What is Arctic After Dark?
Arctic After Dark is a two week culinary celebration across San Francisco and the Bay Area, inspired by the distinctive coastal environment of northern Norway, home to the cold, clear waters where Kvarøy Arctic salmon is raised.
During winter, the region is known for polar nights, vivid night skies, and the natural glow of the Northern Lights, elements that create a striking sense of atmosphere and seasonality.
You're invited to experience that spirit through chef-crafted dishes at some of the Bay Area's most visionary restaurants. Each chef brings their own style and interpretation of Kvarøy Arctic salmon, resulting in a collection of unique, two-week-only menu features.
There is no single tasting menu or central event. It's a celebration of place, flavor, and creativity expressed differently at every restaurant.
The Experience
Participating Restaurants
Nine Bay Area restaurants. Nine distinct interpretations. One extraordinary ingredient.
01
Matchplay Kitchen + Bar at Silverado Resort
Patrick Prager, Executive Chef
Bacon Crusted Kvarøy Arctic Salmon
Applewood smoked bacon crust, celery root with crème fraîche, sautéed rainbow chard, pickled chard stems, sorrel, frisée and apple salad, mustard cream.
02
Dragon Well
Christina Tan and Gary Tan, Co-Owners
Steamed Kvarøy Arctic Salmon
Ginger and soy, scallions, chilies, cilantro, a flash of sesame oil. New in October: Salmon Long Noodle (tang fen), Salmon Bird’s Nest, and Salmon Fried Rice.
03
Le Petit Chef at Santa Clara Marriott
Menu details coming soon
This chef’s Kvarøy Arctic salmon dish is being finalized. Check back shortly.
04
Villon
Julio Hawkins, Executive Sous Chef
Root Vegetable Salad with Blackened Kvarøy Arctic Salmon
Radicchio, napa cabbage, baby kale and gem lettuce, root vegetables, citrus avocado dressing.
05
Le Central
Elias Panti, Chef de Cuisine · David Gabiné, Owner
Kvarøy Arctic Salmon
Asparagus risotto, lemon zest, Herbes de Provence oil. Buttery, with a texture that complements the risotto.
06
Holbrook House
Menu details coming soon
This chef’s Kvarøy Arctic salmon dish is being finalized. Check back shortly.
07
The Grove Speakeasy
Gus Vega, Chef
Crispy Kvarøy Arctic Salmon
Crispy skin over corn succotash and lobster bisque, end-of-summer tomatoes, basil. Local produce from Penngrove farms.
08
Bijou
Steven Vargas, Chef and Co-Owner
Binchotan-Grilled Kvarøy Arctic Salmon
Basted in sake mirin for a nice char, heirloom tomatoes, charred sweet yellow corn, shishito peppers, pickled baby cauliflower, tomato beurre blanc.
09
The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus
Menu details coming soon
This chef’s Kvarøy Arctic salmon dish is being finalized. Check back shortly.
Have Questions?
FAQs
What is Arctic After Dark?
Arctic After Dark is a two-week culinary celebration across San Francisco and the Bay Area, inspired by the distinctive coastal environment of northern Norway, home to the cold, clear waters where Kvarøy Arctic salmon is raised.
During winter, the region is known for polar nights, vivid night skies, and the natural glow of the Northern Lights, elements that create a striking sense of atmosphere and seasonality.
You're invited to experience that spirit through chef-crafted dishes at some of the Bay Area's most visionary restaurants. Each chef brings their own style and interpretation of Kvarøy Arctic salmon, resulting in a collection of unique, two-week-only menu features.
There is no single tasting menu or central event. It's a celebration of place, flavor, and creativity expressed differently at every restaurant.
When is Arctic After Dark?
October 1 through October 18, 2026. Featured dishes are available for those two weeks only, and menu availability can vary by night, so booking ahead is recommended.
Which restaurants are participating in Arctic After Dark? Why should I not miss it?
Arctic After Dark brings together some of the Bay Area's most accomplished culinary talent, a collection of award-winning and Michelin-recognized chefs whose creativity, craft, and vision set the tone for exceptional dining in the region. And for diners who appreciate extraordinary salmon, this is a rare chance to experience one of the world's finest, Kvarøy Arctic, interpreted through the distinctive styles of these remarkable chefs.
PLACEHOLDER: add one paragraph per restaurant here.
How do I reserve for Arctic After Dark?
Book directly through each restaurant. Reservations recommended; walk-ins vary by location.
What kind of menu should I expect at Arctic After Dark?
Each restaurant offers its own à la carte dishes or specials featuring Kvarøy Arctic salmon. Check with your chosen restaurant for details.
What makes Kvarøy Arctic salmon special?
Kvarøy Arctic salmon is known for its mild, buttery flavor, elevated omega-3, and exceptional texture, qualities shaped by the cold, clear coastal waters of northern Norway where it's raised. It is certified by ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council), Fair Trade USA, BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices), and GlobalG.A.P., and was the first farmed finfish to carry the Fair Trade USA seal.
It is raised without antibiotics, added hormones, or artificial color, and carries roughly twice the omega-3s of other farmed salmon. Kvarøy Arctic has also been highlighted in Whole Foods Market's annual Trends Predictions Report for its innovation and leadership within the seafood category. Chefs value it for its purity, versatility, and consistently standout performance on the plate.
How do you say Kvarøy?
Kvarøy is pronounced "Kwa-ray." It's the name of the island in Norway's Arctic Circle where the Olsen family has farmed salmon since 1976. You will also see it written as Kvaroy without the ø.
Are dietary needs accommodated?
Varies by restaurant. Please check directly.
Is there a dress code?
Policies differ; confirm with your selected restaurant.
Can I take photos or film?
Photo policies vary; please ask the restaurant.
Will menus differ across Arctic After Dark restaurants?
Yes. Each chef interprets the salmon in their own style.