Kirkenes Tastes: Your Guide to the Top 5 Food & Drink Hotspots

If you are thinking about a trip way up north to Kirkenes, Norway, one thing you’ll for sure discover is that it is so much more than just snow and the Northern Lights. This small town, that’s nearly sitting at the edge of the world, actually boasts a surprisingly exciting culinary scene, from the freshest seafood you’ve probably ever tasted to uniquely crafted drinks that totally warm you up from the inside out. So, let’s have a look at some can’t-miss food and drink places in Kirkenes, so that you can taste the best of what this Arctic town gives you.

1. Gabba: Traditional Sami Flavors With A Twist

Gabba Restaurant seems to bring something truly special to Kirkenes. It is really a unique place. You see, this restaurant totally focuses on showcasing Sami cuisine, but it does it with an updated and kind of fresh approach. If you are looking to try something authentic from the region, yet very different from all the ordinary tourist menus, this, too, could be your spot.

Okay, so one of the things that makes Gabba stand out very much is its use of local ingredients, in fact very local! Reindeer meat, freshly caught fish, berries hand-picked straight from the tundra are often prepared into totally amazing dishes. Many folks that dine here really love the reindeer stew – so delicious. Others really appreciate how Gabba uses age-old cooking methods (but gives it their own spin) to prepare their meals. This place isn’t just dinner, but it’s kinda like stepping into Sami culture to enjoy their food and share a story. I think your tummy will thank you after dining at Gabba!

2. King Crab House: A Feast Fit for a King (Crab, That Is!)

Are you really ready for a true taste of the Arctic? King Crab House is like, totally dedicated to serving up king crab. No surprise, since its right there in the name! This is just the place, should you crave some crab that’s really so delicious and super fresh. Word on the street is that you can get it prepared in so many amazing ways here, so let’s dive into what this spot offers.

King Crab House very often works on simplicity. Let me explain. One dish that people adore is the steamed king crab legs – yeah, those giant things! The crab is generally cooked to perfection and they’re also served up with just melted butter and a bit of lemon to squeeze on top. The goal is to let the crab flavor speak for itself. I think that is fairly noble, don’t you? Also, people mention the staff is totally knowledgeable about king crab (its almost an expertise, I feel!). You’ll even, very possibly, pick up a few interesting facts during your dinner there, and they can walk you through their menus that feature a variety of crab preparations, I’ve heard that are rather fantastic!

3. Snowhotel Restaurant: Dining in a Winter Wonderland

How often can one say they’ve eaten in a snow hotel? Okay, if you’re planning a trip to Kirkenes, maybe that could happen for you too! The Snowhotel Restaurant actually has a dining experience like no other because the setting and meals served are spectacular.

First thing that really is cool (pun intended!) – the restaurant itself sits inside a hotel made entirely of snow and ice, basically! So, every year, some artists construct this ephemeral marvel that provides a gorgeous setting for a memorable meal. Tables, chairs, decor… almost everything, in a way, is carved from ice. Okay, so on top of that unique decor, the restaurant tends to serve up dishes featuring regional specialties using local products. Think very elegantly plated dishes starring reindeer and fresh-caught seafood, generally made to go well with such an icy environment, like warming and spiced drinks!

4. Barents Fiskehjørnet: The Freshest Catch of the Day

Okay, for those that might want really straightforward, high-quality seafood, it appears you can get that too, so check out Barents Fiskehjørnet, if you fancy! It’s a shop that acts like a little restaurant. One can find so much fresh, local catch straight from the sea there.

First and foremost, freshness really appears to be everything here at Fiskehjørnet. Like your meals might as well jumped right from the Barents Sea straight to the store, if you get my drift! You can choose some seafood options; some common picks includes shrimp sandwiches. In case you wish for the catch of the day, and you’re someone that truly treasures having great seafood that is as close to straight from the ocean as possible, then, arguably, it might be hard to beat Barents Fiskehjørnet.

5. Ølhallen: Taste Local Brews

No proper guide on where to enjoy the flavors of Kirkenes can be complete without shouting out its bars! For beer-lovers, a trip to Ølhallen might just be the place you go. Think of it rather like a beer hall – the ideal spot just to sit back and savor great local brews.

So, it really is about local flavor, you see? Ølhallen focuses really intently on highlighting beers which have been brewed in the surrounding region, and what a great way to soak in local vibes! From light lagers that’s very refreshing all the way to rich, dark ales. The bar typically offers beer choices which may suit different kinds of preferences. This also, just maybe, is where locals themselves hang out so it feels more down to earth instead of very “touristy”, should you be seeking such places to discover!