Best Breakfast in Tromsø: Where to Start Your Day 🥐

If there’s one thing Tromsø knows how to do well, it’s breakfast. The Arctic city may be small, but it’s packed with cozy cafés and restaurants where you can start your day like a local. Whether you’re here for just a few days or a full week, knowing where to eat breakfast in Tromsø makes all the difference.

Here are some of the best breakfast spots in Tromsø:

View of Vervet, Tromsø bridge and the Arctic Cathedral.

1. Helmersen – Bread, Coffee, and Local Atmosphere

📍 Storgata

By day, Helmersen is a breakfast favorite; by night, a wine bar. Run by locals with a heart for the city, this place combines fresh bread (Norwegians eat an average of 52 kg a year!) with tasty toppings and excellent coffee.

It’s also a social hub — in the mornings you’ll see Tromsø locals stopping by for a work coffee, breakfast before the office, or simply to enjoy the friendly atmosphere. The breakfast menu runs until 12:00 on weekdays.

👉 If you want a real local breakfast experience in Tromsø, Helmersen should be at the top of your list.

You are in for a treat at Helmersen.

2. Risø – The Best Coffee in Tromsø

📍 Near the harbor

Ask any local: Risø serves the best coffee in Tromsø. Their breakfast options are simple but satisfying, and if you’ve got room afterwards, don’t miss their famous cinnamon buns.

Risø was founded by local entrepreneurs passionate about quality coffee, and you’ll feel that in every cup. This is the go-to spot for coffee lovers visiting Tromsø.

You should check out Risø - Food and Coffee shop.

3. Smørtorget – Healthy Start with Oatmeal

📍 Grønnegata

Smørtorget is known for hearty, wholesome oatmeal bowls — the perfect fuel if you’re planning an active day in Tromsø. You can add berries, nuts, or other toppings to make your bowl more exciting.

It’s also a great stop before heading out on one of Tromsø’s popular outdoor activities, like a guided light trail walk.

👉 If you’re looking for a healthy breakfast in Tromsø, Smørtorget is the place.

Oatmeal Porridge at Smørtorget.

Smørtorget has a cozy atmosphere with art on the walls.

4. Bryggejentene (soon Lorentzenbrygga) – Breakfast with a View

📍 Ersfjordbotn

Ersfjorden by day.

Ersfjorden by night.

Located in the charming village of Ersfjordbotn, about 25 minutes from Tromsø, this cozy café doubles as an interior shop. Locals know it as Bryggejentene, but from 2025 it will be renamed Lorentzenbrygga.

The trip out is part of the experience — take the bus from Prostneset and enjoy the stunning fjord views. Once there, you can start your day with their breakfast menu (served until 11:30), explore the nearby mountains like Nattmålsfjellet, and finish with their legendary carrot cake.

👉 This is more than just breakfast — it’s a small adventure outside Tromsø.

Bryggejentene, a great place for lunch with a view. They also sell interior items.

🌟 Final Thoughts: Where to Eat Breakfast in Tromsø

Breakfast in Tromsø isn’t just about food — it’s about atmosphere, people, and starting your Arctic day in the best possible way. Whether you want fresh bread at Helmersen, the city’s best coffee at Risø, a healthy oatmeal bowl at Smørtorget, or a scenic fjord breakfast at Bryggejentene, there’s something for every taste.

So if you’re wondering what to eat in Tromsø in the morning, these cafés and restaurants give you the perfect start. Cozy, local, and full of Arctic charm.

🥞 After a good breakfast, it’s time to fill your day with unforgettable Arctic activities. From scenic walks to unique guided experiences, we’ll help you make the most of your time in Tromsø.

👉 Discover our tours at HeiTromsø.no

✨ Want more inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories? Follow us on Instagram @heitromso_.

Coffee and local pastry makes the world go around.