Dining

In Hafjell, Elgen Restaurant (61249010) and Hafjell Lodge were suggested as the best places to dine in town. The restaurants at the Quality Hotel Hafjell and Hafjell Hotel and Apartments both were recommended. Otherwise there are several pizza spots and cafés. Dining in Kvitfjell is in your hotel.

Restaurants in Lillehammer
Paa Bordet (61250000) is the gourmet class act in town. Each evening, in a small wooden building, it serves a fixed-price, six-course menu for NOK505 or a three-course version for NOK405. Diners are also free to order individual courses. However, those six courses make up the entire menu. The six courses consist of a starter, a fish plate, a palate cleanser, a meat plate, cheese and dessert. The dining is rated as tops in Norway — leave plenty of time and save your appetite for an adventure. The main meat courses vary from reindeer to elk to lamb. Desserts are exquisite. Wines here are priced to encourage diners to select excellent wines with their meals. Expect to pay NOK300-450 for a good bottle of wine. Call for reservations.

Café Banken (61250030), on one floor of an old bank, serves a creative menu in a casual atmosphere. Closed on Mondays when you might find locals pushing the tables back and learning to tango.

Bryggerikjellern (61270660) was an early 19th century brewery that has been transformed into a restaurant and is normally packed. It is open for dinner only.

Blåmann Restaurant (61262203) is the home of Mexican/Norwegian fusion cuisine set alongside the river. Try the reindeer burritos and quesadillas. But the best courses are pure Norwegian — soups, mountain trout and reindeer.

Egon Restaurant (61269294) was Hilary Clinton’s preferred restaurant during the ’94 Olympics. The dining room sits alongside the river and is packed with antiques. The menu looks like it was designed by the same folks who created Denny’s or Applebee’s menu. There is not a Norwegian dish on the menu, but plenty of steaks, burgers, tacos and baked potatoes. You can also order Sutter Home wine for around US$50.

Svare & Berg (61247430) (and the co-located Nikkers with lighter fare) was recommended repeatedly by locals. Again, the fusion of Mexican and Norwegian food is tasty, but the best meals are Norwegian reindeer and salmon.

Vertshuset Solveig (61262787) is a rambling farmhouse. It is one of Lillehammer's oldest restaurants and is casual and rustic. Its menu features Norwegian standbys such as trout, reindeer and lamb. Prices are as down to earth as the atmosphere.