Norway Culinary Travel

"Culinary experiences" might not be the first phrase that springs to mind when thinking about what to do in Norway.However, the country has a long tradition of producing high-class chefs as well as high class seafood.This guide is for those thinking about crossing the country to stear them in the right direction for the best possible meal!

OSLO

Oslo rules supreme when it comes to quality dining in Norway. 6 restaurants have a total of 7 stars in the Michelin Guide. Unfortunately the one two-star restaurant, Bagatelle, was abandoned by its founder and chef in 2010. However, a quick trip will not suffice to enjoy all the gourmet highlights in Norway!

1.Restaurant Oscarsgate Pilestredet 63, Oslo

A small setting for a grand meal. Oscarsgate keeps a small menu and a short wine-list. Whats isn't small here is the bill at the end of the evening, but the high-class gourmet food is absolutely worth it!

2.Haga Restaurant, Griniveien 315, Oslo. Genuine French cuisine served in the outskirts of Oslo. Also known for its excellent (French) wine list. Haga is one of the most consistent restaurants in Oslo.

3.Arakataka, Mariboesgate 7 ,Oslo

This Mediterranean style restaurant has had a reputation for two things; the place to get your money's worth, but also rather variable service. These days only the first part holds true. The place is a relaxed, budget-friendly restaurant with a brilliant kitchen - Mediterranean style.

SANDEFJORD

This city is normally a "transit-zone" for visitors arriving at the "Oslo Torp" airport. But, the Solvold restaurant is worth a short detour to Sandefjord before taking the train to Oslo.

Solvold, Thor Dahls gt. 9, Sandefjord

The chef Odd Ivar Solvold is one of Norway's "Bocuse D'Or" medal winners and has ensured his restaurant meets the highest standards for more than 12 years. Especially excellent fish.

VAAGAA

Head for the mountains (Jotunheimen) to experience the most traditional of traditional Norwegian food! This is the "realm" of famous chef Arne Brimi where he has created a culinary based experience center.

Vianvang, Brimi Fjellstugu, N-2680 Vaagaa

This is not so much a restaurant as a gourmet nature resort and culture center. One can book cooking courses, rooms as well as various nature activities. At the basis of the all, though, is Brimi's philosophy of caretaking and expanding upon Norwegian food traditions.

TRONDHEIM

Trondheim is a charming city in the middle of the country, known for its Viking roots and the magnificent gothic cathedral, Nidarosdomen. Trondheim is a cutural city in many ways; theatre, concerts, sports and dining here is more interesting than ever before!

1.Havfruen fiskerestaurant i Trondheim , Kjoepmannsgata 7, Trondheim

This is the place to go for excellent seafood in Trondheim. The season based menu offers the best of marine produce available. Traditional dishes served with imagination. The setting by the Nidelven River in a traditional local adds to the flavors of the meal!

2. Credo, Oerjaveita 4, Trondheim. Credo's (usually) five-course menu has to be one of the best value-for-money deals in Norway! Innovative food prepared with care at a (for Norway) very reasonable price served in unpretentious surroundings.

TROMSOE

The north is not the "culinary wasteland" it used to be. In the past you had to be on good terms with the local fishermen and hunters to get a decent meal in northern Norway! This is, thankfully, not the case anymore, and in places like Bodø, Harstad and the Lofoten Islands there are quality restaurant to be found. The "capital" of the north, however, is Tromsø.

De 4 Roser, Groennegata 38, Tromsoe

French-Italian warmth in the arctic north. The concept is to take advantage of local produce (world-class seafood, for instance) and prepare it in a Mediterranean manner, and the concept works! Very inviting and pleasant interior.

This concludes our culinary journey in Norway, from south (Oslo) to north (Tromsoe). There could easily have been four-five times as many restaurants included in this guide, but half the fun of taking a journey like this is to discover, isn't it?