Food and drink in Tromsø
The food in Tromsø is as fresh as glacial snow, and as tantalising as the Northern Lights. The restaurant SMAK is one of many dining establishments with a menu based on local ingredients.
Arctic food with a modern twist
“Having a high-quality restaurant this far north has its challenges, but we see opportunities,” says Espen Ramnestedt, who runs the restaurant SMAK along with his wife Eva-Linda. SMAK seats only 22 guests and has earned a place in the respected restaurant handbook White Guide Nordic.
In the city of Tromsø, a famous hub for brave Arctic explorers, hearty meals based on the best local produce have always been crucial.
“We serve true northern dishes based on techniques and traditions that have been passed down for generations. The tastes of my childhood with a modern touch,” Espen explains.
At this fine-dining spot, you can try delicacies such as fish soup with lobster, rosefish and carrots; potato waffle with sour cream and vendace roe (løyrom); and prize-winning local cheeses.
Because marine life and vegetables develop at a different rate in this climate, Arctic cuisine tastes fantastic! Tromsø has an abundance of high-quality fresh ingredients, and its inventive and skilled chefs really know how to make the most of them.
The food culture mirrors the city’s strong heritage of polar explorers. In the 1850s, Tromsø became a hub for Arctic exploration and was nicknamed “The gateway to the Arctic”. It is also known as “The Paris of the north” due to its international vibe.
“The scenery around here is overwhelming,” says Eva-Linda. “Even when you’re in the middle of the city, the mountains are so close it feels like you can reach out and touch them,” adds Espen, before he heads off to a nearby farm to pick up ingredients for this evening’s dinners.
Find more inspiration on Tromsø’s official website.
Fresh local ingredients
Many restaurants in Tromsø take advantage of the abundance of fresh local ingredients all year round. Expect to find everything from reindeer to elusive, wild cloudberries on the menu.
Succulent seafood
Sea urchins, clams, mussels, scallops, prawns, lobsters – the arctic sea is full of culinary treasures that can soon end up on your plate!
Cafés and bakeries
Few things beat the scent of freshly baked goods straight from the oven!
For meat lovers...
Norwegian game is world-class. Try reindeer meat with its wild, tasty mountain aroma.
Asian and Indian cuisine
Many of Tromsø’s cosy restaurants combine Asian and Indian flavours with local produce.
Pizza and Italian
Try a restaurant that specialises in Italian-inspired food based on local ingredients.
Bars and pubs
Thirsty? Tromsø offers everything from breweries and wine bars to cocktail lounges and nightclubs.
Would you prefer a view?
Dine with a panoramic view or gaze at the Arctic Cathedral from an eatery on the wharf.