Colonialen Litt — Restaurant in Bergen

I have travelled the world extensively over 40 years. I ate at all restaurants ranging from pop & mom’s to Michelin three stars. This is my honest review of the restaurant Colonialen Litt in Bergen, Norway.

This restaurant, located in the heart of Bergen not far from the fish market, offers a truly unique concept. It blends a restaurant and bar with an artist’s residence and library, creating an atmosphere that feels both creative and relaxed. Inside, you’ll find artistic touches and frescoes, while large windows give you a view of murals on nearby buildings.

The service was extremely friendly and welcoming, and the semi-open kitchen allows you to watch the chefs at work. The food itself focuses on relatively simple preparations made with high-quality ingredients. We especially enjoyed the small lobster-like crustaceans served with toasted bread – very simple, but delicious. Other dishes we tried included salmon with potatoes, vegetables, and a light sauce; pork with a piquant sauce, mushrooms, and vegetables; and another fish served with broccoli and vegetables. To finish, we had a creative take on lemon tart, which was refreshing and well executed.

Portions are on the smaller side, and prices are somewhat on the slightly higher end, but the overall experience – with its artistic setting, warm service, and tasty food – makes this a place worth visiting if you...

A Chic Culinary & Artistic Gem!

This restaurant blends art, design, and gastronomy in the most effortless way. The moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by an artistic ambiance — open kitchen on one side, a cozy library next door, and beautifully curated décor that feels both creative and intimate.

As a food professional, I was impressed by how thoughtfully the three-course menu was crafted. The staff’s attention to detail stood out — they thoughtfully asked about allergens before taking orders, ensuring every guest’s comfort and safety without interrupting the flow of the dining experience. Each dish showcased balance, precision, and personality — from the delicate starters to the perfectly executed mains. But the true star of the evening was the apple purée dessert: an elegant, modern twist that managed to be both nostalgic and innovative. Smooth, subtly tart, and paired with just the right textures — it’s the kind of dessert that lingers in your memory long after the last bite.

The service matched the setting — attentive without being intrusive, and clearly passionate about the food and concept. Whether you’re here to indulge, be inspired, or simply unwind, this spot delivers on every level.

A must-visit for anyone who believes dining is...

The server in the dining hall really needed a lesson on a good service, overall he was very rude..e.g. just banged the bottle of water on our table and while serving wine just poured everything in the glass without letting us taste it first..he really needs training in hospitality..the food was below average.. the starters were nice but from the main dish the clams from the squid ink pasta were undercooked; we didn't eat the dish at all. To our surprise the kitchen only deducetd 25% of that dish which for me is outrageous when the dish itself was not cooked properly, they should have cancelled the dish completely from our bill.. we asked about it to the waiter but we were told that is what the kitchen asked her to do.. The dessert though was nice but the overall experience was below average.. we were highly disappointed.. i would suggest that you would find better options to eat if you just cross the street and go to the fish market.. I hope this restaurant improves in the...