8 Best Restaurants in Kvadraturen, Aker Brygge, Tjuvholmen, and Bjørvika, Oslo

If you're in Oslo for just one night and want an authentic dining experience, head to the city's oldest restaurant—housed in Oslo's first town hall, a building that dates from 1641. It is known for its traditional fish and game dishes that take full advantage of the city's access to the best seasonal produce. An absolute must, if you're lucky enough to be visiting in December, is the house specialty, the lutefisk. Reserve well in advance for the julebord (pre-Christmas) season.

Owner Lars Jon Amundsen converted an old soap factory into "the sunny side" back in 1993 after running award-winning shellfish festivals and sushi bars, and inspired by everywhere from Californian coastal gems to Parisian bistros. With its high ceiling and huge windows facing the sunny side of the capital, this summer-only seafood restaurant is housed in a former warehouse right by the harbor. Here, it's an open-to-all, smart-casual affair where you'll see families, dates, and celebrities tucking into shellfish side by side. Follow the lead of the many locals who call this their favorite spot and indulge yourself with a plateau de fruits de mer (seafood platter, the house specialty), or opt for one of the other longtime favorites like the turbot with horseradish puree, the king crab au gratin, or the vegetarian-friendly salt-baked celeriac with walnuts. In typical Oslo fashion, the dining room isn't at all showy, allowing the seafood to shine. There are two sittings after 6:30, and the place is open only from May through September, making it all the more special.

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 is almost as popular, with long wooden tables emphasizing that meals here are a communal experience. 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.

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.