-
$$$ | Sentrum |
If you're in Oslo for just one night and want an authentic dining experience, head to the city's oldest restaurant—housed in Oslo's first town hall, a building that dates from 1641. It is known for its traditional fish and game dishes that take full advantage of the city's access to the best seasonal produce. An absolute must, if you're lucky enough to be visiting in December, is the house specialty, the lutefisk. Reserve well in advance for the julebord (pre-Christmas) season.
Nedre Slottsgt. 1, Oslo, Oslo, 0157, Norway
Known For
- Reliably robust and salty catch prepared to perfection
- Elegant paneled surroundings lit by candles
- The unparalleled delicacy is lutefisk
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
-
$$$$ | St. Hans Haugen |
This superb neighborhood brasserie was created by a French pastry chef who's become as revered for his easygoing lunches and elegant dinners as his impressive mille-feuille. The head waiter knows fine wines and pairings extremely well, and the service is warmly attentive. A seasonally changing menu doesn't stick to the French script, often featuring Norwegian delicacies.
Thereses gt. 20B, Oslo, Oslo, 0368, Norway
Known For
- Legendary dessert menu
- Attracts mostly locals
- Reasonably priced set menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
-
$$ | 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
-
$$$ | Sentrum |
An Oslo institution, Theatercafeen has been a meeting place for artists and intellectuals for more than a century. Today it still attracts Oslo's beau monde, and as it's right across the street from the National Theater, it's a good bet for celebrity spotting. The menu varies with the seasons; the oysters and seafood platters are impressive, as are the cheese and charcuterie boards. To have any chance of getting a table during the super-busy julebord (pre-Christmas) season, book well in advance.
Stortingsgt. 24–26, Oslo, Oslo, 0161, Norway
Known For
- Traditional dishes like spicy moules frites
- Desserts like wild strawberry sorbet
- Sublime fish cakes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed July
-
$$ | 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
Known For
- Perfectly mixed cocktails
- Legendary brunch
- Nordic-style tacos and other treats
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch weekdays
-
Recommended Fodor’s Video
-
-
$$ | Grønland |
A bit east of Sentrum, this popular pub serves homemade traditional Norwegian food in an atmospheric setting under the slightly facetious motto, "nice place, bad service." The building, which dates from the 1730s, was once an orphanage. The big lunch menu features a good selection of smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) as well as smoked-salmon salad and the traditional karbonade (a sort of open-faced hamburger, served with fried onions).
Grønland 28, Oslo, Oslo, 0188, Norway
Known For
- Cozy dining room warmed by a fireplace
- Sunny beer garden
- Classic fare
-
$$ | 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
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.
-
$$$ | Frogner |
Restaurateurs Toralf Bølgen and Trond Moi have a winner in this minimalist restaurant. If you're tired of eating breakfast in your hotel, rise and shine here instead. Well-known Norwegian artists such as photographer Knut Bry showcase their work in the restaurant's bar, brasserie, and formal dining room. Try the oversize Thorenfeldt burger, or the three-course set menu, which changes daily. Most dishes are cooked in the wood-burning oven in the corner.
Bygdøy Allé 53, Oslo, Oslo, Norway
Known For
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Award-winning chefs
- Extensive wine list
-
$$$$ | Holmenkollen |
Above the Holmenkollen ski jump, Finstua is a great spot to take in sweeping mountain views. With chefs well versed in traditional Norwegian fare, this rustic and elegant spot serves salted and smoked fish, game, and more. Downstairs is the more casual Kafe Seterstua.
Holmenkollvn. 200, Oslo, Oslo, 0791, Norway
Known For
- Luxurious dining room
- Views from every table
- Legendary apple cake
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays July and Aug.
-
$$ | 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
-
-
$$$$ | Bygdøy |
Hiking aficionados, history lovers, and garden fanatics rub elbows at this palatial villa for simple, traditional meals by day (think open-faced sandwiches) and more filling fare by night (whole grilled fish is a favorite). The garden is very pleasant on a warm day.
Huk Aveny 56, Oslo, Oslo, 0287, Norway
Known For
- An opulent palace near the water
- Seasonal meat and game
- Resplendent buffets
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
-
$$ | Sentrum |
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.
Rosenkrantz gt. 8, Oslo, Oslo, 0159, Norway
Known For
- Homemade meatballs are famous
- Open-faced shrimp sandwiches
- Anything from the dessert display
-
$$ | Sentrum |
Not far out of Sentrum in the tiny Sofienberg district is this riveting sake bar and izakaya from those behind the original Izakaya. Slip through the doors into moody lighting and real Tokyo backstreet feels. Great records being spun, friendly staff, excellent sake imports and affordable Japanese fare. No website, classic vibes.
Trondheimsveien 16, Oslo, Oslo, Norway
Known For
- Go traditional and share plates for the whole table
- Classic casual Japanese eats
- Reliably good chilled sake
-
$ | Sentrum |
Priding itself on a casual "breakfast, brunch, lunch, and munch" menu, the restaurant at this cultural institution always seems to have a crowd. There's a fantastic array of delicious dishes that provide sustenance for the events that take place here day and night. The colorful rice bowls are filled with many healthy ingredients (for example, poké with pickled cauliflower and toasted sesame seeds) and some a little less healthy (fried chicken with crispy cabbage and pickled mushrooms).
Youngs gt. 6, Oslo, Oslo, 0181, Norway
Known For
- Vegan- and vegetarian-friendly menu
- Quick and tasty meals
- Cheesy toast
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner weekends
-
$$ | Bygdøy |
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. The wood-fired pizzas are a favorite, as are the fresh seafood and grilled meats.
Huk Aveny 2, Oslo, Oslo, 0287, Norway
Known For
- Towering shellfish platters
- Views of the city
- Perfect pizzas
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends and no dinner in winter
-
-
$$$ | Sentrum |
Despite being located on the ground floor of a chain hotel, this unexpectedly creative bistro satisfies hungry foodies with its incredible fjord-, farm-, and forest-inspired smorgasbord of dishes ranging from pine-smoked scallops to venison with sweet sausage. "Boards from the Fjords" is what it calls its small plates combining several different dishes meant to share. There are plenty of local cheeses, craft beers, and other happy-making fare.
Holbergsplass 30, Oslo, Oslo, 0166, Norway
Known For
- Warm welcome from the staff
- Well-traveled wine list
- Casual dining room
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Sun.
-
$$$ | Aker Brygge |
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. Depending on the season, you can try the mellow cod served with its own liver and roe or the pungent lutefisk. There's an excellent three-course menu if you can't decide.
Stranden 75, Oslo, Oslo, Norway
Known For
- Platters of seafood big enough to share
- Traditional fish soup
- Outdoor seating
-
$$ | Sentrum |
Featuring famous sourdough pizzas, this tiny osteria has the traditional checkered tablecloths and striped awning that call to mind the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Serving the city's most authentic pie—head and shoulders above its overpriced competitors—the eatery takes things one step further with refreshing yet strong cocktails or classic aperitifs served while you wait.
Dronningens gt. 22, Oslo, Oslo, 0154, Norway
Known For
- Short stroll from the central train station
- Don't miss the dessert of the day
- Gluten-free dough available
-
$$ | 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.
-
$$ | 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
