Where to Eat in Oslo Discover the Best Restaurants in Norway's Capital

Oslo is the capital of Norway and home to the greatest selection of restaurants in the country. The success and spread of the New Nordic cuisine, combined with chefs gathering inspiration from all over the world, has led to a revolution of the Oslo food scene. Unlike the other Scandinavian capitals, the city is more about affordable and accessible places, and less about fine dining and white tablecloths (there are exceptions; see Maaemo and À L’aise). Sustainability is another big focus area for many restaurants, with Rest leading the way with their zero waste ideology. Oslo is also Scandinavia’s coffee mecca, much due to the influence of pioneers like Tim Wendelboe.

In this city map, we have gathered all our favorite spots to create the best restaurant guide to Oslo. You will find coffee shops, wine and cocktail bars, bakeries, fine dining restaurants, and casual eateries. Navigate the map easily either by scrolling through the list on the right or by clicking the points on the map. Places are listed in geographical order.

If there is one restaurant that has put Oslo on the culinary map of the world, it's Maaemo. It took a Dane to re-interpret the Norwegian food traditions in a modern way. Chef Esben Holmboe Bang's cooking is rooted in the New Nordic philosophy, but his style is completely his own. Norway's only three Michelin-starred restaurant should be a mandatory experience for both local foodies and destination diners alike. Some signature dishes include Norwegian langoustine, "rømmegrøt" (sour cream porridge) with reindeer heart shavings, and brown butter ice cream. In 2020, Maaemo moved to a brand new location, further affirming its status as the epitome of fine dining in Oslo.

The Vandelay is an all-day bistro serving American-style pancakes, cheeseburgers, and avocado toast in a buzzy, bubblegum pink dining room. You won’t find a better brunch in the city, and, because of that, you will need to book a table in advance. Don’t miss the chocolate chip cookies, or the signature vanilla and port ice cream (which is so whipped it’s practically butter).

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.

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.

When Koie Ramen first opened up near Torggata, they drew long lines of hungry people. Koie was Oslo’s first “real” ramen shop – the first to proudly make their own broth and noodles from scratch. With a second location in Oslobukta, the menu now includes mazemen (a brothless noodle bowl) and tantanmen, in addition to their standard selection of shio, shoyu, miso, and tonkotsu ramen. Whatever you do, don't miss their crispy chicken karaage!

Vaaghals was one of the first restaurants to open in the Barcode area many years ago, serving modern variations of rustic Norwegian classics. The concept is family-style with food served on wooden boards in the middle of the table for sharing. The menu changes seasonally but always starts with house-made charcuterie and bread, and may continue with dishes like celeriac pasta with butter sauce and "løyrom" (vendace roe), and slices of entrecôte with potatoes and demi-glace sauce.

Corral’s Tacos satisfied our street food taco cravings in Oslo. Served from a food truck, these stand out as Norway's best tacos, with flavors reminiscent of Los Angeles and Mexico. The menu keeps it simple, offering a single taco variety – simply choose your preferred quantity! For a satisfying meal, we recommend four tacos per person (don’t worry, they’re small!). The beef birria tacos come in a double corn tortilla shell, with customizable additions like onions, lime crema, cheese, cilantro, and various salsas. Elevate your experience by adding consommé as a side for dipping your tacos.

The owners of Brutus opened a pizzeria and natural cidery inside an old car wash in the Gamlebyen neighborhood of Oslo. By day, Fredrik Husa and the Mold Sider team make cider, and by night they pack everything away and open the restaurant. But guests will be reminded that they’re dining inside a fermentation station by the bubbling sounds of the cider in the vats and the smell of yeast in the air. ZZ makes a unique style of pizza based around long fermentation, which results in a flavorful dough that has a good mix of crunch and fluffiness.

Maaltid is the second restaurant from the team behind Skaal Matbar, located in Tøyen. It’s their take on a neighborhood bistro, with familiar, French-inspired dishes served with a Norwegian twist. Their beef tartare comes atop a cylinder of potatoes, with an egg yolk on top and crispy fried shallots on the side. Their classic steak au poivre is juicy, peppery perfection. Don’t leave without ordering the gnocchi Parisienne, fluffy, light-as-air pastry potato pillows, served swimming in shallots and sage. Like at Skaal, you can trust Fridtjof with the wines – he’ll be sure to keep the good juices flowing.

The Golden Chimp is the new project of former Hitchhiker head chef Jan Robin Ektvedt. His love for Asian cuisine, in particular, street food, has brought him to further delve into the world of dumplings and create a concept based around that. Reserve a seat downstairs for a set menu that features more than just dumplings, or drop by their upstairs area for a simpler selection and natural wines.

Oslo's newest boutique hotel celebrates the rich history of Norway. This venerable building was once the headquarters of The Norwegian American Line (Amerikalinjen), the shipping company that helped thousands of Norwegians travel to America a hundred years ago. Now it houses a luxury hotel in the heart of the city, with a super sleek gym, spa, and a lobby bar (Pier 42) that makes our favorite cocktails in Oslo. Are you a member of The Hungries? VIP members of our food community get a special rate and a free drink at their cocktail bar, Pier 42. Join the club today!

“Rest” means leftovers in Norwegian, and that’s exactly what the chefs at restaurant Rest are using in their tasting menu. Chefs Jimmy Øien, Mads Revheim-Skjolden, and Christopher Christiansen work from a strict zero waste philosophy and use ingredients that no one else wants. Leftovers. Waste. Parts of an animal that are typically not used. Parts of a fish that are often thrown back into the ocean. Ugly / imperfect produce. It’s one of the most sustainable restaurants we’ve been to, and one of the tastiest too. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and Rest makes gold out of food that otherwise would’ve gone to waste. Even the plates and ceramics here are made from leftover clay!

Savage is Oslo’s newest fine dining hotspot from executive chef Andrea Selvaggini (formerly of Maaemo, Einer) and head chef Sebastiano Campanelli, located inside the hotel Revier in Kvadraturen. The venue is absolutely stunning, with neutral tones and a sleek design, and pops of color from vibrant artwork and lush plants. The ambitious team here is aiming for the stars with their multi-course tasting menu, which features seasonal ingredients in creative dishes. Savage has opened at a very strong level, and we are excited to watch the progression of this talented team.

Argentinian couple Romina Yanarello and Nico Perland started De Mi Tierra as a lockdown project, making empanadas in their home kitchen and delivering them by bike to their customers. Now, they’ve opened their very own shop inside the new Via Village food hall. These are some of the absolute best empanadas we’ve ever had – flavors include ham and cheese, creamy corn, beef, chicken, and mushroom and cheese. For breakfast, they serve Argentinian croissants (medialunas) with a dulce de leche filling.

For a luxurious stay in the waterfront Aker Brygge neighborhood, book a room at The Thief. The suites are spacious and beautifully designed, with plush, velvet interiors and stylish accents, and the rooms have balconies overlooking the Oslo fjord. The Thief cocktail bar is one of our favorites in Oslo, and the rooftop restaurant has a sweeping view of the city. Hotel guests get free access to the Astrup Fearnley museum next door – just show your room key at the entrance. Are you a member of The Hungries? VIP members of our food community get a 15% discount at The Thief, as well as free spa access. Join the club today!

Oslo's version of Punk Royale (Stockholm's fine dining rebel) is Palace Grill. Many of the best chefs in the city have started their careers at this institution. Don't let the white tablecloths fool you, this is fine dining with an attitude. Luxurious ingredients are haphazardly presented – flavor is more important here. The cramped dining room only gets louder as the waiter generously pours glass after glass of the near-mandatory wine pairing.

Our new favorite pizza in Oslo is found at Vinoteket, a wine bar and restaurant that serves a modern take on the Neapolitan pizza. Vinoteket serves the fluffy cornichon-style of pizza that was made famous by Franco Pepe. The sourdough is soft and stretchy, with a thick, airy crust. In addition to the classics, Vinoteket also has Nordic pizzas – one with Norwegian scallops, sabayonne sauce, and truffle, another with løyrom, crème fraîche, and dill. Try the pizza tasting menu to taste a bigger selection!

Sommerro House has become our favorite place to stay in Oslo. Nestled in a historic building near Solli Plass, this hotel effortlessly combines modern charm with a touch of history. With its captivating art-deco design, well-appointed rooms (featuring plush beds and indulgent amenities), Sommerro House has set a new standard for hotels in Oslo. The property boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center, seven on-site restaurants and bars, a panoramic rooftop terrace with a pool and sauna, a spa and wellness center, and a private cinema. It’s all in the details - and Sommerro has really thought of everything.

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. Must-orders (if available): chicken karaage, steam buns, lamb kebab, tostadas with guacamole, and a round of yuzu margaritas. Still thirsty? Check out our guide: where to drink natural wine in Oslo.

Kafeteria August is a casual restaurant and wine bar, with Petter Rolund Antonsen as head chef and Joanne Sørheim as general manager. The space is open all-day, serving minimalistic breakfast platters, pastries, and coffee in the morning, as well as simple vegetable dishes and small plates like potato salad and beef tartare alongside wine in the afternoon and evening.

This luxurious French bistro is hard-to-book, but with good reason – this is a fantastic addition to the city’s food scene. From the swanky design, to the fun playlist, to the decadent dishes, it’s hard not to fall in love with this place. The menu is à la carte, so start with some snacks like the melt-in-your-mouth Iberico toast, move on to an appetizer (we adored the vol au vent with sweetbreads) and finish with the Beef Wellington in a truffle sauce. But take caution: the food is exceptionally rich and you will leave quite full, so don’t over order!

Fuglen is a coffee bar by day and cocktail bar by night. This unique venue is worth a visit for anyone interested in vintage Scandinavian design. Most of the interior is originally from the 1950s or 1960s, and all the furniture and decorations inside the café are for sale. Fuglen even has a sister café in Tokyo, Japan. Check also their newly opened roastery in Gamlebyen.

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 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 is a must-visit in Oslo.

At Happolati, you can enjoy a casual tasting menu inspired by Asian street food, but with Norwegian ingredients and a Nordic presentation-style. Some highlights from our last visit include a potato pancake with eel and shrimp, and caramelized bao buns with fun condiments to create your own ice cream sandwiches.

Arakataka has been the budget fine dining option in Oslo for over a decade. Their five-course, seasonal menu based on Nordic ingredients, is a steal. 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. Still thirsty? Check out our guide: where to drink natural wine in Oslo.

Across multiple countries and continents we’ve tried countless loaves, and the best we’ve ever tasted is from Ille Brød in Oslo. This small bakery’s sourdough bread is so good that we always stop here first whenever we are in town. We are total breadheads and are constantly on the lookout for great sourdough bread – Ille Brød makes theirs using local, heirloom, and ancient grains. Do yourself a favor next time you are in Norway’s capital and taste it.

Inspired by popular London restaurants like St. John and The Laughing Heart, The Little Pickle is a relaxed restaurant with large sharing plates and small dishes. The concept is simple – focused on good, honest cooking and local, organic produce. On Sundays, they serve a roast dinner, with all of the hearty British fare you can dream of, like roasted meat, potatoes, cabbage, pickles, gravy, stuffing, and, of course, Yorkshire pudding.

You’ll find one of Oslo’s best “value for money” tasting menus in the back of the pizza restaurant, Apostrophe. Chef Håkan Wiik is serving insanely tasty food in his omakase section of the restaurant. The seasonal tasting menu changes frequently but always includes some sashimi and nigiri, the signature portobello mushroom katsu sando, and ends with a slice of pizza. (On our visit, it was topped with chanterelles and fresh truffles!) Our favorite dish of the night was the king crab taco served in a potato lompe with chive cream cheese, lemon thyme, and spring onion. To drink, their talented bartenders prepare fresh and fun cocktails, and they have lots of our favorite natural wines on their list.

Le Benjamin is the best French bistro in Oslo and a popular industry hangout. This rustic eatery serves classic French dishes, using local and seasonal produce. When in season, don't miss the langoustine with garlic butter, the pigeon, or the witch flounder with spaghetti, beurre blanc, and caviar. Tarte Flambée is a classic that's always on the menu. Book early if you want a table! Bar seats are limited.

Territoriet is one of our favorite hangouts in Oslo. Let the knowledgeable sommeliers behind the bar guide your choice, whether you prefer conventional or natural wine. More than 300 wines are available by the glass, thanks to the Coravin extraction method. Our go-to wine is Claus Preisinger's Kalkundkiesel. Just sit back, relax, and listen to the vinyl record playing in this cozy, elegant space. Still thirsty? Check out our guide: where to drink natural wine in Oslo.

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.

One of our favorite bowls of ramen in the world is actually in Oslo! Hrímnir Ramen specializes in a Nordic style of ramen, opting to use local ingredients instead of more traditional Japanese produce. Kaitlin’s go-to order is the “Høne Paitan,” served with chicken breast, pickled Jerusalem artichoke, and a coffee shoyu-marinated egg, in a creamy broth. Anders loves the spicier version of this bowl, which comes with pork belly and a spicy miso-peaso-ryeso broth, and, of course, Hrímnir's signature handmade noodles.

Hot Temper serves fried chicken in playful spice levels. The heat thermometer ranges from “country” (no heat) to “Norskville” all the way to “death.” (We don’t recommend that one!) Appropriately, we picked the Nashville level of heat for our fried chicken sandwich, enjoying a nice burn without overpowering the other flavors on the sandwich, like the honey slaw and the pickles. Despite using breast meat, the sandwich remained tender and juicy, with all the ingredients nestled in a buttery bun. A solid option for when those hot chicken cravings hit.

Jonathan Larsson started selling waffles out of his apartment window at Harald Hardrådes plass in Gamlebyen. Today, the waffle lover has his own brick and mortar shop at Olav Ryes Plass at Grünerløkka, in cooperation with the ice cream brand Ice Crime. Jonathan has a genuine wish to make the Norwegian waffle more known in the world, and you’ll find bold combinations like blue cheese and bacon, and toppings like brown cheese ice cream on the menu.

This American-style deli is a cute addition to the Grünerløkka neighborhood. Swing by for all kinds of hot, tasty sandwiches – everything from Cubanos, to Pastrami reubens, to mushroom grilled cheese, and even fried chicken sandos. On the side, be sure to get an order of the fried pickles. You can also pick up other provisions in the shop, such as bottles of natural wine, loaves of Ille Brød sourdough, and bags of Tim Wendleboe coffee.

Swedish chef Mikael Svensson has held one Michelin-star since 2016 at restaurant Kontrast in Oslo. Svensson and his team deliver a solid tasting menu with New Nordic flavors and elegant-looking presentations. Highlights from our last meal included the cured quail egg, which comes served in a potato "nest," and the oxidated sunflower seed sorbet with birch sap.

Tim Wendelboe is Norway's most internationally acclaimed barista. Ever since he won the World Barista Championship in 2004 he has dominated the industry. His small and elegantly-designed coffee bar in Grünerløkka is a tourist destination for coffee lovers from all over the world. There is nowhere in town where you get a more consistent quality of coffee, from espresso-based drinks to hand brews. A summer must-try is the frozen Cappuccino Al Freddo.

Skaal Matbar is a food bar (a restaurant with a bar vibe) where you can pop by for a drink, a snack, or have a full meal. Some of the highlights on the menu include Skaal's layered potato "fries" with whipped crème fraîche and dill oil, and the grilled cheese with cheddar and jalapeños. Come thirsty – their natural wine list includes Gut Oggau, La Sorga, Gabrio Bini, and Christian Tschida. Still thirsty? Check out our guide: where to drink natural wine in Oslo.

After a trip to NYC, two pizza lovers were inspired to bring a New York slice shop to Oslo. They've developed a dough recipe that pays tribute to their New York pizza heroes, while still giving it their own mark. Our favorite is the White Pizza, inspired by Best Pizza in Williamsburg, which comes topped with ricotta, mozzarella, caramelized onions, and parsley. At their new location, they’ve also added Szechuan wings. Crispy and juicy fried chicken with a kick? Yes, please!

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.

Render Burger, a laid-back burger joint, dishes out some of Oslo's finest burgers. The shop was opened by the Aussies behind the popular fried chicken spot, Hot Temper. Our favorite burger here is the “Oslohoma,” their take on the famous Oklahoma-style burger with griddled onions. Served on a buttery, sesame-studded bun, it comes with cheddar cheese, a good heap of onions, and a tangy “special sauce.” The edges of the burger were crispy with caramelization while still retaining a pink, beefy center.

Supreme Roastworks is a go-to place to get your caffeine fix in Grünerløkka and a popular meeting spot for locals. The vibe is slightly hipster, and you can always expect great service paired with superb coffee. Ask for a cup of the daily batch brew if you're in a rush, or take a seat and enjoy a meticulously-crafted V60 hand brew.

Tranen is the St. Hanshaugen outpost of Lofthus Samvirkelag's pizza concept. During the day you'll find baked goods from Åpent Bakeri, but at night the space transforms into a pizzeria, with a buzzy vibe and a great selection of natural wines. Our favorite pie is the white pizza topped with reindeer salami and pomegranate. Still thirsty? Check out our guide: where to drink natural wine in Oslo.

Smalhans is a casual neighborhood restaurant in St. Hanshaugen, and one of the first places to serve natural wine in Oslo. Go here for simple lunch dishes in the morning, the daily special in the afternoon (4pm-6pm), or the full tasting menu in the evening. You can also just drop by and grab a seat in the bar.

St. Lars is a carnivore's paradise in Oslo. Rock and roll chefs get back to their roots, largely relying on an open fire to cook their meat-centric dishes. Must-try dishes include the horse tartare, côte de boeuf (with an unhealthy amount of béarnaise sauce), and Oslo's best cheeseburger. Don't miss out on the crispy suckling pig around Christmas time.

With a modern Korean tasting menu, restaurant J2 is a refreshing addition to the Oslo food scene. From the Norwegian scallops to the bibimbap, we enjoyed every dish on the seasonal seven-course menu. Our favorite serving was the main course of Iberico pork with lettuce wraps, cauliflower purée, and kimchi. A beverage pairing is available with a mix of wine, sake, and Korean rice wine.

Fyr Bistronomi is a casual bistro serving high-quality food at affordable prices, taking its name from the French "bistronomy" movement. Head chef Sebastian Myhre has a background from restaurants like the three-Michelin-starred Per Se in New York.

Stallen is actually located in an old stable, hence the name, next door to restaurant Fyr. Chef Sebastian Myhre's elaborate Nordic tasting menu consists exclusively of local produce, a lot of it grown by the chefs themselves. Highlights included king crab with caramelized cream, variations on Jerusalem artichoke with an egg custard, and the cloudberry and rye mousse dessert.

Restaurant À L'aise is a French-Nordic fine dining restaurant that reintroduced a dress code, a classic interior, and luxury to Oslo. Chef Ulrik Jepsen is a master of French cooking techniques and Danish plating aesthetics. He's fearless of using butter, truffle, and foie gras, and also not afraid of flowers or stunning presentations. Try the full tasting menu, or order the canard à la presse!