Skarvens Steakhouse takes care of the meaty side of the menu. Photo: Per Wollen
Restaurant of the Month, Norway
Arctic cuisine on the menu Originality, authenticity and a friendly environment are all words that come to mind when stepping inside VertsHuset Skarven. In these historic buildings by the waterfront, you will find that regional and local ingredients have been the basis for the Arctic menu served ever since the first restaurant opened in 1986.
strong desire to mix the traditional with contemporary, the local landmark is now an important part of the city.
By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: VertsHuset Skarven
The newly renovated Arctandria Seafood restaurant – with ‘Arctandria’ often translated as the gate to the Arctic ocean – offers customers a step into the Arctic kitchen, as the word suggests. “We recently updated the interior in this traditional restaurant, and now it has reappeared with a new look. Our aim was to give the restaurant a modern expression but still maintain the same original concept and idea behind it, which is to focus on Arctic cuisine while serving fresh and local seafood with a smile,” says Andersen.
What started in an old, white brick house in 1986 as Arctandria Seafood Restaurant and Skarven Kro & Pub, has since been transformed into a homely inn with 65 employees. “VertsHuset Skarven has today become a popular all-around establishment at which locals love to gather, with a cosy and warm atmosphere for our guests to feel at home in. We have created an authentic and unique setting by focusing on Arctic culture and history in our premises, something we are proud to showcase,” says general manager Gunnar Marelius Andersen. He took over 104 | Issue 112 | May 2018
the ownership of the inn along with Jan Bremner Klev in 1992. VertsHuset Skarven is located by the harbour in Tromsø with a view out across the sea, the perfect setting for serving and enjoying Arctic cuisine and drinks. Today, the inn consists of five restaurants spread across two neighbouring premises: Arctandria Seafood Restaurant, Skarvens Steakhouse, Skarven Kro & Pub, Skarven Bar and Skarvens Culinary Theatre. With a focus on the typical northern Norwegian coastal culture and hospitality, and a
The gate to the Arctic Ocean
With room for 80 guests in comfortable surroundings, the restaurant offers a