Eating out in Norway has a reputation for being pricey, and yes, it often is. But once you know what typical menu prices look like, you can plan meals that fit your budget and still enjoy great food. I was born and raised here, and I’ve spent years helping visitors navigate Norwegian dining without sticker shock. In this guide I’ll break down what you can expect to pay for everything from a quick lunch to a multi-course dinner, plus what to know about tipping, water, and smart ways to save.
If you just want the quick answer: expect to pay about 180 to 300 NOK for a casual lunch, 250 to 450 NOK for a standard main course at a mid-range restaurant, and 600 to 900 NOK per person for a three-course dinner without alcohol. Fine dining and tasting menus typically start around 900 NOK and can climb to 1800 NOK or more. Beer is commonly 100 to 130 NOK for a draft, and a glass of wine is often 120 to 160 NOK. Tap water is free if you ask for it.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of restaurant prices in Norway.
What a Typical Meal Costs
For a sit-down meal in a mid-range restaurant, a single main course is usually 250 to 450 NOK. Think grilled salmon with potatoes, a hearty reindeer stew in the north, or a well-made burger with fries in the cities. Starters like soups or small plates often land 100 to 180 NOK, and desserts are frequently 110 to 180 NOK. If you build a three-course dinner, you’ll usually sit somewhere between 600 and 900 NOK before drinks.
Casual spots are cheaper. At cafés and brasseries, open-face sandwiches, salads, or a pizza slice and salad can fall in the 140 to 240 NOK range. Food halls and street-food-style counters often price items 90 to 170 NOK each, which is a friendly way to sample Norwegian and international flavors without committing to a full restaurant bill.
Lunch vs. Dinner Pricing
Lunch is your budget ally in Norway. Many places offer a dagens rett (today’s dish) that’s set at a friendlier price than the evening menu. Look for lunch specials around 140 to 195 NOK, especially at cafes and casual restaurants. Even higher-end restaurants may have a lighter midday menu that gives you a taste of their kitchen without the dinner price tag.
Dinner pricing tends to climb. If you like to dine well for less, book your main meal at lunch and keep dinner simple with a soup, shared pizza, or something from a food hall.
What Counts as “Budget,” “Mid-Range,” and “Fine Dining”
Budget eating isn’t only fast food. Bakeries serve hot soups and generous sandwiches, and many food halls deliver excellent value. You can plan 180 to 300 NOK for a solid lunch and 220 to 320 NOK for a casual dinner if you skip alcohol.
Mid-range restaurants cover most bistros, brasseries, and modern Norwegian spots. Here you’ll see mains at 250 to 450 NOK, with decent portions and good quality. Add a starter or dessert and a non-alcoholic drink, and you’re looking at 400 to 650 NOK per person.
Fine dining and tasting menus start near 900 NOK and can easily reach 1800 NOK or more for the food alone. Wine pairings are typically 700 to 1200 NOK on top, depending on the restaurant. If you plan one splurge night in Oslo, Bergen, or Stavanger, this is where your budget should flex.
Drinks, Coffee, and Water
Alcohol is taxed heavily in Norway, so it makes a noticeable difference on the bill.
- Draft beer: usually 100 to 130 NOK for 0.5 liter in major cities
- Glass of house wine: often 120 to 160 NOK
- Cocktails: commonly 150 to 200 NOK
- Soft drinks: typically 40 to 60 NOK
- Americano or filter coffee: about 35 to 50 NOK
- Cappuccino/latte: often 50 to 65 NOK
Tap water is excellent everywhere and free when you ask for it. Say “kan jeg få en karaffel med vann” and you’ll usually get a carafe for the table. Bottled water is available, but it’s an easy place to save.
Regional Price Differences
You’ll feel the highest prices in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, and Tromsø, where rent and wages are higher. Smaller towns and rural areas often run 10 to 15 percent lower for similar dishes, though it varies with season and tourist traffic. Coastal places with a strong local seafood scene sometimes offer especially good value at lunch.
Family Dining and Kids’ Portions
Many casual restaurants offer kids’ plates at 80 to 140 NOK, often a smaller portion of a standard dish or classics like fish cakes, pasta, or a simple burger. High chairs are easy to find, and staff are generally accommodating. If you don’t see a dedicated kids’ menu, it’s normal to ask for a half portion at a lower price.
Tipping, Service, and What’s Included
Service charge and VAT are already included in Norwegian menu prices, so there are no surprises at the end. Tipping is optional. If service was attentive and friendly, it’s common to round up or leave 5 to 10 percent. No one will chase you for not tipping, but good service is appreciated with a little extra.
Bread service may or may not be included, and refills aren’t typical unless stated. If you want more bread, ask nicely; sometimes there’s a small charge.
How Norwegians Save Money When Eating Out
Here are strategies locals actually use:
- Eat your big meal at lunch. The same kitchen, friendlier prices.
- Choose water. Tap water is excellent and free.
- Food halls over sit-down dinners. You’ll find fresh, flavorful meals for 90 to 170 NOK per item, and you can mix cuisines.
- Share plates. Splitting a starter and dessert cuts costs without feeling deprived.
- Look for daily dishes. That dagens often delivers solid value compared to the full menu.
- Skip the alcohol or keep it to one. Drinks move the needle more than anything else.
When I eat out in Oslo and want a balanced dinner without overspending, I’ll often pick a mid-range place, order one main, share a starter, drink water, and finish with coffee. That keeps the total comfortable while still feeling like a treat.
What Different Cuisines Cost Here
- Pizza and Italian: Neapolitan-style pizza tends to be 180 to 260 NOK. Pastas are often 220 to 320 NOK.
- Burgers and bistros: Burgers with fries usually 190 to 280 NOK depending on toppings and location.
- Seafood: Fish soup is commonly 170 to 230 NOK; a fillet of cod or salmon lands 280 to 420 NOK.
- Sushi: Lunch sets sit around 180 to 250 NOK; dinner sets more like 250 to 350 NOK.
- Nordic modern: Seasonal mains typically 300 to 450 NOK, with tasting menus in the fine-dining ranges above.
These are everyday ballparks rather than absolutes, but they’ll keep you oriented when scanning menus.
Reservations, Seating, and Paying
Norwegians often eat their main hot meal at home around late afternoon, but restaurants still get busy in the evening, especially Thursday to Saturday. Book a table for popular places, and in small towns during peak season. Walk-ins are fine at casual spots and food halls.
You’ll almost always pay by card at the table. Splitting bills is normal; tell the server who’s paying for what, and they’ll run cards separately. Contactless works almost everywhere.
Dietary Needs and Allergens
Norwegian menus commonly mark gluten, lactose, nuts, and other allergens. Vegan and vegetarian options are improving every year, especially in cities and at modern Nordic restaurants. If you’re unsure, ask the server. Staff are used to adapting dishes when possible.
Sample Budgets You Can Trust
If you like having round numbers in your head, these are reliable planning anchors:
- Quick lunch: soup or sandwich and a coffee for 180 to 250 NOK
- Casual dinner: pizza, burger, or a fish dish for 220 to 320 NOK
- Mid-range dinner with dessert and coffee: 500 to 750 NOK
- Mid-range dinner with one alcoholic drink: 600 to 900 NOK
- Fine-dining tasting menu: 900 to 1800 NOK for food, plus drinks
If you keep those figures in mind and lean on lunch specials, tap water, and food halls, you’ll eat very well in Norway without unnecessary surprises.
Local Habits That Help
Two small cultural notes. First, Norwegians don’t linger at tables for hours unless it’s a special occasion, so turnover is steady and reservations matter on busy nights. Second, we’re casual but punctual. If you book for 19:00, show up close to that time so the kitchen and seating flow stay on track.
Finally, remember that Norway’s restaurant prices include taxes and fair wages. When you choose spots with good lunch deals, drink tap water, and limit alcohol, you’ll feel the quality without the shock. And if you do plan a splurge night, enjoy it fully. Norway rewards curiosity at the table.