Location: Kirkenes
Top Restaurants in Kirkenes
Top 10 restaurants in Kirkenes, Norway
Far up in the northernmost stretch of Norway—even further North than the Arctic Circle—lies Kirkenes. As you might imagine, there’s plenty to do in the winter months. Ride a husky-drawn sled under the splendor of the Northern Lights. Say hi to the reindeer at a wildlife preserve or go on an ice fishing expedition. Enjoy a succulent meal of King crab and cap it all off with an ice-cold shot of vodka at the Snowhotel.
Things to do in Kirkenes
1. Ritz
Overall Ratings
4 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By nobo - Chicago, IL
This place is located right in the center, a short walk from the two major hotels. Check their website for nightly specials. We happened to go on a Friday evening and we're lucky to have the pizza buffet, a really good deal at 109 NOK for all you can eat pizza (4 varieties) and simple green salad.
2. Siciliana Pizzarestaurant
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By Dian H - Grimstad, Norway
The reason I came here was because I was interested in either fried rice or fish menu. Unfortunately, these two options were not available and therefore I was a bit disappointed. As my husband ordered his food already, finally I also ordered falafel. The taste was OK although it was a bit "plain". But I believe those who love pizza or kebab, this restaurant has many options to choose. The staff is polite and the service is OK.
3. Shang Hai Restaurant
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By Dian H - Grimstad, Norway
We arrived around 21:00 in Kirkenes. This restaurant still accepted us, although it was 21:30 already. We appreciated we were not rejected, as we were extremely hungry while the restaurant in our hotel closed 21:00 already. We ordered fried rice and nuddle. Since both of us are vegetarian (and nothing for vegetarian in the menu) we selected the food we would like to eat and asked to remove all meat components (pork, chicken etc). The food were tasty, but we were surprised the price stay same...
4. Scandic Kirkenes Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 99 reviews
The Restaurant at the Scandic hotel is located through the main entrance. We serve a wide variety of traditional Norwegian dishes and international cuisine. Our bar, Arctic, is ideal for relaxing, enjoying a book or newspaper and having something to drink.
Reviewed By Eltan16 - Singapore, Singapore
Stayed in Scandic Hotel for 2 nights and had breakfast and dinner there.
Excellent buffet breakfast spread with wide range of hot & cold beverages - varies types of coffee and tea, juices. Hot breakfast comprises of sunny side up, sausages, bacon and my favourite of all is the homemade Pate. Variety of sardines, herrings, salmon as well.
5. Surf & Turf Restaurant AS
Overall Ratings
4 based on 217 reviews
Reviewed By Doug R - Adelaide, Australia
Not a high class restaurant but a good restaurant no need to dress up just walk in. Good local foods. Warm in winter with large windows to see outside. Menu is not extensive but reasonable amount of choice. The seafood soup is a good starter. Wine list is poor by Australian standards but the house wine in carafes is very drinkable. If you like the European wines you will be fine with the wine list. Food try the king crab or reindeer pasta if you want to try local produce.
6. Thon Hotel Kirkenes Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 272 reviews
The Restaurant is located within the Thon Hotel in Kirkenes which was opened in May 2010. Breakfast: Our breakfast buffet is served every day in our restaurant on the ground floor. The breakfast buffet offer a broad selection of spreads, hot dishes, several types of bread, fresh fruit, cereals, milk, juice and freshly brewed coffee. A la carte: Our restaurant offers an exciting a la carte menu with both local and international dishes made from local and fresh ingredients. The menu varies according to the season, and the chef draws inspiration from Finnmarksvidda (The Finnmark Plateau). During the summer we open up our outdoor Terrace where guests can enjoy a good meal and refreshments under the midnight sun, right by the waterfront of the fjord. The bar serves drinks in an enjoyable atmosphere. Welcome!
Reviewed By Adele H - Copenhagen, Denmark
Ate here two nights in a row while we stayed at the hotel. A beautiful restaurant surrounded by glass overlooking the fjord outside Kirkenes. Great staff, and the food was amazing. Keep in mind the dishes are very big!!
7. Gapahuken Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
Gapahuken Restaurant offers local specialities and it opens up to a large Terrace with panoramic lake views. It is situated about 300 meters from the Norwegian-Russian border. Open for ala carte from June to August. Rest of the year open for groups and guest staying at Sollia Gjestegård at request.
Reviewed By tb911 - San Diego
I was reminded last night that when planning the meals for an area, if there is one restaurant that looks to be clearly better or that you think you will like the most, that is the restaurant to go to first. That way, if you are correct, you can cancel other plans and go back more than once. Gapahuken is such a place.
Our party of four started with the cured reindeer and the smoked whale. Both were delicious (think braesola for the former and tender beef jerky for the latter). From there we went on to the pesto braised porked in red wine sauce, rack of lamb and two orders of "roast" reindeer. We followed with the Cloudberry Panna Cotta and the Caramel pudding with Cream. It was all fabulous (though the lamb was a little gamey to my "American" taste).
The wine list is short, as is typical around here, but with a good representation of styles and price points.
The owners are a husband and wife team who are marvelous, friendly people who do a terrific job and serve outstanding food. He is the chef, she handles the service, and their grandson works as busboy. They are helpful, engaging and accommodating. Service was sufficient and always with a smile, though you must acknowledge the context -- Seating for 110 with only three people working. There were probably 40 people total the night we were there, arriving and departing at various times during our dinner. (We were there from 5:30 - 8:30 PM)
The open kitchen is front and center in the dining room, which I thought was great. Much fun to watch the chef and see everything he is preparing as well as how it is all plated. It was both entertaining and a learning experience.
Norway is expensive relative to other countries and that is true here as well, but this place was just a tad higher than the hotel restaurants in town. One more thing, and I tell you this to inform you, not to discourage you; if you must go by taxi, it will add up.
This is hands down the best restaurant in the Kirkenes area. Get a window seat if you can.
8. Cafe Centrum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By ROBYN B - Launceston, Australia
Dropped in to have light lunch and ordered the small hamburger with cheese and bacon. The best we have had and not too much. Service was good and the waitresses very polite
9. Hoyloftet Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Sandra F - Brazil
HØYLOFTET RESTAURANT is one of the restaurants of the Kirkenes Snowhotel, located in Kirkenes, a small and attractive Norwegian town especially during the winter time and close to the Russian border. The restaurant offers a lovely ambiance perfectly suited to the region and to the entire hotel. Vigorous and visible beams in its structure, sheep skin chairs, rough furniture and a very large panoramic window. We have enjoyed this ambient before being served very tasty typical meals. We emphasize the reindeer meat and the king crab soup.
10. Kafe Visit
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
