Falstaff presents the 130 best rated restaurants in Norway for the first time.
The list ranking the best restaurants in Norway has finally been put together by the Falstaff team. It’s long overdue as the produce of the country at its best should be referred to as almost improbably good, and the skills and knowhow of Norwegian chefs have reached levels of international proportions. With a total of 20 restaurants holding Michelin stars – two amongst them have three and one has two stars – and another 34 currently having Bib Gourmands or recommendations in the guide, Norwegian gastronomy means business.
Norway is not the biggest country in the world, but foodwise it’s extremely diversified. From the fishing waters along the vast coastline, to the game found in forests and mountains, fruit and berries, vegetables and fungi across the country during season, and a food industry spearheaded by small producers highlighting quality as much as possible, the country offers eating experiences to treasure. Historically much of the Norwegian food has been treated to different preservation techniques due to the harsh winters and rugged climate, and many of these are still in use – for a reason.
Unsurprisingly the two restaurants with three Michelin stars are at the top of our list. Re-Naa and Maaemo have both been at the forefront of Norwegian gastronomy for years, showing the way for new generations of chefs.
Re-Naa, located in Norway’s unofficial oil capital Stavanger, is the latest to be rewarded the three Michelin stars. Married couple Sven Erik and Torill Renaa have been working to achieve this for years. The ambitious menu has kept growing in complexity and quality, and the general perception is that the final star was long overdue – and well deserved.
Danish chef Esben Holmboe Bang of Maaemo fame has similarly developed his amazing understanding of Norwegian food traditions and produce over a number of years, and the Oslo restaurant (at a former location) was rewarded three stars back in 2016. Upon moving to today’s location, Maaemo regained the stars in the first year of service.
These two are only the tip of the iceberg. Looking at the list, you’ll find a huge variety of restaurants, serving all types of food, with one common denominator: they’re all pretty good. It’s time to look to Norway!
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