Restaurant Smak AS is an intimate, high-end restaurant at Stakkevollvegen 39, 9010 Tromsø, in the Kræmer Brygge/Kræmerkaia waterfront area. Created by chef Espen Ramnestedt and Eva-Linda to express the food traditions of Northern Norway, it draws travelers for seasonal tasting menus built around seafood, local farms and small regional producers, paired with a serious wine experience.
What to Expect at Restaurant Smak AS
Smak is a tasting-menu restaurant rather than a place for ordering a familiar main course. Ramnestedt’s kitchen changes the progression with the season, working from the sea, northern Norwegian farms and distinctive producers to explore contrasts of flavor and texture. That approach makes dinner feel like a concentrated introduction to the region’s ingredients, delivered with a contemporary technique rather than a nostalgic recreation of traditional dishes.
The restaurant occupies the lower level of the Kanal Nord building at Kræmer Brygge. Its warm, grounded and deliberately intimate setting fits an unhurried evening: arrive ready to give the menu time, ask the team about the evening’s ingredients, and consider the composed wine package if you want the full food-and-wine arc. There is no fixed, permanently published signature dish; the changing Smaksmeny itself is the defining experience, so repeat visitors encounter a menu shaped by the current northern season.
- Smaksmeny: The restaurant’s central experience is a seasonal chef’s tasting menu focused on Northern Norwegian produce.
- Wine package: A dedicated pairing accompanies the tasting menu for diners who want each course matched with wine.
- Sea-to-farm sourcing: Courses draw on ingredients from the sea, local farms and regional specialty producers.
- Espen and Eva-Linda’s hospitality: The restaurant combines Ramnestedt’s cooking with Eva-Linda’s guest-focused hosting.
- Kræmer Brygge setting: Dinner takes place in the Kanal Nord building’s lower level on Tromsø’s working waterfront.
Restaurant Smak AS at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Stakkevollvegen 39, 9010 Tromsø, Norway |
| Neighborhood / Area | Kræmer Brygge / Kræmerkaia, north of central Tromsø |
| Operating Hours | Wednesday–Saturday, 18:00–00:00; Sunday–Tuesday closed. Check holiday dates before travel. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$$; Smaksmeny kr 2,500 per person, or kr 4,250 with wine package. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2.5 to 3.5 hours for the tasting-menu format |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Buses 33 and 42 from the centre to Kræmer stop; free parking along the Kanal Nord building. |
| Official Website & Phone | restaurant-smak.no | +47 94 17 61 10 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve ahead through the restaurant’s official booking channel, particularly for Friday and Saturday evenings, when a small, focused dining room is likely to fill first. An early-week Wednesday booking can make sense for travelers arranging a longer Tromsø itinerary, while Saturday is best treated as an evening reservation despite earlier opening information that has appeared elsewhere. Confirm any holiday schedule directly with Smak; the restaurant announces selected extra December openings and a Christmas closure on its official information page.
From central Tromsø, take bus 33 or 42 to Kræmer, then walk to Kanal Nord; taxis can set down at Kræmer Brygge. Drivers have free parking along the whole Kanal Nord building, a useful advantage in a city where central parking can be limited. The dining room is in the building’s lower level, so guests using a wheelchair, stroller or other mobility aid should contact Smak before booking to confirm the most suitable entrance and restroom arrangements. Pair dinner with a walk along Kræmerkaia’s waterfront, or visit Charlottenlund Recreational Park, about one kilometre away, before heading back toward the centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Restaurant Smak open, and what is the best time to go?
Restaurant Smak is open Wednesday through Saturday from 18:00 to midnight and closed Sunday through Tuesday. Book the earliest available seating if you prefer a calmer start and enough time for the full menu before a late evening transfer.
How much does dinner at Restaurant Smak cost?
The Smaksmeny costs kr 2,500 per person. The tasting menu with its wine package costs kr 4,250 per person, placing Smak firmly in Tromsø’s special-occasion dining tier.
How long should I allow for the tasting menu?
Allow roughly 2.5 to 3.5 hours for a relaxed tasting-menu dinner with conversation and wine pairings. It is a destination meal, not a quick pre-activity stop, so avoid scheduling a tight tour departure afterward.
Is Restaurant Smak suitable for families or guests with access needs?
The long, chef-led format is best suited to adults and older, food-curious teenagers who can enjoy a multi-course meal at an unhurried pace. There is no stated formal dress code; polished casual clothing is appropriate, and mobility or dietary requirements should be discussed directly when reserving.
When planning your Tromso travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Tromso, pair this stop with standout local spots including Tromsø Mikrobryggeri & Balthazar vinbar, La Famiglia, Galleri NORD, and Amazing Arctic Tours (0.9 km away).
