Bellevue
Located in a quiet and idyllic residential area, only 10 minutes' drive from the city centre, the Bellevue, as its name indicates, has beautiful views overlooking Bergen. Established in 1899, the restaurant has a reputation for gastronomic excellence. The menus contain many traditional and local specialities, being particularly strong on game and fish and seafood dishes.

Bellevuebakken 9
Tel: 5533 6999.
Website: www.bellevue.no  
Price: $$$

Bølgen & Moi
A great pit-stop in between visits to the nearby Rasmus Meyers Allé museums, this is the Bergen outlet of a trendy, popular franchise, established by two of Norway's best known chefs. Expect modern, international fare, with good value lunch menus, although it's in the evening that the brasserie really comes to life.

Rasmus Meyers Allé 9
Tel: 5559 7700.
Website: www.bolgenogmoi.no
Price: $$$

Dolly Dimple's
This chain, many locals swear, serves the best pizza in Bergen. Also offers pasta and salads, and delicious desserts. Takeaway available.

Branches: Bergen Storsenter; Torgalmenningen; Kokstadveien 9; Krohnåsveien 12; Minde Alle 36; Sandvikensveien 44
Tel: 04440.
Website: www.dolly.no
Price: $

Finnegaardsstuene
Part of the Finnegaarden Restaurant House, Finnegaardsstuene is one of the premier gourmet restaurants in Norway. The cuisine is classic European with Norwegian influences. Among Bergen's oldest establishments (it is almost 300 years old), the charming Finnegaarden is one of the country's best preserved quay buildings. Degustation menus available.

Rosenkrantzgaten 6
Tel: 5555 0320.
Website: www.finnegaarden.no  
Price: $$$-$$$$

Lucullus
Award-winning Lucullus is a gourmet restaurant hailed as one of the best in Norway, serving classic dishes executed to perfection. The cuisine is French and decidedly haute. The extensive wine list is guaranteed to offer something special to complement any meal at this sophisticated and stylish restaurant.

Neptun Hotel, Valkendorfsgaten 8
Tel: 5530 6800.
Website: www.neptunhotel.no
Price: $$$$

Nama Sushi & Noodles
The city's most popular sushi bar is sleek without being flashy, with prices that are easy on the wallet and a good selection of raw fish and noodles. Pretty bento boxes are available for lunch, and there are specials every day, as well as a happy hour in the afternoon (1500-1700).

Lodin Lepps gate 2
Tel: 5532 2010.
Website: www.namasushi.no
Price: $-$$

Potetkjelleren
Housed in a period basement dating back to the Middle Ages, complete with rickety floors and vaulted ceiling, the ‘Potato Cellar' serves delicious French-inspired dishes in charming surroundings, making it the perfect choice for a romantic candlelit dinner. No lunch.

Kong Oscarsgate 1
Tel: 5532 0070.
Website: www.potetkjelleren.no
Price: $$-$$$

Smauet Mat & Vinhus
This charming restaurant is located in Vaskerelvsmauet, by Ole Bulls plass in the heart of the city. The cuisine is modern and international, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. A ‘Tapas surprise' menu is available in addition to the a la carte menu. A whisky and cognac bar can be found upstairs.

Vaskerelvsmauet 1
Tel: 5521 0710.
Website: www.smauet.no
Price: $$$

Wesselstuen
A restaurant and bar on Ole Bulls plass, in 18th-century wine cellar, known for its friendly, cheerful atmosphere, serving a variety of traditional Norwegian courses, as well as more international cuisine. Light meals are available too.

Ole Bulls plass 6
Tel: 5555 4949.
Website: www.wesselstuen.no  
Price: $$