The 11 Best Cafes in Bergen, Norway [by a local!]

Bergen has an excellent cafe culture, and one of my favorite ways to spend a day in the city is moving slowly between coffee shops, bakeries and cozy lunch spots.

As someone who lives in Bergen, I’ve visited all the cafes in this guide myself (many of them more times than I can count).

Whether you are looking for:

• specialty coffee,
• the best cinnamon buns in Bergen,
• cozy cafes for rainy days,
• brunch spots,
• or hidden gems locals actually go to,

you’ll find it in this guide.

I’ve intentionally focused mostly on independent Bergen cafes rather than chains, because these are the places that give the city its personality.

I wrote this guide after my post on the best restaurants in Bergen started getting attention, and I figured I should share my favorite coffee shops and bakeries too! I have even added a guide to the best spots for Italian food in the city since then.

🤩 Whilst in Bergen, I recommend this historical walking tour to learn more about the city!

#1 Dromedar Kaffebar

Dromedar cafe is a must-stop for any traveller to Bergen, as it is located just a stone’s throw from the main shops and sights in the city center. Whether you are in the mood for something sweet or savory, this cafe has it.

They have a selection of freshly baked goods, sandwiches and wraps, perfect for a light bite. The colorful interior makes it a cozy place to read or catch up with friends.

They don’t have wifi, so this is a great place to meet a friend over a coffee and a chat, or a good place to read (on my last visit I saw a few people studying).

If you can read Norwegian, they always have recent newspapers available for guests to read (as you can see from the photo).

• Best For: Reading, meeting friends for a coffee
• What to order: A filling sandwich
• Dog-friendly: Only outside, where they have a few tables
• Wifi: No
• Location: Vestre Torggaten 1

#2 Møllendal Fetevare

Møllendal Fetevare is one of my favorite hidden gems in Bergen, especially on sunny days.

Located along the waterfront by Store Lungegårdsvann, it is a relaxed local spot that feels a little removed from the busiest tourist areas. In fact, this is often where my friends and I go for the first outdoor wine of the year after a walk around the lake.

They serve simple but excellent pizzas, coffee, baked goods and wine/beer, which already makes them slightly different from most Bergen cafes.

The atmosphere is casual and local, and it is just as good for a quiet coffee as it is for a long lunch or afternoon drink.

It is about a 10-minute walk from the city center, but you can also take the Bergen Light Rail to Fløen if you prefer not to walk.

• Best For: A local hidden gem away from the busiest tourist areas
• What to order: Pizza and a glass of wine on a sunny day
• Dog-friendly: Outside only
• Wifi: Yes
• Location: Møllendalsveien 68D

#3 Pygmalion Økocafe & Galleri

Pygmalion is one of the coziest cafes in Bergen, and a perfect stop if you are exploring Bryggen or heading up Mount Fløyen.

The cafe focuses on organic ingredients and serves everything from sandwiches and salads to savory Norwegian pancakes (which are very different from American pancakes, by the way).

One of the things I love most about Pygmalion is the atmosphere. The walls are covered in art by local artists, and the pieces rotate regularly. You can even buy the artwork displayed in the cafe.

It feels very Bergen somehow: creative, relaxed and slightly quirky.

The location is also excellent, just across the street from Magic Hotel Korskirken and only a short walk from the Fløyen funicular (a must-do in Bergen).

• Best For: Lunch, art browsing
• What to order: Savory Norwegian pancakes or a fresh lunch plate
• Dog-friendly: Outside only
• Wifi: Yes
• Location: Nedre Korskirkeallmenningen 4 (aren’t you grateful I linked that so you don’t have to type it yourself?)

#4 Cafe Opera

Cafe Opera is one of the most classic and well-known cafes in Bergen, and has been part of the city’s cafe scene for decades.

Located right by Den Nationale Scene theatre, it is a popular spot for brunch, lunch and long coffee breaks – especially on rainy Bergen days.

They are actually said to have served the first cappuccino in Bergen, which feels very fitting considering how much of a Bergen institution the cafe has become over the years.

The menu is larger than at most cafes in the city, with everything from omelettes and sandwiches to salads and charcuterie boards. If you want somewhere for a proper sit-down brunch or lunch rather than just a quick coffee, this is one of my top picks.

In the warmer months, the outdoor seating overlooking the small park outside the theatre is especially nice.

• Best For: A nice lunch/brunch
• What to order: Omelette or brunch plate
• Dog-friendly: Only outside
• Wifi: Yes
• Location: Engen 18

#5 Kaffemisjonen

Kaffemisjonen is probably the most famous specialty coffee shop in Bergen, and a must-visit for serious coffee lovers.

Located right in the city center, this small cafe has built a reputation for serving some of the best coffee in Bergen, with expertly brewed espresso drinks and rotating beans from high-quality roasters.

The atmosphere is minimalist and relaxed, and whilst it is not the biggest cafe in town, it has a very loyal following amongst both locals and visitors.

This is the kind of place where people genuinely care about coffee, and you can absolutely tell.

It is also conveniently located just a short walk from both Bryggen and Torgallmenningen, making it an easy stop whilst sightseeing around the city center.

• Best For: Specialty coffee and coffee enthusiasts
• What to order: Flat white or pour-over coffee
• Dog-friendly: Outside only
• Wifi: Yes
• Location: Øvre Korskirkeallmenningen 5

#6 Colonialen Fetevare

Colonialen Fetevare is part cafe, part gourmet food shop, and one of my favorite spots in Bergen for a slow lunch followed by a little food shopping.

Located near the waterfront in the city center, it combines a cozy cafe atmosphere with shelves full of high-quality cheeses, cured meats, olive oils, fresh pasta and other specialty ingredients.

It feels a little more upscale than some of the other cafes on this list, but still relaxed and welcoming.

After lunch, I highly recommend browsing the shop section before you leave. Their small cream puffs (“flødeboller”) are especially good, and dangerously easy to impulse buy.

• Best For: To shop for cheeses, oils and cooking ingredients after a nice lunch
• What to order: Lunch platter or one of their “cream puffs”
• Dog-friendly: No
• Wifi: Yes
• Location: Strandgaten 18

#7 Fjåk Chocolate Store and Cafe

Fjåk is one of the coziest cafes in Bergen, and an absolute must-visit if you love chocolate (made along one of the best fjords in Norway).

The cafe serves locally made chocolate from Hardanger, one of the fjord regions near Bergen, and specializes in customizable hot chocolates. You choose both the chocolate type and the style of hot chocolate, ranging from rich and intense to milder versions.

My personal advice? Listen to the staff when they warn you that something might be too sweet. I learned that lesson the hard way with white chocolate.

The cafe itself is small and cozy, with large windows overlooking Skostredet, one of the liveliest streets in Bergen for cafes, bars and restaurants. It is a perfect stop on a cold or rainy Bergen day.

They also sell beautifully packaged chocolate bars that make great souvenirs from Norway.

• Best For: A chocolatey treat
• What to order: A custom hot chocolate and handmade chocolates
• Dog-friendly: No
• Wifi: Yes
• Location: Skostredet 5

#8 Det Lille Kaffekompaniet (The Little Coffee Shop)

Det Lille Kaffekompaniet is one of the most beloved cafes in Bergen, and one I always end up revisiting.

Tucked away on a small street near Fløyen, this tiny cafe is especially famous for its cinnamon buns and pastries (and yes, they really do sell out on busy days). One of my friends loves this place so much that we once came here several mornings in a row during her visit to Bergen.

Personally, I think their cruffins are the real hidden gem. If you haven’t had one before, it is basically a croissant baked into muffin form, and they are dangerously good.

The cafe itself is small and cozy, with limited seating and a very local feel. It is perfect for a quiet coffee date or a slow morning in Bergen.

• Best For: A cozy date or coffee with friends
• What to order: Cruffin or cinnamon bun
• Dog-friendly: Outside only
• Wifi: Yes
• Location: Nedre Fjellsmauet 2

#9 Kaf Kafe Bryggen

Kaf Kafe Bryggen is one of the most conveniently located cafes in Bergen, right in the middle of the historic Bryggen wharf area.

If you are spending the day exploring the UNESCO-listed wooden buildings, this is an easy and cozy place to stop for a coffee or quick snack without straying far from the sights.

Yes, it is popular with visitors, but honestly, the location is hard to beat. Sitting here with a coffee and looking out at Bryggen feels very “Bergen”.

They are especially known for their waffles, which pair perfectly with a coffee after walking around the city center.

• Best For: Grabbing a coffee to-go whilst exploring Bryggen
• What to order: Norwegian waffle and coffee
• Dog-friendly: No
• Wifi: Yes
• Location: Jacobsfjorden 4

#10 Plassen

Plassen is one of my favorite brunch spots in Bergen, especially on weekends.

Located right by the theatre and the city square Tårnplassen, it has a relaxed and modern atmosphere that makes it perfect for lingering over coffee, brunch or a glass of wine with friends.

The outdoor seating area is especially popular on sunny days, and it is one of my go-to places in Bergen for people-watching whilst having lunch.

The menu focuses on simple but really good brunch and lunch dishes, alongside quality coffee, pastries and drinks. They also still use QR-code ordering at the tables, which some people love and others absolutely hate (I’ll let you decide where you stand on that).

• Best For: Brunch or an outdoor coffee
• What to order: Brunch dishes and coffee on a sunny day
• Dog-friendly: No
• Wifi: Yes
• Location: Tårnplassen 1

Bonus: Godt Brød Kronstad X

Even though Godt Brød is technically a chain bakery, this specific location has become one of my personal favorite cafes in Bergen.

Located right by the Kronstad Light Rail stop (on the way between the city center and the airport), it is incredibly convenient and a great place to sit down for coffee, breakfast or getting some work done.

I especially love coming here on Saturday mornings with my laptop for a slow start to the weekend.

Like the other Godt Brød bakeries in Norway, they focus on organic baked goods, sandwiches and quality coffee. Their cinnamon buns are consistently good, and the cafe itself is bright, modern and spacious compared to many smaller Bergen coffee shops.

If you are staying slightly outside the city center or heading to/from the airport, this is a really good cafe to know about.

• Best For: Getting work done, meeting friends for lunch
• What to order: Cinnamon bun and coffee
• Dog-friendly: Outside only
• Wifi: Yes
• Location: Inndalsveien 6

Chain Cafes in Bergen Worth Knowing About

Even though I generally prefer Bergen’s independent cafes, there are also a few chain coffee shops and bakeries worth knowing about.

You’ll find both Starbucks and Espresso House in the city center if you are craving a familiar coffee order whilst travelling. Espresso House is basically Scandinavia’s version of Starbucks, and there is a large location right on Torgallmenningen.

For baked goods, Godt Brød and Baker Brun are the two bakery chains you’ll see most often around Bergen. Both are reliable options for cinnamon buns, sandwiches and coffee on the go.

Personally, I especially like Godt Brød for their organic baked goods (and their loyalty program, which quickly becomes dangerous if you live here).

FAQs About Bergen cafes and coffee shops

Below are some of the questions I am most often asked about cafes in Bergen. If you still have a question after reading this guide, feel free to leave a comment below!

🤩 If you love food and coffee culture, I also recommend joining a food tour in Bergen during your trip!