At Bare Restaurant, it’s all about celebrating the local treasures. “We try to stay as local as possible when it comes to the ingredients, and Norwegian origin is the absolute minimum requirement”, Kristian Bretten Vangen explains, who is the main chef at the Michelin star restaurant. 80-90% of the ingredients come from carefully selected farmers, fishermen, hunters and small-scale producers, and they are determined to waste as little as possible – “we use the animals from head to tail”, says Kristian. While many restaurants look abroad for ideas and inspiration, Bare Restaurant have brought something very interesting to fine dining with their local twist. They want to offer the guests an adventurous local food experience filled with delightful surprises.

Bergen’s first Michelin star

This strong focus on local ingredients is one of many reasons the restaurant was awarded Bergen’s first Michelin star in February 2020. Kristian underlines that the incredible team and their first-class suppliers are behind the success. It was also the result of ten years of hard work with several obstacles along the journey, but with Kjetil Smørås as the main shareholder they now have the stability to develop their focus and quite literally reach for the Michelin stars. Smørås is also the managing director of the hotel and restaurant chain De Bergenske, and Bare Restaurant has been located in Bergen Børs since 2017.

Running a restaurant like Bare Restaurant requires a large team. The kitchen is teeming with top-class chefs, and in the restaurant the waiters and sommeliers are making sure the guests are receiving the best service possible. Bare Restaurant is also a desirable place for promising chefs and sommeliers in training. “All the trainees we take in graduate with great grades and excellent work prospects”, Kristian says. Some lucky chefs and sommeliers even stay with the Michelin awarded restaurant after they graduate.

What’s on the menu?

Because Bare Restaurant focuses on locally sourced products, it’s natural that the menu will change with the seasons. “The menu faces a ‘brutal’ change twice a year; in the new year and just after summer. We use what’s ripe and available that season”, Kristian explains.

Because they rely on locally sourced products and small-scale producers, the menu is never completely set in stone either.

With so much creativity going on in the kitchen, the creations that make it to the plates are rather extraordinary. The goal is to offer the ultimate flavour experience, with wine and juice menus to complete the meal. After the meal, you’re treated to desserts and treats. The sweater options on the menu can be just as creative as the savoury dishes: “The onion ice cream is probably the dish we’ve had the most fun creating”, Kristian says. They want the customers to experience as many flavours as possible during their visit, which is why they are focussing on menus with several courses, or tasting menus as they’re better known as.

You have the choice between a full taster menu and a smaller taster menu, as well as wine packs that are carefully selected for the flavours on your plate.

Seafood is a big favourite on the menu, with langoustine being the star of the show. They also have some real showstoppers for meaty and vegetarian alternatives, and have formed a unique relationship with a farm that’s located about an hour away. “We buy the entire animal from the farm, and whatever is left they will come and pick up” Kristian explains. There is, however, not much left of the animal when they are done with it, as they’re determined to utilise as much as possible of the animal.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit less extravagant, you can visit their other restaurant Bare Vestland, which is also located in the old stock exchange. Bare Vestland focuses on a more laidback menu and atmosphere, and offer everything from “vestlandstapas” and mussels to burgers and hearty stews. Bare Restaurant also celebrates local ingredients and traditions, but with a modern and personal touch.

You should also pay a visit to Handelskammeret Bar, which is a magnificent bar located right next to Bare Restaurant in what used to be the Chamber of Commerce. Handelskammeret is classy through and through, with mature bartenders and elegant drinks. Some are old classics, while others are their own creations. Just like the restaurants, the bar focusses on excellent quality and ingredients. The Chamber of Commerce is a room filled with history, and used to be the room where the most important meetings were held in the stock exchange. Today, it’s a place for pure enjoyment and lively conversations, and it’s the perfect place for a tipple before or after your visit to Bare Restaurant.