Barthbryggo: Where fine dining meets Norwegian history

By Celina Tran | Photos: Sarah Aakerøy Johansen

In the historic heart of Mosjøen, where colourful 19th century wooden buildings line the riverbank, a new culinary landmark has emerged. A beautifully restored trading post turned fine dining destination, Barthbryggo blends history, craftsmanship, and Northern Norwegian flavours, inviting guests on a journey through booth time and flavour.

Along Mosjøen’s historic Sjøgata, something new has taken shape behind freshly restored facades. As the new year throws its doors open, so will Barthbryggo, a restaurant and place where Northern heritage meets modern gastronomy.

The wine cellar of Huset i Gato.

When Hallbjørn and Bente Berg-Hansen bought the old Barthgården property in the spring of 2023, they did not fully realise the scale of what they had set in motion. “When we got the opportunity to purchase this beautiful place in the soulful and historic Sjøgata, it felt like the perfect setting to realise our dream,” says Bente. “We thought we were buying one building, but it turned out to be an entire trading post – three historical buildings and a garden!”

Barthbryggo: Where fine dining meets Norwegian history

That discovery would mark the beginning of a long and transformative journey. Over two and a half years, the couple poured blood, sweat and tears into restoring the entire site, preserving its 19th century soul while shaping it for a new purpose. The main building, Barthbryggo, dates back to 1890, while the smaller house on the property, built in 1865, became the unexpected home of their first venture: Huset i Gato.

Huset I Gato.

Wine and local flavours

Since opening in 2024, Huset i Gato has established itself as a beloved wine bistro in Mosjøen, known for its seasonal menu, small plates and carefully curated wine list. Its warm atmosphere and contemporary approach to local flavours drew attention from across Norway, even earning a nomination in the Star Wine List Awards for Best Newcomer 2024.

As successful as Huset i Gato has become, it was always just the first chapter. While Huset gave the Berg-Hansen couple the opportunity to begin shaping their story and explore the kind of experience they wanted to create, Barthbryggo represents the full expression of that vision through a more personal, multi-course tasting-menu experience.

Barthbryggo: Where fine dining meets Norwegian history

The taste of the North

Turning a 19th century trading post into a restaurant for the modern era was no small task. For 18 months, local craftsmen worked meticulously to restore the buildings. In total, more than 15,000 hours of work went into the renovation, much of it focused on preserving the original structure while ensuring that the building could meet today’s standards.

Barthbryggo and its adjoining outbuilding were raised, straightened and connected by a discreet glass corridor, a feature that allows universal accessibility without compromising the site’s heritage character. The result is an interior that feels both historic and new, where old timber beams meet soft lighting, polished stone, and a sense of quiet elegance.

Barthbryggo: Where fine dining meets Norwegian history

“Our vision is to become a natural meeting point for both locals and visitors, as well as a place that sparks curiosity, enthusiasm and pride. When people talk about Mosjøen, we want Barthbryggo to be part of that story,” says general manager Stefka Vasileva.

Inside, the building unfolds as a layered experience. On the first floor is Dynamitten Lounge and Bar, named after the building’s historic tenant, H.R. Barth, who once sold explosives here. Upstairs, the main restaurant opens onto views of the river Vefsna and the mountain Øyfjellet, with an open kitchen where guests can watch the chefs at work.

Barthbryggo: Where fine dining meets Norwegian history

The best of Northern Norway

In said kitchen, head chef Simone Ristagno and executive chef Per Theodor Tørrisen bring together international inspiration and Nordic simplicity. The menu is seasonal and built around the best produce that Northern Norway has to offer: fish from nearby waters, vegetables from local farms, and ingredients sourced through trusted producers.

Head chef Simone Ristagno and excecutive chef Per Theodor Tørrisen.

“The quality of the raw ingredients will always be our guiding principle,” says Tørrisen. “We want to work with the best producers and suppliers in Nordland to create dishes that highlight both our region’s purity and its diversity.”

The menu is designed as a tasting journey, complemented by curated wine pairings from Barthbryggo and Huset i Gato’s extensive wine cellar. “Our goal is to express the freshness and clarity that define Northern Norway. We’re inspired by the landscape around us, and the short distance between fjord, mountain and forest gives us incredible opportunities when it comes to raw materials,” adds Ristagno.

Hallbjørn and Bente Berg-Hansen.

A culinary journey in historic settings

A meal at Barthbryggo is a carefully crafted experience, from the first welcome to the final sip. While the restaurateurs value the precision and art of fine dining, they aim to soften the formality often associated with it. Still, Vasileva explains that the quality is maintained through service, ingredients, presentation, and the careful attention to atmosphere and detail.

“Our aim is to create a destination in Mosjøen where people gather to experience genuine joy through food, warm hospitality, and a vibrant atmosphere,” says Stefka. “Barthbryggo should be a place with soul, a house filled with history, personality, and a passion for the good life.”

CEO Stefka Vasileva.

The team envisions Barthbryggo as a natural meeting point for both locals and travellers, and a place that sparks curiosity, enthusiasm and pride. Guests are invited to connect not just with the food, but with the people behind it. Every dish, every glass, and every interaction is guided by care, craftsmanship and authenticity.

In the restored heart of Sjøgata, Barthbryggo stands as a celebration of both history and renewal. Here, Northern Norway’s past and present meet over a table of good food, good wine, and good company.

Barthbryggo: Where fine dining meets Norwegian history