Kvitnes Gård

Kvitnes is a unique place in Norway (and the world) as its remote location is not associated with fine dining. It sits just behind the famous Lofoten islands, and is surrounded by towering mountains and the cold Northern sea. This is a historical place where important fishing and transport business was conducted by the owner – locally called nessekonge, meaning “king of the cape”. These very profitable activities brought continental habits like French wine, Cognac and cuisine to the area, while the rest of Norway was very poor and rural. Kvitnes has witnessed this rich history, but interpreted it in a contemporary way, combining new Nordic cuisine with local traditions.

Kvitnes Gård is not just a restaurant and luxury hotel, but also a farm (“gård”). Most of the produce used at the restaurant is grown at the regeneratively run farm, which raises Mangalitsa pigs, sheep and goats for the extensive menu – sometimes as many as 22 courses. Seafood and game comes from local catchers and hunters. This menu is served to all guests at the same time, and contains some signature dishes that may evolve slightly over time but always remain recognisable.

The breakfast included for the hotel guests is as much an attraction as the dinner menu – it boasts many courses and elements that are very traditional for this part of Norway.

The wine selection at Kvitnes has been growing over the years, since the restaurant opened in 2020. It now covers a well-curated mix of real classics (plus some younger names) from Burgundy – the main focus – with more affordable wines from practically all over the wine world. The second most important sections – not as extensive but carefully selected – are for sparkling wines (primarily Champagne) and German whites. Wines are mostly from the 2020 vintage or later, though one or other more mature wines can also be found.

The wine-pairing menus that accompany the food offer two upgrade options: one to more classic wines, and another that includes some non-wine beverages – primarily Norwegian ciders; this latter category constantly receives increasing acclaim, even abroad, and has its own section on the drinks list.