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Pascal
When a visiting Bill Clinton needed a cup of coffee, he procured it here. While most come for locally famous cakes (rich and French), there's also a menu of salads, grilled fish and sandwiches.
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Pizza da Mimmo
The best pizza in Oslo is served in this family-run basement restaurant; book ahead on weekends.
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Punjab Tandoori
Oslo's favourite turbaned man dishes out curries from steam baskets. Immensely popular, the stuff moves so fast that it's always fresh. The room is no frills and sometimes the unlucky get more bones than meat.
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Rust
On a cobblestone side street, Rust has plenty of outdoor seating and loads of blankets for when it gets cold. Good for a quiet cocktail, burgers, hearty salads or tapas late into the night.
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Smia Galleri
Smia Galleri is one of those places Oslo residents are so fond of they almost hate to share it. The leafy patio is perfect on summer afternoons and there's jazz on Thursday evenings. If they have it, try the rhubarb crumble with wild strawberry sorbet. It takes about 15 minutes to get there: from Oslo S, take bus 37 towards Helsfyr T-bane station and get off at Vålerenga.
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Solsiden
Solsiden means 'sunny side' in Norwegian, which explains why this place is so popular among sun-craving Oslo-dwellers. Located on the opposite side of Pipervika from Aker Brygge, Solsiden serves up some of city's best seafood and has an ideal view over the fjord.
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Stockfleths
Founded in 1895, the award winning, Stockfleths is one of Oslo's oldest coffee shops. It also serves thick slices of whole grain bread with brown cheese, a favourite Norwegian snack.
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Stortorvets Gjæstgiveri's
Norway's oldest restaurant's sagging yellow, wooden walls and pretty interior court provide an excellent backdrop for traditional meals. Don't try for a table on 17 May or Christmas.
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Sult
Sult prepares a changing menu of continental fare for patrons who sit at small tables and listen to Elvis Presley. Cod encrusted with pistachios is excellent.
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Teddy's Soft Bar
Established in 1958, Teddy's provides a clear view into the past via its thoroughly unchanged interior. An ancient Wurlitzer sets the tone. While good burgers are served, most come for the suds.
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Tekehtopa
A former pharmacy, Tekehtopa serves espresso and chevre salads under a beautifully moulded and painted ceiling. It also serves Norway's ubiquitous breed of lousy pilsner, but you'll feel privileged to drink anything at all in a room this nice.
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Theatercafeen
A favourite with Norwegian families during Christmas and on the 17th of May, the Theatercafeen, directly across from the National Theatre, presents Norwegian classics in posh Viennese surroundings. Favourites include the reindeer steak with mushrooms and Whortleberries.
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Thien Nga
Thien Nga is one of several good Asian-food choices on this street; ignore the Greek ambiance, the food is authentically Vietnamese.
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Tullins Café
This dimly lit café offers a little bit of everything, from salads and burgers to pasta and stir-fry dishes. It's a favourite among students.
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Villa Paradiso
Make reservations weeks in advance for a weekend dinner of Norway's finest pizza (not difficult in the land of soggy pies). Patrons eat the delicious goods surrounded by big windows and wood panelling.
