In 2023, six Norwegian restaurants received their first star. As many as 20 Norwegian restaurants are now among the crème de la crème of Nordic culinary experiences. Learn more below about how you can sample Norway's delicious food revolution!
Le guide Michelin
The world’s most prestigious rating guide for hotels and restaurants was created by the French brothers André and Édouard Michelin in 1900. The intention was allegedly to make drivers wear out their tyres (and purchase new ones). There were only around 2,000 cars in France at the time.
Candidates are often visited by two representatives (known as inspectors) from the Guide who test the food or accommodation without revealing their role.
The Michelin ratings are based on stars. But if you look closely, you can see that the symbols are actually flower-shaped. Stars undoubtedly sound more glamorous than rosettes, however. The three-star rating system was first introduced in 1931.
After 100 years, Michelin is still regarded as the best guide for travellers who are looking for one-of-a-kind culinary experiences (like Maaemo).
In the Michelin Guide 2023, Maaemo maintains its three stars, and RE-NAA secured two stars.
According to the Guide, Maaemo is "an exceptional dining experience in a dramatic, high-ceilinged dining room, where the open kitchen is theatrically lit and time seems to stand still. The surprise menu features expertly crafted and memorable dishes with sublime tastes and textures ..." Maaemo has also been awarded a Michelin Green Star for its sustainability efforts.
Two-star RE-NAA is still "worth a detour"
Six new stars
À L'aise, Mon Oncle, Stallen, Sabi Omakase, and Savage in Oslo are all new additions to the Nordic edition of the Michelin Guide, with one star each. K2 in Stavanger also received its first star this year, as well as a Green Star.
Mia Kondrup and her team at À L'aise in Oslo also received the Welcome and Service Award.
The exclusive 2023 list also includes one-star restaurants Sabi Omakase in Stavanger, Under in Lindesnes, Bare and Lysverket in Bergen, Speilsalen, restaurants Fagn and Credo in Trondheim, as well as Statholdergaarden, Kontrast, Hot Shop, Hyde and Schlägergården in Oslo.
Restaurants that are well worth the trip
In the culinary world, no distinction is more esteemed than being included in the Michelin Guide, which was first published in 1900.
The publication was the brainchild of tyre manufacturing brothers André and Édouard Michelin and started out as a practical guide for motorists in France. The guide was geographically expanded and thematically narrowed in the 1930s to include an annual awarding of stars to Europe’s greatest restaurants.
A three-star rating in le Guide Michelin means that a restaurant is “worth a special journey”, two stars means it's “worth a detour”, and one star indicates “a very good restaurant in its category.”
Home of Bocuse d'Or champions
Norwegian chefs have gained an excellent reputation abroad, with several wins and podium finishes at the world’s most prestigious culinary competition, the Bocuse d’Or awards. Since the competition was first held in 1987, Norway has won five gold, three silver, and four bronze medals, making Norway, together with France, the country with the most Bocuse d’Or awards.
One of Norway's most experienced competitive chefs, Christian André Pettersen, won his second bronze medal in the 2021 competition, after having also won bronze in 2019.
Pettersen was awarded for his delicate and surprising flavours from the Arctic. Much of Pettersen's inspiration comes from growing up with a Filipino chef mother and a Norwegian chef father in Bodø, just north of the Arctic circle.
Norwegian cuisine is big and it's here to stay. Have you booked your table yet?
Norwegian Michelin-starred restaurants
Experience exclusive dining in Norway. Book a table well in advance!
... in Oslo.
Also included in the Michelin Guide:
Hot Shop, Oslo
Schlägergården, Oslo
Hyde, Oslo
À L'aise, Oslo
Mon Oncle, Oslo
Stallen, Oslo
Sabi Omakase, Oslo
Savage, Oslo
... in Trondheim.
... in Southern Norway and Fjord Norway.
Also included in the Michelin Guide:
Sabi Omakase, Stavanger
K2, Stavanger
RE-NAA Stavanger
Le guide Michelin
The world’s most prestigious rating guide for hotels and restaurants was created by the French brothers André and Édouard Michelin in 1900. The intention was allegedly to make drivers wear out their tyres (and purchase new ones). There were only around 2,000 cars in France at the time.
Candidates are often visited by two representatives (known as inspectors) from the Guide who test the food or accommodation without revealing their role.
The Michelin ratings are based on stars. But if you look closely, you can see that the symbols are actually flower-shaped. Stars undoubtedly sound more glamorous than rosettes, however. The three-star rating system was first introduced in 1931.
After 100 years, Michelin is still regarded as the best guide for travellers who are looking for one-of-a-kind culinary experiences (like Maaemo).
Take advantage of top offers
See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.