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.
TromsøEmmas Drømmekjøkken
Restaurant and Winebar right in the heart of Tromsø. Emma's is the place for unique and northern Norwegian taste experiences. Our team has a passion for good taste and local ingredients. With ingenuity and creativity, we will give you some of the best Northern Norway has to offer.
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.
Take advantage of top offers
See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
