€€seafood
Sjømagasinet means ‘Sea Store’, so it’s no surprise to find that seafood leads the way at this vast, three-roomed restaurant beneath an apartment block. When the weather’s right, start with a drink on the superb waterside terrace; when it’s not, make for the chic lounge-bar. There’s plenty of options when it comes to dining here: you can select something from the crab and lobster tank or choose from the shellfish bar for delicious langoustines, a platter of shellfish landed at the local dock or dishes like lobster with chive butter and burdock chips.
🕐 Mo-Fr 11:30-24:00,13:00-24:00
€€Modern Cuisine
It may be a former prison whose name means fortress, but you can’t feel more carefree than when seated on the sheltered terrace eating brasserie classics like burgers or moules frites and looking out over the water to Aker Brygge. The period building decorated in light wood tones is charming too though, with a smart yet cosy feel, and the team will welcome you just as warmly wherever you sit. The modern restaurant menu offers unfussy, attractively presented dishes like hamachi crudo with marinated cucumber, yuzu vinaigrette and horseradish or grilled chicken supreme with rosemary oil and spina
€€€€Thai
Not far from the Royal Palace, in the imposing red-brick former HQ of the Oslo Lysverker electricity company, sits the Sommerro hotel, and within it, Bangkok street food restaurant Ahaan and its more formal sister Plah. At the latter, 19 stools sit at a U-shaped counter surrounding the kitchen, where the young team prepare eye-catching, vibrantly flavoured dishes that blend Norwegian ingredients with Thai flavours – maybe confit Arctic cod with fermented shrimp paste. Theatrical lighting, a Josper grill and an Orient Express inspired lounge for pre and post dinner drinks add to the experience.
€€Japanese
Vladimir Pak’s latest opening is a contemporary Japanese inn – a spacious 50-seater space where black leather banquettes sit against a mix of pale wood and granite tables, and large paper globes and papered wooden doors add an understated sense of authenticity. The kitchen offers a large à la carte of snacks, zensai (starters), agemono (fried dishes), shusai (main dishes), nigiri, sashimi and maki – and there are also two tasting menus for those who find it hard to choose. Dishes could include salmon sakura blossom ceviche or the signature Wagyu beef tartare toast with black caviar.
€€€Seafood
Perched on the top floor of the former American Embassy and named after its architect Eero Saarinen, this restaurant and cocktail bar features a wrap-around terrace with views of the Oslofjord on one side and the gardens of The Royal Palace on the other. A wood-fired oven is at the heart of the cooking, which is fish-centric and takes a ‘fin-to-gill’ approach, so you might get cod tongue as a snack, then later its belly on the bone, enhanced by the richness of its liver and roe. Everyone is served at once from a tasting menu, and some of the dishes are presented ‘family style’.
€€€French
A delightfully traditional brasserie, centrally located by the City Hall, with various charming dining areas and a fantastic terrace. Classical cooking follows the seasons and mixes French and Scandic influences; seafood is a speciality.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.9/5 · 80 reviews
Brasserie Hansken offers French dining in Oslo with generally positive feedback. Food quality is a standout feature, praised for traditional cooking, fresh seafood like oysters and langoustines, and high-quality meats, though some guests noted issues with toughness or portion sizes. Service is largely professional and welcoming, despite isolated complaints about rude staff. The atmosphere is pleasant, particularly on the terrace. Value perceptions vary; while many find the experience justified, others criticize the expensive wine list and high prices relative to portions.
Ideal for diners seeking authentic French cuisine and a comfortable atmosphere, with advance booking recommended.
🕐 Mo-Fr 11:30+; Sa 13:00+
€€€Classic Cuisine
The more informal sister to Statholdergaarden occupies the same 17th-century salmon-pink building in the heart of the city and, like its sibling, is spread over three different rooms – only this time in the vaulted cellars. A wall of wine greets you at the entranceway, a promise of things to come, while the cooking offers generous, classically based dishes with a twist. A range of menus include a four-course lunch offering ‘The Cold’, ‘The Gently Warm’ and ‘The Warm’, while the 10-course seasonal menu sees the likes of pulled pork on celeriac flatbread or baked char with lemon hollandaise.
🕐 Tu-Fr 11:30-24:00; Sa 12:30-24:00
€€Modern Cuisine
Named in part after the painting by Edvard Munch, it is appropriate that this restaurant sits just a few long strides away from Oslo’s Munch Museum. The dining room is small here and so are the plates, which work well for sharing and provide an appealing range of flavours. The influences are global, so don’t be surprised to see tacos sitting next to chawanmushi on the menu, along with some more typically Norwegian fare. There’s a fun, relaxed vibe in the air, and a pleasing eclecticism to the wine list.
🕐 Mo-Th 16:00-23:00; Fr-Sa 12:00-24:00
€€Modern Cuisine
‘Betong’ translates as ‘concrete’ in English, which explains the bare walls at this buzzy, simply decorated restaurant. Dishes like the Chef's signature ‘Cold Curry’ (available as an added extra to the tasting menu) showcase his creative heart, but the kitchen's classical technique shines through in highlight dishes like butter-poached skrei cod with pak choi. Dining here is a fun experience, in a space bursting with energy and filled with pumping music; but it might not be the best spot for an intimate romantic date.
€€€€Modern Cuisine
Pumping music and a relaxed, friendly team ensure there’s always a fun vibe at this tiny restaurant situated behind the Annis Pølsemakeri butchery and farm shop. You enter via the shop’s deliveries door, hence the name ‘Varemottaket’, which translates as ‘The Goods Reception’. The narrow, intimate space is filled with high tables and stools, where diners can enjoy a tasting menu with a strong element of charcoal grilling. Unsurprisingly, the fabulous dry-aged meats from the butcher’s make an appearance, such as entrecôte of Norwegian beef.
€€Scandinavian
One of the city’s modern ‘barcode’ buildings plays host to this bright, relaxed restaurant, where an open kitchen affords views of the chefs, and a terrace is on-hand to make the most of the warmer weather. Three set menus allow you to choose between four, five or eight courses, with optional extras including cheeses and a sharing dessert platter. Cooking is underpinned by Norwegian produce, with their speciality being the in-house aged and cured hams, which are sliced at your table for an additional dash of theatre. Come on a Saturday for a leisurely sharing brunch.
€€Norwegian
The wine reference in the name is no coincidence – Cru offers up an impressive, largely French wine list that features some particularly fine vintages. In keeping with the Gallic theme, these are joined by a selection of French-inspired dishes where classic flavours come together with Norwegian produce to create the likes of pâté en croûte with cornichons and mustard or chicken vol-au-vent with morels, peas, asparagus and tarragon. The large, high-ceilinged dining room comes in shades of green and grey, and offer views into the open kitchen from its comfy banquettes.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.0/5 · 80 reviews
Cru receives mixed reviews with an average score of 4.0/5. Food quality is polarizing: while some praise the combination of Norwegian ingredients with French techniques, highlighting dishes like venison and cod, others criticize excessive salinity, cold meat, and dry bread. Service varies significantly; guests report both excellent attentiveness and issues such as long wait times, limited wine selections (only 7-8 reds), and incorrect cocktails. The ambiance features an open kitchen and scenic views, though shared restrooms are noted as a drawback. Overall, the dining experience is inconsistent, heavily dependent on specific visits and managing high expectations regarding Michelin standards.
Suitable for diners seeking unique Nordic flavors who can tolerate service inconsistencies; verify menu details beforehand.
€French
A cosy French restaurant housed in an 18C building which was originally a stable and later spent time as a garage and an interior furnishings store. It has a small front terrace, a bar decorated with wine boxes and a wall made of corks. The chef is a Francophile and creates flavoursome classic French dishes.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews
Brasserie Blanche in Oslo offers French cuisine with an average TripAdvisor rating of 4.3/5 based on 80 reviews. Positive feedback frequently highlights service (44 mentions) and food quality (39), praising the atmosphere, wine list, and suitability for various occasions. Conversely, negative themes include meal pacing (20), inconsistent food quality (15), and service issues (11). Some reviewers note a decline since recent chef changes, citing disappointing dishes like cod and daily specials. While long-term patrons still consider it a top choice, experiences vary significantly. Guests are advised to select their server carefully and manage expectations regarding daily menu items.
Suitable for diners seeking classic French ambiance who can tolerate service variability; check server reputation beforehand.
€€Modern Cuisine
This vibrant restaurant sits in the barrel-ceilinged cellar of a striking 19th-century building and its terrace overlooks the adjacent park. Refined, modern bistro cooking includes smørrebrød and snacks at lunch and creative, generously sized dishes at dinner. Environmental awareness is important to the chef, particularly when it comes to their carbon footprint and animal welfare.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.7/5 · 80 reviews
FYR Bistronomi & Bar in Oslo offers modern cuisine with generally positive feedback on food quality. Dishes like crab and monkfish are highly recommended, and gluten-free options are well-prepared. However, some guests noted issues with meal temperature or average taste. Service is polarizing; while many praise the detailed explanations and sommelier’s wine pairings, others report slow pacing, poor communication, or unattentive staff. The atmosphere features a raw, industrial decor suitable for outdoor dining, but can become noisy and poorly managed with music volume during peak times. Value perceptions vary, with some finding portions generous and others considering the cost high relative to the experience.
Suitable for diners seeking modern creative cuisine and wine pairings who can tolerate occasional service inconsistencies.
€€regional
If you’re looking for a relaxed and fun meal out, then Arakataka has you covered courtesy of its cosy atmosphere, friendly service and flexible menus. First, pick your view – beside the huge windows looking out onto the street or opposite the open kitchen – then choose your menu, which comes in a choice of four or six set courses or as smaller snacks. Modern dishes might include halibut tartare with fermented tomatoes or duck breast with cabbage and leeks – and you’ll find the perfect match on the excellent wine list, which offers some impressive verticals from French and Italian producers.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Arakataka in Oslo specializes in regional cuisine, generally praised for high-quality ingredients, beautiful presentation, and balanced flavors. Staff are often described as friendly and professional, with attentive service and good wine pairings. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. However, some reviews note inconsistent meal pacing, occasional issues with freshness (e.g., king crab), or overly salty/acidic tastes. A few critics find the menu predictable and typical of Scandinavian fine dining, suggesting it may not meet higher expectations for innovation or value.
Suitable for diners seeking authentic Nordic flavors and a relaxed vibe; book ahead and verify ingredient freshness.
🕐 Mo-Th 16:00-22:00; Fr-Sa 16:00-23:00; Su 16:00-21:00
€€Modern Cuisine
Close to the stadium you’ll find this popular neighbourhood bistro, which was previously a grocer’s shop for nearly 80 years. The concise, keenly priced menu includes oysters, cured meats and wholesome Norwegian classics that have been brought up-to-date. There’s a diverse selection of wines by the glass.
€€Modern Cuisine
Walk 20 minutes north of the city centre and you’ll find yourself in the St. Hanshaugen district, home to this welcoming neighbourhood eatery serving rustic dishes inspired by the seasons. It’s a simply decorated place with cosy lighting and a relaxed atmosphere, and the room hums with contented chatter. Lunchtime sees a daily special that also includes a vegetarian option, while dinner offers a tasting menu; you might find bycatch with cucumber and shrimp sauce or duck confit with beetroot and Brussels sprouts. At weekends, you can linger over a leisurely brunch.
🕐 Mo 16:00-22:00; Tu 16:00-00:30, We-Sa 11:00-00:30, Su 12:00-22:00