9 Best Restaurants in Oslo, Norway

Lille Herbern

$$ | Bygdøy Fodor's choice
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.

Bass

$$ | Grünerløkka
A tiny green neon sign announces this corner restaurant during the day, while at night it catches your attention with expansive windows that are filled with diners sharing plates of Scandinavian-style tapas. It has a buzzy atmosphere, industrial decor, and a kitchen that isn't afraid of trying something new.
Dinner Scandinavian $$
Thorvald Meyers gt. 26, Oslo, Oslo, 0555, Norway
48–24–14–89
bassoslo.no
Known For
  • the perfect place for groups
  • interesting wine selection
  • beautiful presentation
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

Hos Thea

$$$ | Frogner

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.

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Kafe Villa Grand

$$$$ | Bygdøy

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.

Klosteret

$$$ | Sentrum
Modeled on a church cloister, complete with chanting monks and hundreds of twinkling candles, this underground lair dates back to 1899. (Its real history is more profane: it was a waffle bakery in the early 1900s.) A favorite for more than three decades, this Nordic-Germanic restaurant is a divine experience. Expect a heavy meal, with the seasonal menu focusing on meat and fish options served either à la carte or part of a set menu of three, five, or six courses, along with wine pairings. Smoked halibut and veal escalopes often make an appearance.
Dinner Scandinavian $$$
Fredensborgveien 13, Oslo, Oslo, 0177, Norway
23–35–49–00
www.klosteret.no
Known For
  • decadent desserts
  • great sparkling wines
  • one-of-a-kind decor
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., July, and early Aug.

Kontrast

$$$$ | Grünerløkka
Swedish chef Mikael Svensson—recognized as one of the world's finest—is often spotted at this New Nordic restaurant offering two different tasting menus with excellent (and sommelier-curated) wine or juice pairings. Every dish stands up against the next, and all the ingredients are ethically sourced. The dining room is sleek and minimalist, with concrete floors, exposed ductwork, and a fascinating open kitchen.

Lanternen

$$ | 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.

Sentralen

$$$$ | Sentrum
This debonair dining room---a relatively new kid on the block---focuses on organic ingredients prepared with continental flair. Many dishes are presented in unusual new combinations, such as the whole-baked cauliflower in miso and red curry. The tasting menu is highly recommended, as the smaller dishes on the à la carte dinner menu seem inexpensive but can really add up. The lunch tasting menu is a great way to enjoy the same dishes with a more reasonable price tag.
Dinner Lunch Scandinavian Service $$$$
Upper Slottsgate 3, Oslo, Oslo, 0157, Norway
22–33–33–22
www.sentralenrestaurant.no
Known For
  • freshly baked croissants and great coffee in the attached café
  • the atmosphere is casual
  • the king crab is amazing
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Statholdergaarden

$$$$ | Kvadraturen
More than 400 years old, the elegant rococo dining room at Statholdergaarden is one of the oldest and most impressive in Norway. Award-winning celebrity chef Bent Stiansen’s Asian-inspired French dishes have long been popular with locals. The six-course tasting menu changes daily, but often includes duck in a lightly smoked apple consomme. You'll also be treated to seafood sourced from around the country.