XL Diner

XL Diner came recommended by everyone and it did not disappoint. The location in atmosphere is wonderful. The staff is extremely friendly and welcoming. We had a great table by the window for a wonderful view while we had dinner. The food was first class. We finally got to try some Bagalou. We went with the Royal Bagalao with Saffron Mussels starter. Both were excellent!

Though the menu at XL Diner ranges fairly widely, many, like us, will come for its bacalao/klippfisk specialities. We weren't disappointed. Describing the traditional klippfisk as bacalao reflects the punchy recipes inspired by Spanish, Portuguese and Italian dishes. The chef-patron told us that the fish used is the mighty Skrei - a large migratory cod, fished off the Lofoten Islands - which is salted and preserved in Ålesund and aged for two years before being rehydrated and cooked. The fish is excellent - moist, meaty flakes - and stands up well to the Mediterranean flavourings. We started with a nicely-decorated creamy fish soup. Service was excellent and welcoming. The house French white wine is a little bit dull, but there are interesting other choices, reasonably priced (for Norway!). A very enjoyable evening.

We dined there recently for dinner. Had a lovely time and food was excellent. Was quite busy (one table of over 18) so our waitress was distracted and service suffered a little. Definitely try if you’re in Alesund.

Great experience and great service. The bacalhau was really delicious!

Food was incredible and MASSIVE portions (sadly I still ate everything because it was too good to leave!) service was impeccable. We were over 3 hours late to our reservations and the restaurant was full and the chef still made space for us. The view is gorgeous too. While the prices aren’t necessarily cheap, it is a GREAT price for what you get, the quality of the food, the taste, and the view. I would highly recommend!

good food and good service! gets quite busy so would recommend making a reservation. staff was very attentive and also kind enough to let us order one royal bacalao set when it's usually meant for more! all were so tasty (maybe a tad too salty if i had to nitpick) and we loved the fish soup too

Amazing restaurant in Alesund, bacalao world, bacalao speciality, bacalao dream. Lovely cozy with an awesome view of the fjord. Just in Alesund sentrum close to the harbour, and great night life. The food is great, cod fish in all presentations, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese style. Wine list is great, and have to say that the prices are ok to be in Norway.

The restaurant was packed but I managed to get a seat. They treated me very well even though I was by myself. I wasn’t very into eating bacalao - I’m prejudiced when it comes to fish (wanting it fresh). But this is amazing! I’d totally eat it again. They changed my mind with regard to bacalao. And the seafood soup is the best I’ve had in my life (i do not say this lightly - I eat all over the world making one big trip around the world each year and I take food seriously giving many sensational places 2/5). I will come back one day!