Spitsbergen: Food and Restaurant Recommendations in December

As December arrives in Spitsbergen, the Arctic world is fully immersed in the polar night. The sun doesn’t rise, and the landscape is cloaked in darkness for weeks on end. This period of deep winter creates a unique atmosphere for visitors, where dining becomes a refuge from the cold and a way to connect with the essence of the region. Restaurants and cafes in Spitsbergen shift to seasonal menus filled with rich, comforting dishes designed to warm the body and the soul. In December, Spitsbergen’s dining scene is not just about food but about the experience of winter itself.

Huset remains a top destination for fine dining in Spitsbergen, and its December menu highlights the best of Arctic cuisine. The deep cold calls for indulgent meals, and Huset delivers with dishes like reindeer filet, Arctic char, and wild mushrooms. December’s menu draws inspiration from traditional Christmas flavors, with dishes infused with juniper, cranberries, and seasonal herbs. Huset’s extensive wine cellar, considered one of the finest in Scandinavia, offers the perfect complement to the rich meals, ensuring that every dining experience feels like a celebration. Dining at Huset in December offers a sense of luxury amidst the rugged Arctic landscape.

Gruvelageret, housed in an old coal miner’s warehouse, offers diners a blend of history and hearty Arctic cuisine. The restaurant’s December menu is rich with comforting stews, slow-cooked meats, and seasonal root vegetables, providing the perfect meal to battle the freezing temperatures outside. The candlelit ambiance, paired with the dark, mysterious landscape beyond the windows, creates an unforgettable dining experience. Gruvelageret’s rustic charm and focus on local ingredients ensure that every meal feels deeply connected to Spitsbergen’s past and present, making it a must-visit spot during December.

Restaurant Nansen at the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel is another favorite for visitors seeking a mix of international and Arctic flavors. In December, the restaurant’s menu reflects the festive season with dishes that are both celebratory and comforting. Wild game, roasted vegetables, and fresh fish feature prominently, with flavors enhanced by local berries and herbs. The restaurant’s large windows offer a chance to catch a glimpse of the northern lights while dining, making each meal an experience of both culinary and natural wonder. The combination of warm, hearty meals and the spectacular Arctic scenery makes Nansen a fantastic choice for December dining.

For a more casual but equally enjoyable meal, Svalbar Pub offers a menu designed to satisfy even the coldest adventurer. In December, the pub’s burgers, pizzas, and Arctic fish dishes are crowd-pleasers, and the cozy atmosphere provides the perfect place to relax after a day spent exploring the frozen wilderness. The menu is filled with hearty, comforting options that are perfect for refueling after a cold day. Svalbar’s welcoming vibe, combined with its warm interior, makes it a favorite spot for both locals and travelers seeking comfort and camaraderie during the long winter nights.

Kroa, with its rustic, cabin-like design, is another excellent option for December dining. The restaurant’s focus on traditional Arctic dishes, like slow-braised reindeer and locally caught fish, provides visitors with an authentic taste of Spitsbergen. In December, the menu leans into the flavors of the season, offering dishes that are rich, warming, and deeply satisfying. The candlelit tables and fur-covered benches add to the cozy atmosphere, making Kroa a perfect spot for an intimate, warming meal during the cold, dark days of December.

For those seeking adventure, Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel offers one of the most remote dining experiences in Spitsbergen. In December, with the island bathed in polar darkness, getting to Isfjord Radio is part of the thrill. Once there, guests are treated to gourmet meals that highlight the best of local ingredients, from Arctic char to wild berries. The hotel’s chefs craft meals that are luxurious and deeply connected to the Arctic environment, offering guests an unparalleled dining experience. The combination of remote beauty and fine dining makes Isfjord Radio a truly unique destination in December.

Fruene Café, located in the heart of Longyearbyen, offers a warm, welcoming space for visitors in need of a quick bite or a sweet treat. In December, the café’s menu features holiday-inspired pastries like spiced buns and cloudberry tarts, perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Fruene’s cozy interior and large windows provide a perfect spot to watch the snowfall outside, making it a favorite among visitors seeking a break from the cold. The café’s focus on local ingredients ensures that every bite is infused with the flavors of the Arctic.

December in Spitsbergen offers a unique dining experience, where the darkness and cold enhance the flavors of the food and the warmth of the restaurants. Whether indulging in fine dining at Huset or enjoying a casual meal at Svalbar Pub, visitors will find that the island’s restaurants offer not just a meal but an escape from the elements. The focus on local ingredients, rich flavors, and comforting dishes ensures that dining in Spitsbergen during December is a memorable part of any Arctic adventure.