We drove to Rockford from Madison to eat here specifically and tagged on going to the Anderson gardens. We were not disappointed! Fantastic food and service! The place is really adorable too. We just happened to swing by here once after a flight delay and they were booked, so we knew it must be good. If you're up for some excellent Scandinavian fusion cooking with some adorable ambiance you found your place! Just be sure to have a reservation on the weekend. This was absolutely worth the wait and the drive! read more

I tell you what, Rockford, Il is a pretty quiet town. I posit it is so quiet because all of the life is situated in a rustic, vibrant, warm cafe serving up fresh brunch behind incredible hospitality. The energy inside norwegian is contagious. Everyone is your friend. The service is warm, not stuffy. The food is exactly what you want: hearty, but not heavy, flavorful and still fresh. An absolute gem in a small town. A place that acts as a glue for a community. A space for people to come together share life along an excellent, farm to table meal. Every small town needs their norwegian! read more

See all

This place definitely lived up to the reviews and expectations! Service was great, with our waitress going out of her way to ask the chef questions for me. I started with the Rainbow Connection Sour and it was one of the best sours I've ever had AND had phenomenal packaging so it was visually appealing as well. My guy and I got a bunch of things to try. From fave to least fave: Croque Madame: incredibly good! They were nice enough to make a fresh one for me since I can't have mustard. The egg was perfectly cooked and all the flavors blended seamlessly. Swedish Strawberry Cake: absolutely to die for! The lemon curd was fresh and perfect with the strawberry rhubarb sauce. My only thing is the frosting was cream cheese and that wasn't mentioned on the menu, so it should be added. Norwegian Handheld: I loved the overall concept of this dish and all the flavors themselves. However, the ingredient ratios were off for my 100% satisfaction. There wasn't enough pork belly and too much of the herb whipped cheese. I did still enjoy the dish and wouldn't mind having it again. Æbleskiver (Danish Pancake Balls): glad we started with these because they were pretty bland compared to all the other dishes we had. Lovely texture, but nothing special. read more

See all

Tried Norwegian for the first time the other day! Atmosphere and inside is nice. Big bar. Good indoor seating. Seems to have a cute outdoor section too. I got a cucumber mimosa that was pretty good to drink. Then onto food I got the burger that was a special. Fantastic burger. Really enjoyed it. Shakshouka isn't my favorite only because I'm not the biggest tomato guy but was also pretty good. Finally we ended on horchata bread pudding which was lovely. Can't wait to go back read more

The Norwegian - Scandinavian Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

See all

Finding a restaurant that doesn't serve reheated Sysco-slop had grown incredibly difficult for myself as I travel to smaller towns/cities, but after some crafty Googling, I'm so thrilled to have found this place! I got 2 of the things that were Autumnal specials (the bisque and the toddy). Combined with the tofu sandwich, I finally had a visceral understanding of why our ancestors changed their eating habits seasonally. When I tell you that entire sandwich and bisque and beverage were in my gullet in under 20 minutes - and yet I felt refreshed, light, and ready to take on my day! This food is truly top-tier, and plenty of vegan options to boot! Bar servers were personable and efficient, and I enjoyed the decor and children's play area. It was quite busy when we came, and I can tell this place is beloved by locals. Folks at the bar were all chatting even if they didn't come together, the servers seemed to know a few people by name, etc. This was a true oasis in a fairly difficult vegetarian/vegan desert, and I can't wait to come back. 5 stars indeed! read more

The Norwegian - GOOD GOURD! Bisque, Apple Hot Toddy, Tofu Sandwich and fries - Scandinavian Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

The Norwegian is always a staple. I'm proud to have been apart of the kickstarter that launched it. I love the rotating menu offerings. I have been here for brunch but not for dinner. The brunch and coffees are so good though. The Liv Lav Love was delish. So refreshing but creamy. I've eaten the shakshuka as well as the breakfast tacos. The breakfast tacos were my fave, and the shakshuka inspired me to learn to make my own. Definitely not as good as The Norwegian's though. Good service, great decor. Bathrooms could be updated a bit to match the interior more, but also a bathroom is a bathroom. It serves its purpose. read more

The Norwegian - Brunch! - Scandinavian Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

Food is always clever and different. Staff is supportive and interesting as well as on top of things! Drinks are creative.

I enjoyed the change of menu the drinks are really good too. I went there with my two girlfriends and we liked the charming environment.

literally never had better food in my life fun creative delicious everything we had (and we ordered everything) was good even the dishes that ranked "low" was really good service was beyond excellent i forget the gentleman's name but he was very attentive and nice and accommodating same with the hostess she was outside enjoying the nice weather when i walked into the restaurant and she walked in right behind me to see if i'd like to be seated i absolutely love how they are not arrogant and stuck up here many restaurants that i've been to that have a good reputation always have a handful of workers that think they're better than everyone and it shows in how they take care of patrons ambiance is at or maybe even above par for the type of restaurant this place is would and definitely will come back again soon! read more

We had the best breakfast here! The handheld breakfast sandwiches were amazing, there was a cidery chai drink that was to die for, and of course the æbleskivers and cinnamon knots were perfection. Fast and friendly service and I really liked the decor as well--lots of instruments on the wall. read more

Not only is is the food delicious but the service was outstanding! The pork belly hand held The Norwegian was one of the best breakfast sandwiches I had in a very long time read more

See all

Consistently my favorite breakfast in the downtown area. Their coffees do not disappoint, and while their regular menu is excellent you cannot go wrong with their specials. Some of my favorites are their quiches and their seasonal Dutch pancakes, aka Æbleskivers. The staff are always wonderful and welcoming and I love sitting at their unique bar. We have yet to come for dinner. They do have a stage and they do music nights but we haven't made it yet. Pro tip: make a reservation for weekend brunch. They fill up quickly!!! read more

The Norwegian - Scandinavian Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

Booyah. The whole dealio. Adorbs. Foods! Ambiances. Peeps! Did I mention foods! Small menu, executed marvelously.

Yes! Just, yes! Everything about this place made us so happy! The food was memorable and had such much flavor to it. From the start of enjoying a rosemary oat latte, to the Ebleskiver (danish pancake balls), to the main dish of Norwegian handheld. I still dream of the latte to this day! It was all so tastefully done and had us dreaming back to the time of being in Sweden. Thank you for having us! read more

The Norwegian - Rosemary oat latte - Scandinavian Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

See all

The coffee was strong, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was fun!!! Our server was very helpful and made great suggestions on what to add to our meals to enhance them just a tad if we chose. They were super accommodating with our 3 month old too. I'd go here again and again to try everything!!!! read more

The Norwegian - Scandinavian Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

If you're looking for a phenomenal brunch location look no further than The Norwegian in Rockford, IL. The Rockford area is known for having a large Scandinavian influence so you can find many of restaurants with that culture and style of food. you can have delicious items like a Cod Breakfast Biscuit, Pumpkin Quiche, and pancake balls ( blanking on the formal name) . Will say that the cod biscuit stole the show for me based on uniqueness and deliciousness. Service is phenomenal here. read more

See all

Certainly any round up of the Rockford restaurant scene isn't complete with this classic establishment. It's of the the few Norwegian or Scandinavian restaurants you can find anywhere, let alone here. The Norwegian is one of the hippest places in town. Maybe the hippest because it just may be. You can get lots of meaty things like pickled herring, or you can get plant based options like an Impossible Burger or something. Before coming here at lunch, we made sure they still had some of the options on the menu available. It's been known to change frequently. They unfortunately didn't have the vegan breakfast items we wanted, so we came at lunch. Got a few drinks of course. It's about $8 for the cheapest cocktails they had. These are small, so of course that's why. A good one was the Gojito. This is blueberry infused white rum with goji berry syrup, lime, mint, mint and plum bitters, and soda. As for the food, we each got an Impossible Burger. It's $15 for a big one and a side. Good price to get a lot. On the burger there was horseradish aioli which I left off, house cashew cheese, mixed greens, and red onions. If wanting meat there's plenty of fish. There's pickled herring and other authentic fishy items. Great place except for some of the prices and the menu items that can go away frequently. It's got breakfast and lunch menus. The hours can also be kind of screwy, so check if they're open before going whenever. read more

The Norwegian - Gojito And The Impossible Burger - Scandinavian Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

Uff da Visiting from Minnesota looking for good breakfast/lunch spot and found this one!!there was a short wait list when we arrived on a busy Sunday (we waited maybe 15 min) we were seated at lovely table at the front near the cute colorful houses in the window. We had delicious coffee and cappuccino. Started with 6 delicious Aebleskiver with raspberry jam/maple syrup. We also had croque Madame was maybe the yummiest breakfast Sammy I have ever had! And we ordered the Pyttipanne which is the perfect blend of sweet and savory and it is vegan. Highly recommend this if you want a great breakfast. Our servers were all excellent! Really cool place!! read more

The Norwegian - Pyttipanne in front and croque madam in back - Scandinavian Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

See all

Great food, great cocktails! Make sure to make a reservation because this place fills up. I got the spiced Pork dish and Odin's salad. Was very good. I loved the crispy fat on the pork belly. read more

The Norwegian - Sif's Manhattan - Scandinavian Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

Love their Swedish pancakes! So good! The breakfast buffet is very nice lots of variety! Staff was very nice. read more

Traveling to Madison decided to stop at this adorable place. Very creative menu, service was great, food was delicious. Love that they change the menu to be seasonal every week! Fun vibe. read more

Was working in Rockford this morning and needed a quick bite to eat and came across The Norwegian. Wow, what a nice surprise. I am glad I gave it a try. It was difficult to choose from the menus only because everything on the menu sounded good. I had the frittata and was perfect, light and airy yet savory with a nice side of greens to add. Not only was it savory and tasty it left me satisfied for the day. It's refreshing to see a place that takes care of their ingredients and makes such healthy dishes. I am sure to come back every time I am visiting clients in Rockford. Oh, and the decor was great. Looks like a great place to relax too. read more

Food was phenomenal! Best eggs Benedict was by far best I've ever had! Bloody Mary was almost better than his grandmas! Very nice atmosphere too! read more

The Norwegian - Scandinavian Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

See all

First time at the Norwegian and wowwww was I blown away. Walking in, it had a farm-to-table vibe that was super cute and cozy. We were seating at a booth table but they also have a large bar where you can sit as well The menu is extensive and the staff are super friendly and chill. I went with one of their special mimosas: The Apple Martini. For entrees: -The Sarah -Norwegian waffles -Salmon & eggs Everything was absolutely INCREDIBLE! A must try in Rockford! read more

See all

Wow. That was all my wife could say after we started digging in. And I'd have to agree If this isn't the best food in Rockford, it's certainly in the top 3. Incredibly well executed breakfast, brunch, and lunch food with a local (+Scandinavian) flair. The BLT was probably the best I've ever had. Literal perfect fries. The hot apple cider had a great addition with the cinnamon stick. The sourdough waffles had the perfect crunch and tang. Fun cocktails and a great lineup of seasonal and daily specials. Stop reading, make a reservation, and stop in. You won't be disappointed read more

See all

This is one of the first great restaurants I found after moving to Rockford in 2022. They are inventive, hip, and always worth it. You do need reservations, regardless of the meal (including breakfast). Once you go, you will understand why. For brunch the shakshuka is my favorite - I always get extra bread to soak up every drop of the sauce! read more

Still one of the best brunch spots in town. The Norwegian never disappoints. Service and food is always amazing. The Loki coffee drink on ice is so yummy! Pyttipanne and Aebleskiver are my go to dishes but sometimes I switch it up to try the specials. They have toy bins and books up front for little ones so when I take my toddlers I request a seat up front so they can play while we wait for food. Always make a reservation on the weekend, it can get booked up! read more

See all

Always wonderful. A welcoming community feel paired work fantastic food and caring service.

Excellent food and service, definitely will come back! Steak and Salmon are both very good, the combo appetizer is a must. Good portions too. read more

A wonderful place to enjoy a shared meal. The staff were attentive and welcoming. The food was excellent with a made from scratch evidence with everything. A wonderful atmosphere. A must try for those of you that want an experience. read more

See all

Food very unique nothing I've seen before but very good got the Sarah and liv lav love 10/10 service was also 10/10 would recommend and come back read more

The Norwegian - The Sarah - Scandinavian Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

So happy we found this relaxing place. Owned by musician Emily Hurd, the ambience is open and airy with warm plank wood floors and ceiling. Megan was our server, her smile and positive attitude made us feel welcome. As for the food, Delicious!! I had the Salmon and Eggs over perfectly prepared potato's, my better half enjoyed the shaskshuka immensely. We will be back soon. Next time it will be for dinner and to hear Emily sing. read more

See all

The bloody Mary was amazing! The bartenders were amazing! The atmosphere was really great. We didn't eat by the menu looked great! read more

The Norwegian - Scandinavian Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

Service is reticent. Had to eyeball the girl with the butterfly tattoo on her thigh, to request a matcha, just a Mean dispositions, shouldn't be in the service industry. I adore Etta playing, while I sit at the bar I eyed--Top shelf bourbon options !!! Barrister is knowledgeable referred me to my next stop "cork, keg & spirits" need to upgrade my bourbon game. This establishment turned the corner with their delectable Elotes quiche!! Perfectly prepared not too firm, not too loose; not the staid quiche. If you have given up on blah breakfast, try this keenly prepared quiche. The pork isn't cloying & the spicy citrus glaze is just on the plate, so hurry ! The salad = fresh & light. I will call this redemption quiche read more

See all

Got the frikadeller sandwich (a Danish meatball with loganberry BBQ, jarlsberg, caramelized onion aïoli, and sauerkraut on rye with pickled herring. So good. Service was fantastic, the attention to detail was great, coffee was bright and delicious, and the fries were fantastic. The atmosphere is somewhere between a busy diner and a casual café, perfect for catching up with someone over comforting food. Definitely recommend a side of pickled getting! It was served with fresh dill on a bed of pea shoots. read more

The Norwegian - The frikadeller: a Danish meatball with loganberry BBQ and sauerkraut on rye with pickled herring. So good. - Scandinavian Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

This place is PHENOMENAL. It felt like Born & Raised in San Diego (decor, made the Michelin Guide btw!) meets Bonn Lair in Sacramento (vibe). Now, I know that doesn't mean much to anyone in Rockford... but well, most of Rockford doesn't look on Yelp anyways. So, let's just say, it's got the hipster/boho/eclectic vibe going on. I got The Karen, made with vodka so it would be GF. PHENOMENAL. And The Sarah with GF bread (+$2). The serve staff was great and it just felt like home. My home. California. I'll be back. I'll bring my Rockford bred husband and he will love it too. Thanks for all you're doing Emily! (Owner) Keep up the hard work! Rockford needs businesses like yours!!! read more

I can understand why this restaurant was voted the best in Illinois! My best friend and I split a Croque Madame ($15.50) and seasonal rhubarb æbleskivers ($9). The Croque Madam was topped with a perfectly cooked over easy egg, and was stuffed with ham and Jarlsberg cheese. It was rich, savory, and satisfying. The dressing on the side salad was well balanced with oil and vinegar. I'm not usually the biggest fan of rhubarb, but the æbleskivers were amazing! The acidity of the rhubarb was tamed perfectly by the amount of sweetness added to the filling. I could have eaten 3 more. The staff were kind and attentive, the decor was homey, and the prices were fair. 10/10 experience read more

The Norwegian - Rhubard æbleskivers and Croque Madame - Scandinavian Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

The Norwegian was a cool brunch spot that we could walk to from our accommodations. We sat outside at a picnic table in the back - it was a perfect day for that. We had shakshuka and a fish dumpling soup, both delicious. Afterwards we browsed the knickknack shop next door. read more

The Norwegian - shakshuka - Scandinavian Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

See all

Amazing restaurant in Rockford if you like variety! Rotating dinner menu every week, makes me want to go every weekend. Lovely staff and welcoming environment. read more

See all

Several others have reviewed the breakfasts or lunches. We have, so far at least, only been to The Norwegian for dinner. We are not locals to Rockford, but were in town for a few days and just went online to see what we could find for dinner. Wow, did we hit the jackpot! The ambiance: This place is far cooler than I am. There was a relaxed informal vibe and it seemed quite welcoming -- nothing but smiles and happy conversation all the way around. The mixologists behind the bar were colorful and the cocktail offerings were creative. Our waiter was helpful and attentive. Everyone in the place seemed to be having a good time. The food: Superb. Really very very good. Creative, unusual, flavorful and well balanced. The small menu seems to be built on themes based on what is fresh and in-season. In late June, we were fortunate enough to come in when the theme was berries. I chose the daily veggie item -- Fried Oyster Mushrooms with blueberry tahini and tamarind berries. I'm not a vegetarian, but I do love me some mushrooms. Wow was it good. The mushrooms were served on a bed of hummus, onions and marinated zucchini. I felt almost giddy eating it. Yum yum. I paired it with a strawberry rhubarb hard cider ... a very good choice. Then for desert we added a slice of almond cake with red and black raspberries (locally foraged). It was extraordinary, start to finish. 5 out of 5. I'd give 6 if Yelp would let me. read more

The Norwegian - Fried Oyster Mushrooms with blueberry tahini and tamarind berries on a bed of hummus and marinated zucchini. - Scandinavian Near Me - Rockford, Illinois