24 Best Restaurants in Trondheim to the Lofoten Islands, Norway

Bjørk

$$$ Fodor's choice

This chic, modern café-restaurant is popular for its sunny terrace and straightforward food that always hits the mark—think juicy marinated jumbo shrimp, lobster soup, and a large selection of pizzas served hot from a wood-fired oven. It's an equally good stop for lunch, dinner, or an afternoon coffee with a delicious dessert.

Hildurs Urterarium

$$ Fodor's choice

You'll feel right at home in this lovely restaurant in an elegant 200-year-old log farmhouse three miles from Brønnøysund, and its equally beautiful garden. Along with the wood-paneled, tapestry covered dining room, the Angel Lounge's cozy chairs are perfect for enjoying coffee and dessert, and the Aquavit Bar invites you to sip a glass of wine at your leisure. Traditional gourmet fare is lovingly prepared with herbs and produce from a charming kitchen garden, which you are encouraged to enjoy while touring the beautifully landscaped grounds. In summer (mid-June to mid-August) you can enjoy lunch or teatime in the garden café. The restaurant encourages diners to call ahead with any special dietary requests and is especially welcoming to children.

Indian Tandoori

$$$ Fodor's choice

A Trondheim institution and award-winning gastronomic dining room near the water, where you'll find all the best organic produce from farms around Trondelag in traditional Indian dishes, from tandoori to masalas to biryanis and dopiazas. As a nod to Northern Norway and Sámi culture, there's the notorious jahangiri with Røros reindeer.

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Restaurant Isqueen

$$$$ Fodor's choice
A nautical theme runs through Restaurant Isqueen---not a surprise, since it's inside a handsome ship that is dry-docked near the harbor in Stokmarknes. Beamed ceilings and wide-plank floors call to mind the region's seafaring past. The kitchen's focus is local seafood, but there are also regional favorites like lamb from Lofoten.
Børøya, Stokmarknes, Nordland, 8455, Norway
76--15--29--99
Known For
  • extensive wine selection
  • one-of-a-kind location
  • tasty seafood
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.--Thurs.

Sortland Mat and Vinhus

$$$$ Fodor's choice

Ask for a window seat at this centrally located eatery---you'll marvel at the fantastic views over the harbor and the mountains beyond. The restaurant's Scandinavian design is worked into both the decor and the aesthetically pleasing way each dish is presented. The kitchen highlights the Vesterålen Islands' amazing fresh fish, although the menu includes everything from local lamb to vegetarian dishes that take full advantage of the freshest local produce.

Spontan

$$$$ Fodor's choice

For all the hyped natural wine bar-cum-bistros that now characterize casual-elegant, fun modern boozy dining in all major cities, there's one that sets the benchmark. In Trondheim (world-class chefs now flock/return to set up kitchens that feast on the land's fruits), Spontan is that one. Now in a much larger space, housing provocative art, open kitchen and visible wine cellar, this restaurant serves beguilingly fresh small plates that burst with color and character: char, scallop, chicken liver mousse, king crab.

Most dishes (note the cute, bric-a-brac pantry-like glass and earthenware) are served as melt-in-the-mouth bites, with radical accents and meticulously paired pours to compliment. Summer-in-a-bowl raspberries with milk ice cream and Comtè-filled petit-fours will leave you sounding off to fellow winer-diners around the world about this spontaneous find on a cobbled old street near the water.

A significant but worth it NKr 1,100 for the full tasting menu, NKr 875 for the generous wine pairing---with a smaller but just as robust and beautiful menu available for NKr 600/NKr 585 and bar snacks if you're just here for drinks.

AiSuma

$$$$

If you're a meat lover, there's no place better to sample a perfectly grilled steak in Trondheim. The three-course tasting menus let you start with inventive seafood dishes (smoked halibut tartare, perhaps, or black pepper crab) before moving onto the main event. Vegetarians can choose among a variety of expertly prepared side dishes. With long banquettes lining the wall, the interior has an old New York vibe.

Kjøpmannsgt. 57, Trondheim, Trøndelag, 7011, Norway
73--54--92--71
Known For
  • lots of local seafood
  • great work at the grill
  • handsome dining room
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Big Horn Steakhouse

$$$$

If you're feeling competitive, this American-style steak house hosts a steak-eating contest featuring a 45-ounce cut. It specializes in beef but has an extensive menu with something to appeal to everyone, even vegetarians. The atmosphere is relaxed and laid-back, perfect for groups of all sizes. The eatery is in the center of Harstad, meaning it's probably a short walk from your hotel.

Strandgt. 30, Harstad, Troms, 9404, Norway
905--58--077
Known For
  • an alternative to the region's focus on fish
  • great selection of cocktails at the bar
  • mushrooms are recommended by locals

Brygga Restaurant

$$$$
This local eatery serves some of the region's best seafood, keeping the menu short and always changing depending on what's available in the market. You are almost always going to find some traditional stockfish, served in a variety of ways, as well as local specialties like reindeer.
Å i Lofoten, Å, Nordland, 8392, Norway
941--33--793
Known For
  • intentionally short menu
  • stockfish always available
  • rooms for those who want to stay overnight

Bryggerikaia

$$$

A spacious outdoor terrace and seafront location with unparalleled views over the harbor and distant mountains assure Bryggerikaia a steady clientele. But it's the menu of fresh seafood—local mussels, shrimp, and salmon, for starters—and market-fresh produce, as well as hearty meat dishes, that keep diners coming back. There's live entertainment in the bar on weekends.

Børsen Spiseri

$$$
Located on Svinøya, this restaurant serves traditional fare in a rustic setting with rough-hewn beams and wide-plank floors. Wildly popular among both locals and travelers, Børsen Spiseri serves dishes ranging from stockfish to pinnekjøtt (cured lamb and sheep ribs associated with the winter holidays). If you love the flavors here, there's a small shop in the same building where you can purchase local produce.

Fagn

$$$$

One of the most famous restaurants in Trondheim, Fagn has won international awards for its inventive cuisine that harks back to the dishes that many Norwegians ate during their childhoods, then takes them in new and unexpected directions. No need to decide among the many interesting flavor combinations: you'll have a front-row seat as the chefs in the open kitchen prepare 10- or 20-course tasting menus. No one will rush you through your meal---in fact, they urge you to spend the whole evening in the ground-floor dining room. There's also a more casual bistro on the second floor, also offering multicourse curated menus.

Ørjaveita 4, Trondheim, Trøndelag, 7010, Norway
458--44--996
Known For
  • international recognition
  • Trøndelag's regional cuisine
  • relaxed atmosphere
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch

Fiskekrogen Henningsvær

$$$
You can't miss this restaurant with a huge blue fish swimming by on the whitewashed facade. It has great views over the harbor, including a glimpse of the imposing mountains in the background. Focusing on freshly caught seafood and other specialties of the region, this Henningsvær favorite serves traditional Norwegian dishes with an international flair--think shrimp with aioli or scallops served with ponzu sauce.
Dreyersgt. 29, Henningsvær, Nordland, 8312, Norway
76--07--46--52
Known For
  • cocktails at the bar
  • Lofoten lamb expertly prepared
  • the fish soup is spectacular
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

Gammelbua Restaurant

$$$$

This restaurant in one of the region's most beautiful villages takes you back in time and serves superb local dishes. From the cozy and rustic dining room you have views of the ocean and mountains beyond. The building itself dates back to the 1700s and has a warm fireplace for cold, wintery days.

Gubalari

$$

The expression was introduced by the legendary Norwegian television chef Ingrid Espelid Hovig: find out its meaning when you visit.

Attached to the art museum is this café-bistro darling from chef Lars Laurentius who founded famed restaurant Troll. Catch the seasonal herbs and garden finds with the reddest local salmon on your plates here, plus perhaps a mushroom and chilli soup garnished with parsley. Open-faced sandwiches and fresh local juices also apply. You're surrounded with imposing, dramatic wall sculptures from famed artists.

Havfruen

$$$

The long-running Mermaid is Trondheim's best known and most reliably cozy fish restaurant, located in one of the colorful historic buildings along the Nidelva River. The interior is surprisingly modern, reminiscent of the New Nordic design you will see across parts of Scandinavia. The restaurant excels at seafood dishes, which change seasonally using locally sourced ingredients, and the wine list is extensive.

Kjøpmannsgt. 7, Trondheim, Trøndelag, 7013, Norway
73–87–40–70
Known For
  • oysters come highly recommended
  • knowledgeable food and wine pairings
  • great views over the harbor
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch

Himmel og Havn

$$$

As the name translates, "Heaven and Harbor" play lead roles in the spirit of this restaurant in the village of Ballstad. Sitting on a dock moored with fishing boats, the harbor is right outside, and as picturesque as they come. Heaven attempts to shine through the bright, impressionistic artwork on the walls, the charmingly worn wood tables and floors, and a menu inspired by grandma's recipes. As good as the carrot cake and apple pie are, the highlight is the house bacalao, a spicy stew made with salted cod. In summer, the dining area expands onto the dock itself.

Indian Curry & Nepali Restaurant

$

Nice departure from the seafood and dairy overload of other local restaurants. An extensive menu of Indian and Nepalese curries---plus Himalayan momo dumplings and lighter soups, fresh lassis, desserts, and snacks. Super affordable dinner and mammoth-size meal deals with various curries, rice, and fresh naan are available. Longtime dining spot loved by locals and travelers alike, headed by the cheery and talented Nabin Kumar Thakur.

LystPå

$$$$

An award-winning eatery in the heart of Bodø, LystPå takes pride in presenting beautifully prepared dishes in an atmosphere that feels anything but pretentious. The signature dish is stockfish, but the wide-ranging menu features everything from scallops to monkfish. They are renowned for having one of Norway's best wine lists, and the staff is extremely knowledgeable about pairings. There is a large terrace out front, and cooking classes if you want to eat this food for the rest of your life.

Torghallen Postboks 417, Trondheim, Trøndelag, 8001, Norway
75--52--70--70
Known For
  • 150 wines in the cellar
  • friendly and relaxed atmosphere
  • well-prepared seafood
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Løvolds Kafeteria

$$

If you want to eat like a local, this bustling cafeteria is the place to be. Having had plenty of time to perfect its craft, Løvolds has been serving generous helpings of homemade Norwegian food for more than 75 years. Some of the more popular choices include reindeer cutlets with pureed veggies, smoked sausage with red cabbage, and salmon and cucumber salad.

Paleo Arctic

$$$$
Exploring the culinary past of the Lofoten Islands, the kitchen here has gained credibility by using as many local ingredients as possible and employing modern cooking techniques to create spectacular dishes. The menu regularly changes based on what is available that season. The interior is cozy yet sophisticated, and the staff is exceptionally friendly and passionate about the dishes they serve.
Torget, Svolvær, Nordland, 8300, Norway
76--04--90--00
Known For
  • great tasting menu
  • good selection of wines
  • tasty seasonal vegetables
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Restaurant Karoline

$$$$
On the harbor in Nusfjord, Restaurant Karoline serves up the best of Lofoten on a plate. Whether it be lamb, cod, or even truffle seaweed, this waterfront restaurant prepares each dish with flair. Cooking classes are available if you want to create these masterpieces back home.

Skjærbrygga Restaurant

$$$$

The menu at this eatery focuses on the flavors of the Lofoten Islands, which, of course, means lots of seafood, wild game, and local meats and cheeses. The staff is laid-back, encouraging you to relax and enjoy the view of the harbor. When the weather warms up, the outdoor terrace opens and there are barbecues right on the wharf.

Skjæret 2, Stamsund, Nordland, 8340, Norway
76--05--46--00
Known For
  • lovely location on the water
  • weekly quizzes at the bar
  • spacious terrace in summer

Umami Harstad

$$$$

The decor of this extremely popular restaurant is minimalist, allowing the impressive dishes to take center stage. To add to the drama of the restaurant, the chef cooks and plates the food in full view of patrons, making for an interesting dining experience. The food itself is locally sourced and highlights the best of northern Norway's finest ingredients, from the sea to the land. The menu rotates with the seasons, but usually includes reindeer prepared in various ways.

Hans Egedes gt.12, Harstad, Troms, 9405, Norway
950--90--911
Known For
  • delicious desserts made on-site
  • rotating menu of great wines
  • stunning presentation
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.