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$$ | Bygdøy |
Family-run since 1929, this eatery sits on a tiny island of its own just off the Bygdøy Peninsula and is reached by boat. The prime seating is on the breezy terrace, which is shaded from the summer sun by oversized umbrellas and heated to keep out the chill the rest of the year. The prices are reasonable considering the fact that you're getting superbly fresh seafood topped with buttery sauces or creamy aioli (as well as sourdough bread for sopping up what's left over). Other dishes range from the grilled portobello burger with pineapple glaze to the garlicky clams served over tagliatelle.
Herbernveien 1, Oslo, Oslo, 0286, Norway
Known For
- Towering platters of shellfish for sharing
- Views of the fjord and another leafy islet
- Historic atmosphere
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$$ | 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
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$$ | Grønland |
A bit east of Sentrum, this popular pub serves homemade traditional Norwegian food in an atmospheric setting under the slightly facetious motto, "nice place, bad service." The building, which dates from the 1730s, was once an orphanage. The big lunch menu features a good selection of smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) as well as smoked-salmon salad and the traditional karbonade (a sort of open-faced hamburger, served with fried onions).
Grønland 28, Oslo, Oslo, 0188, Norway
Known For
- Cozy dining room warmed by a fireplace
- Sunny beer garden
- Classic fare
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$$ | 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.
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$$ | Sentrum |
In the old Basarhall near Oslo Cathedral, tiny Bacchus serves excellent organic French bistro food in a rustic atmosphere, or outdoors in a lovely garden in summer.
Dronningensgt. 27, Oslo, Oslo, 0154, Norway
Known For
- French-meets-Nordic cuisine
- Umbrella-shaded tables in front
- All-natural wines
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$ | 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
Known For
- The perfect place for groups
- Interesting wine selection
- Beautiful presentation
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$$ | Sentrum |
This café serves excellent organic coffee and reasonably priced vegetarian and vegan lunch items. There's also a wide range of tempting desserts in a glass display case.
Fridtjof Nansens pl. 2, Oslo, Oslo, 0160, Norway
Known For
- Desserts are truly a work of art
- Vegetarian dishes meat eaters will love
- Live music
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$$ | 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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$$ | Sentrum |
Just out of Sentrum but within spitting distance, this low-lit and minimalist modern Korean kitchen has made waves since it opened a few years ago. The snacks are as hyped as the mains, which move between delicate and gourmet to straight-up comfort eats. Scallops, purees, bibimbaps and a delightful sake, rice wine and wine pairing is a big hit. Good for couples or solo diners.
Pilestredet 63A, Oslo, Oslo, Norway
Known For
- A grand dining room
- Korean dishes
- Central location
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$$ | Grünerløkka |
Oslo's answer to Starbucks (with much better coffee, locals would say), Kaffebrenneriet has 26 branches throughout the city, including in the trendy Grünerløkka neighborhood.
Thorvald Meyers gt. 55, Oslo, Oslo, Norway
Known For
- Impressive homemade scones
- Tasty fennel sandwiches
- The best local ingredients
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$$ | Sentrum |
Norwegian home cooking is served at this casual eatery on the ground floor of the Hotell Bondeheimen. Classic such as raspeballer (potato dumplings), boknafisk (dried and salted cod), and rømmegrøt (sour cream porridge) are always available. Vegetarian meals are available upon request. This is a good option for lunch or early dinner, but get here early because it closes at 7 pm on weekends.
Rosenkrantz gt. 8, Oslo, Oslo, 0159, Norway
Known For
- Homemade meatballs are famous
- Open-faced shrimp sandwiches
- Anything from the dessert display
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$$ | 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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$$ | Bygdøy |
Located on a dock extending into the fjord, this eatery is tucked inside a 1920s building that once served as a waiting room for ferry passengers. Today, it's a popular summertime destination for locals who love the picture-perfect terrace. The wood-fired pizzas are a favorite, as are the fresh seafood and grilled meats.
Huk Aveny 2, Oslo, Oslo, 0287, Norway
Known For
- Towering shellfish platters
- Views of the city
- Perfect pizzas
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends and no dinner in winter
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$$ | 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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$$ | Grünerløkka |
Serving mostly Punjabi cuisine, this extremely popular north Indian restaurant is known for its lamb curries and other authentic dishes. In a bright and airy space, there are rich fabrics and ornate furnishings.
Markveien 42, Oslo, Oslo, 0554, Norway
Known For
- Friendly and attentive staff
- Big platters of food
- Intimate feel
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$$ | 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
