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Norwegian gastronomy

There has been a formidable change in attitudes towards Norway’s food traditions in recent years. Today, we celebrate what is uniquely Norwegian in modern and untraditional ways.

When it comes to food and drink in Norway, a culinary revolution has been quietly taken place in the last few years. Restaurants and ordinary kitchens have seen a dramatic rise in local and organic food.

What really characterizes Norwegian cooking is largely found in our rather unique agricultural customs: sheep, cows and goats graze in outlying pastures along the coast and in the mountains. A cold climate and unpolluted land is ideal for slow growing vegetables and fruit andberries without the extensive use of pesticides. Modest farms and smallholdings that produce milk, cheese and beef in healthy environments are virtually disease-free and subject to strict regulations when it comes to animal welfare. And of course the extensive coastline gives Norway long and rich seafood traditions.

The hard work to instil pride at every level of the food chain has really paid off. New, small-scale producers of cheese, honey, pastries, cider and ecologically produced meats, among other things, are popping up all over the country. Not to mention the hundreds of microbreweries that are experimenting with different types of beer. Since Norway is among the world’s top three coffee consuming countries in the world, it’s no surprise that we are constantly trying to brew the best coffees on the planet.

At the same time, Norwegian chefs have obtained a formidable international reputation. Norway is the most awarded country in the history of the international cooking competition Bocuse d’Or. In 2016, Maaemo became the first Norwegian restaurant to be awarded all three stars by the Michelin guide.

Explore the Norwegian food scene

  • Shellfish feast of crab, shrimp and crayfish at Ansnes Brygger restaurant at Hitra island in Trøndelag
    Enjoy first-class seafood
    Man with shellfish dishes in front of the ocean.
    The Norwegian cuisine
    A man getting Norwegian apples at Matstreif food festival in Oslo
    Food festivals
    Taste Norway’s weird and wonderful cuisine at Smalahovetunet in Voss in Fjord Norway
    Norway’s weird and wonderful food
    Cheeses, juice and a very nice breakfast.
    Norway's best breakfasts
    People enjoying local foods at Stiklestad
    Norwegian culinary calendar

Norwegian food destinations

Are you a real foodie? Go on a gastronomic tour of Norway!

  • Beautiful views and sheep grazing at The Golden Road at Inderøy in Trøndelag

    The Golden Road

    The Golden Road is close to the main route from Trondheim to Bodø. Visit one of the country's most innovative aquavit producers, sample award-winning cheeses, and enjoy some rural luxury at the renowned Øyna Cultural Landscape Hotel.
    Inside the underwater restaurant Under in Lindesnes, Southern Norway

    Under – the world’s largest underwater restaurant

    Five and a half meters below the ocean surface in Lindesnes in Southern Norway, the Snøhetta-designed, Michelin-starred restaurant Under is one of the world’s most unique attractions.
    Local food at the eatery Kaffestuggu in Røros in Trøndelag

    Norway's unique food destinations

    King crab, goat cheese, dried cod and reindeer meat. Discover the destinations with the prime ingredients and true flavours of Norway.
    An aerial image of the fruit village Gvarv in Telemark, Eastern Norway

    Visit the Fruit Village in Telemark

    Meet the dedicated farmers of Fruktbygda in Gvarv in Telemark, visit quaint farm shops and exciting cider mills, and enjoy freshly made apple juice and other farm made products in the Fruit Village.
    People strolling around among the fruit trees in Ulvik, Hardanger

    Visit Hardanger's fruit farms

    Norwegian apple juices and ciders made from Hardanger apples are considered to be among the most exclusive in the world. Visit Hardanger's fruit farms, take a cider cruise, or explore the unique fruit and cider trail!
    Live in Palmehaven restaurant at Hotel Britannia in Trondheim, Trøndelag

    Chef Edvardsen's top cultural tips in Trondheim

    Explore Live Krangnes Edvardsen's hot spots in Trondheim. Get tips on the best things to do, what to eat, and where to stay in Norway's premier gastronomic region.
    Johnny Trasti cooking over a bonfire

    Arctic cuisine

    From the freshest seafood to world-class wild game. There are some unique food delicacies in Northern Norway no true foodie will want to miss. Come join us inside the Arctic kitchen!
    A renowned chef holding a bucket of fresh seafood from Fosen in Trøndelag

    How Trøndelag became a European region of gastronomy

    Visit the home to some of the very best seafood in the world, and get the full story on how Trøndelag became the European Region of Gastronomy in 2022.
    A woman posing with cheese from the cheese factory in Røros, Trøndelag

    Top destinations for foodies in Trøndelag

    Visit the European Region of Gastronomy 2022 for a real taste of Trøndelag. Discover unforgettable food experiences you can't miss!
    A woman crabfishing in Fosen in Trøndelag

    Seafood heaven in the Northwest

    Sample some of the very best seafood in the world, including the famous Hitra crab. Enjoy an amazing seafood platter at Hitra and delicious bacalao in Kristiansund – made from the very best Norwegian clipfish.
    A woman holding a tray with local products outside of Nørrestogo farm in Valdres.

    A taste of Valdres

    Award-winning cheese, game with a taste of the mountains, an epic Norwegian Scenic Route, and plenty of must-visit traditional Norwegian mountain lodges. Join us on a tasty trip through the Valdres region.
    A woman holding a tray with local products.

    A taste of Lom and the Ottadalen valley

    Stay at a historical boutique hotel and indulge in a four-course meal. Try traditional Norwegian mountain food at one of the summer farms, and tuck freshly-made buns into your backpack before setting off to explore the area's rich history.
    Chef Lukasz B. Socha outside of Skåbu fjellhotell, Skåbu Mountain Hotel.

    A taste of Gudbrandsdalen

    The owner of Skåbu mountain hotel with free-range pigs in the mountains.

    Skåbu mountain hotel – Regenerative tourism

    A plate full of dried meats and cheeses

    A taste of Røros

Food from the Trøndelag region on a table

The Norwegian Cookbook

Try heavenly seafood, meat, vegetable, and pastry recipes from our top chefs.

Start cooking

Our best restaurants

Michelin-starred experiences, spectacular table views, and easy-going eateries.

  • Woman sitting in Frescohallen Restaurant - Bergen Børs Hotel
    Restaurants
    The Iris restaurant at The Salmon Eye in the Hardangerfjord
    Michelin-starred restaurants
    Dinner in Speilsalen, Britannia Hotel in Trondheim
    Norway's top restaurants
    Hanne-Lene Dahlgren eating food at Oslo Raw
    Top vegetarian restaurants

Tasty inspiration

Check out these mouthwatering articles.

  • Apples from Syse Gard in Ulvik, the Hardangerfjord region in Fjord Norway
    Fruit heaven
    Traditional Norwegian venison steak, with potatoes, mushrooms, lingonberry jam
    A taste of the wild
    The award winning cheesemakers of Gangstad Gårdsysteri.
    Try the world's best cheese

Typically Norwegian

Make your trip to Norway unforgettable by sampling these must-try dishes.

  • Norwegian pinnekjøtt at Christmas eve
    The taste of Christmas
    A plate of waffles with sour cream and berries
    Waffle is the king of kos
    Apple juice on an orchad in Inderøy in Norway.
    Cider and juice heaven
    A man fishing skrei in Lofoten
    Skrei – In cod we trust
    A party celebration the Norwegian national dish Fårikål lamb stew
    Fårikål – Norway’s national dish
    People making smalahove (sheep's head) at Smalahovetunet in Voss in Fjord Norway
    Smalahove – heads on the menu
    Brown cheese from the Norwegian creamery Heidal Ysteri in the Gudbrandsdalen valley, Eastern Norway
    Try our unique brown cheese!
    A man is holding up a bread with flour designed as a moustache in Norway
    Bread – our favourite food
    Kling lefse served on a platter in Norway
    Lefse: the Norwegian wrap
    Salted and dried leg of lam - Fenalår
    Fenalår: Cured leg of lamb
    A plate with Norwegian gravlaks, cured salmon
    Taste Norwegian salmon
    Woman eating bun at the Anne på Landet café, in Frognerparken
    Our favourite sweet treats
    Stockfish of skrei
    13 fun facts about stockfish

Norwegian treats

All-time favourite Norwegian breads and pastries.

  • A plate of waffles with sour cream and berries
    Waffle is the king of kos
    Wheat buns on a platter in Norway
    Find your favourite bolle
    A man is holding up a bread with flour designed as a moustache in Norway
    Bread – our favourite food
    Kling lefse served on a platter in Norway
    Lefse: the Norwegian wrap
    Apple cake
    Recipe: Eplekake – Apple cake from the Fruit Village
    Norwegian sveler on a plate, with brown cheese and berries.
    Recipe: Norwegian sveler
    Norwegian pancakes with blueberry
    Recipe: Pannekaker - Pancakes
    Mother and daughter decorating gingerbread together
    Norwegian Christmas biscuits
Cow grazing in the Lodalen Valley

The Milky Way to great taste

Did you know that cows in Norway have at least 8 weeks of vacation? Learn why Norwegian milk and meat is among the best in the world.

Here's the secret

Exciting TripAdvisor rated restaurants in Norway

  • Cornelius Sjømatrestaurant
    Bjørøyhamn

    Cornelius Seafood Restaurant

    On a small island near Bergen is one of the finest seafood restaurants in Norway.
    Book now
    A meal in Mathallen
    Oslo

    Mathallen Food Hall

    A food lover's dream filled with specialty stores, cafees and restaurants.
    Interior.
    Oslo

    Restaurant Kontrast

    Modern Nordic gourmet, awarded one star in the Michelin guide.
    Book now
    Haaheim Gaard
    Uggdal

    Haaheim Gaard

    Welcome to historic Haaheim Gaard in Tysnes. A hotel that offers a distinctive and personal atmosphere, and good meals with seasonal ingredients.
    Book now
    Statholdergaarden - Bent Stiansen
    Oslo

    Statholdergaarden

    One of the finest gourmet restaurants in Oslo, honoured with a Michelin star since 1998.
    Book now
    Gamle Raadhus 1
    Oslo

    Gamle Raadhus Restaurant

    Historic restaurant in the city's original city hall from 1641.
    Ekeberg Restaurant in Oslo.
    Oslo

    Ekebergrestauranten

    Fine dining in a historic functionalist-style building with stunning views of the city and the fjord.
    Book now

Feeling thirsty?

Check out where to find heart-warming coffee, craft bear, cocktails and more.

  • Beach Bar, Stokkøya Sjøsenter
    Pubs and bars
    A woman enjoying a glass of apple juice in the world's northernmost commercial apple orchard, Inderøy Mosteri, at Inderøya
    Drink your way through Norway
    Two women cheering on the roof top of Hotel Riviera in Moss
    The best sky bars and rooftop bars

Inspiring videos

Can you taste this picture? The wild Norwegian nature gives you natural flavours in every bite!

Taste the picture

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

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    Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
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    CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
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    NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
    Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel in Oslo, Eastern Norway
    Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
    The Thief - A lifestyle boutique hotel in Oslo
    StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
    Standard Room -  Svolvær - Thon Hotel
    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
    Valevåg Camping
    CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
    Hotell Refsnes Gods - fasade
    Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
    Two people sitting in a sofa in Eagle Nest Eco Lodge in Eastern Norway
    50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
    Family in outdoor pool in winter at Radisson Blu mountain resort & residences in Trysil, Eastern Norway
    Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
    Hardangerfjord - Authentic Scandinavia
    Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
    Lit-up tent in snow with colorful northern lights and mountains behind it
    Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
    Tourists wave at passing boat while sailing througha norwegian fjord
    Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
    Eidfjord village - Go fjords
    Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
    The Hurtigruten ship MS Nordkapp in Geirangerfjord in Fjord Norway
    HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
    Skiing on finnmarksvidda
    Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
    Sykkeltur i Hardanger
    Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
    Happy family taking a selfie in an airport after arriving to Norway
    Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
    Hop on hop off bus - Stromma
    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
    Hikers approaching a small wooden cabin with grass roof in mountainous landscape
    Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
    Aurora borealis Tromso - Fjord Travel
    Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
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    Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
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    Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
    Buss bilde - NOR-WAY
    NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
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    SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
    A bus driving along the coast in Norway, Vy express route vy146
    Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
    Vy Train travelling on a scenic railway line between Bergen and Hønefoss, Norway
    Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
    Van 4 - Cabin Campers
    Cabin CampersExperience the road trip of a lifetime with our cabins on four wheels.
    Malangen resort - My nordic travel
    My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
    Campanyon - Arctic Dome Smiberget
    CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
    Airplane
    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.
    Elegant wooden hotel in mountain valley beneath snow-capped peaks.
    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.
    A woman hiking in the summer mountains by the fjord.
    CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
    Two women waving out the windows of a campervan with Benzini Campers on the hood
    Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.