56 Best Restaurants in Oslo, Norway

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 blackberry sauce or redfish with a sweet red pepper sauce are always superbly prepared.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.