One of the things I always look forward to when visiting a new city is the opportunity to explore its culinary scene. Trondheim, Norway’s third-largest city, has a unique blend of traditional Norwegian flavors and modern culinary influences. On my recent trip to this charming city, I had the pleasure of discovering a variety of local delights, from hearty traditional dishes to innovative modern fare. In this blog, I’ll share my food-filled journey through Trondheim, highlighting the best restaurants, local specialties, and unforgettable dining experiences that will leave you craving more.
1. Ristorante da Maurizio: A Taste of Italy in Trondheim
My culinary adventure in Trondheim began with a visit to Ristorante da Maurizio, a cozy Italian restaurant located in the heart of the city. While Trondheim is known for its traditional Norwegian cuisine, I couldn’t resist indulging in some Italian comfort food. This family-run restaurant has been a local favorite for years, and it’s easy to see why.
The restaurant is tucked away on a charming street, with warm lighting and rustic décor that immediately made me feel at home. I was greeted by the friendly staff, who made me feel like I was dining at a friend’s house rather than a restaurant. The menu at Ristorante da Maurizio features a wide range of Italian dishes, from classic pastas to fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas.
I started with the bruschetta, which was topped with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It was simple but bursting with flavor. For the main course, I opted for the spaghetti alle vongole, a dish of spaghetti with clams, garlic, white wine, and parsley. The pasta was perfectly cooked, and the clams were fresh and tender, making for a deliciously light yet satisfying meal.
The atmosphere at Ristorante da Maurizio was lively and welcoming, with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying their meals. I also noticed that the restaurant offered a variety of Italian wines, which paired perfectly with my meal. Overall, it was a delightful experience, and I highly recommend it if you’re in the mood for some Italian comfort food in Trondheim.
Recommendation: If you’re craving authentic Italian cuisine, Ristorante da Maurizio is the place to go. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the food is top-notch.
2. To Rom og Kjøkken: A Modern Twist on Norwegian Cuisine
Next, I decided to dive into some traditional Norwegian cuisine, and To Rom og Kjøkken was the perfect place to do so. This modern Scandinavian restaurant is known for its innovative approach to traditional Norwegian dishes. Located in the city center, the restaurant offers a stylish yet cozy atmosphere, with an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs work their magic.
The menu at To Rom og Kjøkken changes seasonally, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. I started with the herring appetizer, which was served with pickled vegetables and rye bread. The herring was fresh and flavorful, and the pickled vegetables added a nice tangy contrast. For the main course, I opted for the reindeer with mashed root vegetables and lingonberry sauce. The reindeer was cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful, and the mashed root vegetables were creamy and comforting. The lingonberry sauce added a subtle sweetness that complemented the richness of the meat.
One of the things I loved about To Rom og Kjøkken was its commitment to using local, sustainable ingredients. The menu changes regularly to reflect what’s in season, and you can taste the quality of the ingredients in every bite. The service was impeccable, with the staff offering knowledgeable recommendations and ensuring that I had everything I needed throughout my meal.
Recommendation: For a modern take on traditional Norwegian cuisine, To Rom og Kjøkken is a must-visit. The innovative dishes and commitment to local ingredients make it a standout in Trondheim’s food scene.
3. Fiskeriet: A Seafood Lover’s Paradise
As a seafood enthusiast, I couldn’t leave Trondheim without experiencing some of the freshest seafood the city has to offer. Fiskeriet is a renowned seafood restaurant located along the Nidelva River, offering a wide selection of fresh fish and shellfish. The restaurant’s location is perfect for enjoying a meal with a view of the river and the surrounding cityscape.
The menu at Fiskeriet is simple but focused on quality. I started with the fish soup, which was rich and creamy, filled with chunks of fresh fish and shellfish. It was the perfect dish for a chilly day, warming me up from the inside out. For the main course, I chose the grilled cod, which was served with roasted vegetables and a delicate beurre blanc sauce. The cod was perfectly cooked, flaky and tender, and the beurre blanc sauce added a rich, buttery flavor that elevated the dish.
What I loved most about Fiskeriet was the freshness of the seafood. You can taste the difference when the fish is sourced locally and prepared with care. The restaurant also has a great selection of Norwegian craft beers, which paired perfectly with my meal. The atmosphere was casual yet refined, making it a great spot for both a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner.
Recommendation: If you’re a seafood lover, Fiskeriet is a must-visit. The fresh fish and shellfish, combined with the beautiful riverside setting, make it a memorable dining experience.
4. Credo: Fine Dining with a Focus on Local Ingredients
For a truly special dining experience, I highly recommend Credo, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Trondheim that focuses on fine dining with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant is located a bit outside the city center, but it’s well worth the short journey for a one-of-a-kind meal.
The menu at Credo is inspired by the flavors of Norway, with a modern twist. The tasting menu features a series of small plates, each highlighting the best of what’s in season. I started with a dish of smoked salmon with dill and horseradish, which was delicate and flavorful. The salmon was perfectly smoked, and the dill and horseradish added a refreshing kick. Next, I enjoyed lamb with root vegetables and a rich jus, which was melt-in-your-mouth tender and packed with flavor.
What sets Credo apart is its commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. The restaurant works closely with local farmers, fishermen, and foragers to ensure that the ingredients are of the highest quality. The staff at Credo are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the food they serve, and they took the time to explain each dish in detail.
Recommendation: If you’re looking for a fine dining experience that showcases the best of Norwegian ingredients, Credo is the place to go. The tasting menu is a true culinary journey, and the attention to detail is unmatched.
5. Sushi San: A Japanese-Inspired Escape
While Trondheim is known for its traditional Norwegian cuisine, it also has a vibrant international food scene. One of my favorite meals during my trip was at Sushi San, a Japanese-inspired restaurant that offers a variety of sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes. The restaurant is located in a cozy spot near the city center, with a modern and minimalist design.
I started with the miso soup, which was rich and comforting, followed by a platter of assorted sushi. The sushi was fresh and expertly prepared, with the fish melting in my mouth. The highlight of the meal was the salmon nigiri, which was incredibly fresh and flavorful. I also tried the tempura prawns, which were crispy and light, with just the right amount of crunch.
Sushi San offers a wide variety of sushi rolls, as well as other Japanese dishes like ramen and bento boxes. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, making it a great spot for a quick meal or a leisurely dinner with friends.
Recommendation: If you’re in the mood for sushi, Sushi San is the place to go. The fresh ingredients and expertly prepared dishes make it one of the best places for Japanese food in Trondheim.
6. Bakklandet Skydsstasjon: Traditional Norwegian Comfort Food
No trip to Trondheim would be complete without experiencing some traditional Norwegian comfort food, and Bakklandet Skydsstasjon is the perfect place to do just that. Located in the picturesque Bakklandet neighborhood, this cozy restaurant offers a variety of classic Norwegian dishes, including hearty stews, fresh fish, and traditional open-faced sandwiches.
I started with the rakfisk, a traditional Norwegian dish made with fermented fish. It’s an acquired taste, but I found it to be surprisingly delicious, especially when paired with a slice of dark rye bread and some pickled vegetables. For the main course, I opted for the kjøttkaker, Norwegian meatballs served with potatoes, gravy, and lingonberry sauce. The meatballs were tender and flavorful, and the rich gravy made the dish feel like a warm hug on a cold day.
Bakklandet Skydsstasjon is a cozy, welcoming spot with a laid-back atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its friendly service and delicious home-cooked meals, and it’s a great place to experience traditional Norwegian comfort food.
Recommendation: For a taste of traditional Norwegian comfort food, Bakklandet Skydsstasjon is a must-visit. The hearty dishes and cozy atmosphere make it a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.
Trondheim is a city that offers a diverse and exciting food scene, with something to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re craving Italian comfort food, fresh Norwegian seafood, or traditional dishes with a modern twist, Trondheim has it all. I was blown away by the variety and quality of the food I experienced during my trip, and I can’t wait to return to explore even more of the city’s culinary delights. From cozy cafés to Michelin-starred restaurants, Trondheim is a food lover’s paradise that should not be missed.
