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In Stavanger got off to a slow start—not because of the food, but thanks to seasonal pollen. I hadn’t been sleeping well and was stuck with a runny nose. Still, dinner at Renaa turned the whole day around.

A Rainy Start, But Worth It

I had booked the first seating at 6 PM without doing much fine dining research. Sometimes, it’s more fun to just be surprised.

It was raining on Friday, so I made a quick stop for an umbrella on my way. From the Klubbgata bus stop, I realized something nice about Stavanger—it’s small enough to walk almost anywhere.

First Impressions

When I arrived at Renaa, the staff took my coat and umbrella right away. My table had a great view of the open kitchen, which gave me the perfect angle for a few behind-the-scenes photos.

They started the evening with snacks and amuse-bouches, each presented beautifully. It set the tone for the rest of the experience.

Chef Svein Erik and the Personal Touch

Head chef Svein Erik Renaa was in the kitchen that night, and it really made a difference. He even came over to greet me—somehow it felt like he already knew who I was. He joked that his wife made him come to the restaurant because of me.

Throughout the evening, Svein Erik sent out a few off-menu extras, which added a fun, unexpected element to the tasting. Most of the dishes had complex, layered flavors without being overwhelming.

💡 Pro tip: If you can, go when Svein Erik himself is working. His presence adds warmth and personality to the whole experience.

Excellent Staff and Small Gestures

The service at Renaa stood out for all the right reasons. Everyone was friendly and professional—but also human. One of the staff noticed I was struggling with allergies and offered me nose spray. That small gesture made my night.

A Surprise Ending

Just when I thought the night couldn’t get any more interesting, I noticed Rune Rake sitting at another table. Total surprise. We ended up chatting, and he even treated me to a glass of wine—huge thanks for that.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to food, setting, and service, Renaa easily makes my top 3 list of restaurants in Norway. It’s refined without being cold, and the team goes out of their way to make each guest feel welcome.

I ended the night back in bed, but with a full stomach and a much better mood.