Re-Naa in Stavanger, *

I think Re-Naa in Stavanger is the best fine dining meal I’ve ever heard. Small kitchen, intimate space, and the whole team is there cooking and plating in front of you, including head chef Sven Erik Renaa. It wasn’t one of those situations where the chef is present but quietly directing — he was quite active cooking and chatted with us, too, about restaurants in Chicago (where we’re from) and his own history.

Food was delicious and beautiful. The nonalcoholic beverages that pair are truly incredible. Impeccable service. I’d recommend it over Noma. The dishes were inventive — I’m including the menu in pictures — but nothing was too cute. Just a solid meal, and if you’re ever doing a dining tour in Scandinavia, I think you should prioritize it as a destination.