The latest edition of the Michelin guide has been released. Norway now has 20 restaurants awarded a coveted star rating, more than ever before.
Many people visiting Norway look for cheap places to eat. It's understandable given the country has a high cost of living, something that impacts visiting tourists.
But other visitors looking for a taste of the Nordics actively seek out the best restaurants. Unlike budget dining, many of Scandinavia's best restaurants are no more expensive than equivalent venues in London, Paris and other top culinary destinations.
In May 2024, Michelin unveiled its 2024 edition of the Michelin Guide for the Nordic countries. Featuring a broad range of restaurants from across Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, the guide is a fantastic starting point for a culinary adventure.
The 2024 guide features 85 Michelin starred restaurants, of which 20 are in Norway. Now, let’s take a look at which ones made the cut.
What is a Michelin Star?
According to the organisation, a Michelin Star is awarded first and foremost for “outstanding cooking.”
“We take into account the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavours, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed in their cuisine and, just as importantly, consistency both over time and across the entire menu,” stated the Guide.
Norway's 3-Star Restaurants
Oslo's Maaemo retains its coveted three stars for another year. Known for its Biodynamic, organic and wild ingredients, Maaemo has firmly established itself over the last decade as Norway's best restaurant.
The Michelin Guide described an evening at Esben Holmboe Bang's Maaemo as an “exceptional dining experience.”
“The surprise menu features expertly crafted and memorable dishes with sublime tastes and textures. The attentive serving team explain each dish with passion,” explained the Guide.
Stavanger's Re-naa has long been a two-star restaurant, but it has finally got its third star. The “delicate, poised constructions” were praised as were the staff who had “obvious passion and pride.”
“The range of top-quality Norwegian seafood is commendable, and the bread is made at their nearby bakery,” stated the Guide. Eating at Re-naa is a unique experience with the open kitchen placed at the very centre of the room.
Norway's 2-Star Restaurant
Kontrast, a two Michelin-starred restaurant in Oslo’s former industrial district, embodies its name through a commitment to contrast in both concept and cuisine.
Chef Mikael Svensson’s menu highlights carefully sourced ingredients, from wild, line-caught fish to organic Norwegian produce. Dishes, like langoustine stew with pickled carrot, balance rich and fresh flavors with precision.
Sustainability is integral, with food waste repurposed and a rooftop garden supporting biodiversity. In the softly lit dining room, guests can watch skilled chefs at work.
One-Star Restaurants in Oslo
17 other restaurants were awarded a single star across Norway, including three new stars for 2024. Of the 17 restaurants with a single star, nine of them are in the capital city, Oslo. Let’s take a closer look.
À L’aise: This elegant restaurant blends Norwegian ingredients with classic French techniques. Guests can enjoy two tasting menus or pre-order the signature canard à la presse. Expertly crafted sauces enhance the refined, flavourful dishes, showcasing exceptional culinary skill.
Bar Amour: Bar Amour’s intimate, red-hued setting playfully nods to its past while delivering a polished dining experience. Chef Carlos De Medeiros blends Norwegian ingredients like skrei cod and reindeer with Portuguese influences, crafting refined, flavourful dishes in a hidden yet memorable space.
Hot Shop: Chef Jo Bøe Klakegg's Hot Shop is a “friendly, canteen-style neighbourhood bistro with a surprise tasting menu.” The Guide praised the “rich, technically adept dishes” for their “real depth of flavour.”
Hyde: British chef Matthew North has created a fun location with low lights and loud music in the capital. “Dishes come with bold, punchy flavours, and the natural wines are particularly well-chosen,” states the Guide.
Mon Oncle: Inspired by classic French cuisine, this intimate restaurant exudes old-world charm. Chefs in toques craft refined dishes like duck à l’orange and razor clams royale with exquisite sauces. A superb French wine list enhances the elegant dining experience.
Sabi Omakase Oslo: At this intimate omakase restaurant, Chef Airis Zapašnikas masterfully blends Japanese techniques with premium Norwegian fish. Just 10 guests enjoy a three-hour dining experience, watching the chef craft and explain each dish, paired with wine, sake, or juice.
SAVAGE: Despite its name, dining here is a delight, with globally inspired dishes that showcase creativity and technical skill. Inside the Revier hotel, a bold mural sets the scene, while counter seats offer a front-row view of the beautifully presented cuisine.
Stallen: Set in a former stable, this intimate restaurant welcomes guests straight into the kitchen. The surprise menu evolves daily, showcasing homegrown vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Sustainability and ethical values shine through, creating a warm, immersive dining experience.
Statholdergaarden: Elegance and tradition combine in this 17th-century building in downtown Oslo. Statholdergaarden offers “expertly rendered classical cooking” using “seasonal Norwegian ingredients in familiar combinations.”
Other One-Star Restaurants in Norway
Outside the capital city, eight other restaurants received a single star. Let’s take a look at these.
FAGN, Trondheim: Located in downtown Trondheim in the premises formerly occupied by Credo, the intimate Fagn retains its star. “Each of the beautiful surprise dishes comes with a story, which is enthusiastically explained,” stated the Guide.
Hermetikken, Stavanger: Owned by sommeliers, Hermetikken excels in both wine and cuisine. The chefs create deep, well-balanced flavours from minimal ingredients, as seen in the three-way duck dish. An impressive wine list enhances the refined yet approachable dining experience.
Iris, Hardangerfjord: Set inside the striking Salmon Eye floating structure, this Hardangerfjord restaurant offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable journey into Norwegian cuisine. A short boat ride from Rosendal leads to inventive dishes featuring foraged and underappreciated ingredients, showcasing remarkable culinary skill.
K2, Stavanger: Run by Ola Klepp and Elisabeth Kress, this welcoming restaurant balances sustainability with superb cuisine. A 10-course set menu showcases Rogaland’s best local ingredients, crafted with depth and creativity. Their commitment extends to composting and zero-waste practices in their restaurant garden.
Lysverket, Bergen: Based within Bergen's art museum, Lysverket was awarded a star for its “intelligently crafted, balanced dishes” that “burst with flavour.”
Sabi Omakase, Stavanger: The multi-course sushi experience at Sami Omakase on Pedersgate in Stavanger retains its star. “The superlative Norwegian ingredients are prepared with exceptional skill and embellished with subtle modern touches,” stated the Guide.
Speilsalen, Trondheim: It was no secret that the Britannia Hotel's flagship restaurant sought a star when it opened following a recent renovation. It did just that, and continues to retain its star for its “intricate dishes” that “make great use of the best Norwegian ingredients.”
Under, Lindesnes: When it originally opened, many people thought the underwater restaurant Under would be something of a novelty. It is, yet the quality of the food has shone through regardless, showcasing local seafood with “stimulating contrasts of texture and flavour.”
Other Top Restaurants in Scandinavia
Aside from Oslo's Maaemo and Stavanger’s RE-NAA, just four other restaurants received the top three-star award in the Nordic region.
Two of those were in Denmark's capital city Copenhagen, where both Geranium and Noma retained their three-star status. Jordnær, located north of the capital in Gentofte, won a third star for the first time.
In Sweden's capital Stockholm, Frantzén also retained its three-star status. At Björn Frantzén’s sleek, immersive restaurant, guests begin with an aperitif as the day’s ingredients are introduced. Counter seating offers a front-row view of masterful chefs crafting creative, flawlessly executed dishes, all delivered with impeccable service.
Have you dined at any of Norway's award-winning restaurants? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences down in the comments.
