In just a few years, Ramsalt has transformed Bodø’s waterfront into a vibrant meeting place filled with hotels, culture, and seaside experiences. Soon, the area will gain a new highlight.
– We have the ocean right outside our door and access to world-class ingredients. Now we’re seizing the opportunity to create a concept that truly puts seafood at the center. It feels completely natural in a city like Bodø,” says general manager Fredrik Schön, who also oversees current operations at Txaba.
All-in on Fish and Shellfish
With Sjøbaren, Favn Servering is going “all-in” on fish and shellfish – something Schön says both locals and tourists have been asking for.
– We see the demand from both our loyal regulars and from tourists who want more seafood. In Bodø, there’s currently no restaurant that takes it as far as we’re planning to. At the same time, our collaboration with the RAW project is growing stronger, and it feels like the stars are aligning. We’re ready for a new challenge, a step forward – and the timing couldn’t be better,” says Schön.
He promises a menu that reflects the richness of the sea, with ingredients sourced right outside the restaurant’s windows.
– When the ocean gives us scallops, king crab, skrei, and shrimp – everything is in place to create something truly unique,” he says.
From Txaba to Sjøbaren
The new venture will take place in Txaba’s current premises on the waterfront, and Schön promises a seamless transition for guests. The entire Txaba team will move forward with the new concept, and plans are already in place to expand the staff.
– With greater capacity and a more focused concept, we’ll have more opportunities to grow. At the same time, guests will still be met by the same people and the same hospitality they know us for,” he says.
Txaba will remain open through the end of the year, “going out in style” before passing the torch to Sjøbaren in January.
Part of the Ramsalt Pulse
Sjøbaren will have Ramsalt brygga and Hot & Salty as its closest neighbors, a new facility featuring saunas, seawater pools, and outdoor spaces.
– Ramsalt is developing into a destination in a class of its own, and Sjøbaren will be an important part of that ecosystem. The location on the waterfront couldn’t be better,” says Erik Tostrup, business developer at Favn Servering.
He notes that initiatives like Rampen’s new Adventure Hub and Brim Explorer’s growing presence in the harbor are adding new life to the area.
– With RIB boats and cruise vessels docked right at the quay, Ramsalt will be more attractive than ever, both for locals and visitors,” says Tostrup.
– Bodø Deserves a True Seafood Restaurant
Arve Pedersen, Director of Leasing and Relations at Hundholmen Byutvikling, believes the new venture captures the very essence of what Ramsalt is meant to be.
– We’re very happy about this initiative. First of all, that Bodø is finally getting its first fully dedicated seafood restaurant, something we’ve been missing for many years. The fact that Favn Servering is now adjusting the concept to align even more closely with what Ramsalt stands for means a lot. This will be authentic, down-to-earth, and close to home. And they’ll serve what the ocean right outside our door provides,” says Pedersen.
He adds that the plans also include expanding the restaurant, with more seating and an additional section extending all the way out to the waterfront next to the sauna village.
– This is incredibly exciting. I’m really looking forward to sitting down with a freshly caught fish, mussels, or other locally sourced culinary dishes – served right by the sea where the food comes from,” Pedersen says.