In southwest Norway, in Rogaland county, lies Stavanger – Norway's third most populous urban area. Since the 1970s, Stavanger has been the fastest-growing city both in Norway and in the Nordic region – much thanks to the fact that it is the basis for Norway's oil production in the North Sea. In a magnificent environment with fjords, mountains and white beaches, Stavanger has grown into a popular tourist destination. The proximity to fresh produce of the highest class has contributed to a strong selection of tasteful restaurants. Here are our recommendations of 5 restaurants and food festivals in cosy Stavanger!
The nature in and around Stavanger is fabulously beautiful. Preikestolen is a famous, well-visited mountain plateau that boasts an outlook 600 metres above the Lysefjord – from here you have a magical view of the landscape. The city is also known for its well-preserved and popular wooden houses. Stavanger is at the top as a cultural and food city as well. With its proximity to fresh produce and delicacies, the city attracts food lovers and chefs from all over the world, and offers a great selection of delicious restaurants. The city centre is relatively compact and makes it easy to walk around between different attractions, shopping and restaurants on foot.
RE-NAA – exclusive and award-winning
Sven Erik Renaa is a chef at the award-winning and exclusive restaurant that bears his name. The RE-NAA is close to the city's cathedral and offers classic dishes with a modern twist. In this way, the restaurant reflects the vibrant atmosphere of Stavanger as a city. At the same time, incredibly great focus is placed on the raw materials – here they work with fresh quality raw materials during all stages of the process. Seafood, fish, vegetables, game, and mushrooms – everything is in the vicinity of Stavanger and prepared in the best possible way at the restaurant. Clarion Collection Hotel Skagen Brygge is located right on the town's quay – just a few hundred metres from the restaurant. With an idyllic view of the harbour, you can stay in a stylish hotel that has won awards for its architecture.
Fun, tasty, and relaxing at The Social Bar & Bistro
Clarion Hotel Stavanger is a personal hotel with the city's cultural and entertainment life within easy reach. The atmosphere of the hotel is filled with artistic spirit, design, and a highly welcoming staff. In the hotel you will also find The Social Bar & Bistro. Here you can enjoy good food and drink in a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere.
Restaurant The Social Bar & Bistro.
Tango – really good food in a quiet atmosphere
If you are looking for "rough fine dining", Tango at Torgterrassen is definitely worth a visit. Here you will find a wonderful taste of Western Norway. You will be in an intimate atmosphere and, with only 30 seats, this is a well worthwhile experience. Raw materials of the highest quality, carefully selected by the chefs, await you here. Both the menu and the wine list are constantly changing. Clarion Collection Hotel Skagen Brygge is only 300 metres away. From the hotel you can enjoy an idyllic view of the harbour and nearby old Stavanger – which is actually northern Europe's most well-preserved wooden house area. In addition, you will find attractions such as Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock), the Lysefjord, and the Valberget watchtower all within a comfortable distance.
Photo: Tango
Sabi Omakase – popular and intimate world-class sushi
In the eastern part of the city lies the very popular and famous restaurant Sabi Omakase. The restaurant is one of Norway's most exclusive sushi restaurants and has received a star in the Guide Michelin both in 2017 and 2018. Only 10 guests will be accommodated at the restaurant at the same time, which means that booking in advance is a must. Sit down around the bar and watch Sabi Omakase's sushi master make the city's best sushi for you and your friends. Comfort Hotel Stavanger is within walking distance of entertainment, shopping, and public transport and is an excellent base for your visit to the city. The hotel is located in the old well-preserved part of Stavanger with buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Photo: Sabi Omakase
Gladmat Food Festival – for food lovers from all over the world
Every year in July, 250,000 food lovers and chefs from all over the world gather in Stavanger for Norway's largest food festival, Gladmat. If you love quality ingredients, traditional flavours, exciting fusions, and delightful company you should not miss this four-day homage to food. Enjoy the city as well as the food and try both international and local flavours. Here the prices are cheap and the variety great.
Visitors at Gladmat. Photo: Tord Paulsen