Bark Mat: A Blend of Local Flavors and Modern Elegance in Bergen

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

Chocolate break at Fjåk

Fjåk is the first bean-to-bar chocolate maker in Norway, and their coffee shop is located in Bergen Old Town. You can sit in front of the store, indoors, or in the charming backyard. The shop serves a selection of hot and cold drinks, cookies, and popsicles.

You can also purchase their unique chocolate bars. In addition to selling regular dark chocolate, they offer a Nordic twist with unique local ingredients such as brown cheese and reindeer moss, bringing a taste of Norwegian tradition into their creations.

I visited a little after opening, and there were just a few customers, which added to the relaxed vibe. The service was absolutely phenomenal. The guy behind the counter was courteous and patient, explaining everything in detail and even making thoughtful recommendations.

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I got the Haiti 60% chocolate with whipped cream.

It had a unique aftertaste—smooth yet not overly sweet, with a lighter consistency than most hot chocolates.

It’s not your typical sugary hot chocolate but more of an artisanal experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fjåk chocolate shop & café

Website: http://www.fjaak.no/
Telephone: +4740851893
Opening hours: 

Monday
  • 8 am–7 pm
Tuesday
  • 8 am–7 pm
Wednesday
  • 8 am–7 pm
Thursday
  • 8 am–7 pm
Friday
  • 8 am–7 pm
Saturday
  • 10 am–7 pm
Sunday
  • 10 am–7 pm

Address: Skostredet 5, 5017 Bergen, Norway

 

Fjellskål: Where Bergen’s Seafood Tradition Meets Modern Flavor

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Fjellskål Sjømatrestaurant is located in a fish market next to the Bergen port. Founded in 1976 by brothers Øystein and Ragnar at Bergen’s Fisketorget, Fjellskål has grown from a small fish stall into a seafood destination. For over 40 years, they shared their passion for seafood, making Fjellskål a part of Bergen’s cultural history. In 2012, the family formed Fjellskål Fisketorget AS, expanding their legacy.

At Fjellskål, you can choose to buy fresh seafood to take home or enjoy a meal on-site. The market offers an enticing selection of the region’s finest seafood, including king crab, salmon, cod, shellfish, langoustines, and more. The restaurant features three outdoor seating areas overlooking the wharf, though it can get busy and noisy when cruise ships dock.

The menu includes both à la carte options and set menus, offering a variety of seafood and meat dishes.

Bergen is famous for its fish soup, so I had to try it. The soup featured a mix of white and red fish combined with carrot and leek and finished with parsley and chervil oil. It was creamy and, to my surprise, not overly fishy. The flavor was mild and comforting.

Since I’m not a fan of cod, I opted for the fish and chips of the day, which was Wolffish. The fish had a golden-brown crust with a satisfying crunch, while the inside revealed the juiciest, freshest fish I’ve had. Its texture was firm, with a neutral flavor. This was some of the best fish and chips I’ve ever enjoyed. The fries were perfect, too—crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

I ended my meal with a rich and creamy creme brulee with a sweet custardy flavor—the perfect end to an amazing meal.

 

Fjellskål Sjømatrestaurant

Website: https://www.fjellskaal.no/
Telephone: +4798905898
Opening hours:

Monday – Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – midnight

Friday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – midnight

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – midnight

Address: Strandkaien 3, 5013 Bergen, Norway