- 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ friendly
- 👩️ Identifies as women-owned
- ✅ Outdoor seating
- ❌ Takeaway
- ✅ Dine-in
Colonialen Matbar first opened its doors in 2021 as the more laidback little sister to the acclaimed fine dining restaurant next door, Colonialen Restaurant. Here you'll find the same passion for wine and dedication to surprise and delight food lovers through memorable culinary experiences.
The atmosphere is casual yet upscale. The wine list extensive yet approachable. And the small plates menu playful yet refined. It's the perfect spot for catching up with friends over a few glasses of natural wine and beautifully prepared sharing plates in Bergen.
Highlights:
- One of Bergen's top wine bars with 140+ wines by the glass
- Nordic-Japanese inspired small plates and bar snacks menu
- Knowledgeable, friendly staff
- Cosy yet lively ambiance
- Outdoor courtyard seating
Fun Trivia About Colonialen Matbar
- 🍷 The wine list changes every 2 weeks to showcase new producers and varietals
- 🧑🍳 Head chef Sven Erik Renaa trained under 3 Michelin star chefs before opening Colonialen
- 🏆 Voted one of Norway's best wine bars in 2022
- 🌈 An LGBTQ+ safe space known for being welcoming to all
- 💃 Hosts regular wine & food events like dinner parties, wine tastings and cooking classes
- 🌱 Uses locally-sourced organic ingredients whenever possible
- 📸 Has been featured in international interior design magazines for its chic Scandinavian aesthetic
The Best Bites & Sips at Colonialen Matbar
- Cheese & charcuterie boards paired with amazing wines
- Their signature brown cheese ice cream with cloudberry jam
- Any of the small plates - you can't go wrong! Faves include the chanterelle toast, pork dumplings and steak tartare
- Natural wines, of which they have the best selection in Bergen
- Classic cocktails with a twist, like their Earl Grey negroni
Service That Goes Above & Beyond
The team at Colonialen Matbar makes service an art form. They have an uncanny ability to read diners and adapt the experience to exactly what each table wants - whether that's an educational wine tour or a raucous girls' night out.
Extremely knowledgeable about both wine and food, the staff engage guests in the stories behind the bottles and small plates, adding richness to every bite and sip.
Laidback Sophistication
The atmosphere at Colonialen Matbar strikes the perfect balance between casual and upscale. The environment features clean Scandinavian lines blended with wooden tables, velvet couches and accents of greenery that give off relaxed yet refined vibes.
Groups of friends enjoy catching up over wines in the front bar area, while couples opt for intimate conversations in the softly-lit courtyard out back beneath twinkling fairy lights.
Why Eat & Drink Here
There's nowhere quite like Colonialen Matbar in Bergen. This cosy wine bar cum modern Nordic izakaya is a hidden gem, offering:
✔️ Innovative cuisine - Nordic small plates with Japanese inspiration and clever flavour combinations you won't find elsewhere
✔️ Fantastic wines - An extensive, ever-changing list with a focus on natural and small production wines
✔️ Exceptional service - Extremely knowledgeable and intuitive staff who enhance the experience
✔️ Welcoming atmosphere - Inclusive environment whether dining solo, on a date or out with a group
If you want a memorable wine and dining experience in Bergen, look no further than Colonialen Matbar. This neighbourhood spot raises the bar on wine, food and hospitality.
Place Features
-
Atmosphere:
- ✓ Cosy
-
Facilities:
- ✓ Has Wi-Fi
- ✓ Has toilets
-
Accepted Payment Methods:
- ✓ Accepts credit cards
-
Business identity:
- ✓ Women-owned
-
What offers?:
- ✓ Serves wine
- ✓ Serves beer
- ✓ Serves alcohol
- ✓ Cocktails
- ✓ Food
- ✓ Serves spirits
-
Plan a visit!:
- ✓ Accepts reservations
-
Service we offer:
- ✓ Serves dine-in
- ✓ Has outdoor seating
- ˟ No takeaway
- ˟ No delivery
-
The Crowd:
- ✓ Transgender safe space
- ✓ LGBTQ+ welcoming
- ✓ Good for groups
-
Accessibility features:
- ✓ No wheelchair-accessible toilet
- ✓ No wheelchair-accessible seating
- ✓ No wheelchair-accessible entrance
FAQs About Colonialen Matbar
Do you take reservations?
Yes, reservations are recommended as we tend to book up, especially on weekends. Reserve via our website or phone.
What is the dress code?
We're a casual yet upscale wine bar, so smart casual attire is recommended. Think nice jeans, dresses, button-downs, etc.
What is the price range?
Small plates €10-20. Wines by the glass €9-22. Cocktails €12-15. So dining here is not cheap, but offers excellent value given the quality.
Are children allowed?
Yes, children are welcome earlier in the evenings. Note we become adults-only after 9pm.
Do you accommodate special diets?
Absolutely! Let us know of any dietary needs when booking and our kitchen will modify dishes.
Can large groups dine here?
Party sizes up to 12 can reserve our Chef's Table. For 13+, email us about booking out the courtyard or bar exclusively.
Is there an appetizer-only menu?
While we don't have a designated bar bites menu, guests are welcome to order any combo small plates for a lighter meal with drinks.
What happens if I'm running late for my reservation?
No problem, just call us if you'll be more than 15 mins late so we can hold your table.
Do you offer takeaway or delivery?
Unfortunately takeout and delivery are not available. But our small plates and wines by the glass travel well should you want to take leftovers.
What kinds of events do you host?
Everything from interactive wine dinners to cocktail masterclasses to rowdy pub quizzes! Follow us on social media for upcoming events.
Is this Bar open now?
No, it is closed since Sunday, 00:00. This Bar will re-open at Tuesday 17:00. Check opening hours
⏰ Opening Hours
The days and hours that Colonialen Matbar is open:
| Day | Working Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday May 13 | Closed |
| Tuesday May 14 | 17:00-23:00 |
| Wednesday May 15 | 17:00-23:00 |
| Thursday May 16 | 17:00-23:00 |
| Friday May 17 | 17:00-01:00 |
| Saturday May 18 | 17:00-01:00 |
| Sunday May 19 | Closed |
🚩Colonialen Matbar Contact
✉ Address: Kong Oscars gate 44, 5017 Bergen, Norway 📍 map
✆ Phone: (475) 590-1600
🌍 Web Site: colonialen.no
Reserve a Table: xxltable.com
📍 Location
Show Street view/inside view
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