Pinocchio Mat og Vinbar — Restaurant in Bergen

You will feel right at home in this intimate wine bar called Pinocchio located down a narrow side alley close to the sea. The location is well Marked and easy to find. It is a reclaimed old Jail that has an industrial city loft meets old-world cottage vibe. We stumbled across this little gem by accident and sure glad we did!! The Chef/Owner and his lovely wife are absolutely amazing, kind and friendly. I say again, you feel right at home from the moment you walk into this charming little restaurant where they prepare the most incredible tapas. The food is simple, fresh, yet refined. Hummus, fried Goat cheese, devilled eggs, yummy gourmet toasts, crab & rice Croquettes and duck confit with a delish Orange Marmalade served with sourdough toast. Everything on the menu plays up the signature use of fresh, seasonal, top notch ingredients and accompany an exciting wine list. You won’t ever want to leave this lively little hideaway once you make it inside, thanks to it’s dim, but cozy atmosphere and relaxing tunes with the most incredible glass wine room that really classes up this 450 year old reclaimed Jail. You gotta eat here!!!

Edit/addition to initial review….. loved it so much we had to go back again and try some more menu items… no pics this time, too...

This place is the next big thing for Bergen’s gastronomy scene! Like a few other reviews mentioned, we also stumbled upon Pinocchio as we were walking through Bergen’s streets. We peeked through the window and opened the door, unaware of what we might find through the small alley where Pinocchio sits, to be greeted by Chef (Michelin-starred Chris White of the Four Seasons in Chicago after we did a search and found another review on TripAdvisor) and sat at a table in their stunning dining room. While we were eating and drinking an amazing meal of various small plates and wonderfully paired wines pulled from a stunning wine cellar illuminated behind glass doors, we kept racing to each other about how amazing all of our dishes were! Given the pedigree of the chef, it all makes sense now. Pinocchio has only been open a little over a month, and sometimes new places or concepts need to get their footing, but Pinocchio’s food and drink menu, service, and ambiance are absolutely top bar and I am sure that the rave reviews and accolades will be coming in soon! If you’re headed to Bergen, you ABSOLUTELY want to book yourself a table at Pinocchio before the word gets out and the waiting list...

Pinocchio is a HIDDEN GEM in Bergen and I would 10/10 recommend! One of the best meals I’ve had and likely the best restaurant experience in my time in Norway. The vibes in this restaurant were immaculate and Chef Jason and his wife, Linn, were amazing hosts. The service, comfort and welcomeness by the staff was top class. The chef is Michelin star talent and these dishes are Michelin star worthy. The food and flavors are creative without losing its taste and hardiness. This is one to watch for the Michelin folks the next time they’re in Bergen. Definitely try to book a reservation in advance as this place fills up quickly and booking can be difficult the day/week of. You may get lucky and find a spot in the bar area if there’s room. If you’re searching around looking for the perfect place to go for dinner in Bergen, look no further, this is your sign. Pinocchio was fantastic and I really enjoyed my dining experience with them. Thank you Linn and Chef Jason…...