Where to eat and drink in Tromsø

We spent just two days in Tromsø town. But that was enough time to learn that if you want a seat in a good restaurant then you have to book ahead. Luckily, we were still able to try two of the best spots in the city for dinner. These were are favourite places to eat in Tromsø.

Mathallen

On our first night in Tromsø we went for dinner at Mathallen. A highly rated kitchen near the centre of town. The restaurant had a modern and relaxed vibe with low lighting, dark walls, and wooden furniture.

They serve great meat, fresh fish, and delicious vegetarian options. And we also tried Norwegian cider which tastes like a cross between scrumpy and wine. It came by the glass or 75cl, and was so good we ordered a whole bottle.

Full Steam

If you’re vegetarian, or travelling to Tromsø with vegetarians, be aware that not every restaurant will have options for you. And some will only have one or two (which I don’t mind). We booked a table at Full Steam for dinner on a Saturday night because it was highly rated and had things I could eat. But we were pleasantly surprised. 

This authentic restaurant is set across two floors and four rooms. It serves traditional Norwegian food, and has fishing and Sami decor along the wood panelled walls. The kitchen is best known for its delicious seafood dishes, but there are plenty of other options too. Everything we ate here was excellent and the portions were generous. Even on a Saturday it was just busy enough to feel lively but quiet enough that we were served quickly and attentively.

Risø

We stopped in Risø for a take away coffee. This town centre cafe had a contemporary feel that could fit in with any city in the world… In fact, I was naively surprised by how modern and ‘normal’ all of the places to eat and drink in the Arctic Circle were. We didn’t eat at Risø, but the lunch menu looked and smelled delicious. And the cafe was busy with both locals and tourists on a Saturday afternoon.

Ølhallen

Thought to be the oldest pub in Tromsø, Ølhallen (meaning beer heaven) is a cute and cosy pub. It serves a wide variety of beers, wines, and cider, and is open late. We stopped here twice in one day. Once in the afternoon and once after dinner. Both times the vibe was good, but it was definitely rowdier later at night!

Tromsø Airport

I’m adding this section because we did, technically, eat at Tromsø Airport on two occasions. And if you’re veggie or vegan you should be aware that there’s nothing here for you!

There are 6-8 sandwich and panini options in the cafe in terminal C, and in the shop in terminal A. They all have meat in them. And I assume that none of them are gluten-free, so bring your own food if you need it.

Planning a trip to the Arctic Circle? Discover our favourite things to do in Tromsø.