Oslo
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Restaurants in Oslo
We have selected some of the best restaurants in Oslo, which we have listed under five categories: Gastronomic, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. These restaurants are divided into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over NOK1,000)
$$$ (NOK750 to NOK1,000)
$$ (NOK500 to NOK750)
$ (up to NOK500)
The prices quoted above are for an average three-course meal and for half a bottle of house wine or cheapest equivalent per person; they do not include tax nor tip. Reservations are recommended wherever possible; in the case of upscale and popular restaurants, they are essential.
Oslo Spiseforretning
Located by the Middelalderpark (Medieval Park) in the Gamle Byen area immediately southeast of the central station, this is an unusual venue offering traditional Norwegian fare such as reindeer and various seasonal fish. The décor is in 1920s Norwegian style.
Engebret Café
This establishment was founded in 1857 as Oslo's first 'theatre cafe', serving both actors and spectators from the theatres nearby. The cafe and restaurant is located in an old building from the 18th century, and it provides an intimate and stylish atmosphere for its guests. It is particularly famous for its seafood and (at Christmas time) lutefisk, the traditional Norwegian cod dish.
Ekebergrestauranten
Housed in one of the finest examples of 1920s architectural functionalism in Europe, Ekebergrestauranten, on top of the hill to the east of Bjørvika, reopened in 2005 after languishing in a state of disrepair for many years. With wonderful views of the many islands, boats and ships in the Oslo Fjord, the restaurant is a landmark in the Norwegian capital, and the food on offer is superb, a tasty combination of modern and classical impulses.
Agra
Indian tandoori and balti restaurant at Aker Brygge, offering a reasonable range of dishes. However, Norwegians are not used to spicy food, so visitors are warned to ask for their food to be prepared with considerably more spice than is normal for Oslo customers.
TGI Friday's
One step up from fast food, this chain has two outlets in Oslo, one of them in Karl Johans gate in the city centre. For those in search of the familiar at a reasonably low price, this is the place. American-style food in the burgers and steaks mould, and a wide choice of drinks and cocktails from the bar.
Restaurant Eik
This is the restaurant at the Quality Hotel Savoy, just a short walk from the National Gallery. The interior is modern with a charming touch of the 1970s, while the food is a tasty combination of classic and modern continental cuisine. The restaurant has been cited in the Guide Michelin's Bib Gourmand category for establishments with exceptional food at very reasonable prices.
Angus Steakhouse
Attached to the Scotsman pub, the Angus Steakhouse has a straightforward menu of pizzas and steaks presented in a basic way at a basic price - cheap (by Oslo standards) and cheerful is the order of the day here. Reached through the bar upstairs, it offers differing fixed menus at various times of the day.
Sydöst
Located, as the name indicates, in the south east of Oslo, and more precisely in the highly trendy Grünerløkka area, Sydöst opened in 2005 and is already one of the most popular restaurants in town. Housed in an old, spacious bank building, it is definitely one of the best-looking eateries in the country, with three big fireplaces and a rustic, but elegant atmosphere. The food, like the place, is hearty and wholesome, but with a sophisticated and elegant touch.
Nearby restaurants
Pasta Basta Pasta Basta restaurants are bright, breezy and with a fairly simple menu based on pizza and pasta main dishes, with a limited selection of starters and desserts. There are two outlets in Oslo, one at Aker Brygge and the other in Bogstadveien near Majorstua to the north of the Royal Palace.
Nearby restaurants
Mona Lisa Described as an 'adult' venue, Mona Lisa offers live music and a nightclub as well as its restaurants, not to mention belly dancers. The menu contains a selection of items in Norwegian, French and Italian styles. A fixed price three-course menu changes daily. Centrally located close to the cathedral.
Theatercafeen
A buzzing atmosphere combined with international cuisine of excellent standard continues to make this cafe and restaurant one of the most popular in Oslo. Theatercafeen is a legendary Viennese-style establishment with a unique ambience. Probably the best place in town for celebrity spotting, it has been listed by the New York Times as one of the 10 most popular cafes in the world. It is located next to the National Theatre.
The Mandarin
Located in the Majorstuen business district to the north of the Royal Palace, the Mandarin offers food based primarily on the Cantonese style, with a good range of familiar dishes. Informal atmosphere, but perfect for a business lunch or dinner.
Lofoten Fish Restaurant
This is a 400-seat seafood outlet situated on the quayside at Aker Brygge. In summer, a large open-air dining area is available. This restaurant specialises in seasonal local delicacies - such as cod served with liver and roe in winter, and a wide range of shellfish and crustaceans during the summer months. Set menus are offered in addition to the à la carte menu.
Spisestedet Feinschmecker
Honoured with a Michelin star, Feinschmecker opened in 1990 and rapidly gained a reputation as one of the city's best restaurants. It is located in the Frogner district to the east of the city centre. In addition to its à la carte menu, it offers a fixed priced daily five-course meal. An extensive wine list and a daily vegetarian alternative are available.
Bagatelle
Probably Norway's best-known restaurant, Bagatelle boasts two Michelin stars - and its prices reflect this. French style is very much the order of the day here. The menu contains a broad selection of set meals and à la carte dishes, and a choice of more than 400 wines is available. The interior is decorated with works by well-known artists.
Annen Etage
Located in the Continental Hotel, this Michelin-starred restaurant is something of an Oslo institution. Offering what it describes as an 'international menu inspired by French cuisine', it is located centrally close to the National Theatre. It has capacity for 90, and there is also a bar attached that is popular with theatre-goers.
Restaurant D/S Louise
Again on the quayside, the D/S Louise offers a varied menu and an extensive wine list. Open-air seating is available in summer to make use of its pleasant quayside location on Aker Brygge. There are 350 seats in the restaurant, plus 90 more in the bar area, with space for 200 more outside.
Lorry
With an eclectic mix of interior design fixtures, ranging from bicycles hanging from the ceiling to ceramic busts adorning the walls, plus comfy leather booths, Lorry's provides a warm and inviting atmosphere in which to enjoy its hearty fare. Simple yet honest grub is the main draw, with door-step sandwiches, quiche and burgers the popular choices with many punters.
Oro Restaurant
Located in the centre of town, just a stone's throw from the City Hall, Oro Restaurant is one of the best fine dining establishments in Oslo. The classy décor, which blends shades of white and off-white with opulent gold, is a combination of modern and classic elements. It perfectly complements the cuisine, which is rooted in continental traditions but is resolutely contemporary, and with a strong emphasis on Norwegian ingredients. The wine pairing menu is a culinary tour de force in which predominantly Nordic flavours are enriched by wines from the rest of Europe and even further afield. For guests who prefer a smaller or quicker meal, there is Smak av Oro next door, a bar and restaurant with an exciting concept that is unique in Oslo: a menu featuring 20 individual taste experiences (rather than simply dishes) as well as wine recommendations to go with them.
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