Hildr – a taste of the Arctic

By Maria Sødal Vole | Photos: Hildr

Based in the beautiful polar city Tromsø, Hildr is an intimate restaurant with a charming library bar and an ever-evolving menu built on the best of locally sourced ingredients. Here, every guest is made to feel right at home.

It is no secret that the Arctic capital of Tromsø offers excellent local produce, and making the most of what nature has to offer is central to Hildr’s philosophy. With its central location in Skippergata, one of the city’s oldest streets, the restaurant has become a true favourite among both locals and visitors.

Opened by husband and wife Marius and Gabriela Carlehed Jacobsen in 2015, Hildr recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. The milestone was celebrated in style with a two-day party, featuring a curated menu and special prices to mark the occasion, alongside live concerts by several local artists.

“It was a fantastic celebration – we had a full house and loved getting the chance to walk down memory lane with some of our regulars,” Gabriela says. “The last ten years have been so busy but incredibly rewarding!”

Hildr – a taste of the Arctic

Make yourself at home

The unpretentious restaurant prides itself on being a friendly neighbourhood spot with a warm ambiance, where good food takes centre stage. “From the start, our goal was to create a restaurant we’d like to hang out in. The vibe at Hildr is easy-going and relaxed – we want people to feel comfortable and at home,” Gabriela says. “Marius and I both grew up with siblings and a steady stream of friends visiting, and we’ve always loved that kind of social atmosphere. No matter how you’re dressed and what your plans are for the day, you’re always welcome here for a bite to eat and a drink.”

Hildr – a taste of the Arctic

The building that houses Hildr is steeped in history – first built in the 1880s, it has been home to several businesses and writers over the years. Now, it welcomes guests to enjoy unique dining experiences within an inviting space that pays homage to its rich heritage with whimsical decor and a cosy library bar. But according to Gabriela, the team contributes the most to the restaurant’s charm and atmosphere.

“It’s not just the place, but the people that create the great vibe we have here,” she says. “Our staff is fantastic; they’re always smiling and welcoming to everyone that steps through our doors. Having friendly faces and good service makes all the difference – guests feel looked after and at ease.”

Hildr – a taste of the Arctic

Celebrating local flavours

Despite the casual vibe, the Hildr team values quality in every aspect of the operation. Service should be top-notch, and food should be beautifully presented – not to mention tasty and imaginative. Locally sourced produce forms the basis of the dishes, and they create a new menu several times a year to make the most of the ingredients that are in season.

Hildr – a taste of the Arctic

“For us, it’s a given that our food should be as local as possible. We always follow the seasons and love to forage along the coast and in the forest – what we find is what goes into our dishes,” Gabriela says. “We have so much incredible produce in the area, including some of the best fish in the world, and we need to take advantage of that.”

Alongside harvesting the best of what nature has to offer in Tromsø and the surrounding areas, Hildr’s beloved kitchen garden provides herbs, edible flowers, berries and more to supplement the culinary delights. Tapping into the flavours of the fascinating Arctic landscape is important to the kitchen team, and the chefs are not afraid to get creative.

Hildr – a taste of the Arctic

Head Chef Simen Wilhelmsen is a Hildr success story. With several years behind him in the food industry and a deep passion for good food, he had never pursued formal certification. “A couple of years ago, Marius came across his Instagram account and was impressed with his innovative approach to food. We offered him a trainee position at Hildr, and he quickly became highly skilled,” Gabriela says. Wilhelmsen achieved his certification as a chef and within weeks was offered the role of Head Chef at Hildr. Today, he is a co-owner of the restaurant.

“He loves to experiment with new combinations and challenge taste buds, which is what we’re all about,” Gabriela says. “We don’t want to serve dishes that people feel they could make just as well at home – our dishes should surprise and inspire.”

Hildr – a taste of the Arctic

The festive season

Hildr is looking forward to a spectacular winter season. Every year, the team hosts Christmas parties and events with a carefully crafted menu – this year’s offering is lamb shoulder served family-style, perfect for a communal dining experience in a homey restaurant.

Hildr also offers exclusive three and five course menus for New Years celebrations, with two seatings throughout the evening. “We’ve designed an extra-special menu inspired by Christmas, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to celebrate with us,” Gabriela says. Guests are advised that spaces are limited and always sell out, so be sure to book in advance if you want to celebrate the holidays at Hildr.

Hildr – a taste of the Arctic