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$$$$ | St. Hans Haugen |
This superb neighborhood brasserie was created by a French pastry chef who's become as revered for his easygoing lunches and elegant dinners as his impressive mille-feuille. The head waiter knows fine wines and pairings extremely well, and the service is warmly attentive. A seasonally changing menu doesn't stick to the French script, often featuring Norwegian delicacies.
Thereses gt. 20B, Oslo, Oslo, 0368, Norway
Known For
- Legendary dessert menu
- Attracts mostly locals
- Reasonably priced set menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
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$$ | 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
Known For
- Towering platters of shellfish for sharing
- Views of the fjord and another leafy islet
- Historic atmosphere
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$$$ | Frogner |
Restaurateurs Toralf Bølgen and Trond Moi have a winner in this minimalist restaurant. If you're tired of eating breakfast in your hotel, rise and shine here instead. Well-known Norwegian artists such as photographer Knut Bry showcase their work in the restaurant's bar, brasserie, and formal dining room. Try the oversize Thorenfeldt burger, or the three-course set menu, which changes daily. Most dishes are cooked in the wood-burning oven in the corner.
Bygdøy Allé 53, Oslo, Oslo, Norway
Known For
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Award-winning chefs
- Extensive wine list
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$$ | 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
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$ | Sentrum |
Not far out of Sentrum in the tiny Sofienberg district is this riveting sake bar and izakaya from those behind the original Izakaya. Slip through the doors into moody lighting and real Tokyo backstreet feels. Great records being spun, friendly staff, excellent sake imports and affordable Japanese fare. No website, classic vibes.
Trondheimsveien 16, Oslo, Oslo, Norway
Known For
- Go traditional and share plates for the whole table
- Classic casual Japanese eats
- Reliably good chilled sake
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$$ | Sentrum |
Despite being located on the ground floor of a chain hotel, this unexpectedly creative bistro satisfies hungry foodies with its incredible fjord-, farm-, and forest-inspired smorgasbord of dishes ranging from pine-smoked scallops to venison with sweet sausage. "Boards from the Fjords" is what it calls its small plates combining several different dishes meant to share. There are plenty of local cheeses, craft beers, and other happy-making fare.
Holbergsplass 30, Oslo, Oslo, 0166, Norway
Known For
- Warm welcome from the staff
- Well-traveled wine list
- Casual dining room
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Sun.
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$$ | Sentrum |
Featuring famous sourdough pizzas, this tiny osteria has the traditional checkered tablecloths and striped awning that call to mind the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Serving the city's most authentic pie—head and shoulders above its overpriced competitors—the eatery takes things one step further with refreshing yet strong cocktails or classic aperitifs served while you wait.
Dronningens gt. 22, Oslo, Oslo, 0154, Norway
Known For
- Short stroll from the central train station
- Don't miss the dessert of the day
- Gluten-free dough available
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$$ | Sentrum |
This indoor market is where everyday shoppers, famous chefs, and tourists come to browse the stalls of more than 30 different vendors selling everything from Portuguese desserts to Hungarian wines to Norwegian cheeses and jams. Drop by for a snack or a whole meal.
Vulkan 5, Oslo, Oslo, 0178, Norway
Known For
- Great place for an autumn or winter amble
- Stock up on brown cheese and other specialties
- Weekly cooking classes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$$ | Grünerløkka |
The name says it all: massive portions are the order of the day at this tiny taqueria, but a table may be hard to find because the place is so darn popular. Burritos, nachos, and quesadillas are served as spicy as you like in a dining room done up in cool pastel colors.
Thorvald Meyers gt. 36, Oslo, Oslo, 0555, Norway
Known For
- Wash everything down with a margarita
- Surprisingly authentic flavors
- A few outdoor tables
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$ | Grünerløkka |
This hipster hood’s premier burger joint offers 100% organic burgers, served with generous portions of fries and sweet potato fries. The plastic bottles of ketchup and mustard might say fast food, but the local and imported beers insist you slow things down.
Thorvald Meyers gt. 36A, Oslo, Oslo, 0555, Norway
Known For
- Gluten-free and vegan options
- Cheerful atmosphere
- Friendly staff
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$$ | Grünerløkka |
Serving mostly Punjabi cuisine, this extremely popular north Indian restaurant is known for its lamb curries and other authentic dishes. In a bright and airy space, there are rich fabrics and ornate furnishings.
Markveien 42, Oslo, Oslo, 0554, Norway
Known For
- Friendly and attentive staff
- Big platters of food
- Intimate feel
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$$ | Aker Brygge |
You may not have set out on a trip to Italy, but you'll feel like that's where you ended up at this Naples-inspired eatery focusing on delicious dishes like fried mozzarella balls, seafood risotto, and wood-fired pizzas topped with imported ingredients. The dining room is elegant, but you'll want to talk your way into a table overlooking the boats in the harbor.
Stranden 3, Oslo, Oslo, 0250, Norway
Known For
- Individually made pizzas
- Accommodating staff
- Waterfront location
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$$ | Majorstuen |
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.
Hegdehaugsveien 34, Oslo, Oslo, 0352, Norway
Known For
- Roman-style dishes are amazing
- Don't miss the excellent biscotti
- Popular with families
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$$ | Tjuvholmen |
This much-adored family-friendly Italian chain always delivers with dazzling harbor views, comfy furnishings, and a friendly staff. You can dine outside under pretty parasols even if the weather is a bit chilly, thanks to blankets and heat lamps. The Venice-influenced menu includes tuna carpaccio and sausage risotto served with a deliciously oily and herby focaccia to mop up the sauce.
Bryggegangen 4, Oslo, Oslo, 0252, Norway
Known For
- Affordable pizzas and pastas
- Fresh Italian ingredients
- Buzzing atmosphere
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$$ | Sentrum |
If you're with a group that can't decide what to have for lunch or dinner, you can sample every cuisine from Nordic to Mexican to Indian to Japanese at this brightly lit, well-designed market a short walk from Central Station. With 16 food stands (Hungarian goulash, anyone?), several bars, and a huge seating area with picnic tables, it's a bustling place where everyone seems to be in great spirits.
Torggata 16, Oslo, Oslo, 0181, Norway
Known For
- Great place to witness the city's diversity
- Cheap eats in an expensive destination
- Seating for large groups
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$$ | Sentrum |
This smart little brasserie serves French-influenced lunchtime fare like croque monsieur or quiche with broccoli or bacon. There's also an impressive array of freshly baked pastries and cakes. Get here early, as it closes its kitchen at 5:30.
Henrik Ibsens gt. 36, Oslo, Oslo, Norway
Known For
- Array of gluten-free dishes
- Relaxing atmosphere
- Respectful staff
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$ | Sentrum |
Sustainability is at the heart of this creative and low-key eatery intent on persuading the world to eat more salmon. Favorites includes poké bowls, hot pots, and even fish-and-chips. The menu is healthier than any other chain restaurant you're likely to encounter anywhere.
Grensen 17, Oslo, Oslo, 0159, Norway
Known For
- Menu is a trip around the world
- Quick stop on a busy day
- Might convince kids they like fish
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$$ | Frogner |
Named for owner Domenico Giardina—known to everyone as Mimmo—this is Oslo’s best pizzeria. In 1993, the native of Calabria was the first to bring thin-crust Italian pizza to the city. Don't miss his perennially popular panna and prosciutto pizza. Look down to find the entrance, because this eatery is on the basement level.
Behrensgt. 2, Oslo, Oslo, 0257, Norway
Known For
- Made-to-order pizzas
- Laid-back atmosphere
- Outdoor seating
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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$$ | Sentrum |
A favorite with students, this eatery has mismatched chairs, artwork of dubious quality in gilt frames, and chandeliers that feel too fancy for the decor. In other words, it has an appealingly laid-back vibe. Grab one of the tables on the sidewalk and enjoy inexpensive burgers and other international fare.
Tullins gt. 2, Oslo, Oslo, 0166, Norway
Known For
- Pizza, burgers, and other comfort food
- Always filled with young people
- Speedy service
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$$ | Grünerløkka |
Run by a family who found themselves returning from a trip to Italy with a pizza oven, Villa Paradiso makes incredible Neopolitan pies. In an old building with vintage lamps and wood paneling, this trattoria is one of the very best in the neighborhood. The focaccia bruschetta is tasty, as are the adventurous antipasti.
Olaf Ryes pl. 8, Oslo, Oslo, 0552, Norway
Known For
- Outdoor dining under huge umbrellas
- Large selection of desserts
- Wood-fired pizzas
