Bark Mat is a bright and modern restaurant and wine bar with a welcoming atmosphere. It is conveniently located near the National Stage Theatre in Bergen.

Since the restaurant didn’t have an English menu, the waiter patiently walked me through each item. The menu changes frequently, reflecting the seasonal availability of ingredients sourced from local fishermen, divers, hunters, and farmers.

I opted for a starter, main course, and dessert.

For the starter, I had potato pavé with cured meat. The pavé was slightly crisp on the outside and soft inside, offering a blend of fruity, tangy, and savory flavors. The cured meat was particularly impressive—rich in umami with a smooth, satisfying texture.

The main course was a beef sirloin served with mushroom sauce, spinach purée, and charred greens. The sirloin was perfectly tender, and the charred greens added a smoky, earthy depth with a hint of sweetness. Each component of the dish was delicious on its own, but together, the flavors harmonized beautifully.

For dessert, I enjoyed fresh strawberries topped with cream and a warm caramel sauce. The dish had a nice balance of flavors— the strawberries were slightly sour, the caramel added a touch of saltiness, and the cream had a mild, slightly sweet taste that brought it all together.

 

Baneveien 16, 5010 Bergen, Norway