2025 Summer Favourites in Oslo

Mamma Mia! At Lilleborg Torg, under umbrellas and lemon-patterned tablecloths, you’ll find this Greek Mediterranean oasis. Before you know it, you’ll have your own spread of calamari, shrimp croquettes, tzatziki, Greek salad and spanakopita in front of you. Here, you can enjoy fresh Mediterranean food, Danish pastries, Greek wines, local ice cream or an orange-flavored iced coffee. As daylight fades to evening, the café transforms into a neighborhood bar with local beers, creative cocktails and small events like quizzes, music and standup.

A little hidden behind a charming facade, one of Grünerløkka’s best surprises awaits! Check out the omakase menu with 10 courses and a matching drink package—many consider this one of the city’s top dining experiences. The outdoor seating is very charming during the summer months, while indoors you’ll find a cozy atmosphere with dark wood and velvet. You’ll be seated close enough to feel the buzz from the neighboring tables. A perfect spot to visit before or after a stroll along Akerselva!

This hidden little Japanese cocktail bar at St. Olavs plass has genuine urban charm. The spot gives off a real neighborhood vibe, nestled in a classic Oslo courtyard between yellow buildings. The courtyard, together with Happolati, is open from May to October and is absolutely fantastic during the summer months! Here, you can enjoy summer drinks or something else tasty in your glass, surrounded by cobblestones and Japanese lanterns under the open sky. Feeling hungry? Happolati has fired up the grill, serving up some seriously good food. You simply have to try the grilled lobster, Happo Sandwich, or their Udon Noodles. Yum! And if you’re an oyster lover, you’re in luck, there are oysters here too.

Right after our first visit, we fell in love with this place, and it’s become a local favorite for many in the city. The spot has a retro vibe, and the backyard feels urban and cozy – which we absolutely love. When they also host live music from time to time, the experience feels complete! Inside, it’s bright and airy thanks to a “hole” in the ceiling leading up to the second floor, plus plenty of windows letting in natural light. Wine and music are clearly Becco’s great passions. With a wide selection of drinks and talented staff behind the bar, we think most people will find something they love here.

At the bottom of Ankerbrua in Løkka, you can get a taste of France in elegant surroundings. Inspired by the timeless bistros of Paris, it’s relaxed yet all about quality. The menu draws from classic French cuisine, built around great ingredients and traditional dishes. When it comes to drinks, there’s something for every occasion, including a selection of exciting natural wines from small scale producers.

A sensory summer getaway with flowers on stems, dirt on your fingers and coffee in hand. Here, you can pick your own blooms from the rolling flower fields at Oslo Blomsterverksted. Depending on the season, you’ll find tulips, ranunculus, yarrow and dahlias, among others. You create your own summer bouquet and wrap it up at your own pace. Take the subway to Ryen—about 15 minutes from the city center—followed by a short 15 to 20 minute walk. It’s well worth it, as you’ll get to wander among lush colors, find peace under the pergola or settle by the Apaldasin coffee wagon to enjoy homemade pastries, coffee or apple juice from the farm’s own cider press. The pick-your-own season runs from April to September.

This New York specialty quickly took off with its bagels. Inside, two long tables fill the room where people either wait for their bagels to be made or enjoy the fresh ones they just received. The space has an urban, industrial vibe with yellow walls and framed black and white photos. Laidback hip hop plays over the speakers, setting the mood and giving you a little taste of Brooklyn.

In Tøyen, you’ll find a lush green oasis rich with plant diversity and history. This is Norway’s oldest botanical garden, established in 1814, and it’s truly beautiful. Spanning 150 acres (about 1,000 square meters), it is home to around 4,500 different species spread across themed areas including the herb garden, Scandinavian flora, tropical rainforests, and alpine mountain landscapes. You can stroll along quiet streams, step inside historic greenhouses filled with tropical plants and giant water lilies, or relax on the lawns for a peaceful picnic with friends. This spot is a popular hangout among local Oslo residents.

A cozy hidden courtyard right in the heart of the city! Just a stone’s throw from Karl Johans gate, you’ll find this small, tucked-away oasis of a restaurant and café. The concept is simple and inviting. Choose from snacks like bread and butter, marinated olives or salted almonds, or small treats such as Pata Negra, gorgonzola with quince compote, and mortadella sandwiches with an Italian twist. We were pleasantly surprised by the four stone oven baked pizzas they serve here! The Diavola and Parma come highly recommended, but they also offer a classic Margherita and a true cheese bomb with Quattro Formaggi. To quench your thirst, choose from beer, wine, Negroni or Spritz! Besides the courtyard seating, the venue has two floors with dark wood interiors, and the bar takes center stage on the ground floor. Perfect for coffee, a well-made pizza or a nice drink in hand.

[You can get a discount here with Oslo Explore] Right across the street from the National Museum, you’ll find this ceramics café bursting with color, laughter and creative energy. Here, you can paint your own pottery while enjoying coffee and good conversation – the perfect activity for a solo date or time with friends. Everything’s set up to help you unwind with brushes and colors, offering a perfect analog break from the daily grind. They also have a café bar serving coffee from Hakone, plus organic sodas and baked goods.

The craze for buns shows no sign of slowing, and you definitely don’t want to miss these cream buns in Gamlebyen! The toppings and unique flavors make this something you probably haven’t tried before. How about ‘Biscoff,’ ‘Blueberry and lemon curd,’ or ‘Banana, caramel and pecan’? Note: Cream buns are only sold on weekends. Here, Daglig Brød and Skrenten Pizza bring together two of the city’s delights with sourdough baking and creative pizza experiences. During the day, fill up on freshly baked bread, buns and pastries from Daglig Brød, while in the afternoon and evening, Skrenten serves up colorful, retro-inspired pizza vibes and an outdoor seating area almost as big as the inside.

This spot in Oslobukta fits just about any occasion, whether it’s weekend brunch, a tasty lunch or late evenings with wine and pasta. The sun does a lot of the work here, as the outdoor seating gets fantastic sunlight starting from 11 in the morning. Their Saturday brunch is served from 11 to 15, with five different Saturday brunch specials. When it comes to drinks, the selection is a bit limited, so if you’re the type who needs a cappuccino or fresh juice with brunch, that’s something to keep in mind.

Oysters are more popular than ever, and if there’s one place you can count on to serve them in all kinds of styles, it’s right here in Fredensborg. Alongside the delicate star of the menu, the space offers a maritime feel with sea inspired artwork on the ceiling and a bright, airy interior. In addition to plenty of great wine, the menu is kept short and sweet, focusing mainly on oysters with a few other small bites like pickled herring.

When a friend from the US missed bagels in Norway, founder Emma started this little bagel factory. Here you can choose between four types of bagels – plain, sesame, poppy seed and everything – all served with delicious spreads and toppings. They focus on local ingredients, with cream cheese from Rygge Meieri, flour from Holli Mølle and eggs from Vingulmark. The bagels are undeniably tasty, but there aren’t many seats available, so it’s mainly a takeaway spot.

This farm bakery and café in Lilleaker has taken social media by storm with its famous buns. They have their own sourdough bakery where everything is made from scratch and baked in a stone oven. You can sit inside the café or outside in the beautiful farmyard setting. There’s also a charming interior and plant shop on site.

Oslo’s new sandwich gem, bursting with oriental spices and true New York style. And so centrally located! Their fresh brioche buns fly off the shelves from early morning until sold out. It’s no coincidence that many claim this to be the city’s best sandwich spot. Choose from eight different varieties, including ‘Begg and Eacon’ (beef bacon with egg), ‘The Fox Favourite’ with chicken, ‘New York Meatballs’ and the absolutely delicious ‘Beef Pastrami.’ The space smells of toasted bread and spices, inspired by the inside of a train carriage, creating a simple yet stylish urban vibe. Pastry chef Younes El Khomri, the man behind Mendel’s, has teamed up with French chef Kareem Kohl. They also bake and sell sourdough bread, croissants and Belgian waffles if you’re in the mood for something sweet.

A unique weekend brunch with cows grazing nearby? Experience the best of what the royal farm has to offer when it comes to food. Everything served comes from their own kitchen garden, the farm, or the dairy at Bygdøy. The dining area is set in a stunning large greenhouse, where it’s a real treat to sit outside or inside and gaze out over the vast fruit and vegetable garden. Here you’ll find dishes made from what they harvest on the farm, like focaccia sandwiches, ricotta, lasagna, exciting salads, and not least panna cotta and cheeses from the dairy. It’s a bit pricey (495 NOK per person), but all you can eat, and the quality is outstanding and truly defines farm-to-table dining! Open only during the summer, Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 to 16:30.

A little summer paradise out in the fjord, offering one of the city’s best combos of sea views, simple seafood and relaxed island vibes. The spot is housed in a red-painted building with large windows, and the outdoor seating stretches along the water with room for over 200 guests. Perfect for sunny days! The menu has a bit of everything, but naturally focuses on seafood like mussels and shrimp. One of our favorite summer traditions is to take a trip here!

Hammerhai made a stylish debut in 2022, and since then we’ve kept coming back, again and again. Terracotta, mosaic and velour welcome you into a playful, art-filled space where sea air meets soft background music. The stunning interior, bursting with color and unique aesthetics, really makes this place stand out among the many bars and cafés in the capital. In the mornings, it’s the perfect spot for coffee, light bites and a bit of remote work vibe. When evening rolls around, the menu shifts to cocktails, wine, beer and snacks. Alongside the distinctive interior, they offer a vibrant and sunny outdoor seating area. This fills up quickly during the summer months. Tip! Try the ‘Slush Sour’ with pear.

A beautiful café tucked away in idyllic Fagerborg, with climbing plants winding their way up the brick facade – like something straight out of a romantic comedy. The café is small and intimate, so it fills up quickly, but the atmosphere still feels calm and peaceful. Just across the street you’ll also find Havens kolonial, a specialty grocery store with an inviting selection of fruits and vegetables, along with a variety of tasty delicacies.

Just a fourteen-minute bus ride from Bjørvika takes you to this summer gem by the Oslofjord on Malmøya. The outdoor seating, with the gentle sound of waves, creates a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, while the indoor space, painted in light green and filled with large windows, feels inviting even on rainy days. The menu features dishes like Skagen toast, mussels with fries, meat and fish. Perfectly fitting the summer vibe. Tip! There’s also a good beach nearby, making this a great option for a day trip. The place is only open during the summer months, from May to September.

On a walk along the Akerselva river, it’s hard not to be charmed by Hønse-Lovisas hus. In Sagene, right where Biermannsgate meets Thorvald Meyers gate, sits a small red house filled with history. A visit here pretty much calls for a waffle. Outside you’ll find a sweet and one of a kind seating area right by the waterfall, making this spot especially idyllic during the summer months. Along with a bit of food, they also offer a selection of cakes and sweet treats to go with your coffee.

In Adamstuen, a bit away from the noisy city center but still close by, you’ll find the neighborhood bar and restaurant Jubel. When the sun finally shows up, they open their rooftop terrace, which feels almost like discovering a secret garden above the city. It’s a relaxed and cozy oasis with garden furniture, lush surroundings, a warm atmosphere and just the right amount of view to remind you you’re still in Oslo.

At the bottom of Hegdehaugsveien, you’ll find this vibrant wine bar, cocktail bar and restaurant. An urban favorite spread over three floors, offering great flavors, wine and atmosphere. Here you can enjoy a relatively affordable and casual menu featuring dishes like mussels, sirloin, cheeses, oysters, bread and sharing plates. The space is bright, well designed and filled with happy people as the vibe livens up into the evening.

Summer bliss! Take the boat from Aker Brygge, and before you know it, calm settles in. Here, under the shade of ancient monastery ruins, lies Klosterkroa—a cozy red café surrounded by greenery and birdsong. The outdoor seating gives you full summer vibes with charming white tables and chairs, while the smell of shrimp sandwiches and fresh waffles draws you closer. The menu is simple, casual and summery, featuring treats like Skagen toast, mussel stew, hummus and Caesar salad.

Here you step into a charming backyard in Frogner, the perfect place to sit and relax during summer. With a rustic yet modern interior and a cozy, laidback atmosphere, it feels like entering a hidden oasis. It leans toward the higher end price wise, but the food is full of flavor and made with locally sourced, organic and seasonal ingredients. Whether you're after a tasty weekday lunch, a weekend brunch or a lovely dinner in an intimate setting, this spot delivers.

In the Gamle Oslo district, you’ll find this cultural hub offering a lovely mix of café by day and bar by night. You can soak up the relaxed atmosphere right by the Alna river. Choose from a wide selection of coffee, fresh baked goods, grilled cheese, snacks, cold drinks, beer, wine and cocktails. Its location right next to Svartdalsparken makes it easy to combine your visit with a nice walk in the area. There’s a year round sauna here and in the summer the outdoor seating is unlike anywhere else in Oslo.

Are you vegetarian, vegan or just looking for a healthy and tasty meal? Then this Japan-inspired café is just the place for you! It’s a plant based eatery, juice bar and café serving breakfast, brunch and lunch all day long. All the food is made from organic, local ingredients, free from additives, chemicals and refined sugar. The interior and aesthetic are inspired by Japan – bright, airy and minimalist with white walls and light wood.

This is a true wine gem in Torshov – a tiny hole in the wall with only 23 seats spread across 30 square meters. Inside, between tall bar stools, dark concrete walls and candlelight, a relaxed atmosphere awaits. With its raw and industrial style, it stands out from the rest of the city’s wine bars. It’s a charming little spot, perfect for enjoying a beautiful glass of wine in ultra thin Zalto glasses and experiencing a wine bar that’s just a little different.

Summer bliss! Just outside Bygdøy you’ll find a true hidden gem. This seaside restaurant sits on a small island, so you’ll need to hop on their taxi boat to reach this idyllic summer escape. Luckily, it doesn’t cost much, and once you arrive at the outdoor seating, you’re surrounded by the sea, lilacs and the delicious scent of the grill. You pretty much have to go for oysters, mussels, shrimp or their impressive seafood platter. Enjoy!

At Lillo Gård, in the northern part of Sagene, you’ll find this charming and historic courtyard with a sunny outdoor seating area. Surrounded by green grass and birdsong, yet still relatively central in the city. Lunch might be a simple burger or pasta, while evenings feature three- or four-course menus. Indoors, the old manor house is painted in a beautiful palette of olive green walls, brown and white details, along with a pink bar. The interior blends a modern touch with hints of the history held within the walls. Bookshelves fill the wide walls, delicate rattan chairs and round white leather sofas complete the look. It’s a truly unique and cool style, but mostly, we keep coming back for the outdoor seating!

French vibes in Bjørvika! By day this place is a bakery, before turning into a restaurant and wine bar in the evening. The space is absolutely stunning with high ceilings, plenty of natural light and eye catching art on the walls. A glass platter with a miniature Eiffel Tower placed at the center of the room proudly sets the tone for the French inspired atmosphere and menu. It’s the perfect spot to impress a date, enjoy a lovely lunch with friends or wind down with a few glasses of wine in the evening.

Right by Vulkan you’ll find this beautiful historic area. The outdoor seating is tucked away in the backyard, creating an elegant and intimate atmosphere. There aren’t many seats—about 30—so when the sun is out it fills up quickly. In the same backyard, you’ll also find one of the city’s best wine bars, Radegast. The perfect spot to wrap up a lovely evening with a date or good friends.

The wine bar in the little red wooden house in Fredensborg has become a true Oslo favorite. Here you’ll find an exciting selection of great wine and tasty small plates. Nektar has previously been named the best wine bar in Oslo, and it absolutely lives up to the title. They offer a carefully curated wine list and flavorful, locally sourced food made with sustainable ingredients, all served in warm and welcoming surroundings. It’s a small and intimate space with just a few tables spread across two floors, plus a couple of spots at the bar and a few seats outside. Despite the humble and homey interior, which feels more like a cozy countryside house than a trendy city bar, this place has become a go to hangout for the hippest of the hip looking to sip wine in good company.

If you know your way around Oslo, chances are you’ve already heard of this place. This bar at Teaterplassen by Grønland Torg is a true classic among the city’s urban backyards! With a calm and relaxed vibe, cozy seating areas, and the option to bring your own food, it’s easy to feel at home here. The outdoor area is lush with greenery, featuring large plants and trees along the walls. When the evening sets in or the weather cools down, the atmosphere stays just as inviting thanks to hanging lanterns, heat lamps, and available cushions and blankets. Indoors, large sofas, long tables, green plants, and bookshelves create a cozy industrial vibe. The drink selection is solid and reasonably priced, offering everything from various coffees to cocktails, beer, and wine. It’s right in the city center near Grønland Torg, yet still feels a bit hidden.

Right by the river near the popular venue Blå, you’ll find this Sicilian gem. The menu offers a great selection of pizza, pasta and other Italian delights, all inspired by the rich flavors of Sicilian cuisine. When it comes to wine, it’s all about quality over quantity, with a focus on Italian bottles. PS, the dessert Crema di Limone Caramellizate e Sorbetto Limone was so good we actually had to order a second one! From Thursday to Sunday, their Sicilian Panetteria (bakery) is also open. The selection varies, but the buns here definitely stand out in a very delicious way. We recently tried the pistachio version, and it was fantastic!

Tucked away on a quiet side street in Sagene, you’ll find this hidden garden café. It’s located in an old house from 1855 that has been home to seven generations over the years. The authentic atmosphere and historic charm add something truly special to the place. Every Sunday they open the doors to the backyard and serve homemade sveler fresh off the griddle. Inside the café there are just a few cozy seats, but out in the garden you’ll find sun loungers, benches and seating areas where you can soak up the sun surrounded by lush greenery. Fresh sveler and a relaxed vibe are guaranteed here.

A little hidden on the seventh floor of Kongens gate, you’ll find this somewhat secluded and sunny rooftop terrace. It offers a charming atmosphere, a small winter garden and an open lounge—all on one roof. Enjoy the sun from morning till night, thanks to sunshades and heat lamps, whether you want to relax with a drink or mingle with friends over the weekend.

In Rosenhoffgata, just a stone’s throw from Carl Berners plass, you’ll find this tiny pizza favorite in a small kiosk. They serve fresh, Naples-style pizza with a light and airy crust at a very reasonable price. A “pizza of the week” makes regular appearances, and the menu stays short and sweet. Run by three friends, it feels just as relaxed as the name suggests. Pick it up, or enjoy it on the bench outside in the evening sun.

Imagine a bar where a good drink is paired with a cozy fireplace and Tour de France posters on the walls. Here, you can sip wine, beer, or their signature cocktail, the Nordmarka. And yes, this is even a bike repair shop! The wine selection features easy-drinking and fresh bottles from young producers, alongside some classic French elegance. The interior welcomes you with warm wood paneling, low lighting, and open doors in the summer that turn this place into more than just a bar. It’s like a friend request in bar form. Low-key and laid-back are perfect words to describe it, and this is a favorite for many.

In Vålerenga, inside an old smithy from 1878, you’ll find this beautiful and historic courtyard restaurant. Or perhaps more accurately, a front-yard restaurant! The outdoor seating overlooking Vålerenga Park and the church is truly one of a kind, nestled in a cozy courtyard surrounded by beautiful scenery. The atmosphere stays warm and rustic all year round, with brick walls, colorful stained glass windows and decorative stucco. They serve lunch, à la carte and their own three, four and five-course menus. Jazz nights here are a must-try, especially when they serve their famous “jazz soup” alongside the music. Fun!

This is the place to drop by for a whole baked camembert, or even order a little bowl of candy with your wine. Just because you can! Cheese, wine, and long evenings are always a classic. What started out as a great wine bar with snacks has, after its success, expanded into a full food bar too. The menu is tempting and we’ve enjoyed dishes like crab salad and halibut with fennel and beurre blanc. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, with high ceilings, rust-red walls, and soft lighting. And while they’ve always been known for their wide range of wines, the cocktails here are just as impressive!

Grünerløkka’s sunny beer garden! Hidden behind the trees along Akerselva, you’ll find this charming outdoor spot with a mix of chairs, hammocks and a bit of sandy beach vibe. When the sun shines, it’s the perfect place to enjoy beer, pretzels and plenty of laughter. Orders are easy to place through the service window, and the menu offers everything from local IPAs to classic German brews. There’s no stiffness here—just genuine everyday joy and beer happiness with true Grünerløkka spirit!

[You can get a discount here with Oslo Explore] Create your very own ring from scratch! In Grünerløkka, you’ll find an intimate and creative jewelry workshop. Over four hours, you’ll learn to shape a wax ring, cast it in sand using molten tin, and then sand and polish it until it shines. The class and space are warm and social, with good music and room for around eight participants. The process is surprisingly meditative – and you’ll leave with a personal piece of jewelry the same day, beautifully packaged in a box.

Right in the heart of Solli plass, at the popular Sommerro, you’ll find this Japanese-Nordic inspired restaurant with one of the city’s sleekest rooftop terraces. You get stunning city views through large windows out on the terrace. In short: chic, stylish and with flavorful cocktails. It’s easy to stay a little longer than planned here. From 10 PM, there is a 25-year age limit. Tip: Treat yourself to an Afternoon Tea at Ahaan (also at Sommerro) in the morning – we loved it!

Grünerløkka’s coziest wine den! Nestled in bustling Markveien, this intimate wine bar has a timeless feel and offers nearly 450 different wines, most available by the glass. Vinyl records spin in the background as you enjoy a glass while mingling with some of Oslo’s coolest crowd. Alongside an impressive wine selection, they serve daily toast, cheese boards, serrano ham, olives, chips and other snacks. With seating both indoors and outdoors, it’s a perfect summer pitstop. That authentic Løkka vibe!

Take the glass elevator up to the 34th floor of Oslo Plaza, and you’ll arrive at the city’s highest rooftop terrace and cocktail bar, a full 110 meters above the ground. Here you’ll find a terrace area with modern lounge furniture in classic hotel style and panoramic views. Sip on spritz, wine or snacks as you soak in the cityscape. Perfect for sunny days with a drink in hand! When evening falls, the lights and heaters turn on, and the lounge transforms into a cozy club vibe with a DJ and atmospheric lighting.

Right in the heart of the city, at Nedre Slottsgate 24, you’ll find this sunny oasis with a rooftop terrace, wine bar and brasserie. Grab a seat by the railing and take in the view! You can drop by for small plates, classic main courses or sharing menus, all paired with wine and cocktails—always served with a side of great atmosphere. The vibe naturally shifts throughout the day—calm and bright at lunchtime, lively and social for afterwork, and buzzing with energy on weekends. The outdoor seating is a popular gathering spot when the sun is out, perfect for a casual date or a cozy evening with friends.

An Italian summer favorite and trattoria tucked away at the bottom of Grünerløkka. Here, you can enjoy fresh pasta, a large wine selection (featuring over 600 Italian varieties), and a cozy atmosphere right by the sidewalk. Just like at a true trattoria! The outdoor seating is definitely a local favorite, but indoors it’s equally charming with wooden paneling, plants, and wine bottles as decor. They serve lunch during the day and a more tailored dinner menu in the evening. Choose from pasta dishes like linguini, ravioli, or the risotto options, alongside the catch of the day fish and meat options. We keep coming back every summer for a reason. PS! The oxtail ravioli is recommended!

This bar, just a short walk from the sea, boasts one of Oslo’s freshest interiors and a beautiful outdoor seating area. A must visit during the summer months! The drink menu is full of tempting options, and their slush is a favorite on the hottest days. The decor takes you back to grandparents’ summer holidays on the French Riviera in the 70s and 80s. Classic orange stripes mix with pool blue from floor to ceiling and brown leather under a sparkling disco ball – creative and refreshingly unique.

Tucked away in Rodeløkka near Grünerløkka, you’ll find this local gem. They serve a delicious brunch on wooden boards, which adds a fun little twist, all in relaxed and charming surroundings. In summer, the outdoor seating by the street is cozy and gets great sun. In the evenings from Thursday to Saturday, they serve sourdough pizza and craft beer from Grünerløkka Brygghus, which just so happens to be located right in the backyard.