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FOOD AND DRINK

Five cool places to grab a cheap(ish) bite to eat in Bergen

Whether you're in Bergen for a city break, studying here, or have recently relocated to pursue a new career path – these eateries are a must-visit.

Published: 5 March 2024 11:16 CET
Updated: 6 April 2024 07:46 CEST
Sostrene Hagelin
The Local has handpicked five eateries that genuinely shine in Bergen's culinary landscape – whether for their traditional flair, top-notch quality, or reputation for budget-friendly dining. Pictured is the Søstrene Hagelin seafood eatery at Strandgaten 3. Photo by: Robin Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Bergen, in western Norway, boasts a number of options for food enthusiasts looking for tasty yet wallet-friendly meals, from charming cafes to trendy hotspots.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor exploring the city’s streets, discovering cool places to grab a bite becomes an exciting adventure in itself.

READ MORE: 24 hours in Bergen: Everything you should see and do

Given Bergen’s status as Norway’s second-largest city, it’s wise to have a rough idea of your dining options before venturing out into its busy streets.

Though narrowing down the choices is always challenging, The Local has handpicked five eateries that genuinely shine in Bergen’s culinary landscape – whether for their traditional flair, top-notch quality, or reputation for budget-friendly dining.

Plassen: The go-to brunch spot in the city centre

Nestled in the heart of the city, the Plassen café and bistro is a beloved spot among locals. Situated at Tårnplassen 1, just a stone’s throw away from the central square, Torgallmenningen, you’ll often see queues of people waiting at its entrance in the hope of getting a seat or two.

Renowned for its exceptional coffee and tasty brunch options, Plassen is the perfect choice for a weekend get-together with friends.

If you’re looking for a bite while there, their croque monsieur – a classic French ham and cheese sandwich soaked in rich béchamel sauce – is a must-try.

Priced at 239 kroner, it’s a treat worth indulging in for both locals and tourists looking to savour a taste of French-inspired cuisine.

Given Plassen’s popularity, securing a coveted spot requires some strategy. Arriving early or making a reservation in advance is highly recommended, especially if you’re aiming to snag a table outside to soak in the lively atmosphere.

Søstrene Hagelin: A budget-friendly seafood diner

Søstrene Hagelin – also located in Bergen’s city centre at Strandgaten 3 – is a standout choice for travellers seeking budget-friendly dining options.

Renowned for its fish cakes containing up to 80 percent fish, Søstrene Hagelin remained true to the same recipes that enticed diners in 1929 when it was established.

Founded by sisters Elna and Gudrun Hagelin, who moved to Bergen from Sogndal, the eatery quickly gained acclaim for its homemade fish food, with King Olav among its patrons during his visits to Bergen.

Søstrene Hagelin specialises in local seafood delicacies such as fish cakes and fish soups and offers a taste of Norwegian cuisine at affordable prices.

You can expect a lunch consisting of fish soup and fish cakes to cost you around 210 kroner per person.

Hoggorm: A punk-rock pizza spot

Located across the road from the Grieghallen concert hall, in Nygårdsgaten Street, Hoggorm has established itself as one of Bergen’s culinary hotspots.

The establishment boasts a lively atmosphere and an eclectic menu that celebrates New York-style pizza, fresh oysters, and natural wine, ensuring a memorable dining experience year-round.

In 2023, it clinched the prestigious “City’s Best Pizza” award from the local newspaper Bergens Tidende, a testament to its innovative takes on classic pies and original creations.

READ MORE: The essential things you’ll only know if you live in Bergen

From the beloved “Bacon and Pineapple” (269 kroner) to the adventurous “Mushroom and Sesame” (260 kroner), their pizzas are known for being creative.

Hoggorm is the sister restaurant of Michelin restaurant Lysverket. In it, head chef Christopher Haatuft curates a small yet diverse menu featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, mirroring the kitchen philosophy of its fine dining counterpart.

Bryggen Bryggeloften

You can find the Bryggeloftet & Stuene restaurant close to the historic Bryggen wharf in Bergen. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant: A pricy dining experience in Bergen’s Old Town that’s worth the splurge

If you want to indulge in a more luxurious dining experience and you’re willing to splurge around 700 to 900 kroner per person, plan a visit to Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant in Bergen’s Old Town.

A dinner there is an enticing opportunity to savour traditional Norwegian cuisine at its finest. Located along the historic Bryggen Wharf, Bryggeloftet & Stuene has earned a reputation for excellence, making it a go-to destination for connoisseurs seeking an authentic and traditional culinary experience.

The restaurant serves a traditional Norwegian menu (a favourite among locals during the Christmas season).

If you’re visiting in November or December, you’ll be able to find succulent reindeer steak (priced at 525 kroner) and the iconic pinnekjøtt, a dish of dried and salted lamb or mutton ribs.

Outside of the winter season, the bergensk fiskesuppe, or Bergen fish soup (a creamy delight bursting with flavours of salmon, pollock, carrots, leeks, and celery, finished with a touch of sour cream and vinegar, priced at 185 kroner), is among the most popular dishes.

Whether dining with friends, family, or colleagues, Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant provides an elegant setting where you can enjoy a touch of historic ambience during your meal.

Pingvinen: The traditional cuisine of western Norway

No top list of Bergen’s iconic eateries can be complete without a mention of Pingvinen.

If you’re craving a taste of authentic Norwegian cuisine, a visit to this cosy diner is an absolute must. Just a five-minute walk from the city’s central square, it offers a delightful selection of traditional dishes.

Here, you’ll find classics like plukkfisk (priced at 249 kroner), a blend of cod and mashed potatoes served alongside crispy bacon and flatbread.

READ MORE: Does Norwegian food deserve to be ranked the worst in the world?

Additionally, you can also try their persetorsk (399 kroner), a Bergen specialty featuring pressed cod served with an array of accompaniments, including carrots, mushy peas, potatoes, butter sauce, and trout roe.

From the warmth of the cosy atmosphere to the hearty flavours of the dishes, dining at Pingvinen is an experience that locals describe as “the equivalent of eating at grandma’s”.

While the prices may lean towards the higher end, the quality and authenticity of the cuisine justify the expense.

Make sure to reserve your table in advance, though, as Pingvinen tends to be fully booked on most evenings.

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PROPERTY

Why do all homes in Norway seem to look the same?

Of course not every home in Norway is identical but there are several major trends that are easily identifiable in most cities that might give you the impression that they all look the same.

Published: 25 June 2024 12:47 CEST
Why do all homes in Norway seem to look the same?

Before we explain the similarities there is plenty of variety among homes in Norway.

Different regions in Norway have their own styles, and people’s personal tastes and modern trends also play a role.

Furthermore, urban areas are way more eclectic compared to rural and more isolated regions, and at the same time, the biggest cities need to deal with population pressure.

READ MORE: What you need to know about the Norwegian housing model

However, it is undeniable that a few significant trends dominate the landscape in most of Norway’s towns and cities.

The traditional wooden house

The first trend is the traditional wooden house, which is often medium-sized and square.

These homes, painted in classic colours such as white, dark red, ochre yellow, or brown, are omnipresent across Norway.

While you will easily spot them in any smaller town, even the two largest cities – Oslo and Bergen – still boast many traditional wooden houses.

READ MORE: Oslo versus Bergen: Five big differences between Norway’s two largest cities

If you take a walk to Bergen’s Old Town, you’ll find an array of traditional wooden houses in the area behind the UNESCO-protected Bryggen Wharf. Many wooden houses can also be found in the centrally located Verftet neighbourhood on the Nordnes peninsula.

Their uniform appearance stems from historical building practices and the practicality of using wood as a primary construction material in a forest-rich country.

These homes not only serve as a testament to Norway’s architectural heritage but also adapt well to the country’s climate, providing insulation against the cold.

Additionally, local building regulations often dictate specific architectural styles to preserve the cultural heritage of Norwegian towns and villages – especially in neighbourhoods with a rich past.

Lofoten houses

Wooden houses in Reine, Lofoten Islands, northern Norway. Photo by Jonas Geschke on Unsplash

Modern Norwegian housing

The second trend includes more modern housing solutions, such as terraced houses, new builds, and apartment blocks.

These structures are increasingly common in urban areas where space is at a premium. Many construction projects in the outskirts of Bergen feature this kind of development as the city expands to accommodate its growing population.

This trend reflects contemporary architectural styles and is often designed with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind.

The uniformity here is driven by modern urban planning in cities like Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger.

Aker Brygge

The Aker Brygge wharf area in central Oslo. Photo by Meriç Dağlı on Unsplash

Traditional vs modern: What advocates of the two styles say

Supporters of traditional Norwegian homes argue that these old structures are very durable. They point out that the wood used in homes from 40 to over 80 years ago comes from slow-growing trees, making it dense and rot-resistant.

Compared to modern building materials, which they often view as inferior, they claim that wood in these older homes ensures longevity – as long as the house has been adequately maintained.

READ MORE: What you should know before buying a house in rural Norway

Furthermore, the longevity of old wooden houses in Norway is well-documented. Many homes built in the early 20th century still retain their original structure despite multiple renovations.

As long as the wood remains dry, it can last for decades – or even centuries.

On the other hand, with advancements in building technology, modern houses are designed to minimise heat loss, reduce energy consumption, and lower utility bills – particularly relevant in the cost-of-living crisis plaguing Norway and Europe in recent years.

These homes often feature high-level insulation, double or triple-glazed windows, and advanced heating systems, which make them more environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run.

Another key advantage of modern homes is their adherence to strict building codes and standards.

Today, Norwegian houses are built to high specifications, ensuring safety, comfort, and durability. Mandated ventilation systems improve indoor air quality and prevent issues like mould and dampness.

In addition to technical improvements, modern homes are also designed with contemporary lifestyles in mind. Open floor plans and larger windows create bright and adaptable living spaces.

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