52 Best Restaurants in Oslo, Norway

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 being 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. 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.

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.

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.

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

Family-run since 1929, this eatery sits on a tiny island just off the Bygdøy Peninsula and is reached by a small boat departing every 15 minutes during the day until 11:30 pm. 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 a grilled portobello mushroom burger with pineapple glaze to the garlicky clams served over tagliatelle. The main seating is on the breezy terrace, which is shaded from the summer sun by oversized umbrellas and heated to keep out the chill on colder days.

The plant-based and sustainable menu that's sure to satisfy any appetite changes every other month at this all-are-welcome space. Build your own meal by picking from the delicious and mouthwatering options at the salad and warm dish bars, try one of the main dishes, or just swing by for a slice of delicious cake (gluten-free options available) and a cup of coffee or tea. 

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

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 caviar platters are impressive, as are the cheese and charcuterie boards. To have any chance of getting a table during the superbusy julebord (pre-Christmas) season, book well in advance.

The classic afternoon tea is the star of the menu—think big, buttery scones, tasty finger sandwiches, and tea that's always brewed just right. The staff know their tea and are happy to help you find your perfect cup among the 150 different teas on the menu, but we suggest the “Bhakanje” from Nepal—a special tea from a plantation started by Perch’s to support jobs and growth in a remote mountain region. The tearoom has a classic British feel, plus a shop where you can grab something to take home. Don’t miss the first flush Darjeeling in April and May—it’s a big deal! On Saturdays, and from October to December, it’s a good idea to book a table.

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. 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.

A bit east of Sentrum, this popular pub serves homemade traditional Norwegian food in an atmospheric setting—the building, which dates from the 1730s, was once an orphanage—under the slightly facetious motto "nice place, bad service." The big lunch menu features a good selection of smørbrød (open-faced sandwiches) as well as herring and the traditional karbonade (a sort of open-faced hamburger, served with fried onions).

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.

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.

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.

Above the Holmenkollen ski jump, Finstua at Frognerseteren 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.

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.

A well-heeled arrival on the city's gastronomic scene, this bistro has a candlelit dining room with brick walls, an arched ceiling, and a huge terrace shaded with umbrellas. From the platters of fresh shellfish to the grilled-to-perfection steaks, this place is an all-around winner for those who want Nordic fare served with flair. The service is very friendly and professional.

Located at the lovely culture and event space Sentralen, this debonair dining room features an Asian street food–inspired menu that ranges from dumplings to spicy crispy duck. Whether you choose between the tasting menus or à la carte options, all dishes are made using local, organic ingredients. The lunch tasting menu is a great way to enjoy the dinner menu with a more reasonable price tag.

An intimate yet lively dining experience awaits in this longtime favorite with a blue-and-white fleur-de-lis motif. From the open kitchen, Sergio Barcilon and the other chefs often serve the French and Spanish dishes themselves. The small menu lists just four entrée choices, but dishes like deer with blueberry sauce or turbot with lime and celery foam are always superbly prepared.

Hiking aficionados, history lovers, and garden fanatics rub elbows at this palatial villa for simple, traditional meals by day (think open-faced sandwiches and cakes) and more filling fare by night. The garden is very pleasant on a warm day.

Oslo's answer to Starbucks (with much better coffee, locals would say), Kaffebrenneriet has 28 branches throughout the city, including in the trendy Grünerløkka neighborhood.

Norwegian home cooking is served at this casual eatery on the ground floor of the Hotell Bondeheimen. Classic dishes 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 dinner.

An interesting and unusual restaurant, this eatery named for an Icelandic volcano blends Nordic, Asian, Latin American, and other cuisines. The cooking is done over gas grills or—a nod to the name—on hot lava stones. Watch chefs from around the world battle it out in the open kitchen where they prepare anything from shawarma to takoyaki. The seven-course tasting menu is available exclusively in the restaurant, with à la carte options at the bar.

Modeled on a church cloister, complete with chanting monks and hundreds of twinkling candles, this underground lair dates back to 1899. (Its real history is more profane: it was a waffle bakery in the early 1900s.) A favorite for more than three decades, this Nordic-Germanic restaurant is a divine experience. Expect a heavy meal, with the seasonal menu focusing on meat and fish options served either à la carte or part of a set menu of four or six courses, along with wine pairings. Smoked halibut and veal escalopes often make an appearance.

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.

Swedish chef Mikael Svensson—recognized as one of the world's finest—is often spotted at this New Nordic restaurant offering one tasting menu with excellent (and sommelier-curated) wine or juice pairings. Every dish stands up against the next, and all the ingredients are ethically sourced. The dining room is sleek and minimalist, with concrete floors, exposed ductwork, and a fascinating open kitchen.

Priding itself on a casual "breakfast, brunch, lunch, and munch" menu, the café at this cultural institution always seems to have a crowd. There's a fantastic array of delicious dishes that provide sustenance for the events that take place here day and night. 

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. This Michelin-starred spot is famed for its confit du canard that's prepared table-side with the utmost finesse and a passionate sommelier who guides you through the Champagne region and beyond. Foie gras and oysters with gold caviar highlight this rich and decadent experience.

Located on a dock extending into the fjord, this eatery is tucked inside a 1920s building that once served as a waiting room for ferry passengers. Today, it's a popular summertime destination for locals who love the picture-perfect terrace.

Named for the remote Lofoten Islands, this Aker Brygge mainstay is considered one of Oslo’s best destinations for seafood, from Maine lobster to Greenland shrimp. It has a bright, minimalistic interior with harbor views and a sunny patio. There's an excellent three-course menu if you can't decide.