Dinner and a show at Spiseriet

We head to Spiseriet Konserthuset from time to time as it’s the perfect spot if you’re heading to a concert at Stavanger Konserthus—but it’s also a wonderful place for a sunny summer lunch. This visit was ahead of a concert with Gabrielle and the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, though here the focus is firmly on the restaurant and the food.

Spiseriet

Menu

Wine

The restaurant was completely full that evening, and it’s easy to see why. The space is modern and stylish, with beautiful views over the harbor basin outside Stavanger. The menu is versatile: you can opt for a set menu or go à la carte, and many dishes can be ordered either as a starter or a main course—offering great flexibility. The wine list is extensive, and perhaps best of all, the prices are very reasonable compared to many other restaurants. I also want to give kudos to Spiseriet for having the wine list online so that you can browse it before you stop by! We leaned toward seafood and poultry this evening, pairing it all with a bottle of López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Reserva Blanco 2011 from López de Heredia. Known for their excellent reds and rosés, this mature white was also a real pleasure—complex, developed, and food-friendly.

Salmon ceviche

Scallops

Time for mains

I started with salmon ceviche with pickled cucumber, spring onion, and truffle sauce. It was good, though the soy sauce slightly dominated the overall flavor. Nikki’s pan-seared scallops, however, were outstanding—beautifully cooked scallops and roasted cauliflower in a rich brown butter sauce, accompanied by a silky-smooth cauliflower purée with a clean, pronounced flavor. The halibut was another highlight, served with Jerusalem artichoke and a vibrant, tangy butter sauce made with apple and sea buckthorn—fresh, balanced, and elegant. Nikki chose the duck breast, sliced and perfectly cooked, served with potato cream and a deep, spiced jus that made this dish pure comfort food.

Duck breast

Halibut

Bread pudding

I went all in for dessert and chose the bread pudding, served with coffee ice cream. It was very good, though I would have loved an even more pronounced coffee flavor—think espresso gelato from Siddis Gelato. Paired with a glass of Riveyrac Rivesaltes 1982, it was nonetheless a lovely way to end the meal.

In short: Spiseriet Konserthuset is absolutely worth a visit. A flexible menu, a strong wine cellar with very fair pricing, and a beautiful setting make this a restaurant we’ll happily return to—this certainly won’t be our last visit.

Pros

• Flexible menu

• Excellent wine list with fair prices

• Lovely outdoor seating in summer

Cons

• None on this visit