Ever since Copenhagen’s Noma elbowed aside Spain’s El Bulli and England’s The Fat Duck to be named restaurant of the year in 2010, foodies of the world have been looking northwards.
But the famous restaurant didn’t just put Denmark on the world’s gastronomic map; it’s shown that Scandinavian cuisine throughout the region definitely deserves a closer look.
We took a look beyond Denmark – to Norway and Sweden – and hand-picked our favourites for an authentic Scandi food experience. Even better, you’re able to round off the night by staying in a luxurious historic hotel…
Gloppen Hotell, Norway
Gloppen Hotell
Whether it’s trout from Jølster or veal rib steak from the fjord county, Gloppen Hotell has plenty of local cuisine for a fresh Norwegian fix. In fact, it was salmon fishing in Nordfjord, where Gloppen is located, that provided the basis for the hotel in the first place.
The Gloppen team offers a selection of menus for whatever mood you’re in; from tapas to celebration menus and even a Nordic twist on English afternoon tea.
Strand Hotel Fevik, Norway
Strand Hotel Fevik
Prefer sunset watching by the sea to the Nordic mountain air? Head to Strand Hotel Fevik, located on the coast between Arendal and Grimstad. Enjoy coastal cuisine and fine meats with a spectacular view of the beach in Restaurant Neptune, where Nordic chefs prepare seasonal dishes with top class ingredients.
Choose from dishes such as deep fried beef fillet with celeriac puree and soy marinated salmon with avocado cream. And don’t forget to round off a good meal with a visit to the Strand’s historic bar, named after a famous regular – Roald Dahl.
Engø Gård, Norway
Engø Gård
A stay at Engø Gård is a unique experience: an idyllic combination of picture-perfect scenery, charming architecture and – especially exciting for food lovers – sublime gastronomy.
Asparagus from Hvasser, crayfish from Ildverket, free-range pork from Våle… seasonally rotating menus allow guests to experience local cuisine that’s as fresh as it gets. Complement with the perfect glass of vintage wine from the hotel cellar.
Solstrand Hotel, Norway
Solstrand Hotel
There’s no finer way to experience modern Nordic cuisine than among the fresh fjord air. Solstrand Hotel is located a short 30km south of Bergen and the airport, where the fjords cut into tall mountains and waterfalls cascade down mountainsides. The historic hotel has become the place to go for Western Norwegian food, particularly local fish and seafood: we’re eyeing up the asparagus salad with shrimp and lobster.
Dala-Husby Hotel & Restaurant, Sweden
Dala-Husby Hotel & Restaurant
Competition for the Historic Hotels of Europe best restaurant award is fierce, but the four-star Dala-Husby Hotel & Restaurant proved it was more than worthy when it landed the title in 2013. With gastro journeys aplenty, the menu is loaded with both classic and modern dishes.
We’d recommend the seven-course food tasting menu for the full Swedish gourmet experience. Situated in the serene Dalarna countryside by the Riva Dala, this is a dream location to sample cuisine from an award-winning chef.
Fredriksborg Hotel and Restaurant, Sweden
Fredriksborg Hotel and Restaurant
First built in 1721, the fortress of Fredriksborg was once used to defend Stockholm against enemies. Now, the Fredriksborg Hotel and Restaurant serves a very different purpose: one of luxury, rejuvenation and indulgence.
The hotel’s restaurant bakes all bread in house, purchases its raw ingredients from local farmers, and buys cheese from the Rindö cheese factory directly opposite. Food and wine is savoured as well as the view; which takes the form of boats gliding by over the glittering waters of Solfjärden.
Naas Fabriker Hotell & Restaurant, Sweden
Naas Fabriker Hotell & Restaurant
Inside the old brick walls of a robust cotton mill on Sävelången lake you’ll find the Naas Fabriker Hotell & Restaurant. The hotel restaurant is an experience in itself; with a stunning glass veranda overlooking the lake and menus stuffed with exciting cuisine.
Whether you’re peckish for something small (we’d recommend the meat tray with venison pate) or an opulent feast (order the fillet of veal and leek), the restaurant caters for every mood. Brunch lover? Take your pick from homemade bread, waffles, herring, salmon, cold cuts and more.
