A guide to the best Bergen restaurants and coffee shops.
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In Bergen, it rains. It rains, a lot. In fact I’ve had to shelter from the rain in this little Norwegian city more times than I could possibly count. (It’s all those Norwegian cruises I end up singing on you see; they really give a girl a chance to get to know a place.)
And the best way to shelter from the rain, in my humble opinion, is in a coffee shop, or restaurant which has delicious food and a great atmosphere alongside it. I’m not going to pretend to know every single one of the best eateries or coffee shops in Bergen, but what I can most certainly do is provide you with a quick rundown of my own personal favourites. Tried and tested by yours truly, these Bergen restaurants and cafes are on my recommendation list to all who inquire.
But first. What should you eat in Bergen?
As Norway’s second-largest city (after Oslo, the capital), Bergen is home to a whole plethora of restaurants, bars and coffee houses for visitors to sample Norwegian delights in. (Although there are also some truly marvellous international restaurants here, FYI.)
If you’re after some traditional Norwegian foods however, here’s what you should keep your eyes peeled for:
- Fish and seafood of any kind. It goes without saying that as Bergen is directly on a fjord, the opportunities for fresh seafood are a-plenty.
- Fiskesuppe- i.e. fish soup. Hearty, delicious, served with bread.
- Awkwardly, whale. Norway is one of only three countries which still allows commercial whale farming (along with Japan and Iceland.) So whale steak and whale sausage is common to see in Bergen and the rest of the country.
- Reindeer. Sausage, steak, stew. You name it, they’ve got it.
- Brown cheese, or brunost, which is a fudge-like substance that tastes not much like cheese at all.
- Vafler- or waffles. In Norway these are heart-shaped and served normally with cream and jam or brown cheese.
- Bolle. Or buns. In Norway the basic bun dough contains cardamom, then other toppings like cinnamon, custard, or icing are added.
If you’re planning on travelling to Norway, you might already be aware: food here is expensive. In fact, everything here is expensive. Budget accordingly, and check out my post on visiting Bergen on a budget for cheap and free things to do in the city.
Vågal Kaffe Og Vin- Most welcoming coffee shop in Bergen
On a rainy day in Bergen, Vågal is my favourite place to be. The seating is a mixture of comfy couches mixed with tables and chairs, and the lighting is warm and downright cozy. Handwritten signs, and an eclectic jumble-sale selection of decor interspersed with foliage and all the origami (true story) give this little coffee shop and bar a relaxed and welcoming vibe. The staff are equally as welcoming, and if that wasn’t enough to make you feel at home, there’s a whole selection of board games to partake in at your leisure.
The coffee is delicious, homemade cakes are brilliant, and this lovely establishment also serves alcohol late into the evening. Vågal ticks basically all the boxes, and is my number one choice for coffee in Bergen.
Vågal, Kong Oscars Gate 10
Holy Cow – Best burgers in Bergen
HOLY COW ARE THESE BURGERS GREAT, AND THE FRIES AREN’T HALF BAD EITHER.
My personal favourite is the Green Chili Cheeseburger with truffle fries, although occasionally swapping the burger for halloumi. That’s just how I roll.
And despite the fact that the restaurant is in one corner of the Galleriet shopping centre, the interior is modern but surprisingly cozy. Bravo on your burgers.
The only slightly awkward thing about Holy Cow is that customers should order via the internet; scan a QR code in the restaurant and the whole transaction will be made on your phone from your table. This Bergen restaurant is not for the non-technologically-minded, but definitely perfect for burger fanatics.
Holy Cow, Galleriet, Torgallmenningen 8
The Fish Market – Freshest fish in Bergen
Okay. Technically the fish market encompasses several Bergen restaurants, but hear me out.
First of all as a visitor to Bergen, a visit to the fish market will almost certainly be high on your list of places to visit; located directly next to the harbour and with a view of the mountains behind it, this market has existed since the 1200s. It’s a well-established piece of Bergen’s fabric. Nowadays, there’s an indoor market which is open year-round, and a smaller outdoor market open throughout summer only, and both of them contain restaurants as well as market stalls.
Is it a bit of a tourist trap? Why yes, yes it is. But there’s no denying the quality of the food on offer. Lobsters swim in tanks and fish and shellfish hang out in icy beds, and many of these vendors have restaurants adjoined to them. Sit in the outdoor market (under an awning of course- remember that rain?), and watch as your meal is cooked right in front of you.
Bergen Fish Market, Bergen Harbour
Kaigaten Deli – Best casual lunch in Bergen
Kaigaten Deli is directly opposite a beautiful wide open park in the city centre, called Lille Lungegaardsvannet, and not too far from the train station.
This light, airy deli is a great place to grab a bite to eat; it’s open until 9pm from Thursday to Saturday but closes at 5pm Tuesday to Wednesday. The menu features delicious square Sicilian pizza, salads and sandwiches, with all the alcoholic beverages to go alongside.
Kaigaten Deli, Kaigaten 20
Kaigaten Vinbar og Kaffe – Coziest wine bar in Bergen
I love this place. Coffee and wine seem to go hand in hand in Norway; there’s no shortage of ‘Vinbar og Kaffe’ establishments. And although the coffee is fantastic, the wine and nibbles that they’ve got going on here are second to none.
On a nice day, sit outside with a view of the park (Kaigaten Vinbar is just a few buildings up the street from Kaigaten Deli, although they don’t seem to be connected.), and when it’s raining or freezing cold, sit in the candlelit interior and enjoy the warmth.
Kaigaten Vinbar og Kaffe, Kaigaten 12
Det Lille Kaffeekompaniet – Cutest coffee shop in Bergen
This coffee shop is on a cobblestone lane on the way up Mount Fløyen, and consists of one very tiny room which can get very crowded very quickly. There’s seating outside as well, which seems to be always full whether rain or shine, with a healthy mixture of locals and tourists.
And for good reason: the coffee here is delicious. The staff are also super friendly. Bravo.
(FYI the vegan sandwiches are some of the heartiest rainbow creations I’ve seen in a long old while, and they taste marvellous.) Det Lille Kaffeekompaniet is the perfect place to stop as you’re wandering around the pretty wooden houses and cobbled streets of this part of the city.
Det Lille Kaffekompaniet, Nedre Fjellsmauet 2
To Kokker – Best traditional Bergen restaurant
If you’re after a traditional Bergen restaurant serving amazingly presented and all round scrumptious Norwegian food, To Kokker (which translates as Two Cooks) is the place for you.
The restaurant is located in Bryggen in an old wooden building, and the wood-panelled room filled with old paintings looks straight out of Bergen’s Hanseatic past. The chefs use all Norwegian ingredients to create a traditional menu served with a modern twist- elk carpaccio, all the fish dishes, and brown cheese ice cream currently feature.
To Kokker, Enhjørningsgården 29
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