Must-see restaurants in Oslo

  • Le Benjamin

    Oslo

    Mais oui, it's proper French bistro dining here, refined but relaxed, with classics such as fried sardines, poached pigeon, salt-baked turbot, beef marrow…

  • Olympen

    Sofienberg, Grønland & Tøyen

    Murals of the local streetscapes from the 1920s combine with dark wood panelling and chandeliers to make the easy-to-like, affordable Norwegian pub grub …

  • Vippa

    Oslo

    It's a little out of the way, but if you find yourself in the vicinity of Vippetangen quay, duck into this popular hangar-turned-street-food-hall for…

  • Fyr Bistronomi

    Oslo

    Westside well-to-do your fellow diners may be, but this is a delightfully casual place with a focus on grilled meats, from lobster and prawns to wagyu and…

  • Albert Bistro

    Aker Brygge & Bygdøy

    Francophiles rejoice: you can get your French fix, from early-morning croque monsieurs and omelettes to a wide range of well-prepared bistro classics such…

  • Bar Babylon

    Oslo

    Hidden away behind Tekehtopa, Babylon may once have been a legendary nightclub but now is a respectable, if delightfully rambling, sushi restaurant and…

  • Baker Hansen

    Oslo

    The original of what's now a chain of Oslo and regional bakeries. Come here for old-school Norwegian baking made with care and affection. The stuffed…

  • Kamai

    Oslo

    You get two restaurants here for the price of one: a shopfront casual canteen and takeaway doing sushi and bao (steam buns); and a restaurant hidden…

  • Feinschmecker

    Oslo

    While no longer bearing a Michelin star, this gastronomic place is a firm neighbourhood favourite with a menu of modern Norwegian dishes using excellent…

  • Izakaya Oslo

    Oslo

    Bustling basement Japanese den that vibes Tokyo dive bar but is serious about both its food and Japanese liquors. Order up big from a short menu of…

  • Taco República

    Oslo

    After years of Tex-Mex mashups, Oslo has finally got a proper taqueria, a bright school-chair-strewn space, with a great range of tacos stuffed with fresh…

  • Villa Paradiso

    Oslo

    One of Solliplass' big drawcards is this eastside transplant. The space is even more atmospheric than the original, with beautiful tile work and lofty…

  • Villa Paradiso

    Oslo

    Overlooking Grünerløkka's central park, with summertime al fresco dining next to an old Italian car, this place is rated by many as serving some of the…

  • Justisen

    Oslo

    A pubby people-pleaser, this incredibly charming and atmospheric place dates back to 1820. There's a large Norwegian menu to try, but you can't beat the…

  • L'ardoise

    Oslo

    There's a concise traditional menu of French standards in the pretty dining room here for lunch and dinner, but it's the pastries – including the city's…

  • Bun's Burger Bar

    Opera House & Bjørvika

    Huge classic burgers compete with tuna steak and vegetarian options here and you can really go to town with the cheese-loaded or truffled fries. Great…

  • Grosch

    Oslo

    Located in the pretty surrounds of the Nasjonalmuseet's Arkitektur building, this museum cafe serves up burgers, tapas, soups, sandwiches and sweet things…

  • Munchies

    Oslo

    Munchies might be perpetually crowded and those extras can add up, but its burgers and fries definitely put it in the city's best burger options. Grab a…

  • Wünderburger

    Oslo

    You'll find excellent Oslo burgers here, using free-range Lofoten beef, brioche buns and build-your-own choices. The veggie burgers are also good, and the…

  • Bislett Kebab House

    Oslo

    Spawning a chain of kebab shops all over Oslo, this is the original and is beloved by Oslo's students, past and present.

  • Illegal Burgers

    Oslo

    Well-priced burgers with large char-grilled patties, interesting gourmet variations and chunky fries.

  • Kafe Asylet

    Sofienberg, Grønland & Tøyen

    A classic hostelry dating from 1730, tucked away in Grønland's multicultural heart. Walk through the arch into the galleried, cobbled courtyard, then head…

  • Smia Galleri

    Sofienberg, Grønland & Tøyen

    An old bakery has been transformed into a cosy candlelit space that serves posh Norwegian and international dishes. The leafy patio is perfect in summer…

  • Elias Mat & Sånt

    Oslo

    A good bet for simple dishes in the city centre, and dead handy after a jaunt around the National Gallery. Tempting traditional options include pollack…

  • Habsak

    Oslo

    Laid-back hang-out specialising in filling falafels, filled pittas and mezze platters, not to mention a raft of refreshing juices and smoothies. It's as…

  • Mucho Mas

    Oslo

    What it lacks in Mexican authenticity, Mucho Mas more than makes up for in cheese and portion size. The full Tex-Mex repertoire is on offer, including…

  • Nighthawk Diner

    Oslo

    An all-American diner homage à la Edward Hopper, right down to the booth seats, jukebox, ketchup caddies and art-deco-style mirrored bar. The food isn't…

  • Plah

    Oslo

    Light and inventive Thai-inspired cuisine is the hallmark of this well-regarded, very cool, intimate restaurant on a quiet pedestrianised side alley close…

  • Teddy's Soft Bar

    Oslo

    The jukebox in the corner gives Teddy's Soft Bar a flavour of 1950s USA. It's something of a local institution that has scarcely changed in decades. Its…

  • Åpent Bakeri

    Oslo

    A neighbourhood cafe that serves coffee in deep, cream-coloured bowls and has unbeatable breads and pastries. A freshly baked roll topped with homemade…

  • Hotel Havana

    Oslo

    With blue-and-white Andalucian tiles, this little place models itself on a Spanish bar. The food is likewise Spanish but with a Norwegian twist, such as a…

  • Café Sara

    Oslo

    Despite the light and airy name, this is a dark but warm English-style pub serving a hearty, unfussy mix of Norwegian dishes as well as pizza, Turkish and…

  • Rust

    Oslo

    On a small side street lined with cafes and restaurants, Rust is bright and colourful. It has plenty of outdoor seating and loads of blankets for when it…

  • Fru Hagen

    Oslo

    The low-key and always full Fru Hagen (Mrs Garden) serves snacks, light meals and appealing mains such as local sausage with mushrooms and onion. Its…

  • Ruffino Ristorante

    Oslo

    An upmarket, traditional place where locals go to eat Italian standards including a large range of housemade pasta and seafood dishes. As befits such a…

  • Kaffebrenneriet

    Oslo

    Opposite the National Gallery, this relaxed branch of one of Norway's best cafe chains has good espresso and filter coffee, packets of coffee to take away…

  • Süd Øst

    Oslo

    With a large outdoor terrace overlooking the river for summer sunseekers, this upmarket place specialises in Southeast Asian fusion flavours. You can also…

  • Bølgen & Moi

    Aker Brygge & Bygdøy

    National chain Bølgen & Moi occupies a prime position overlooking the docks and is a good place for a summer-evening burger, pasta or fish soup and a…

  • Far East

    Oslo

    Come for light and fresh Thai and Vietnamese curries, soups and noodles at this simple and very popular little place.

  • Hønse-Louisas Hus

    Oslo

    Stop for coffee and a waffle at Hønse-Louisas Hus, attached to an atmospheric little theatre.

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