While restaurants like the three-Michelin-starred Maaemo have garnered international acclaim for Oslo’s culinary scene, enjoying an exceptional meal in Norway’s capital doesn’t require spending thousands of kroner. In fact, remarkable dining experiences are available for a fifth of the price of a meal at Maaemo. On a recent visit, we were blown away at the insane value-for-money tasting menus on offer across the city. Newcomers like Betong, Panu, and Varemottaket have brought a new wave of fine dining to town (we’re calling it “fun dining”), favoring relaxed dress codes and vibrant music over white tablecloths and stuffy service. However, it’s not only the newbies providing great deals for diners; many of our beloved Oslo favorites also offer affordable set menus, perfect for those who wish to dine out without breaking the bank. Below are the seven top restaurants in Oslo where tasting menus hover around the 1000 NOK ($100) mark.
Looking for more great spots for food and drinks in Norway’s capital? Check out our city map of Oslo!
Arakataka
Arakataka has been the budget fine dining option in Oslo for over a decade. Their seasonal menu based on Nordic ingredients, is a steal – they offer a six-course menu for 925 NOK, as well as a four-course menu for 725 NOK. Don’t miss the signature spaghetti with butter sauce and løyrom (vendace roe). We also love “Matbaren” (the food bar), a no-reservation zone with a limited snack menu. Their wine list is mostly natural with producers like Lucy Margaux, Mother Rock, and Frank Cornelissen.
ARAKATAKA Address & Contact Information Mariboes gate 7, Oslo, Norway Website Instagram Facebook
Betong
Betong just might be Oslo’s best value-for-money tasting menu. Chef Jonathan Hagen’s aim is to make fine dining accessible to all. From teens in sweatpants to men in suits, Hagen wants everyone to break bread together in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. The set menu changes frequently, with punchy flavors and a lot of spice. Don’t leave without adding on the signature “world-famous cold curry” – this aromatic, Thai-inspired dish was a standout of the meal. The diverse wine list has something for everyone, offering everything from Krug to natty favorites like La Sorga and Tschida. Betong offers an eight-course menu for 975 NOK, as well as a five-course menu for 685 NOK.
BETONG Address & Contact Information Operagata 77D, Oslo, Norway Website Instagram
Panu
We knew Oslo was in for a treat when the dynamic duo Maciek Sulk and Anders Erlandsson opened a restaurant together, and we weren’t wrong. Panu exceeded our already sky-high expectations, instantly soaring its way into the top tier of Norwegian restaurants. The cozy space is brimming with energy and good flavors. The 995 NOK seven-course tasting menu showcases innovative dishes like a squid “pasta” in a buttery sauce, and a stellar turbot dish with a whey and mussel sauce. Not in the mood for a full menu? Drop into the bar to feast on the à la carte offerings, including dumplings and fried chicken, and stay for the party vibe with DJs performing on Fridays and Saturdays.
PANU Address & Contact Information St. Olavs Plass 3, Oslo, Norway Website Instagram
Katla
Icelandic chef Atli Mar Yngvason creates some of the most flavorful and interesting dishes you’ll find on a restaurant menu in Oslo. After having built a name for himself at the cult favorite Pjoltergeist (now closed), he opened Katla in central Oslo. An open fire is the beating heart of the restaurant, where Nordic ingredients meet Japanese and Mexican techniques. Katla serves a seven-course menu for 1100 NOK, a five-course menu for 795 NOK, and also offers an à la carte menu in the bar. Must-orders: chicken karaage, steam buns, lamb kebab, tostadas with guacamole, and a round of yuzu margaritas.
KATLA Address & Contact Information Universitetsgata 12, Oslo, Norway Website Instagram Facebook
Varemottaket
Varemottaket is a collaborative venture between chefs Halaigh Whelan-McManus and Peder Støylen and Annis Pølsemakeri, Oslo’s best butcher shop. The restaurant is somewhat of a hidden gem in the Oslobukta neighborhood; the discreet back-alley entrance leads to an intimate space with very limited seats, and a counter overlooking the open kitchen. Specializing in top-quality meat from the butcher shop, the restaurant offers a set tasting menu featuring open-fire grilling on a fancy Australian grill. The menu showcases a balance of meat, Norwegian seafood, and seasonal vegetables. Varemottaket delivers an extremely fun and ridiculously delicious dining experience, offering exceptional value for a tasting menu in Oslo – nine courses for 1195 NOK.
VAREMOTTAKET Address & Contact Information Dronning Eufemias gate 37, Oslo, Norway Website Instagram
Hyde
In the old venue of the iconic Oslo eatery Pjoltergeist, you’ll now find restaurant Hyde. Don’t be fooled by the casual, low-key setting, or the loud music – Matthew North’s food will surprise you. His style of cooking draws on several cuisine and involves a lot of spice, salt, fat, and umami. Hyde is bound to become an industry hangout and a favorite among foodies in Oslo, just like its predecessor. Hyde received a Michelin star in 2022, and serves a seven-course menu for 1250 NOK, as well as a three-course menu on Wednesdays and Thursdays at the bar for 650 NOK.
HYDE Address & Contact Information Rosteds gate 15 B, Oslo, Norway Website Instagram Facebook
Hot Shop
Hot Shop was a former sex toy shop on a corner in Oslo. When a Noma alumnus decided to take over the space, he kept the cheeky name, and Hot Shop was born. Chef Jo Bøe Klakegg cooks simple Scandinavian fare – we enjoyed white asparagus in a parsley and spinach sauce, Norwegian scallops, and a milk ice cream dessert with black currant. Hot Shop received a Michelin star in 2022, and serves an eight-course menu for 1295 NOK.
HOT SHOP Address & Contact Information Københavngata 18, Oslo, Norway Website Instagram Facebook
What’s your favorite value-for-money restaurant in Oslo? Let us know in a comment below.
Hello
I am staying at the Thon Hotel Astoria and looking for a midpriced restaurant, preferably fish.
I’d like to stay close to the hotel within walking distance, as I am traveling solo.
Do you have any recommendations? Thank you
Here are all our Oslo guides. You can join our worldwide food community, The Hungries, for more personalized recommendations from us as well as other Oslo-based members. 🙂
Hi, my partner and I are going to be visiting Oslo for three days in June. We’re arriving Monday evening from Flam and are having a hard time finding good restaurants open on Monday’s. We won’t reach the train station until around 7 pm so we might not be able to eat until 8:30 or 9 pm. I’d definitely consider a no-reservation bar as well as a regular dining room. Do you have any suggestions?
We’re planning to eat on Tuesday at Katla, and considering Savage, Hyde or Arakataka on Wednesday. But Monday looks to be a challenge.
Hi, Tom. Check out our Oslo map, which can be filtered to show restaurants open on Mondays.
Besides that, my best advice is joining our food community, The Hungries. We have hundreds of members in Oslo and around the world, so a lot of knowledge from a bunch of passionate foodies who can help guide you. If you join as a VIP, you can also take advantage of the perks we offer at restaurants, shops, and hotels.