Bardus Bistro, Tromsø: A Cosy Taste of Traditional Norwegian Cuisine
I think it’s no secret that Tromsø, Norway, is an expensive destination. From accommodation to transport and food, prices can be eye-watering, if you’re visiting from the UK, elsewhere in Europe and especially Australia. Still, I knew that while I was here, I wanted to experience at least one proper sit-down restaurant that showcased traditional Norwegian cuisine. After all, food is such a big part of understanding a place, and skipping out on local dining entirely didn’t feel right.
My Airbnb host highly recommended Bardus Bistro, and after a quick Google search, I could see why. With a solid 4.6-star rating and countless glowing reviews praising both the food and atmosphere, it quickly rose to the top of my list. What really caught my attention, though, was the menu. Not only did it focus on local ingredients, but it also featured reindeer. I’ve tried reindeer before in stew and sautéed forms, but I had never had a reindeer steak. That alone made Bardus Bistro feel like a unique opportunity.
I was also craving something cosy. Tromsø in winter is cold, snowy, and magical, and the idea of escaping into a warm, intimate bistro serving comforting, traditional food felt like exactly what I needed. Bardus Bistro promised all of that and more, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of my time in Tromsø.
Background About Bardus Bistro
Bardus Bistro is located at Cora Sandels gate 4, right in the heart of Tromsø. While it’s central, it doesn’t feel overly touristy or flashy. Instead, it has the charm of a neighbourhood spot that locals genuinely love, which is always a good sign when choosing where to eat.
The restaurant is known for its focus on northern Norwegian ingredients and classic cooking techniques, presented in a refined yet approachable way. Bardus Bistro doesn’t try to reinvent traditional food or make it overly modern. Instead, it respects the ingredients and lets them shine, which feels very true to Norwegian food culture.
The opening hours are also worth noting. Bardus Bistro is open from Tuesday to Friday between 11 am–3 pm and 4–10 pm, and on Saturdays from 12–3 pm and 4–10 pm. They’re closed on Sundays and Mondays, so it’s definitely something to plan ahead for, especially if you’re only in Tromsø for a short stay.
What Is Bardus Bistro Known For?
Bardus Bistro is best known for its dedication to traditional Norwegian cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients. Dishes often feature meats like reindeer and beef, hearty root vegetables, rich sauces, and flavours that are comforting rather than complicated.
Reindeer is one of the standout ingredients here and is something many visitors actively seek out when visiting northern Norway. Bardus Bistro has built a reputation for cooking it exceptionally well, whether served as a steak or in other preparations. Beyond reindeer, the restaurant is also praised for its braised meats, well-balanced sauces, and thoughtful desserts that often incorporate distinctly Norwegian flavours, such as brown cheese.
This isn’t a loud or overly formal restaurant. It’s a place where you can relax, enjoy good food, and take your time, making it perfect for a quiet dinner after a long day of exploring Tromsø.
What Is the Experience Like at Bardus Bistro?
Because I visited around New Year’s Eve, I knew Tromsø would be busy. According to Bardus Bistro’s website, reservations were already showing as full, but I decided to email them anyway. To my surprise, they replied quickly, and we were able to secure a table for two without any issues. If you’re visiting during peak periods, especially winter or around holidays, I would absolutely recommend making a reservation in advance.
The restaurant has two levels, and we sat upstairs. Honestly, it couldn’t have been better. We had a table next to the window, which allowed us to watch the snow gently falling outside as we ate. It added such a magical touch to the whole experience and really captured the feeling of being in the Arctic during winter.
Inside, Bardus Bistro feels incredibly cosy and welcoming. The interior features books lining the walls, giving it a warm, lived-in feel, almost like dining in someone’s well-loved home.
The staff were also friendly and attentive without being overbearing. Overall, the experience felt relaxed, thoughtful, and perfectly suited to the cold winter weather outside.
What Is the Food Like at Bardus Bistro?
The food at Bardus Bistro is where everything truly comes together. Each dish felt carefully prepared, well-balanced, and deeply comforting.
Reindeer Steak (495 NOK / £36)
The reindeer steak dish included chanterelle sauce, celery purée, potatoes, vegetables, and lingonberries. Without exaggeration, this was the best reindeer steak I’ve ever had, cooked to a perfect medium rare, incredibly soft, and not chewy at all.
The chanterelle sauce added a rich, earthy depth that paired perfectly with the meat, while the celery purée added a subtle sweetness. The lingonberries provided a gentle tartness that cut through the richness and brought everything together. Out of all the reindeer dishes I’ve tried in Norway, the steak version here is hands down my favourite.
Braised Beef Chuck (459 NOK / £33)
The braised beef chuck was served with mashed potatoes, root vegetables, and a red wine sauce. It was hearty, comforting, and exactly what you’d want on a cold winter evening. The beef was tender and flavourful, and the red wine sauce paired beautifully with the creamy mashed potatoes.
That said, when comparing the two mains, the reindeer steak stood out more for me. The flavours, sauce, and cooking of the reindeer were simply exceptional. Still, the beef dish was enjoyable and satisfying, especially if you’re looking for something classic and comforting.
Brown Cheese Ice Cream with Almond Brittle (95 NOK / £7)
For dessert, we tried the brown cheese ice cream with almond brittle, and it was a pleasant surprise. The ice cream reminded me of a mix between vanilla and caramel, with a subtle savoury note from the brown cheese. The almond brittle added a lovely crunch and texture, balancing the creaminess of the ice cream. Overall, it was a unique and memorable dessert that rounded off the meal perfectly.
What Is the Price Like at Bardus Bistro?
Norway is expensive, and Bardus Bistro is no exception. Main dishes range between 400–500 NOK (£30–£37), which might feel steep depending on where you’re visiting from.
Final Thoughts about Bardus Bistro
Bardus Bistro delivers exactly what it promises, traditional Norwegian food, cooked with care, served in a cosy and welcoming setting. It’s not flashy or pretentious, but it doesn’t need to be. The quality of the ingredients, the thoughtful preparation, and the warm atmosphere speak for themselves.
From the cosy interior and friendly staff to the incredible reindeer steak and unique dessert, everything came together to create a memorable experience. It felt like an authentic taste of northern Norway, both in terms of food and atmosphere.
If you’re visiting Tromsø and want to try traditional Norwegian cuisine in a relaxed, intimate setting, Bardus Bistro is well worth a visit. Yes, it’s expensive, but that’s part of travelling in Norway.
If you’re planning a trip to Tromsø and debating whether to splurge on a restaurant meal, I’d strongly recommend putting Bardus Bistro on your list. It’s the perfect spot for a cosy evening, especially in winter, and a great introduction to traditional Norwegian flavours. For me, it was an experience I won’t forget and one I’d happily repeat on a future visit.
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