28 Best Restaurants in Oslo, Norway
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Many Oslo chefs have developed menus based on classic Norwegian recipes but with exciting variations, like Asian or Mediterranean cooking styles and ingredients. You may read about New Nordic cuisine on some menus. It combines seafood and game from Scandinavia with spices and sauces from any other country.
Spend at least one sunny summer afternoon harborside at Aker Brygge/Tjuvholmen eating in one of the many seafood restaurants and watching the world go by. Or buy steamed shrimp off the nearby docked fishing boats and plan a picnic on one of the islands in the Oslo fjord or Vigeland or another of the city's parks. Note that some restaurants close for a week around Easter, in July, and during the Christmas holiday season. Some restaurants are also closed on Sunday.
Amazonia by BAR
Previously known under a different name, this Latin-American flavored waterfront restaurant comes alive on the weekend, when fashion-conscious locals compete for the best seats on the terrace. The hip dining room with long wooden tables emphasizing that meals here are a communal experience is almost as popular. The Cuban bands that perform on weekends make sure that brunch is always packed. If you can't snag a table, wait at the leather-fronted bar with a strong and sweet signature martini. Choose a selection of seafood dishes to share with your posse.
Asylet
A bit east of Sentrum, this popular pub serves homemade traditional Norwegian food in an atmospheric setting under the slightly facetious motto, "nice place, bad service." The building, which dates from the 1730s, was once an orphanage. The big lunch menu features a good selection of smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) as well as smoked-salmon salad and the traditional karbonade (a sort of open-faced hamburger, served with fried onions).
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Atlas Brasserie
In the former headquarters of the Norwegian America cruise line, this well-heeled eatery capitalizes on a New York–meets–Oslo vibe. Stop by for an excellent cup of coffee in the plant-filled courtyard, or head to the all-day brasserie for the dazzling seafood platter or steak big enough to share with several friends. The ambience is lively and bustling, particularly during the jazz brunch Sunday. If you can't get enough of the music, there's a jazz club in the basement that attracts music lovers.
Bacchus Spiseri & Vinbar
In the old Basarhall near Oslo Cathedral, tiny Bacchus serves excellent organic French bistro food in a rustic atmosphere, or outdoors in a lovely garden in summer.
Bass
Fragrance of the Heart
Fru Hagen
The glittering chandeliers and velvet sofas here make it look like a vintage neighborhood hangout. Locals gather here for fresh, well-executed comfort food—especially the spicy chicken salad, a house specialty. On weekends Fru Hagen lets its hair down, becoming a bar that's open until the wee hours.
J2
Just out of Sentrum but within spitting distance, this low-lit and minimalist modern Korean kitchen has made waves since it opened a few years ago. The snacks are as hyped as the mains, which move between delicate and gourmet to straight-up comfort eats. Scallops, purees, bibimbaps and a delightful sake, rice wine and wine pairing is a big hit. Good for couples or solo diners.
Kaffebrenneriet avd Olaf Ryes Plass
Oslo's answer to Starbucks (with much better coffee, locals would say), Kaffebrenneriet has 26 branches throughout the city, including in the trendy Grünerløkka neighborhood.
Kaffistova
Norwegian home cooking is served at this casual eatery on the ground floor of the Hotell Bondeheimen. Classic such as raspeballer (potato dumplings), boknafisk (dried and salted cod), and rømmegrøt (sour cream porridge) are always available. Vegetarian meals are available upon request. This is a good option for lunch or early dinner, but get here early because it closes at 7 pm on weekends.
Konoji
Not far out of Sentrum in the tiny Sofienberg district is this riveting sake bar and izakaya from those behind the original Izakaya. Slip through the doors into moody lighting and real Tokyo backstreet feels. Great records being spun, friendly staff, excellent sake imports and affordable Japanese fare. No website, classic vibes.
Lanternen
Mamma Pizza
Mathallen
Mucho Mas
New Anarkali
Olivia Aker Brygge
Olivia Hegdehaugsveien
The menu at this Italian eatery is inspired by the cuisine of Rome, so the pastas and pizzas are made with fresh ingredients and are always delicious. There's a comfortable two-level dining room, but most people prefer the leafy courtyard where blankets and heaters ward off the chill. Desserts range from gelato to tiramisu to chocolate soufflé.
Olivia Tjuvholmen
Oslo Street Food
Pascal
Pizza da Mimmo
Tijuana
Tullin's
Villa Paradiso
Village Tandoori
Walking through this restaurant feels like you're stepping back in time about a hundred years. Pakistani owner Mobashar Hussain collected the antique rugs, beaded textiles, and other authentic touches. The chicken and lamb curries are delicious.
Vippa
The name refers to its location at the tip of the Vippetangen, the peninsula that juts out into Oslofjord. This lively art, culture, and education center is also a destination for food lovers who want to sample dishes as diverse as poké bowls and halloumi wraps. Local brewers and distillers also showcase their delights. The place gets especially busy on Thursday, when the crowd competes in a pop quiz.