14 Best Restaurants in Oslo, Norway

Amazonia by BAR

$$ | 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.

Bacchus Spiseri & Vinbar

$$ | 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.

Café Quick Bite $$
Dronningensgt. 27, Oslo, Oslo, 0154, Norway
22–33–34–30
www.bacchusspiseri.no/english
Known For
  • French-meets-Nordic cuisine
  • umbrella-shaded tables in front
  • all-natural wines
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Fragrance of the Heart

$$ | Sentrum
This café serves excellent organic coffee and reasonably priced vegetarian and vegan lunch items. There's also a wide range of tempting desserts in a glass display case.
Café Quick Bite $$
Fridtjof Nansens pl. 2, Oslo, Oslo, 0160, Norway
22–33–23–10
www.fragrance.no
Known For
  • desserts are truly a work of art
  • vegetarian dishes meat eaters will love
  • live music

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Fru Hagen

$$ | 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.

Kulturhuset

$ | 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).

Mamma Pizza

$$ | 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.

Mathallen

$$ | 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.

Munchies

$ | Grünerløkka
This hipster hood’s premier burger joint offers 100% organic burgers, served with generous portions of fries and sweet potato fries. The plastic bottles of ketchup and mustard might say fast food, but the local and imported beers insist you slow things down.

Olivia Hegdehaugsveien

$$ | 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.

Oslo Street Food

$$ | Sentrum
If you're with a group that can't decide what to have for lunch or dinner, you can sample every cuisine from Nordic to Mexican to Indian to Japanese at this brightly lit, well-designed market a short walk from Central Station. With 16 food stands (Hungarian goulash, anyone?), several bars, and a huge seating area with picnic tables, it's a bustling place where everyone seems to be in great spirits.

Pascal

$$ | Sentrum
This smart little brasserie serves French-influenced lunchtime fare like croque monsieur or quiche with broccoli or bacon. There's also an impressive array of freshly baked pastries and cakes. Get here early, as it closes its kitchen at 5:30.
Café Family Quick Bite $$
Henrik Ibsens gt. 36, Oslo, Oslo, Norway
22–55–00–20
pascal.no
Known For
  • array of gluten-free dishes
  • relaxing atmosphere
  • respectful staff

Pink Fish Grensen

$ | Sentrum

Sustainability is at the heart of this creative and low-key eatery intent on persuading the world to eat more salmon. Favorites includes poké bowls, hot pots, and even fish-and-chips. The menu is healthier than any other chain restaurant you're likely to encounter anywhere.

Tullin's

$$ | Sentrum
A favorite with students, this eatery has mismatched chairs, artwork of dubious quality in gilt frames, and chandeliers that feel too fancy for the decor. In other words, it has an appealingly laid-back vibe. Grab one of the tables on the sidewalk and enjoy inexpensive burgers and other international fare.
Café Family Quick Bite $$
Tullins gt. 2, Oslo, Oslo, 0166, Norway
22–20–46–16
tullins.no
Known For
  • pizza, burgers, and other comfort food
  • always filled with young people
  • speedy service

Vippa

$$ | Sentrum

The name refers to its location at the tip of the Vippetangen, the peninsula that juts out into Oslofjord. This lively art, culture, and education center is also a destination for food lovers who want to sample dishes as diverse as poké bowls and halloumi wraps. Local brewers and distillers also showcase their delights. The place gets especially busy on Thursday, when the crowd competes in a pop quiz.