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What Food To Try in Bergen and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Bergen for 2024.

National currency: Norwegian Krone, symbol — kr (international currency code NOK).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Bergen cafes and restaurants
$17.7 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $14
$106 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $74.65
$13.3 
Combo Meal
Starting from $10.94

What to Try in Bergen

Must-try Dishes
Rømmegrøt - Sour Cream Porridge - A rich porridge made from sour cream, flour, and milk, giving it a creamy texture. Typically enjoyed at traditional gatherings or festivals, it's a comforting dish, especially during summer celebrations.

Bergen Fish Soup - Fiskesuppe - A delightful mix of fresh fish, cream, and vegetables, creating a light yet hearty soup. Locals often indulge in this dish during lunch, perfect after a morning by the harbor.

Klippfisk - Dried Cod - A flavor-packed dried and salted cod, usually grilled or baked, often served with boiled potatoes and a butter sauce. You’ll find this as a main course in cozy homes, especially during the colder months.

Lapskaus - Norwegian Stew - A hearty stew made with beef, root vegetables, and potatoes, slow-cooked to perfection. This comfort food is commonly served during family dinners, especially on chilly evenings when everyone gathers around the table.

Brunost - Brown Cheese - This sweet and slightly tangy brown cheese is often enjoyed on crispbread or waffles. Don’t be surprised if locals eat it with savory toppings like cured meats, as the combination might surprise your taste buds.

Fish and Chips - Fiskekotelett med Pommes Frites - Freshly caught fish, usually cod or haddock, perfectly battered and deep-fried, accompanied by crispy fries. Best enjoyed at seaside stalls on a sunny day, it’s a beloved street food staple in Bergen.

Koldtbord - Cold Seafood Platter - An impressive assortment of smoked salmon, shrimp, and crab, often served on a beautiful wooden board with dipping sauces. This dish is common during festive occasions or gatherings, showcasing Bergen's coastal bounty.

Desserts & Drinks
Karsk - Karsk (traditional coffee cocktail) - A unique mix of coffee and vodka, often served in a rustic glass. Locals enjoy it as a warming drink during long evenings out, traditionally believed to keep the cold away (especially during those dreary winters!).

Fjellbekk - Fjellbekk (refreshing fruit soda) - A delightful blend of sparkling water and locally sourced fruit syrup, commonly enjoyed in summer months. You’ll find it at family picnics or sunny afternoons at the fjords, and locals love to add fresh mint or berries for an extra touch.

Skillingsboller - Skillingsboller (cinnamon roll) - Sweet and fluffy, this cinnamon bun is oftentimes topped with icing and sprinkled with sugar. Perfect for a cozy break at a café while chatting with friends, and there’s a common belief that the fluffier the roll, the better the baker!

Sorbet - Sorbet (iced fruit dessert) - A light and refreshing treat made from various seasonal fruits, most popular in July and August when berries are ripe. Served chilled and often accompanied by a sprig of fresh mint, this delight is a staple at summer festivals.

Kransekake - Kransekake (ring cake) - This towering, almond-based cake is typically reserved for special occasions like weddings or national holidays. Its chewy texture and sweet icing make it a festive favorite, and it’s often decorated with Norwegian flags and flowers during celebrations.

Food and Groceries in Bergen

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $2.91
Bananas $2.34
Oranges $2.75
Potatoes $2.54
Apples $3
Beverages
Water 1.5L $2.03
0.5L Local Beer $3.16
Imported Beer $3.84
Wine Rating >4.0 $14
Milk 1L $1.98

Various Groceries
Meat (Beef or Pork) $30.17
Chicken $13.81
Cigarettes $14
Rice $2.45
Local Cheese $13.16

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

The way locals approach dining in Bergen flips the usual script. Forget everything you know about lunch hours; here, the noon meal often spills into leisurely afternoon gatherings, especially on weekends. I mean, it’s not uncommon to see friends settling in for a long lunch at around 2 p.m. (which might seem late if you’re from other cities). You’ll find dining happening well into the evening, with many restaurants bustling until 10 p.m. or later.

In terms of food costs, it might surprise you how much you get for your money compared to other cities. A hearty lunch at a café can set you back about 150 NOK, but if you wander into the tourist areas, expect to pay closer to 200 NOK for similar fare. Just yesterday, I grabbed a simple yet delicious fish soup at a cozy spot for 130 NOK, which felt like a steal considering the portion size!

When it comes to finding a place to eat, head toward the Fish Market or the areas around Torgallmenningen for a broader selection. Just a block off these tourist hotspots, you’ll discover cafes filled with locals enjoying simple, comforting meals. One common mistake for tourists is hesitating to try the traditional "husmannskost" (Norwegian home-cooked food) that isn’t just delicious but affordable, often priced under 200 NOK. There's also a rise in trendy spots experimenting with local ingredients—so keep an eye out for menus that highlight seasonal specialties.

Now, let’s talk about how you pay for your meals. Don’t let Bergen's payment customs surprise you like they did me! Most places prefer cards, which is super convenient, but always check if they add a service charge because it’s more common in fancier spots. One local eating habit I’ve encountered is sharing dishes, especially small plates, which creates a lovely communal vibe—definitely try that if you dine with friends.

If you’re aiming to get a table during the popular dining hours (say around 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.), it’s wise to make a reservation, especially at the busier spots. Oh, and before I forget, consider visiting Bergen during the shoulder seasons when prices can drop, and you’ll see fewer tourists in the restaurants.

Local dining patterns are evolving too—evidenced by younger crowds pushing for more quick, casual meal options in recent years. As we embrace both tradition and innovation, Bergen stands as a unique culinary landscape waiting to be explored throughout the seasons.




Tourist Reviews

All photos and texts belong to their authors
@luba_iov
« Norway officially ranks first as the world's most expensive country! 🇳🇴💰 It's beautiful, and you truly feel the price tag when you're there. This cute little dessert costs around $10, similar to a meal at a café in some places. But honestly, it's worth it; the taste was exceptional, leaving me wanting more... it was really delicious. 😋🇳🇴💰💰💰 »
@sergioefimovv
« Bergen tops the charts for visitors in all travel guides, as a place where you can experience the full range of marine life found in the surrounding waters... even whales! 😱🐳🐳🐳 But get ready for a treat, because when it comes to seafood... always the freshest! ✅ Is it ever not fresh? Not really... it feels kind of bland and mass-produced at times.

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Price list for comparisons:
- 1 oyster 🦪 - around 6-7 euros
- small butter with salmon - 7 euros
- platter with various seafood + garnish - starting from 30 euros... »
@sochilu
« The size of this ice cream is small, and the price is 1.30 dollars. »
@freya_nat
« Mackerel is such a delightful fish! 😊 Whether grilled, smoked, or canned, it has a magnificent flavor that really satisfies. Recently, I noticed that the price has been quite reasonable, typically around $6 to $8 per pound depending on the market and freshness.

I remember when I used to see it for much less a while ago, but it seems to be holding steady now. In restaurants, you can find mackerel dishes priced around $20, presenting a good balance between cost and an exquisite meal experience.

Overall, if you're a seafood lover, mackerel definitely deserves a spot on your plate! 🐟✨ »