For a town of 2,500 people at 78°N, Longyearbyen eats remarkably well. Almost everything must be flown or shipped in, yet the restaurants serve Arctic char, reindeer and local beer with real ambition — and one of them holds one of the largest wine cellars in Scandinavia. Here is where to eat in Svalbard, from fine dining to burgers after a snowmobile day.
Food tours and experiences
Best restaurants in Longyearbyen
| Restaurant | Style | Price level | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huset | Arctic fine dining, wine cellar | €€€€ | Special dinner |
| Gruvelageret | Arctic cuisine in a mining warehouse | €€€ | Views over Adventdalen |
| Funktionærmessen (Funken Lodge) | Nordic, elegant | €€€ | Cocktails and panoramic views |
| Kroa | Rustic, burgers, reindeer, pizza | €€ | Casual dinner, groups |
| Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg | Hearty, cosy miners’ lodge | €€ | Relaxed evening |
| Stationen | Bistro, burgers | €€ | After a tour |
| Fruene / Rabalder | Café, bakery | € | Breakfast, lunch, cake |
Openings and menus change with the seasons; check before you go.
What to eat in Svalbard
- Svalbard reindeer: hunted in regulated numbers, often served as a fillet or stew.
- Arctic char: the local cold-water fish, smoked or pan-fried.
- Cod, halibut and king crab from Norwegian waters.
- Cloudberries and lingonberries in desserts.
- Svalbard Bryggeri beer, brewed with glacier meltwater — the brewery claims the title of world’s northernmost.
Svalbard Bryggeri: the northernmost brewery
A local brewer fought for years to overturn an old ban on brewing in Svalbard. Today the brewery offers tastings and tours near the harbour. Combine it with the Coal Mine 3 tour for a perfect bad-weather day.
Meals on tours
Several tours include a proper meal: lunch at Hotel Tulpan on the Pyramiden boat tour, lunch on board the private glacier & wildlife boat, and lunch on the ice cave hike. That can save you a restaurant bill on your biggest day.
Private boat tour with lunch on board →
Tips
- Book ahead: Huset, Gruvelageret and Funktionærmessen fill up in March–April and July–August.
- Shoes off: some restaurants in hotels follow the local shoes-off custom.
- Budget: a main course costs roughly €30–45, a beer €10–12. Lunch menus and cafés are cheaper.
- Self-catering: the supermarket in the centre is well stocked but expensive.
Read also:Svalbard Trip Planner 2026: Where It Is, How to Fly There, Costs & Is It Worth It?
Quiz: eating in Svalbard
Tap an answer — you will see the explanation instantly.
Which local fish will you find on most menus?
Arctic char is the classic cold-water fish of the Far North.
What do you need to show to buy alcohol in the shop?
Svalbard has a quota system; visitors show their travel documents.
Which restaurant is famous for its wine cellar?
Huset’s cellar is one of the largest in Scandinavia.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best restaurant in Svalbard?
Huset is the reference for fine dining and wine; Gruvelageret and Funktionærmessen are excellent alternatives. For casual food, Kroa and Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg are popular.
What food is Svalbard known for?
Svalbard reindeer, Arctic char, Norwegian seafood and berries, plus local beer from Svalbard Bryggeri.
How expensive is food in Longyearbyen?
Main courses cost about €30–45 and a beer about €10–12. Cafés and lunch offers are cheaper.
Do I need to book restaurants in Longyearbyen?
Yes for dinner in peak seasons (March–April, July–August), especially at Huset, Gruvelageret and Funktionærmessen.
Is there a supermarket in Longyearbyen?
Yes, a well-stocked supermarket in the town centre.
Affiliate disclosure: this guide contains affiliate links to GetYourGuide. If you book through them we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative and were checked at the time of writing — the live price on the booking page always prevails.