What and where to eat and drink in Norway

The Norwegian food scene has changed dramatically in the past fifteen years. What used to be a meat-and-potatoes culture, with Peppes Pizza being amongst the most exciting you could eat, has turned into one of Europe's more interesting food scenes, at least in the cities. Oslo has multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, Bergen has a fish market and harbour-front restaurants serving whatever came off the boats that morning, and even smaller towns are starting to take the food more seriously.

But eating out in Norway can be expensive. A main course at an average restaurant runs 300-500 NOK, a beer at a bar costs 100-120 NOK and upwards, and anything involving wine comes with a solid markup, 150+ NOK per glass. At this price, at least make sure you get quality for your money. Knowing where to eat and what to order becomes important and is what we are here to help you with.

There are also things about Norwegian food culture that is worth knowing. Tipping exists but is by no means compulsory (although the payment terminals would try to guilt you into believing something else). Supermarkets vary wildly in selection, quality and price between chains, and knowing which one to walk into saves real money over a longer trip.

The articles below cover restaurant recommendations by city, practical guides to grocery shopping and alcohol, coffee culture, and the food experiences worth going out of your way for.