Oslo is the capital and largest city of Norway, situated at the head of the Oslofjord. A dynamic Scandinavian capital blending Viking heritage with state-of-the-art architecture, Oslo offers world-class museums, a vibrant waterfront, lush forests, and some of Europe's finest dining.
Oslo's food scene has undergone a remarkable transformation, from traditional Norwegian fare to a world-class dining destination. The New Nordic cuisine movement, which began in Copenhagen, has taken deep root here, with chefs celebrating Norway's extraordinary natural larder: pristine seafood from the Oslofjord and Norwegian coast, game from the forests, foraged berries and herbs, and artisan dairy products. Oslo now boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants including the legendary three-star Maaemo.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Oslo.
Gravlaks
Salt and dill-cured Norwegian salmon, served with mustard sauce on dark bread
Reker (Shrimp)
Fresh Norwegian shrimp bought from harbour boats, peeled and eaten on crusty bread with mayonnaise
Fårikål
Norway's national dish: slow-cooked lamb and cabbage stew, best in autumn
Kjøttkaker
Norwegian-style meatballs in brown gravy with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam
Brunost (Brown Cheese)
Norway's unique caramelised whey cheese, best on waffles or crispbread
Lutefisk
Lye-treated dried whitefish, a traditional Christmas and autumn delicacy
Skillingsbolle
Oslo's beloved cardamom and cinnamon pastry, found at every bakery
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Maaemo
Oslo's three-Michelin-star restaurant serving a philosophy-driven tasting menu celebrating Norwegian nature and seasons. One of the world's top restaurants with ingredients sourced from pristine Norwegian landscapes.
Known for: Three Michelin stars, New Nordic cuisine
Schweigaards gate 15B, 0191 Oslo
Statholdergaarden
Located in a 17th-century Baroque building in the city centre, this elegant restaurant has held a Michelin star for years. Celebrated for refined Norwegian cuisine with classical French influences.
Known for: One Michelin star, historic setting
Rådhusgata 11, 0151 Oslo
Kontrast
A Michelin-starred restaurant in Grünerløkka focused on local, seasonal Norwegian produce. Chef Mikael Svensson's tasting menus showcase innovative Scandinavian cooking techniques.
Known for: One Michelin star, hyper-seasonal menu
Maridalsveien 15A, 0175 Oslo
Arakataka
An acclaimed Oslo restaurant offering exceptional value tasting menus. The six-course menu at 925 NOK represents outstanding quality for the price in Oslo's dining scene.
Known for: Excellent value fine dining tasting menus
Mariboes gate 7, 0183 Oslo
Restaurant Eik
An elegant restaurant in the Christiania Teater building offering modern Norwegian cuisine. Known for exceptional Norwegian seafood and game dishes with a refined wine list.
Known for: Norwegian seafood and game
Stortingsgata 16, 0161 Oslo
Theatercaféen
Oslo's most celebrated grand café, open since 1900. The lavish Art Nouveau interior is a landmark in itself. Traditional Norwegian dishes alongside continental European classics in a theatrical setting.
Known for: Historic grand café experience
Stortingsgata 24-26, 0117 Oslo
Ling Ling Oslo
A vibrant pan-Asian restaurant by the Hakkasan Group on the Aker Brygge waterfront. Stylish setting with excellent cocktails and sharing plates inspired by Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines.
Known for: Waterfront Asian fusion, excellent cocktails
Stranden 30, 0250 Oslo
Illegal Burger
Oslo's most popular premium burger restaurant with multiple locations. Offers creative gourmet burgers with Norwegian beef and inventive toppings. The Grünerløkka original is the best.
Known for: Oslo's best gourmet burgers
Thorvald Meyers gate 2, 0555 Oslo
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Traditional Norwegian
Engebret Café
Oslo's oldest restaurant (1857), serving classic Norwegian dishes in a historic building near Akershus Fortress. Traditional fare including lutefisk, lefse, and reindeer stew.
Known for: Oslo's oldest restaurant, traditional Norwegian cuisine
Bankplassen 1, 0151 Oslo
Stortorvet Gjæstgiveri
A historic Norwegian tavern near Stortorvet square serving hearty traditional Norwegian food in a cosy timber-beamed interior. Excellent fårikål (Norwegian lamb and cabbage stew) in autumn.
Known for: Traditional Norwegian home cooking
Grensen 1, 0159 Oslo
Kaffistova
A classic, no-frills Norwegian cafeteria serving traditional homestyle Norwegian dishes at very affordable prices since 1896. Great for trying authentic Norwegian food on a budget.
Known for: Cheap, authentic Norwegian cafeteria food
Rosenkrantz gate 8, 0159 Oslo
Burgers
Bun's Burgers
A cult-favourite Oslo burger joint in the Aker Brygge area known for smash-style patties and creative toppings. Small, casual setting with big flavours.
Known for: Oslo's best smash burgers
Tjuvholmen allé 1, 0252 Oslo
Døgnvill Burger
One of Oslo's original gourmet burger pioneers. Located near Youngstorget with a loyal local following. Bold flavour combinations and Norwegian beef patties cooked to perfection.
Known for: Oslo craft burger pioneer
Møllergata 23, 0179 Oslo
Indian
Punjab Tandoor
One of Oslo's best Indian restaurants in the multicultural Grønland neighbourhood. Serving authentic North Indian and Punjabi cuisine at very reasonable prices.
Known for: Authentic Indian cuisine at budget-friendly prices
Grønland 24, 0188 Oslo
Punjabi Dhaba
A tiny, wildly popular Indian street food spot in Grønland serving authentic dhaba-style curries, dahl, and stuffed parathas at rock-bottom prices. A lunchtime favourite.
Known for: Best value lunch in Oslo
Grønland 28, 0188 Oslo
Japanese
Hitchhiker
An acclaimed Oslo sushi restaurant in Frogner offering omakase and à la carte Japanese cuisine. Chef-led counter dining with the freshest Norwegian-caught fish prepared with Japanese techniques.
Known for: Japanese omakase with Norwegian seafood
Hegdehaugsveien 6, 0352 Oslo
Sabi Omakase
A tiny, intimate 8-seat omakase restaurant in Stavanger-founded chef Roger Asakil Joya's tribute to Japanese sushi traditions using Norwegian fish. One Michelin star.
Known for: Japanese-Norwegian sushi omakase
Rosenkrantz gate 11, 0159 Oslo
Modern Norwegian
Smalhans
A beloved neighbourhood restaurant in Ullevål with a cosy atmosphere. Famous for their seasonal Norwegian set menu and Sunday brunch. Great value for quality Scandinavian food.
Known for: Excellent value seasonal Norwegian set menu
Ullevålsveien 43, 0171 Oslo
Kveldsmat
A relaxed neighbourhood restaurant in Grünerløkka serving excellent modern Norwegian 'kveldsmat' (evening food). Simple, seasonal, beautifully executed small plates and sharing dishes.
Known for: Relaxed neighbourhood Norwegian small plates
Thorvald Meyers gate 60, 0552 Oslo
Seafood
Fiskeriet Youngstorget
A popular seafood restaurant and fish market at Youngstorget square. Serves fresh Norwegian fish and shellfish dishes at accessible prices. The fishcake with butter sauce is legendary.
Known for: Fresh Norwegian seafood market and restaurant
Youngstorget 2B, 0181 Oslo
Aker Brygge Fish Market
A popular outdoor seafood market on the Aker Brygge pier. Offers fresh Norwegian shrimp, crab, smoked salmon, and fish sandwiches with fjord views.
Known for: Fresh fjord shrimp with fjord view setting
Stranden pier, Aker Brygge, 0250 Oslo
Bar Snacks & Light Food
Kulturhuset
A beloved multi-floor cultural hub and bar in Grünerløkka offering cheap drinks, live music, DJ nights, and a literary programme. The most democratic bar in Oslo with no dress code.
Known for: Cheap drinks, culture, and live music
Youngs gate 6, 0181 Oslo
Brasserie
Sentralen Restaurant
Located in the beautifully restored 1899 Christiania Sparebank building, Sentralen offers a lively brasserie menu with Nordic classics. A cultural venue combining theatre, music, and dining.
Known for: Nordic brasserie in stunning historic building
Øvre Slottsgate 3, 0157 Oslo
Coffee & Cocktails
Fuglen Oslo
A legendary Oslo café and bar in Majorstuen that transitions from specialty coffee by day to creative cocktails by night. Vintage 1950s-70s Scandinavian design interior, also sells vintage furniture.
Known for: Day café to night cocktail bar transition
Universitetsgata 2, 0164 Oslo
Craft Beer & Snacks
Torggata Botaniske
A popular craft beer bar and natural wine bar in the lively Torggata street. Excellent selection of Norwegian and Scandinavian craft beers, with a plant-filled, cosy atmosphere.
Known for: Norwegian craft beer and natural wine
Torggata 16, 0183 Oslo
French
Brasserie Blanche
An elegant yet relaxed French brasserie in the Frogner neighbourhood. Classic French dishes executed with Norwegian ingredients - steak frites, moules marinières, and crème brûlée.
Known for: French brasserie in upscale Frogner
Bygdøy Allé 41, 0265 Oslo
International Street Food
Vippa Oslo
A large, lively street food market in a converted warehouse on the Akershus harbour front, with over 15 international food stalls. Features cuisines from Norway, Ethiopia, India, Peru, and more.
Known for: Multicultural street food market by the harbour
Akershusstranda 25, 0150 Oslo
Italian
Popina
A neighbourhood favourite in Majorstuen offering Italian-influenced food with Scandinavian sensibility. Excellent homemade pasta, seasonal ingredients, and a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere.
Known for: Best handmade pasta in Oslo
Hegdehaugsveien 16, 0352 Oslo
Modern Nordic Sharing Plates
Pjoltergeist
A beloved Oslo casual restaurant in the Vulkan area serving fun, creative Nordic sharing plates in a relaxed setting. The charcuterie and smørbrød boards are highlights.
Known for: Creative sharing plates in relaxed atmosphere
Fredensborgsveien 2, 0177 Oslo
Modern Norwegian Lunch
Maaemo Lunch at Einer
Einer is the daytime sibling to Maaemo, offering a more accessible menu of Norwegian open sandwiches (smørbrød) and seasonal lunch dishes at fair prices.
Known for: Accessible New Nordic lunch
Schweigaards gate 15B, 0191 Oslo
Modern Scandinavian
Folk Restaurant
A bright, relaxed restaurant in Frogner serving bold modern Scandinavian food at approachable prices. Great weekend brunch and dinner menu with Norwegian and seasonal ingredients.
Known for: Best brunch in Frogner
Hegdehaugsveien 10, 0352 Oslo
Nordic Wine & Snacks
Maaemo Bar
The intimate bar space adjacent to three-Michelin-star Maaemo. Serves exceptional natural wines and small Nordic snacks. A more accessible way to experience the Maaemo kitchen's philosophy.
Known for: Michelin-star kitchen snacks without the full tasting menu commitment
Schweigaards gate 15B, 0191 Oslo
Norwegian
Ekeberg Restaurant
A beautifully restored 1929 Art Deco restaurant in Ekebergparken with stunning panoramic views over Oslo and the Oslofjord. The view rivals the quality of the food.
Known for: Best panoramic city views from a restaurant
Kongsveien 15, 0193 Oslo
Norwegian Bakery & Café
Baker Hansen
A beloved Norwegian bakery chain with multiple Oslo locations. Famous for traditional Norwegian pastries including skillingsbolle (cinnamon scroll), kringla, and excellent open-face sandwiches.
Known for: Traditional Norwegian baked goods
Bogstadveien 7, 0355 Oslo
Norwegian Fast Food
Syverkiosken
An iconic Oslo street food kiosk at Birkelunden park in Grünerløkka. Famous for Norwegian hot dogs (pølse) and the quintessential Oslo street food experience since the 1970s.
Known for: Oslo's most famous hot dog kiosk
Birkelunden park, Grünerløkka, Oslo
Organic Bakery & Café
Godt Brød
An organic Norwegian bakery chain with excellent sourdough bread, pastries, and lunch options. The Frogner branch is the nicest setting with outdoor seating.
Known for: Oslo's best organic sourdough bread
Hegdehaugsveien 31, 0352 Oslo
Specialty Coffee
Tim Wendelboe
Oslo's most celebrated specialty coffee roastery and café in Grünerløkka. A world-renowned micro-roaster and 2004 World Barista Champion. Essential for coffee enthusiasts.
Known for: World-class specialty coffee, World Barista Champion
Grüners gate 1, 0552 Oslo
Specialty Coffee & Light Bites
Java Espressobar & Kafé
One of Grünerløkka's most-loved neighbourhood cafés, known for quality coffee, homemade cakes, and a warm, inclusive atmosphere. A local institution since 2000.
Known for: Neighbourhood institution, best cakes in Grünerløkka
Grüners gate 9, 0552 Oslo
Traditional Norwegian Pub Food
Olympen (Lompa)
Oslo's most iconic grand pub, a classic beer hall in Grønland open since 1892. Serves traditional Norwegian pub food alongside an excellent selection of beers in a cavernous historic interior.
Known for: Iconic Oslo beer hall, since 1892
Grønlandsleiret 15, 0190 Oslo
Wine Bar
Mæemo Sommelier Bar
The acclaimed wine bar from the team behind Maaemo restaurant. Features an exceptional natural and classic wine list with small plates. Oslo's most sophisticated wine bar.
Known for: Norway's finest natural and classic wine selection
Schweigaards gate 15B, 0191 Oslo
Food tours & tastings in Oslo
Eat your way through Oslo with a guide.
Browse food experiences in OsloWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Pølse (Hot dog)
Norwegian hot dog in lompe (potato flatbread) from kiosks throughout the city, ~55 NOK
Vippa Food Market
International street food market at Akershusstranda with 15+ stalls
Mathallen stalls
Artisan Norwegian produce and ready meals in the indoor food hall
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Mathallen Oslo
Vippa
Grønland Bazaar
Fisketorget at Aker Brygge
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Oslo is expensive - budget 200-350 NOK for a casual lunch, 400-800 NOK for dinner per person
The Oslo Pass includes discounts at select restaurants
Tap water is free and safe to drink - always ask for 'vann' to avoid paying for bottled water
Lunch menus (lunsjmeny) offer the best value at quality restaurants
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory - 10% is standard for good service
Book Michelin-starred restaurants months in advance
Grønland neighbourhood offers the most affordable dining in the city centre
- Vegetarian
- Good vegetarian options at most modern restaurants; Grünerløkka has the most vegan/vegetarian cafés
- Vegan
- Growing vegan scene, especially in Grünerløkka and Majorstuen
- Gluten free
- Most restaurants can accommodate; always ask 'Er dette glutenfritt?'
- Halal
- Several halal restaurants in Grønland neighbourhood
- Allergens
- Norwegian restaurants are required by law to list allergens on menus
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | 150-300 NOK per day (~$14-29) - hot dogs, bakeries, supermarket | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |