robin-Ivan Capar/The Local Norway

There are plenty of reasons why you might want to get better acquainted with Bergen’s restaurant scene.

READ MORE: Norway’s food calendar: 12 events for foodies to look forward to in 2024 

If you’re visiting for a short period of time, you might only have time to visit one or two, and you don’t want to end up in an establishment that doesn’t meet your expectations.

On the other hand, if you’ve (just) moved to the city, you’ll want a good overview of its top restaurants so that you can safely take your significant other, friends, family, or business partners there for special occasions – or just a nice dinner.

Having a good overview of Bergen’s top restaurants not only helps you avoid dining disappointments but also enables you to confidently recommend places to others.

And while there are many great restaurants in the city, we’ve singled out our top five spots to wine and dine in Norway’s “Rain Capital.”

Moon dish

A dish from one of Moon’s multi-course menu. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Moon (Marken Street 33)

Nestled in the heart of Bergen, Moon is a must-visit for foodies. At the time of writing, it is considered one of the best – if not the best – restaurants in the city. Be warned – the status comes with a hefty price tag attached.

Moon was launched by twin brothers Jules and Nicolas, who brought their passion for French cuisine and hospitality to life in the charming Marken Street near the Bergen central train station.

Jules is the head chef, while Nicolas is the restaurant manager and sommelier. Together, they have curated a dining experience that reflects their diverse backgrounds.

Since opening its doors in April 2021, Moon has quickly become a beacon for food enthusiasts and romantics alike.

To enhance the dining experience, Moon introduced a revamped menu layout in 2024, offering guests the choice of a 3-course (750 kroner per person + 600 kroner for wine pairing), 4-course (900 kroner per person + 780 kroner for wine pairing), 5-course (1,050 kroner per person + 960 kroner for wine pairing), or 6-course (1,200 kroner per person + 1,120 kroner for wine pairing) culinary experience.

Moon’s commitment to quality hasn’t gone unnoticed. It has earned praise from Michelin for its honest, classically based French cooking that incorporates locally sourced produce.

Enhjorningen dish

Bergen fish soup at Enhjørningen, photographed in January of 2024. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Enhjørningen (Bryggen)

Enhjørningen is a beloved seafood restaurant, located along the lively (and very popular) Bryggen waterfront.

This seafood haven offers patrons a journey into Norway’s coastal cuisine, boasting a menu full of freshly caught delicacies.

The restaurant’s cosy, candlelit atmosphere sets the stage for an intimate dining experience, perfect for dates or gatherings with loved ones.

READ MORE: Five Norwegian food mistakes you only make once

As part of the Smak av Kysten culinary network, Enhjørningen is committed to showcasing the best of Norwegian seafood while supporting local producers and fishermen.

Among the restaurant’s offerings, you can expect an array of tasty main courses: from the No Fish Olsen, featuring entrecote of beef paired with pickled vegetables and a luscious port wine sauce, to the delicate Oven-baked Monkfish served with mushroom sauce and truffle gnocchi, there’s something for everyone here.

Main courses range from 395 to 450 kroner per person, while starters and soups are generally around the 200 kroner price point.

Beyond the exceptional cuisine, Enhjørningen boasts panoramic views of Bergen’s bustling harbour, adding an extra layer of ambience to the dining experience.

Agave dish

A dish in Agave photographed in 2023. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Agave (Kong Oscars gate 2A)

Agave, just a 60-second walk from the Fish Market, is widely considered the best Mexican restaurant in Bergen.

With a glowing reputation that precedes it, Agave has quickly become a favourite among locals and visitors alike, drawing diners back repeatedly with its irresistible combination of great food, fantastic atmosphere, and professional service.

Whether you’re a seasoned Mexican cuisine aficionado or a newcomer to the flavours of Mexico, Agave will likely hold up – and surpass – your expectations.

From the moment you enter the restaurant, you’re greeted with warm hospitality and a welcoming ambience. Agave boasts charming decor and friendly staff eager to guide you through the menu and share their passion for authentic Mexican cuisine.

Diners rave about the Mole Agave, a standout dish featuring a rich and complex mole sauce. The tender and juicy venison is also popular, as is the ceviche rojo starter.

What sets Agave apart from other Mexican cuisine establishments in Bergen is its dedication to authenticity, with a focus on traditional Mexican recipes prepared from scratch using fresh local produce.

The menu (which you can check out here) also features classics like carne asada and tacos, all offered at mid-level prices.

Bryggeloftet dish

A meat dish photographed at Bryggeloftet & Stuene during the 2023 winter season. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant (Bryggen 11)

Tucked away in Bergen’s old town, Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant offers an indulgent and authentic dining experience.

While it may lean towards the pricier side, with dinners ranging from 700 to 900 kroner per person, the splurge is justified for those craving a taste of traditional Bergen (and Norwegian) cuisine at its finest.

Situated along the historic Bryggen Wharf, this restaurant has become a beloved destination known for its commitment to heritage, making it a go-to spot for locals and tourists seeking a classier dining experience.

Whether you’re visiting during the winter months or any other time of year, you’ll find a menu filled with classic dishes that capture the essence of Norwegian cuisine.

READ MORE: Where to find Norwegian Christmas food in Bergen

One of the highlights of Bryggeloftet & Stuene is its traditional Norwegian Christmas menu, featuring favourites like reindeer steak and pinnekjøtt (salt-cured lamb ribs).

For those visiting outside of the holiday season, the Bergen fish soup is a popular choice, showcasing the region’s freshest seafood and flavours.

Beyond the food, Bryggeloftet & Stuene provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a meal in company.

1877 dish

A meat dish as a part of a multi-course menu at the 1877 Restaurant in May of 2023. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Restaurant 1877 (Vetrlidsallmenningen 2, Kjøttbasaren)

Opened in 2013 by Christer Økland and his wife Ragnhild Børven, Restaurant 1877 occupies a storied location just below the iconic Fløibanen tourist attraction in Bergen’s historical Kjøttbasaren.

It offers a semi-fine dining experience with a seasonal and modern twist.

From the well-used copper pots adorning the walls to the vintage dishes, every detail of the restaurant evokes a sense of history and tradition.

The restaurant places a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients from farmers and fishermen, ensuring that the dishes tell the story of the region’s gastronomic landscape.

For dinner, which is served Tuesday-Friday from 4 pm and Saturday from 6 pm, it provides guests with an à la carte option.

Additionally, guests can select “The kitchen’s choice,” a set menu comprising dishes curated by our kitchen.

This menu includes multiple courses and is intended for sharing. The starting price is 895 kroner per person.

READ MORE: 24 hours in Bergen: Everything you should see and do

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BERGEN

How Bergen puts its own spin on Norway’s May 17th traditions

Throughout Norway, May 17th is a highlight of the year, with millions celebrating Constitution Day. However, Bergen likes to do things a bit differently.

How Bergen puts its own spin on Norway's May 17th traditions

Bergen in western Norway, the country’s second-largest city, takes on an especially festive atmosphere for the May 17th celebrations.

Streets and houses are dotted with Norwegian flags as far as the eye can see, and the city, known for its rich cultural scene, transforms into a bustling hub of national pride and joyous celebrations. 

READ MORE: Why does Norway celebrate May 17th?

This sort of approach to celebrating Norway’s big day isn’t unique to Bergen – most cities in the country have a special program in place to mark the occasion.

However, Bergen puts its own unique spin on this special occasion, featuring an air show, fireworks, parades with organisations unique to Bergen, and much more.

How the festivities start

Bergen celebrates Norway’s Constitution Day with several distinct local traditions.

The festivities kick off bright and early, with an opening ceremony, followed by a festive salute fired from Skansen, a historic site in the Bergenhus district.

Simultaneously, the morning procession, featuring the Sandviken’s Youth Corps and Lungegaarden’s Music Corps, starts from Dreggen and concludes at Festplassen Square in the city centre.

A highlight of this procession is the inclusion of the buekorps – traditional neighbourhood youth organisations that march through the streets, a feature unique to Bergen.

READ MORE: How Norway’s biggest cities will celebrate May 17th this year

As the city awakens, main procession attendees gather around 10am at Koengen, an open-air concert venue in the city centre.

The main procession begins between 10 and 11am. It is central to the day’s celebrations, and the fact that Bergen natives call this parade a prosesjon instead of tog (a word used in the rest of Norway), just goes to show how important having a distinct tradition is to Bergen. 

At the same time, a flag parade departs from Festplassen. While the main procession makes its way through the streets, the flag parade heads in the opposite direction. Having two parades heading in opposite directions is something that sets Bergen apart from other parts of the country, like Oslo. 

Furthermore, a boat parade also embarks from Hilleren at a similar time.

Norway flag 1

Flags are a central feature of Norway’s May 17th celebrations, symbolizing national unity – you’ll see them everywhere you turn. Photo by Peter Hansen on Unsplash

Midday: Continued processions, speeches, music performances – and the Viking Ship stage

Midday brings a flurry of activities, including a race rowing procession from Kaigaten close to noon, followed by speeches and musical performances on the Viking Ship stage at Festplassen – a special stage used for this occasion – featuring the Krohnengen Brass Band and the Bergen Opera Choir.

There, you’ll likely be able to hear Nystemten (Udsigter fra Ulrikken), Bergen’s own city anthem, alongside Norway’s national anthem – a tradition that isn’t that common outside of Bergen, where people tend to stick to the national anthem.

Around 1pm, dancing livens up Torgallmenningen and Ole Bull squares, complemented by concerts at nearby landmarks like Den blau steinen and Musikpaviljongen.

Later in the afternoon, a spectacular air show takes place over Vågen/Byfjorden, which always attracts a crowd.

The air show is also a special experience that doesn’t take place in all cities.

Evening: Gospel, torch parade, and fireworks

As evening sets in, a gospel night organised by local congregations offers a musical pause in St. John’s Church.

The celebrations conclude with a torch parade from Bergenhus leading to Festplassen between 10 and 11pm, capped off by a grand fireworks display.

READ MORE: Key things you absolutely shouldn’t do on May 17th in Norway

Locals and visitors alike converge on Festplassen and other key viewing spots around the city to see the fireworks.

Families, friends, and neighbours come together, many having spent the day enjoying the various parades and performances (as well as a glass or two of alcohol) to watch the sky light up in a dazzling array of colours.

And there you have it! If you’re planning to spend May 17th in Bergen, you now know what to expect and the must-see activities to catch throughout the day that are exclusive to the city.

To learn more about how Norway celebrates the signing of its constitution in 1814, which declared the country’s independence, be sure to check out The Local’s in-depth guide to May 17th.

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