We had 6 days in Tromsø to eat our way around the town and were not disappointed. Breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. I used this to build my guide for first-timers who want simple choices, clear price guides, and booking tips that work.
The best restaurants in Tromsø have something for everyone, if you’re in a rush, try my quick picks below, otherwise read on for my full shortlist.
Quick picks by budget and occasion
By budget
- Special occasion: Restaurant Smak, Fiskekompaniet, Emmas Drømmekjøkken
- Mid-range: Mathallen, Bardus Bistro, Arctandria SjømatRestaurant, Skarven Grill
- Cheap eats: Full Steam, Raketten, RUDA, Casa Inferno, Suvi, Indie
By occasion
- Romantic: Restaurant Smak, Emmas Drømmekjøkken
- Groups: Bardus Bistro, Arctandria, Skarven Grill
- Quick bites / late: Raketten, Full Steam, Casa Inferno
- Seafood fans: Fiskekompaniet, Arctandria, Full Steam
Map of the best restaurants in Tromsø
TOP TIP! Make sure you are fully prepared with my “First time visitor to Tromso starter kit”
FIND THE BEST ACTIVITIES : All the best activities for families, couples and solo travellers to plan your perfect trip
HOW TO STAY CONNECTED ON THE GO: The cheapest data and easiest way to make sure you can access everything you need
HOW TO AVOID CURRENCY FEES LIKE A PRO: The best cards for travel and withdrawing cash
WHERE TO STAY : A Hand picked guide covering Luxury hotels, budget stays, igloos for the northern lights and more
When to book (and where walk-ins work)
- Peak winter (Dec–Feb): Book popular spots 7–14 days ahead; Smak often needs 2–4 weeks.
- Shoulder & summer: 3–7 days is usually fine; weekends fill first.
- Walk-ins: Go early (17:00–18:00) or late (after 20:30). Bar seats at Bardus turn fast; Full Steam and Raketten are easiest.
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Tromsø restaurants at a glance
| Venue | Cuisine | Pricing Band | Booking tip | Kids |
| Restaurant Smak | Tasting menu, modern Nordic | £££ | Book 2–4 weeks in winter | N |
| Emmas Drømmekjøkken | North Norwegian | £££ | Reserve weekends | Y |
| Emma’s Winebar | Norwegian bistro | £–££ | Often easier than upstairs | Y |
| Mathallen | Seasonal Norwegian | ££ | Often closed Sundays; book Fri–Sat | Y |
| Full Steam Tromsø | Seafood canteen | £ | Walk-in friendly | Y |
| Fiskekompaniet | Seafood | £££ | Reserve; ask for window | N |
| Skarven Grill | Steakhouse | ££ | Good for groups | Y |
| Bardus Bistro | Local bistro | ££ | Try bar seats for walk-ins | Y |
| Arctandria Sjømat | Traditional seafood | ££ | Reserve for weekends | Y |
| Hildr Gastro Bar | Seasonal small plates | ££ | Book Thu–Sat | N |
| Raketten Bar & Pølse | Hot dogs | £ | Walk-up only | Y |
| RUDA | Nordic comfort | £–££ | Usually fine mid-week | Y |
| Casa Inferno | Wood-fired pizza | £–££ | Walk-ins common | Y |
| Suvi | Pan-Asian & sushi | £–££ | Easy mid-week tables | Y |
| Indie | Indian | £–££ | Takeaway available | Y |
Best restaurants in Tromsø: My hand picked shortlist
Restaurant Smak
PRICE £££
Tromsø’s special-occasion room where local fish and game take centre stage. Expect a calm pace, thoughtful plates, and a tasting menu that follows the seasons. Book well ahead in winter; make it your big night.
If you’re after an intimate dining experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional Norwegian cuisine, look no further than Restaurant Smak. This small, stylish venue in the centre of Tromsø has made a big name for itself in recent years, thanks to its innovative approach to local ingredients.
As a result I advise you book your table well in advance to avoid disappointment. Peak season, 4 weeks in advance should work.
Emma’s Drømmekjøkken
PRICE £££
A city classic with North Norwegian comfort and polished service. Go for the fish of the day or reindeer with juniper and root veg. Reserve for weekends or be flexible with the time you sit down, we managed to get our reservation on the day, but were lucky to do so!
If you’re feeling adventurous (and a bit flush), go for the chef’s tasting menu. It’s a fantastic way to experience a range of flavours in one sitting, I absolutely loved it. You’ll be sampling numerous local delicacies, with each course more surprising than the last. Make sure you come with a big appetite, as I left incredibly full and satisfied!
Emma’s Winebar (Formerly Emma’s Under)
PRICE £-££
The same Emma’s spirit in a more casual room and price band. Daily fish and hearty stews make it an easy choice after a long tour day. This tends to be easier to book than upstairs, with more chance of walk ins, I would still recommend booking if you haven’t left it too late though
A great spot for a drink, if your aren’t in the market for a full meal too. Excellent cocktails.
Mathallen
PRICE £££
Modern Norwegian cooking that follows the seasons. Skrei in winter and lamb in autumn are safe bets; flavours are clean and well judged. Often closed Sundays; book Fri–Sat to avoid disappointment.
The first thing you’ll notice about Mathallen is its open kitchen. It’s a hive of activity, with chefs busily preparing dishes in full view of diners. This transparency is part of Mathallen’s charm – there’s something exciting about watching your meal come together before your eyes.
Full Steam
PRICE £
Harbourfront, quick service, and a menu built for sharing. Order the fish soup, cod tongues and a king crab taster, then head back out for lights-spotting. Walk-in friendly, fast and great for families. In my opinion it’s one of your best options if you are hungry and without a reservation elsewhere.
Full Steam’s rustic interior is a feast for the eyes. Fishing equipment, old photographs, and maritime artefacts adorn the walls and there is an opportunity to take a guided tour of the in-house museum! Not something you get every day.
Fiskekompaniet
PRICE £££
No trip to Tromsø would be complete without sampling some of the incredible seafood the region is famous for, and there’s no better place to do that than Fiskekompaniet.
A seafood supper with harbour views and crisp execution. Pan-fried cod and Arctic char are reliable, I recommend the king crab if you are feeling a little flush.
MY TOP TIP!: Ask for a window table when you reserve.
Skarven Grill
PRICE ££
While seafood might be Tromsø’s claim to fame, sometimes you just can’t beat a good steak. Enter Skarvens Grill, part of the larger Skarven complex, which has been satisfying carnivorous cravings in Tromsø for years.
A straight-up steakhouse under the Skarven umbrella. Pick a dry-aged cut and share sides; reindeer sometimes appears. Good for groups who want crowd-pleasing plates. Another great choice for families.
Bardus Bistro
PRICE ££
A lively bistro with local produce and a confident kitchen. Reindeer and cod rotate with the seasons, the bar keeps the room upbeat. The have bar stools which make walk ins more of an option if you’re stuggling to find somewhere for dinner.
Arctandria Sjømat
PRICE ££
Part of the Skarvens group, offering traditional seafood in a wood-lined space that feels rooted in the region. Stockfish and crab are the draws, with simple sides that let the fish stand out. I recommend making reservations in advance at weekends.
Hildr
PRICE ££
Creative small plates with Nordic flavours, pickles and herbs. I personally recommend you share a spread and let the excellent restaurant team steer you to what’s best that week. Book Thu–Sat when it’s busiest.
Rakketen Bar and Pølse
PRICE £
A Tromsø institution that you shouldn’t miss on your trip. Tiny, cheerful and very Norwegian. Plan a few drinks and watch the people go by or just grab a hot dog with crispy onions between sights or on your way back to the hotel after your tour. Card-only and quick.
This was my first taste of reindeer in Tromsø, they also offer regular hot dogs and have a wood fire out the back for those particularly chilly days and nights.
RUDA
PRICE £-££
Casual Nordic comfort with a changing menu. Expect honest plates and an easy-going room. RUDA is ideal when you want good food served in a warm and friendly setting. One of the easier restaurants to get into in my experience.
Indie (Indian Cuisine)
PRICE £-££
Who says you can’t get a good curry in the Arctic Circle? Tandoori and curries that warm you through after a cold night. Their vegetarian options are strong as well.
Excellent option for families and another restaurant that offer take away as an option
Casa Inferno (Pizzeria)
PRICE £-££
In a city as far north as Tromsø, finding a good pizza might seem like a tall order. But Casa Inferno is here to prove that great pizza knows no boundaries. This popular pizzeria has been pushing the boundaries of traditional pizza-making in recent years, much to the delight of locals and visitors alike.
Wood-fired pizzas in a lively space. Good for mixed tastes or a late return from tours. Walk-ins common and service is swift. This is my personal favourite for those in a rush. Excellent for families, fussy eaters and those without reservations
MY TOP TIP! Don’t fancy eating out, order a takeaway and take in back to your accommodation
Suvi (Asian Cuisine)
For those craving a taste of Asia in the Arctic, Suvi is the place. This sleek, modern restaurant brings together the best of Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines.
Pan-Asian crowd-pleasers and sushi sets are what they are most famous for. This is an excellent venue to get into at short notice. They also offer a takeaway service for those who want some home comforts!
Best stops for breakfast, brunch and coffee with a view
- Risø Mat & Kaffebar – Coffee done properly and a strong lunch board; the Sjøgata site leans brunchy (eggs, bakes, sourdough). Often closed Sundays.
- WEBSITE
- Svermeri Kafé og Redesign – Charming multi-room café in one of the city’s oldest houses. Known for cakes and a winter breakfast that reads like a slow brunch.
- Koselig Café & Hjemmebakeri – Home-baked cakes, light lunches, and an all-day menu with brunch-style dishes. Open daily.
- WEBSITE
- Fjellheisen – Ride the cable car and enjoy a drink with the best view in town; time it for sunset when skies are clear.
What a meal costs in Tromsø (NOK/£)
- Starters: NOK 140–220 (about £11–17)
- Mains (mid-range): NOK 280–450 (£22–35)
- Tasting menu: NOK 1,250–1,900 (£95–145)
- Beer (0.5L): NOK 110–140 (£8–11) • Wine by the glass: NOK 120–180 (£9–14)
- Tipping isn’t expected. Round up if you think service is excellent.
Dietary needs and the best child friendly restaurants
We found Tromsø to be very accommodating for dietary needs on our trip, all restaurants we tried were able to accommodate my lactose intolerent other half. If you’re doing a tasting menu I advise you call or email ahead.
Vegetarian/vegan: Best across Mathallen, Hildr, Bardus, Suvi and Indie. Seafood houses can adapt sides; fully vegan mains are limited in town.
Gluten-free: Fiskekompaniet, Mathallen and Hildr and your best options
With kids: Full Steam, Emma’s Under, Skarvens Biffhus, Casa Inferno and Raketten are the least stressful. Book earlier slots and you will have a great evening.
Opening hours and Sunday trading
Many kitchens wind down by 21:00–22:00 so make sure you factor this into your planning.
Sundays: Expect reduced hours; Mathallen often closes.
Holidays: Christmas and New Year bring special menus or closures – book ahead and check online.
TOP TIP! Make sure you are fully prepared with my “First time visitor to Tromso starter kit”
FIND THE BEST ACTIVITIES : All the best activities for families, couples and solo travellers to plan your perfect trip
HOW TO STAY CONNECTED ON THE GO: The cheapest data and easiest way to make sure you can access everything you need
HOW TO AVOID CURRENCY FEES LIKE A PRO: The best cards for travel and withdrawing cash
WHERE TO STAY : A Hand picked guide covering Luxury hotels, budget stays, igloos for the northern lights and more
Local Specialties to Try
No trip to Tromsø would be complete without sampling some dishes that define the region’s cuisine. Here are a few local specialties to keep an eye out for:
- Reindeer: A staple of Sami cuisine, reindeer meat is lean, flavourful, and often served as steaks, in stews, or dried as jerky.
- King Crab: These enormous crustaceans are a delicacy in Northern Norway. Usually steamed and served simply with butter and lemon.
- Cloudberries: Known as ‘Arctic gold’, these tart berries are often made into jams or served with desserts.
- Stockfish: Dried cod, a traditional preservation method that concentrates the flavour. Often rehydrated and used in various dishes.
- Whale: While controversial, whale meat is still eaten in Norway. It’s often served as steaks or cured.
- Arctic Char: A delicate fish similar to salmon, often served grilled or smoked.
- Seaweed: Various types of seaweed are used in Arctic cuisine, adding a unique flavour and texture to dishes.
Remember, many of these ingredients are seasonal, so availability may vary depending on when you visit.
TOP TIP! Read this if you are looking to travel around Tromsø by bus
Food Events and Festivals in Tromsø
Tromsø’s food scene really comes alive during its various food festivals and events. Here are a few to look out for:
- Smak Food Festival: Held annually in September, this festival showcases the best of Arctic cuisine.
- Tromsø Beer Festival: For beer lovers, this August event features local and international craft beers.
- Rakfisk Festival: Celebrating the traditional fermented fish dish, this quirky festival takes place in November.
- Christmas Markets: In December, these markets offer a chance to try traditional Norwegian Christmas foods.
Final thoughts on Tromso Restaurants
Looking for the best activities to do in your time in Tromsø, take a look at my full itinerary. Or my full guide to the best hotels in Tromsø and best pubs in Tromsø
That wraps up my guide to the best restaurants in Tromsø. Innovative fine dining to cosy cafés, there is something for everyone. I found Tromsø’s food scene excellent, something that left me very pleasantly surprised given how remote the city is.
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