Oslo Restaurants

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.

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  • 1. Brasserie France

    $$$ | Sentrum

    As its name suggests, this wine bar is straight out of Paris: the long white aprons on the waiters, the Art Nouveau flourishes in the dining room, the old French posters on the walls, and the closely packed tables all add to the illusion. The sumptuous menu includes the classics: steak tartare, entrecôte, and duck confit. There is also, in true Gallic style, a strong wine list. Built on levels, from the cellar to the third floor, each section has a distinctive ambience. Popular with the after-theater crowd, the restaurant's kitchen offers a full menu until 10:30 pm on weekdays. Reservations are a good idea.

    Øvre Slottsgt. 16, Oslo, Oslo, 0157, Norway
    23–10–01–65

    Known For

    • An indulgent "bouillabaisse a la maison"
    • An impressive vegetarian set menu
    • Perfect location near Parliament

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed July and Sun. No lunch weekdays
  • 2. De Fem Stuer

    $$$ | Holmenkollen

    Near the famous Holmenkollen ski jump, in the historic and recently renovated Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel, this highly regarded restaurant serves first-rate food in a grand setting, with stunning views over Oslo. Modern Nordic and international dishes blend classic ingredients with more exotic ones. The restaurant's famous tasting menu comprises dishes made with ingredients from small-scale Norwegian farmers and local food purveyors.

    Kongevn. 26, Oslo, Oslo, 0787, Norway
    22–92–20–00

    Known For

    • One of Oslo's most beautiful buildings
    • Exquisite dining room
    • Award-winning chef
  • 3. Gamle Rådhus

    $$$ | Sentrum

    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.

    Nedre Slottsgt. 1, Oslo, Oslo, 0157, Norway
    22–42–01–07

    Known For

    • Reliably robust and salty catch prepared to perfection
    • Elegant paneled surroundings lit by candles
    • The unparalleled delicacy is lutefisk

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 4. Kolonihagen Frogner

    $$$ | Frogner

    With a resident chef who authored an exquisitely illustrated book on foraging, this leafy courtyard restaurant offers an ever-changing menu of unpretentious comfort food with a Nordic twist. It also has plenty of indoor seating for cozy evenings dining by candlelight. The staff knows the menu inside out, and the owners are often on hand to explain the hearty roster of meat, fish, and vegetarian options.

    Frognerveien 33, Oslo, Oslo, 0263, Norway
    993–16–810

    Known For

    • Extensive wine list
    • Botanical cocktails
    • Vegan-friendly options

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 5. L'Ardoise

    $$$$ | St. Hans Haugen

    This superb neighborhood brasserie was created by a French pastry chef who's become as revered for his easygoing lunches and elegant dinners as his impressive mille-feuille. The head waiter knows fine wines and pairings extremely well, and the service is warmly attentive. A seasonally changing menu doesn't stick to the French script, often featuring Norwegian delicacies.

    Thereses gt. 20B, Oslo, Oslo, 0368, Norway
    22–11–09–65

    Known For

    • Legendary dessert menu
    • Attracts mostly locals
    • Reasonably priced set menu

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
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  • 6. Lille Herbern

    $$ | Bygdøy

    Family-run since 1929, this eatery sits on a tiny island of its own just off the Bygdøy Peninsula and is reached by boat. The prime seating is on the breezy terrace, which is shaded from the summer sun by oversized umbrellas and heated to keep out the chill the rest of the year. The prices are reasonable considering the fact that you're getting superbly fresh seafood topped with buttery sauces or creamy aioli (as well as sourdough bread for sopping up what's left over). Other dishes range from the grilled portobello burger with pineapple glaze to the garlicky clams served over tagliatelle.

    Herbernveien 1, Oslo, Oslo, 0286, Norway
    22–44–97–00

    Known For

    • Towering platters of shellfish for sharing
    • Views of the fjord and another leafy islet
    • Historic atmosphere
  • 7. Palace Grill

    $$$ | Frogner

    An eight-table restaurant near the Royal Palace, this is one of the most fashionable spots in Oslo. Don’t let the “grill” in the name fool you—the atmosphere may be relaxed, but the French-inspired cuisine is taken very seriously. The set menu changes daily according to the whims of the chef, so it's always a surprise. It doesn’t take reservations, so try to get here early to have any hope of snagging a table.

    Solligaten 2, Oslo, Oslo, Norway
    23–13–11–40

    Known For

    • Late-night camaraderie
    • So many wonderful courses
    • Not far from the Sentrum
  • 8. Solsiden

    $$$ | Aker Brygge

    Sunny with a wow-factor and scrumptious. Don't sleep on this institution. 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 May through September (closed Sunday) only making it all the more special.

    Akershusstranda 13, Oslo, Oslo, 0150, Norway
    22–33–36–30

    Known For

    • Celebrity sightings are common
    • Good list of wines by the glass
    • Desserts are decadent

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sept.–mid-May
  • 9. Theatercafeen

    $$$ | Sentrum

    An Oslo institution, Theatercafeen has been a meeting place for artists and intellectuals for more than a century. Today it still attracts Oslo's beau monde, and as it's right across the street from the National Theater, it's a good bet for celebrity spotting. The menu varies with the seasons; the oysters and seafood platters are impressive, as are the cheese and charcuterie boards. To have any chance of getting a table during the super-busy julebord (pre-Christmas) season, book well in advance.

    Stortingsgt. 24–26, Oslo, Oslo, 0161, Norway
    22–82–40–50

    Known For

    • Traditional dishes like spicy moules frites
    • Desserts like wild strawberry sorbet
    • Sublime fish cakes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed July
  • 10. Á L'aise

    $$$$ | Frogner

    This is the restaurant to visit on a dark, starry night when you need warming up with a candlelit dining room, five-star service, and fine French cuisine. Draped with heavy curtains, elegant linens, and buttery soft seating, it's a very fancy affair. It's famed for the confit du canard, prepared table-side with the utmost finesse. A passionate sommelier guides you through the Champagne region and beyond, while foie gras and oysters with gold caviar highlight this rich and decadent experience.

    Essendrops gt. 6, Oslo, Oslo, 0368, Norway
    21–05–57–00

    Known For

    • Resplendent sparkling wine trolley
    • Meals finished with a flourish
    • Vast cheese selection

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 11. Amazonia by BAR

    $$ | Tjuvholmen

    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.

    Bryggegangen 6, Oslo, Oslo, 0252, Norway
    940–02–094

    Known For

    • Perfectly mixed cocktails
    • Legendary brunch
    • Nordic-style tacos and other treats

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch weekdays
  • 12. Asylet

    $$ | Grønland

    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).

    Grønland 28, Oslo, Oslo, 0188, Norway
    22–17–09–39

    Known For

    • Cozy dining room warmed by a fireplace
    • Sunny beer garden
    • Classic fare
  • 13. Atlas Brasserie

    $$ | Sentrum

    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.

    Jernbanetorget 2, Oslo, Oslo, 0154, Norway
    21–40–59–00

    Known For

    • Blue mussels served in a Roquefort reduction with fries
    • The tender tomahawk steak can easily serve four
    • Decor is a cheeky take on Scandinavian design

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Sun.
  • 14. Bacchus Spiseri & Vinbar

    $$ | Sentrum

    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.

    Dronningensgt. 27, Oslo, Oslo, 0154, Norway
    22–33–34–30

    Known For

    • French-meets-Nordic cuisine
    • Umbrella-shaded tables in front
    • All-natural wines

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 15. Bass

    $$ | Grünerløkka

    A tiny green neon sign announces this corner restaurant during the day, while at night it catches your attention with expansive windows that are filled with diners sharing plates of Scandinavian-style tapas. It has a buzzy atmosphere, industrial decor, and a kitchen that isn't afraid of trying something new.

    Thorvald Meyers gt. 26, Oslo, Oslo, 0555, Norway
    48–24–14–89

    Known For

    • The perfect place for groups
    • Interesting wine selection
    • Beautiful presentation

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 16. Bølgen & Moi Gimle

    $$$ | Frogner

    Restaurateurs Toralf Bølgen and Trond Moi have a winner in this minimalist restaurant. If you're tired of eating breakfast in your hotel, rise and shine here instead. Well-known Norwegian artists such as photographer Knut Bry showcase their work in the restaurant's bar, brasserie, and formal dining room. Try the oversize Thorenfeldt burger, or the three-course set menu, which changes daily. Most dishes are cooked in the wood-burning oven in the corner.

    Bygdøy Allé 53, Oslo, Oslo, Norway
    24–11–53–53

    Known For

    • Relaxed atmosphere
    • Award-winning chefs
    • Extensive wine list
  • 17. Feinschmecker

    $$$$ | Frogner

    The name is German, but the food at this warm and stylish eatery spans the globe. Owners Lars Erik Underthun, one of Oslo’s foremost chefs, and Bengt Wilson, a leading food stylist, make sure each dish looks as good as it tastes. Feinschmecker is a haven for seafood lovers—especially those looking for something a little more interesting, like trout tartare—with three-course menus that change according to the season.

    Balchens gt. 5, Oslo, Oslo, 0265, Norway
    22–12–93–80

    Known For

    • If you like the food you can buy the cookbook
    • Particularly interesting wine list
    • Elegant dining room

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 18. Finstua

    $$$$ | Holmenkollen

    Above the Holmenkollen ski jump, Finstua is a great spot to take in sweeping mountain views. With chefs well versed in traditional Norwegian fare, this rustic and elegant spot serves salted and smoked fish, game, and more. Downstairs is the more casual Kafe Seterstua.

    Holmenkollvn. 200, Oslo, Oslo, 0791, Norway
    22–92–40–40

    Known For

    • Luxurious dining room
    • Views from every table
    • Legendary apple cake

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays July and Aug.
  • 19. Fragrance of the Heart

    $$ | Sentrum

    This café serves excellent organic coffee and reasonably priced vegetarian and vegan lunch items. There's also a wide range of tempting desserts in a glass display case.

    Fridtjof Nansens pl. 2, Oslo, Oslo, 0160, Norway
    22–33–23–10

    Known For

    • Desserts are truly a work of art
    • Vegetarian dishes meat eaters will love
    • Live music
  • 20. Fru Hagen

    $$ | Grünerløkka

    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.

    Thorvald Meyers gt. 40, Oslo, Oslo, 0555, Norway
    45–49–19–04

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted

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