Our Favorite Restaurants in Lofoten

Food in Lofoten is as much a part of the journey as the mountains and the sea. These recommendations are based on our own experiences and taste — a personal selection of places we believe capture the flavors and atmosphere of the islands.

Lofoten is world-famous for its dramatic landscapes, but in recent years the food scene has also flourished. From cozy harborside cafés to exclusive fine dining, meals here are rooted in the Arctic sea and local traditions, while chefs add creativity and modern flair.

Here are four restaurants we particularly recommend, each with its own style, followed by a few more that are worth seeking out.

Børsen Spiseri

★★★★★ (5/5)

Housed in a former fish warehouse from 1828, Børsen Spiseri offers both history and flavor in one of Svolvær’s most atmospheric settings. Inside, timber walls and maritime relics tell the story of Lofoten’s fishing heritage, while the menu celebrates the same tradition in modern ways. Stockfish, Arctic cod, and lamb are regular features, prepared with a mix of classic recipes and seasonal creativity.

Dinner at Børsen feels timeless. Candlelight flickers against old wooden beams, the harbor is just outside the windows, and the staff make the experience both professional and personal. If you want a dinner that truly reflects the essence of Lofoten, Børsen is one of the best places to go.

Bacalao

★★★★☆ (4/5)

Located right on the quay in Svolvær, Bacalao is one of the town’s liveliest spots and a natural meeting point for locals and travelers. The style is casual and welcoming, with large windows opening towards the harbor and a terrace that is packed on sunny days.

Bacalao is best known for solid lunch dishes and lighter dinners, always with a focus on fresh ingredients and a menu that appeals to many tastes. It is the kind of place where you can stop by after a hike, share a drink in the evening, or settle in for a hearty midday meal. More than just a restaurant, Bacalao is part of the social life of Svolvær.

Lofoten Food Studio

★★★★★ (5/5)

If you are looking for something truly unique, Lofoten Food Studio is the place. This is not a traditional restaurant but an intimate culinary experience created by chef Roy Magne Berglund. With space for only a handful of guests each evening, it feels more like being invited into someone’s private home than going out to dinner.

The evening usually begins with a warm welcome and an introduction to the philosophy behind the food. From there, the meal unfolds slowly, course by course, with every dish explained in detail. What makes it unforgettable is the way local ingredients are transformed — fresh cod caught the same day, root vegetables from small farms, herbs gathered in the garden, even wild berries or seaweed from the shoreline. Each plate feels like a story about Lofoten, told through flavors.

The setting is just as personal. You sit close to the open kitchen, able to watch the chef prepare and plate the dishes while sharing anecdotes from his years of working with food. Guests often describe the atmosphere as both relaxed and exclusive, with conversations flowing easily between strangers who by the end of the night feel like friends.

For us, the magic was in the combination: the creativity of a fine dining tasting menu, the intimacy of a dinner party, and the authenticity of ingredients that could only come from Lofoten. It’s not something you do every night, but if you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience that captures both the flavors and the spirit of the islands, Lofoten Food Studio is hard to beat.

Other Restaurants Worth Visiting

While the four places above are our personal highlights, there are several other restaurants in Lofoten that deserve a mention. In Henningsvær, you will find cozy spots that combine seafood with modern Nordic influences, often served in atmospheric boathouses or right on the harbor. On Sakrisøy, Anitas Sjømat has become famous for its legendary fish burgers — a casual but must-try stop for anyone exploring the southern part of the islands. In Kabelvåg and Leknes, smaller eateries and hotel restaurants often surprise guests with refined dishes and warm, personal service. Even simple roadside cafés and bakeries here tend to have a focus on local produce, offering freshly baked bread, cinnamon buns, and coffee strong enough to fuel a full day outdoors.

The Rise of Lofoten’s Food Scene

For centuries, Lofoten has been defined by one product: stockfish. This dried Arctic cod has fed people across Europe since the Viking Age, and it still hangs from wooden racks every winter. But in recent years, something new has happened. A generation of chefs and food entrepreneurs have begun to combine these deep-rooted traditions with modern techniques, seasonal creativity, and international inspiration.

The result is that Lofoten is no longer only a destination for dramatic scenery, but also for ambitious dining. From fine tasting menus that could compete in any capital city, to small cafés serving local lamb stew or fresh Arctic char, the food culture here is gaining recognition far beyond Northern Norway. More and more travelers come not only to hike and see the Northern Lights, but to taste what the islands have to offer.

---