After dropping off our luggage at our hotel in Bergen around 7:00P, we came straight over to…read moreBryggeloftet & Stuene, the oldest restaurant in the city. As anticipated, it was completely full, but surprisingly, we only had to wait about 15 minutes for a table.
I had read that the fish soup (appetizer) is a must-try, though the mussels and their burger were super popular that night and looked delicious too.
+ FISH SOUP: The four of us ordered just one bowl to share as a starter and it was creamy, almost like a chowder! There wasn't a ton of seafood, just a few fish balls and small shrimp, but we still enjoyed the flavor. It came with paper-thin crackers and butter on the side.
+ PAN-FRIED WOLFFISH: Two thick, moist pieces of wolffish were served in a pool of creamy white wine sauce alongside broccolini and small shrimp. All fish and meat dishes include a choice of potatoes. I selected the dauphinoise (sliced potatoes with heavy cream and garlic) which was so rich and buttery!
My sister ordered the slow-cooked LEG OF DEER with baked root vegetables, mashed potatoes, and port wine sauce. The deer was so tender and a sizable portion. She selected the mashed potatoes which were creamy and smooth.
My mom got the filet of NORWEGIAN LAMB with seasonal vegetables, mushrooms, baked cherry tomatoes and red wine herb sauce. Of the main courses we all ordered, I considered this my favorite plate. Normally I am not a huge fan of lamb, but it was cooked to a perfect medium and didn't have much gaminess at all. Also super tender!
The service was very friendly, but after we received our soup, we waited almost one hour for our main courses. Since the soup was a starter, our waitress asked if we wanted to eat it first or with our meal, so had we known there would be such a large gap between courses, we would have opted to just have everything together.
The timing is really my only critique. This was a terrific hearty meal after a full day of travel. Beginning our trip with dinner at such a renowned local spot set our vacation off on the right foot!