Bergen has blossomed into a city rich with culinary treasures. Here’s a guide to seven unforgettable dining experiences you simply must try when visiting the “Gateway to the Fjords”.
1. “Prinsefisk” – born and bred in Bergen
It doesn’t get more "Bergen" than this. “Prinsefisk” is an elegant local dish known for its delicate flavour and pure ingredients. It’s traditionally made with lightly-salted cod, creamy sauce and vegetables. Locals associate the meal with both festivities and cosy dinners at home. The dish got its name when it was served to two crown princes in a pavilion in the centre of Bergen.
The best place to enjoy “Prinsefisk” is with a view of the city fjord and the historic “Vågen” harbour, so head to Bjerck Restaurant and Bar. Its panoramic windows overlook the well-known Fish Market and Bryggen. Located at the tip of a fjord, Bjerck offers seasonal menus with fresh ingredients in a relaxed atmosphere – perfect for lunch, dinner and social gatherings. Locals love it because they know that renowned Bergen chef Adam Bjerck is the culinary mind behind it.
2. Tapas and pintxos in a lively atmosphere
At Fresquito, Chilean Giovanni Sanchez has recreated the flavour of South America, Spain or the Caribbean, if you will. “Gio”, as he is known to his many friends, invites you to his festive tapas and pintxos bar and restaurant, right next to the Fish Market and Vågen. It can be packed all week long, and the atmosphere is always buzzing in this stunning building that houses the Bergen Børs hotel.
The kitchen is run by Christian Ponce, who brings experience from top restaurants in Cádiz, Spain. Sanchez and Ponce's great passion for food and service radiate throughout the establishment. Their desire is for Fresquito to be a place where people gather and enjoy food in a social, authentic setting.
The menu features everything from confit cod and bao buns with crab, to Iberian ham and grilled skewers. Choose freely or let Gio surprise you. Fresquito is next door to its elegant sibling, Frescohallen, at the Bergen Børs Hotel.
3. Enjoy Bergen fish soup in the world's most beautiful room
Frescohallen has been named one of the world's most beautiful rooms, where contemporary design and the city's history merge into a holistic experience. The former stock exchange building from the 1860s is adorned with Axel Revold's monumental frescoes from the 1920s. These masterpieces, which depict Bergen as a hub of international trade, are subtly illuminated to bring out the details and colours.
Frescohallen is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The menu is of a high international calibre, with an exceptionally well-stocked wine cellar. You can enjoy traditional Bergen fish soup here as a starter or main course. Bergen fish soup is a classic dish from Western Norway – a dish that both warms and impresses, with roots deeply anchored in coastal culture and tradition. The soup is light, creamy and elegant, with a base of fish stock made from fresh cod, saithe or pollock – often with vegetables such as carrots, leek and celery root, which add both sweetness and depth.
4. American steak cooked on a charcoal grill
Engen Steakhouse is a modern grill restaurant in the heart of Bergen, created by chef, artist and entrepreneur Adam Bjerck. With a background on the Norwegian national culinary team and a passion for pure flavours and aesthetics, Bjerck has created a restaurant where quality and simplicity take centre stage.
At the heart of the kitchen is a Mibrasa charcoal grill, where premium meat and fresh seafood are prepared with precision. The menu features everything from juicy entrecôte and tenderloin to delicate specialties like Japanese wagyu and Adam’s Recommendation: Porterhouse Greater Omaha. Vegetarian options and creative side dishes, such as creamed corn with tarragon oil, complete the experience.
The interior combines modern design with historical details. Large windows flood the space with natural light, while colourful murals and a striking chandelier give the room character. Engen can accommodate up to 200 guests and offers private rooms for special events, and outdoor seating in the summer.
Whether you're planning a romantic dinner, an evening with friends or a larger gathering, Engen Steakhouse invites you to a culinary experience where grilled food, art and Bergen hospitality come together.
5. Experience a MICHELIN-Star restaurant
Omakase by Sergey Pak is a culinary gem in the heart of Bergen and received a MICHELIN-Star in 2025. Here Japanese precision meets Norwegian ingredients of the highest quality. With just ten exclusive seats, this restaurant offers an intimate and personal dining experience led by master chef Sergey Pak, winner of Nordic Sushi Master Chef. Reviewers call it “world-class cuisine”.
The concept of omakase means “I leave it up to you,” allowing guests to place their trust in the chef, who crafts a tasting journey through 14-20 meticulously selected dishes. The menu is a tribute to the best seasonal ingredients, with a focus on fresh seafood from Western Norway, prepared using Japanese techniques that enhance the natural flavours.
The restaurant's interior reflects a harmonious blend of Scandinavian minimalism and Japanese aesthetics, with clean lines and natural materials creating a serene and elegant atmosphere. Guests sit at the counter where they can watch the chef's precise craftsmanship, providing a unique insight into the preparation of each dish.
Omakase by Sergey Pak isn’t just a meal – it’s a sensory experience that has helped put Bergen on the map as a gourmet destination for food lovers from around the world.
6. Trekroneren – more than just a hot dog stand
Right in the heart of Bergen, not far from the Fish Market and the hustle and bustle of Vågsallmenningen, you'll find Trekroneren – perhaps the city's most beloved hot dog stand. Since 1946, locals and visitors alike have stopped here for a quick, tasty and surprisingly refined meal.
Behind the counter, you’ll find traditional Western Norwegian hot dogs served with pride and a twinkle in the eye. You’ll find everything from classic bratwurst to venison sausage with lingonberries, gamey moose sausage and their legendary chili sausage – for those who dare. The ingredients are top-quality, with many specialties made from in-house recipes tailored to the local climate and tastes.
But the experience is about more than just food. There’s something special about standing under the small awning, steaming hot dog in hand, listening to raindrops pattering on the plastic roof. This is where students, tourists, busy locals and night owls gather – all united in their love of good food, served with informal charm.
Trekroneren is not just a hot dog stand. It’s a little piece of Bergen’s cultural history, and a tasty reminder that the greatest experiences often come in the simplest forms.
7. A Bergen institution – where the locals eat
Wesselstuen is a true Bergen institution – a restaurant with soul, tradition and warmth, right in the heart of the city. Generations gather here to share meals in historic surroundings with dark wood interiors, classic panelling and walls decorated with scenes from Bergen’s rich cultural life, creating a cosy and welcoming atmosphere.
The kitchen is led by dedicated chefs who take pride in Norwegian cuisine and have a fondness for Western Norwegian ingredients. The menu honours tradition, featuring dishes like Bergen fish soup, clipfish and homemade meatballs – all prepared in the authentic way. There’s always something seasonal and new as well, with touches of modern techniques and simple, pure flavours.
At Wesselstuen, it’s not just about the food – it’s about the moments. A quick lunch that turns into a long afternoon, a family celebration or a cozy dinner with friends. The service is warm and unpretentious – just as it should be in Bergen.
With its central location and genuine atmosphere, Wesselstuen is a natural gathering place – a spot you’ll want to return to for the flavours, the feeling and the sense of being at home in the city between the seven mountains.
Read more tips on the best restaurants in Bergen city centre here.
From nature to your table
De Bergenske consists of over 12 restaurants and bars in Bergen city centre. Here we serve everything from traditional dishes and juicy steak from our Mibrasa charcoal grill to delicate seafood and elegant fine dining sushi.
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