Restaurants in Oslo

Oslo is not renowned for its cuisine. This is in part due to the lack of variety such as is found in larger capital cities, and in part due to the high cost of eating out. However, there is enough choice to keep you busy for a long time.

There are several well-known, higher-end restaurants to recommend, which serve delicious local seafood and other continental delicacies. There are also good choices on the lower end and in the up-and-coming neighbourhoods.

Most popular restaurants are a mix of Norwegian and foreign, such as sushi, Indian and Asian food. Many of the restaurants boast unique locations, great for people watching or with views over the Oslo Fjord.

Here are a number of restaurants to try out:

High-end

• Nodee (www.nodee.no) – Excellent Asian food near Frogner Park.
• Plah (www.plah.no) – A high-end Thai restaurant with a contemporary style.
• Lofoten (www.lofoten-fiskerestaurant.no) - A famous Norwegian fish restaurant on Aker Brygge, overlooking the fjord.
• Ekeberg Restauranten ( www.ekebergrestauranten.com) - A landmark, situated on a hill, overlooking all of Oslo and the fjord. A good place just to go see the view.
• Restaurant Havsmak (www.havsmak.no) - Excellent seafood restaurant near the Royal Palace.
• Le Canard (www.lecanard.no) - An excellent French restaurant with a Michelin star.
• Alex Sushi (www.alexsushi.no) - Considered one of the best sushi restaurants in Europe.
• Feinschmecker (www.feinschmecker.no) - A Michelin star German restaurant lacking ambiance.
• Statholdergaarden (www.statholdergaarden.no/) – the oldest restaurant in Oslo, built in 1640 and still serving Michelin star food in a historical building with a lot of character.

Mid to Low-end

• Sagene Lunsjbar (www.sagenelunsjbar.no/) – A small, daily menu and great atmosphere in a traditional-style house
• Curry og Ketchup (Kirkeveien 51, tel: 22 69 05 22) – A popular Indian restaurant with good atmosphere and service and reasonable prices for good portions. It is always packed.
• Mucho Mas (www.muchomas.no/) – a delicious but not entirely authentic Mexican restaurant for those who really miss any Latin-American cuisine that isn’t homemade tacos.
• YaYa’s (www.yayas.no/) – A fun, affordable Thai restaurant complete with monsoons, bamboo shacks and tuk-tuks. Three locations to choose from in the city.
• Lorry (www.lorry.no) – An eclectic landmark with a warm atmosphere and decent fare.
• Bølgen og Moi (www.bolgenogmoi.no/) - A great option for either high-end or casual dining. This contemporary restaurant offers great food and service at 3 locations.
• Villa Paradiso (www.villaparadiso.no/) - Reputed to be Oslo’s best pizza kitchen.
• The Nighthawk Diner (Seilduksgata 15A, tel: 96 62 73 27) – A great place for an authentic American experience.